Small in size, quiet in operation
We still have a few months to go before official Steam Machine systems enter the market, but in the meantime, OEMs, boutique builders, and hardware players continue to get a jump start on the category with PC gaming consoles built around Windows 8.1 and Steam's Big Picture mode. One such model is the Asus ROG GR6, the newest PC game box that's sure to grab attention from your entertainment center.
It's an ultra-compact system built inside a 2.5-liter chassis that measures all of 238mm by 245mm by 60mm and weighing 128kg. Asus says it's also whisper-quiet, producing 20dB when idle and 28dB at full load.
The GR6 features a 5th Generation Intel Core i5 5200U processor, 8GB of DDR3L-1600 RAM (supports up to 16GB), HDD and SSD storage options, Nvidia GeForce GTX 960M graphics, 802.11ac Wi-Fi, GbE LAN, two USB 2.0 ports, four USB 3.0 ports, HDMI, DisplayPort, audio jacks, and Windows 8.1.
It also has Steam installed and will boot into Steam Big Picture mode with the tap of a button. In addition, Asus says it's working with Valve to ensure the GR6 works "perfectly" with Steam OS and Steam Controller down the line. For now, an optional ROG Gladius mouse and M801 keyboard or ORG Sica mouse and RA01 keyboard comes bundled with the system.
No word yet on price or availability.
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From maximumpc
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