A penny-pincher shows how to do without the Steam Machine using a cheaper alternative. But mistakes can also be made.
Valve has now released the prices for the Steam Machine, but has made few players and fans happy. Because for the smallest model, over 1,000 euros are already due, which is simply too expensive for many users, since there are already cheaper alternatives with more performance available.
A user on Reddit has now explained that he wants to do without the Steam Machine and states that he wants to rely on an alternative instead. With an HDMI cable for 10 euros, he can easily connect his PC to a television in the living room. However, this solution requires that he already has a reasonably powerful PC at home and is not reliant on a Steam Machine.
But here one can also make an annoying mistake when trying to connect the gaming PC directly to the television.
Standard HDMI cables have a limited range, optical cables are expensive
Basically, it is important to note: HDMI is not the same as HDMI, as there are now numerous different versions with various specifications and performance values. HDMI 2.2 was introduced in January 2025, but it has not yet been implemented anywhere.
In general, it holds true: The newer the HDMI type, the higher the data transfer rate. Many gamers prefer to use the DisplayPort connection for PC gaming.
Additionally: The higher the resolution you want to transmit via HDMI, the more data is transmitted, and the shorter the cable should be to ensure that the quality on the display is intact. The rule of thumb that is often mentioned: For Full HD, the cable can easily be 15 meters long; for 4K or even 8K, it should be a maximum of 3 meters to ensure the signal arrives in good quality.
For the PS5 with HDMI 2.1, it is advisable: At 4K/120Hz, you should use a corresponding cable of 2 to 3 meters at most, otherwise the image quality will noticeably drop.
If the mentioned Reddit user chooses a cable that is too long with too low a bandwidth, he will ultimately have to compromise on good image quality on the television.
Is there a longer alternative? Yes, an alternative solution is represented by optical HDMI cables: These transmit image and sound not through copper lines, but through fiber optics. Therefore, cables of 100 meters are no longer a problem. However, it is important that optical cables only work in one direction and must be correctly connected. Typically, input and output are labeled here.
And there are two further disadvantages: On the one hand, optical cables are very sensitive during installation; even a single bend can ruin the cable for you, while normal copper cables are more resistant. And the prices are significantly higher than those for standard HDMI cables.
By now, you could officially reserve the Steam Machine. But given the sales numbers for the official Steam Controller, it is questionable how many Steam Machines will ultimately be sold at all. And whether every player will actually get one: Valve is currently showing: You should not have high hopes of being able to buy a specimen in 2026
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