Steam Machine no longer makes sense with the GMKtec NEO-X1 around

Quick Summary

Mini PC manufacturer GMKtec has added a powerhouse compact gaming rig to its lineup.

The NEO-X1 comes in two models, with the Pro variant offering RTX 5070 graphics, 64GB of RAM and a 2TB SSD in a liquid cooled metal case.

GMKtec is no stranger to compact and mini PCs offering a lengthy lineup of Intel and AMD-based models for all budgets. It has recently also launched a true powerhouse workstation that packs Strix Halo processing and 128GB of RAM into a super slim case, showing its ambitions at the top end of the spectrum.

However, the latest announcement is arguably more exciting – not least for those humming and hawing over a Steam Machine purchase. The GMKtec NEO-X1 is a compact gaming PC with the sort of power that makes Valve's PC console look like a kids' toy.

And what's more, while the starting price is a bit more than a 2TB Steam Machine, you might be convinced to extend your budget a tad for the extra goodies.

GMKtec NEO-X1: highly upgradeable

Both variants can be upgraded manually, with two DDR5 RAM slots capable of expansion up to 96GB, and dual PCIe5.0 slots for up to 16TB.

You get Wi-Fi 7 and 2,5G Ethernet for connectivity, while up to six displays can be served through multiple video outputs – HDMI 2.1b, HDMI 2.1, 3 x DisplayPort 2.1b, and DisplayPort 1.4.

There's liquid cooling inside too, plus a three-fan airflow architecture in its 14.6L metal chassis case. This measures 350 x 165mm so is admittedly larger than a Steam Machine, but it's still not full desktop PC sized.

Power comes from an internal 850W power supply.

Naturally, this PC will be capable of pretty much you want to chuck at it – content creation, AI workloads, video and image rendering – but it's primarily designed to be a premium gaming option.

We've not yet had the opportunity to test one ourselves, but are excited by the prospect that, now Steam OS supports Nvidia graphics, it could become a customised Steam Machine V2.0. It's not yet been confirmed, but we're almost certain it comes with Windows 11 preinstalled.

Now down to the price. The GMKtec NEO-X1 will be available for £1,629.99 in the UK, $2,099.99 Stateside. The NEO-X1 will be £2,079.99 / $2,899.99. There's also a $50 early bird discount if you sign up for more information on the company's site.

Considering the 2TB Steam Machine with controller costs £1,208 in the UK, the extra £400 could be a very worthwhile consideration. The power difference is quite pronounced.

It's the difference between playing AAA games in 1440p or 4K with ray tracing, really.

Rik is T3’s news editor, which means he looks after the news team and the up-to-the-minute coverage of all the hottest gadgets and products you’ll definitely want to read about. And, with more than 35 years of experience in tech and entertainment journalism, including editing and writing for numerous websites, magazines, and newspapers, he’s always got an eye on the next big thing.

Rik also has extensive knowledge of AV, TV streaming and smart home kit, plus just about everything to do with games since the late 80s. Prior to T3, he spent 13 years at Pocket-lint heading up its news team, and was a TV producer and presenter on such shows as Channel 4's GamesMaster, plus Sky's Games World, Game Over, and Virtual World of Sport.