Valve’s Steam Machine Nears Launch with Pre-Release Geekbench Benchmarks

Valve’s upcoming “Steam Machine” (codename Fremont) uses a semi-custom AMD Zen 4 1772 CPU with six cores, twelve threads, up to 4.86 GHz, 16 GB RAM, and a dedicated RDNA 3 GPU (8 GB VRAM). Linux Geekbench 6.7.1 yields single-core 2,334 (test 1) / 2,282 (test 2) and multi-core 7,316 / 7,392. By contrast, the Steam Deck’s older Geekbench 6.2.2 scores are 1,353 single-core and 4,573 multi-core, reflecting its four-core Zen 2 CPU (up to 2.8 GHz) and integrated RDNA 2 graphics.

"Context matters a lot": New Steam Machine CPU benchmark numbers are underwhelming, but they're far from the full picture

Compared with current handheld CPUs, the Steam Machine’s 2,334 single-core and 7,392 multi-core scores sit mid-range. The AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme in the Xbox Ally X reaches 2,813 single-core and 12,789 multi-core, while Intel’s Core Ultra 7 258V scores are higher. Thus the Steam Machine trails top-tier handhelds on CPU alone, though its RDNA 3 GPU could offset the gap in actual gaming.

"Context matters a lot": New Steam Machine CPU benchmark numbers are underwhelming, but they're far from the full picture

Valve markets the Steam Machine as “6x more powerful” than the Deck and released “Verified” requirements that apply to both. A “Steam Frame” accessory is planned, and Valve confirmed the unit will ship “this summer” despite supply-chain constraints and rising component costs. Benchmarks surfaced on June 15, indicating reviewers have pre-release hardware ahead of the slated 2026 launch.

Steam Machine one step closer to launch as benchmarks surface online, here’s how it compares to the Steam Deck

Valve indicated that any hardware meeting the Steam Deck verification criteria will also satisfy the Steam Machine verification requirements. The company confirmed the Steam Machine will ship this summer despite ongoing supply-chain constraints. Valve’s marketing materials assert the device will be six times more powerful than the Steam Deck, presenting it as a living-room gaming PC.

Steam Machine one step closer to launch as benchmarks surface online, here’s how it compares to the Steam Deck

Analysts call the Steam Machine’s CPU scores “wimpy” versus current handheld chips, warning of possible bottlenecks in CPU-intensive, open-world games at high resolutions. The absence of GPU benchmarks leaves the impact of the RDNA 3 GPU unclear. Rising RAM and SSD prices also fuel speculation that the final retail price could be high, though Valve has not disclosed costs.

"Context matters a lot": New Steam Machine CPU benchmark numbers are underwhelming, but they're far from the full picture

Linux Geekbench scores (2,334/7,392) differ from earlier Windows results, which were reportedly higher but remain unpublished. Steam Deck scores derive from an older Geekbench version, limiting direct comparison. No GPU performance data has been leaked, and Valve has not released pricing or configuration details, leaving key consumer information unresolved.

"Context matters a lot": New Steam Machine CPU benchmark numbers are underwhelming, but they're far from the full picture

• “Valve has confirmed that its Steam Machine is still "shipping this summer" despite supply chain issues and rising hardware prices.” — Valve Press Release

"Context matters a lot": New Steam Machine CPU benchmark numbers are underwhelming, but they're far from the full picture

• “(Image credit: Windows Central) As you can see, the Steam Machine's custom AMD 1772 CPU isn't setting any records, falling firmly in the middle of the pack.” — Windows Central analysis

"Context matters a lot": New Steam Machine CPU benchmark numbers are underwhelming, but they're far from the full picture

• “The performance level could be felt in some edge cases where games are CPU-bound, but otherwise I expect the superior GPU to pull a ton of weight.” — Windows Central commentary

"Context matters a lot": New Steam Machine CPU benchmark numbers are underwhelming, but they're far from the full picture