Tinkerer converts Wii-sized ThinkCentre into compact SteamOS gaming console

The big picture: A crafty tinkerer has managed to build a full-fledged Linux gaming PC that's roughly the size of a Wii and runs the same console-like interface as the Steam Deck. We think it could make a compelling alternative gaming console you can connect to your TV, given that its operating system is specifically designed for controllers.

We've previously covered how this same talented individual (Eta Prime) converted a busted Steam Deck into a mini gaming PC. But this newer build stands out as it's an actual PC build packing an Intel i7 chip and even a dedicated GPU – AMD's Radeon RX 6400. Fitting that GPU into the compact Lenovo ThinkCentre M920q chassis is quite the achievement. The previous Steam Deck conversion relied on the handheld's original motherboard, limiting it to the AMD APU sans a discrete GPU.

Usually, the Lenovo ThinkCentre M920q with its i7-8700T (6 cores, 12 threads) functions fine with basic cooling vents. But since Eta Prime was building a compact gaming beast, he opted for the Radeon RX 6400 and had to drill a side hole for improved airflow using a step drill bit. The hole aligned perfectly with the GPU's fan, and the GPU itself fit snugly inside the compact case – a larger unit wouldn't have made it.

Apart from the GPU, Eta Prime also upgraded the RAM and storage. The desktop supports up to DDR4 2667MHz RAM, which isn't blazing fast compared to RAM touching 10000MHz speeds nowadays, but should get the job done. He managed to cram in 16GB of RAM along with a 1TB M.2 SSD.

With the hardware squared away, the YouTuber proceeded to install the operating system – the Bazzite distro. Bazzite is an OCI image serving as an alternative Steam Deck OS and a ready-to-game SteamOS-like for desktop PCs. The website lets you configure the OS per your CPU and GPU, and you can even choose to boot directly into the Steam Gaming Mode for that authentic console gaming experience.

Next, he wanted to test his contraption's gaming chops. He first tried pushing the RX 6400 to its limits with a couple of games at 1440p. Since the RX 6400 is an entry-level 2022 GPU, getting modern AAA titles to run well at high resolutions would be tough, so Eta Prime had to start with older games. He tried Left 4 Dead 2 at 1440p, which ran around 120fps on very high settings.

Meanwhile, Street Fighter 6 averaged 60fps at 1080p medium with FSR frame generation. Elden Ring ran at 1080p low settings, almost hitting a steady 60fps. The well-optimized Doom Eternal exceeded 100FPS at 1080p. And Cyberpunk 2077 ran at 1080p low with FSR balanced mode, averaging around 56fps held back by 4GB VRAM.

It's a sleeper build, really. Standing straight up on a tabletop, you'd never guess it could handle titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Doom Eternal – let alone boot into a SteamOS flavor. But it does just that, and surprisingly well, too.

Permalink to story:

Tinkerer converts Wii-sized ThinkCentre into compact SteamOS gaming console

I'm suprised Valve havent done something along these lines. Something more powerful than a deck but running in a console sized package and with no display/battery. It seems to me it would sell like hotcakes? I guess it would need to be capable of driving games at 4k to sit in a living room, but that should be possible in an Xbox-sized encloser surely? (Yes I know you can roll your own equivalent of this already, but would be nice to have an officially created version).

I guess I dont get it. What is so notable here? A "tinkerer" bought an old office PC, put a GPU in it, and installed linux. Wow. So technical. Much Hacking.

I was doing this in elementary school. Where are my articles?

"Fitting that GPU into the compact Lenovo ThinkCentre M920q chassis is quite the achievement"
Its not? Putting a GPU in a PC is an achievement now? If the ThinkCentre didnt already have a slot bracket for a single slot low profile GPU, THEN it would mean something. May as well hand out an award for a twitch streamer putting a 4090 in their PC.

"But since Eta Prime was building a compact gaming beast, he opted for the Radeon RX 6400"
The jokes write themselves.

My media PC is a optiplex 7020, which has been upgraded to a core i5 12400f and a low profile RTX 4060, with a blu ray drive and noctua fans. This required me to cut out the built in IO shield that was part of the frame, cut out fan vents and make a mount for a TFX PSU, along with soldering new pins for the front power switch since it doesnt use separate connectors like AIB boards do. . That's way more "hacking" then this machine required. Can Techspot write an article about my adventures with a dremel?