French technology retailer LDLC has introduced a new PC designed for the living room, a move that directly challenges Valve's recently released Steam Machine. The PC Box, as it is now known, was initially marketed under the provocative name "Stim Machine," a clear parody of its primary competitor. However, LDLC reportedly removed this moniker from its product listings within days of its release, likely due to its overtly cheeky nature.
The LDLC PC Box aims to compete with Valve's offering, though it presents a more robust, albeit less aesthetically streamlined, option. The French machine is larger than the Steam Machine and boasts more powerful internal hardware. It is equipped with an AMD Ryzen 5 8400F processor and an AMD Radeon RX 9060 XT graphics card, specifications that are expected to deliver superior frame rates compared to the Steam Machine's Zen 4 and RDNA 3 components. Unlike Valve's console, the LDLC PC Box requires users to manually install SteamOS.
Analyses of the PC Box's specifications suggest a significant performance advantage over the Steam Machine. However, this heightened performance comes with considerations regarding noise and design, particularly for a device intended for placement in a living room. While the Steam Machine is designed to blend with home entertainment furniture, the LDLC PC Box is described as being larger and more utilitarian in appearance, suggesting a placement more suited to a traditional desk setup.
Both devices represent a considerable financial investment for consumers. The LDLC PC Box is priced starting at €999.99 for a kit configuration and €1039.99 for a pre-assembled unit. Valve's Steam Machine is available in a 512GB model for approximately €1039 (without a controller), with a 2TB version costing €1359. These prices place both machines at the higher end of the market, particularly given the current global component shortages impacting hardware costs.