Alienware Steam Machines Can't Be Upgraded

[karloss01]

Well they've shot themselves in the foot considering the majority of those in the PC market like to upgrade their rigs.

 

[TomWiley]

The more and more I hear about these STEAM machines, the more and more useless they sound. So not only are they more expensive then a PC of similar power, they also can't be upgraded?

I agree with what TotalHalibut said on his content patch a while ago. Valve should just wait a few years until the hardware is more powerful and cheaper and THEN release a Steam machine that is at least as powerful as the consoles but cheaper.

It annoys me because I said that a bloody year ago, when commenting on TB videos back when he was widely excited about it. And know he's all like, "you heard it here first". Pfffft

On topic:

It should be noted that Alienware is just one of many Steam Machine manufacturers. But yeah, in general I see this hardware category heading down the same path as the Ouya.

 

[Atrocious Joystick]

So for a bunch of money I get the privilege of buying a computer that I can´t upgrade (or fix should something break) and while even if it is powerful will run an OS that won´t be able to play most games, and the majority of games that it does play does not require anything beyond a mid-range laptop. But hey, you can plug it into your TV. Because that used to be impossible.

 

[Vrach]

Well, that sounds useless, but without price tags and the power of those machines, this means nothing.

Honestly, upgrading a PC is a thing of the past for the most part. I hate to say this, but it's what I've come to realise recently. The optimal thing to do when building a PC rig is to build something that'll last you a few years (while keeping the price to a minimum, obviously).

For me, personally, the PC I have at the moment lasted me a bit over 3 years and I'm happy with that. Price tag for that rig was 600 euros (~800$), though if I lived in a more developed country, it'd be closer to 600$ (more competition, more choices, all translate to better deals).

Now, I'm gonna be replacing it relatively soon. So far, it's running everything to my liking (I'm a guy very willing to turn off useless shadows and tone down the details a bit), but with stuff like Watch Dogs coming out, I'm probably gonna need an upgrade soon. So what can I upgrade in the sense of, without replacing my entire rig? Let's see:
1) I'll be needing a new processor for sure.
2) New graphics card, obviously.
3) More RAM. Can't just add more sticks to my existing RAM because mixing different types is generally a bad idea. Finding my old type is hard enough 3 years later and besides, there's faster RAM now and the old one might be incompatible with...
4) ...Motherboard - replacing key components like the three above is all well and good, but the motherboard needs to support new choices. 3 years later, it's likely my old motherboard does not or, if it does, creates a bottleneck somewhere.
5) PSU - changing all those key components may mean they draw more power now. It's not a certainty, seeing as I bought a pretty good PSU last time (600W, 80+ certified, should be able to handle most decent rigs), but if it can't handle the power demand of the new components, even if it just needs just a tad more power, I'll need a brand new one.

And that's all your basic PC components right there. What can I keep? HDDs, CD drives and of course, any peripherals and the PC case. That's not much and seeing as the price of SDDs has dropped quite a bit in the last 3 years, I may well get one for the OS and maybe a select game or two (it can really make a difference in some of the new games seeing as they're getting bigger and loading maps and such can take a while).

So yeah, point is, if you build your rig right - so it can last - you'll be needing pretty much a full upgrade. You can buy cheaper bits and replace them as newer ones get cheaper too, hunting the best deals constantly, but honestly, you'll just end up with the same or higher price tag after upgrading it over the same period, with a lot more hassle (looking up compatible upgrades every time, possibly reinstalling the OS because of drastic changes in your PC's architecture etc.).

So yeah, as far as this news goes... we need more info. How much do they cost and how long are they built to last. My main concern for these machines though, is that they couldn't (or rather, wouldn't) possibly offer you a better deal in any way. You are, after all, getting the Steam controller and a pre-built rig with not one, but two brand names on it (manufacturer + Steam).

 

[Mortuorum]

Maybe it's to keep costs down. And by "costs", I mean their costs. It's not like Alienware is going to pass that along to the customer... that's crazy talk!

I wonder if iBuyPower and the other manufacturers are planning the same business model?

 

[Roxas1359]

I wonder if iBuyPower and the other manufacturers are planning the same business model?

Rereleasing? No, iBuyPower can be upgraded from what I've seen so it'd be stupid for them to follow suit with Alienware. Heck, iBuyPower seems to be the only one that is making the Steam Box's affordable when compared to the others.

Well, that sounds useless, but without price tags and the power of those machines, this means nothing.

Well it is Alienware, and if that's anything to go by it means it will be extremely overpriced and will have about half the power of what a computer you could build yourself for a lower price would have.

 

[Something Amyss]

Why would a sane person even buy something from Alienware anyway?

"Sane" is a dubious term, but I get the impression most people don't know better.

Alienware missed the point of the Steam Machine in the worst way possible. Way to go, guys.

What is the point, if not a consolised PC?

*sigh* I wish Valve would at least have SOME standards by which the third party manufacturers had to follow with their Steam Machines, to prevent this kind of bullshit from happenening.

Valve has some standards. Take from that what you will, but I think it's pretty clear that this is a non-issue to them. But I'm not sure why people expect service from Valve anyway.

Let's talk about cars.

Yes, let's. Cars with a lease are cheaper in the short run and the marketing is designed to get people into the vehicle when it's no longer a premium. It's often a bad buy overall, but the point is that there's no analogous market in terms of Alienware and Steam Machines. They aren't designing these for lease. They're likely designing them in hopes you will buy to own and upgrade every year.

I'd also point out cars don't need an improvement to count as a new annual model.

Semtex charges.

"Warning: breaking this seal will void your warranty and may result in injury, death, and a heap of slag where your computer used to be."

So for a bunch of money I get the privilege of buying a computer that I can´t upgrade (or fix should something break) and while even if it is powerful will run an OS that won´t be able to play most games, and the majority of games that it does play does not require anything beyond a mid-range laptop. But hey, you can plug it into your TV. Because that used to be impossible.

So it's a console?

 

[grimallq]

Keep in mind this applies specifically to Alienware Steam Machines. Other manufacturers have insisted you can, in fact, update the hardware. That still seems kind of useless, since this is supposed to be the kind of "for dummies" machine that doesn't require you to know about all that big bag scary hardware, so I'm still missing the point.

Yes, Steam machines are devices meant for non PC-savvy people. The point here is, that if a user wants to upgrade their Steambox, they can do it. Even by themselves if they have the skill.

You don't need special knowledge to use it, but if you do, you have more options.

Alienware cuts that option out for no obvious reason.

 

[Something Amyss]

Yes, Steam machines are devices meant for non PC-savvy people. The point here is, that if a user wants to upgrade their Steambox, they can do it. Even by themselves if they have the skill.

If you're even remotely PC-savvy, why are you buying a Steam Machine? Why are you buying an Alienware Steam Machine?

Alienware cuts that option out for no obvious reason.

Standardised hardware? The general inability to fuck it up? I can think of a few pretty obvious reasons.

 

[grimallq]

If you're even remotely PC-savvy, why are you buying a Steam Machine? Why are you buying an Alienware Steam Machine?

Plenty of reasons, probably. I personally wouldn't, but I'll bet there will be "PC-savvy" people buying pre-built Steam Machines.

You were asking what's the point of giving the pre-built Steam machine buyers the option to modify the hardware, even if the vast majority of them won't ever do it. The point is right in the systems definition, the Steram Machine is an open platform where the user has almost full control over the hardware and software. This includes the ability to modify and/or upgrade the machine. This is valid for custom built machines and regular PCs loaded with SteamOS, it's valid for Valve's own prototype units, and it's valid for most pre-built units from Valve's partners.

Just like with a regular PC a user doesn't need specialized knowledge of PC construction to operate one. But if they want to upgrade the hardware they can, and if they have the relevant skill they can upgrade it themselves.

You want to customize a Steam machine, you can. You don't want to (or don't know how), no problem you can use it as is (or drop by a specialty shop). The option exists for those that want to use it.

Standardised hardware? The general inability to fuck it up? I can think of a few pretty obvious reasons.

From what I hear Alienware has great ability to fuck up their own standardized hardware, but enough of that.

I suppose there are several reasons I can think about, none that I find compelling. Alienware are stripping their Steambox from a major feature (customizability) that was intended by the platform's creators (Valve), and don't really explain why they are doing it. Just saying "You want customizabilty, buy our other model".

 

[Something Amyss]

Plenty of reasons, probably. I personally wouldn't, but I'll bet there will be "PC-savvy" people buying pre-built Steam Machines.

You can't name a decent reason, and leave out the biggest factor: Alienware.

You were asking what's the point of giving the pre-built Steam machine buyers the option to modify the hardware, even if the vast majority of them won't ever do it.

Actually, I was questioning the point of making a "for dummies" machine with an assumed requisite level of tech knowledge. It has nothing to do with what the majority of people will or won't do, but the intended audience.

The point is right in the systems definition, the Steram Machine is an open platform where the user has almost full control over the hardware and software.

[Citation needed]

You want to customize a Steam machine, you can.

Unless you can't. Like here.

From what I hear Alienware has great ability to fuck up their own standardized hardware, but enough of that.

I can see why you think savvy people would spend extra to buy from a company known for fucking up their own hardware.

I suppose there are several reasons I can think about, none that I find compelling.[/quote]

Funny, I feel the same way about people buying an Alienware Steam Machine in the first place.

Alienware are stripping their Steambox from a major feature (customizability) that was intended by the platform's creators (Valve), and don't really explain why they are doing it.

I'm yet to see this advertised as a "major feature." I'm also not aware of any requirement that Alienware explain themselves, either.

 

[grimallq]

You can't name a decent reason, and leave out the biggest factor: Alienware.

So now Alienware is a baseline for all pre-built Steam machines? Why haven't anyone told me?

Seriously, personally I consider iBuyPower and Cyber Power PC 500$ models as basic pre-built Steam Machine examples. Incidentally both are upgradable.

When talking about people buying Steam Machines I was talking in general terms, not fucking Alienware.

Actually, I was questioning the point of making a "for dummies" machine with an assumed requisite level of tech knowledge. It has nothing to do with what the majority of people will or won't do, but the intended audience.

And apparently you have so far twice ignored my answer, though I suppose I might have been a bit unclear. So I'll repeat again.

You don't need "requisite level of tech knowledge" to use any of those upgradable Steam Machines, just like with a regular PC. But the upgrade option exists for those users that want to utilize it (e.g. by paying a specialty store), and maybe even have the skills to perform the upgrade themselves.

[Citation needed]

Fine, lets say you ought me here. I can't exactly find any direct quote on the matter aside from some news articles (which can't be considered a first-arty source) or Wikipidia (which can't be considered reliable).

But let's look at the possible "types" of Steam machines we know of so far.

Regular PCs, pre-assembled or custom built, running SteamOS. Here customizability and upgrades are a given. Any hardware that fulfills SteamOS minimal specs is game.

Valve's prototype units used in the public hardware beta. Valve noted in a FAQ that testers can freely modify the hardware and software of those units.
http://store.steampowered.com/livingroom/SteamMachines/?l=english

An finally the pre-built models from Valve partners. Of which only Alienware has specifically announced that their models will be fixed hardware. On the other hand many of the others, like Digital Storm or Cyber Power PC, have mentioned customization and upgrades on their own pages.

Unless you can't. Like here.

I'll say it again. Alienware is the exception here.

So yeah. Free customization and hardware upgrades are a feature. Maybe not exactly a major one. But they are mentioned by several vendors.

I can see why you think savvy people would spend extra to buy from a company known for fucking up their own hardware.

The hell? I'll ask you straight. Where have I, in any of my previous posts, talked about people buying Alienware.

Speaking in generic terms "buying a Steam Machine", yes. "Buying Alienware Steam Machine", hell no.

I'd appreciate if you'd stop stuffing false arguments into my mouth.

I'm yet to see this advertised as a "major feature." I'm also not aware of any requirement that Alienware explain themselves, either.

As mentioned above, Valve doesn't care, as long as the hardware can run SteamOS. More so, they outright allow their testers to modify the hardware of Steam machine prototypes. Some vendors have mentioned customization and upgrades when talking about their Steam machine models.

Alienware is blocking this feature in their model. Fine, they don't have to explain themselves. And apparently the Valve licencees has no restrictions against such practices. Still IMO it's a dick move that undermines the openess of Steam machine platform.

EDIT: And after all that bile spewing it turns out Alienware Steam Machines will be upgradable after all, it just "won't be easy". They're pretty fast with backtracking on unpopular policies.
http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/131589-Alienware-Steam-Machine-Will-Be-Upgradeable-After-All

 

[Something Amyss]

So now Alienware is a baseline for all pre-built Steam machines? Why haven't anyone told me?

Because you just made that up. It was the basis for the question I asked.

When talking about people buying Steam Machines I was talking in general terms, not fucking Alienware.

Including when Alienware is the topic, evidently. In fact, why not go all the way? Steam Machines are all upgradable, because we're not talking about Alienware. In a thread about Alienware Steam Machines. Where a question was asked specifically about Alienware.

You don't need "requisite level of tech knowledge" to use any of those upgradable Steam Machines, just like with a regular PC.

Which las little or nothing to do with the upgradability factor, but you dodged that question. That makes this redundant outside of you apparently intentionally misrepresenting me.

Fine, lets say you ought me here.

Because that's exactly what happened. You claimed something you cannot substantiate.

An finally the pre-built models from Valve partners. Of which only Alienware has specifically announced that their models will be fixed hardware. On the other hand many of the others, like Digital Storm or Cyber Power PC, have mentioned customization and upgrades on their own pages.

So what? That doesn't make a defining element, or necessary, or anything of value.

I'll say it again. Alienware is the exception here.

As far as we know. But I'll say it again: so what?

So yeah. Free customization and hardware upgrades are a feature. Maybe not exactly a major one. But they are mentioned by several vendors.

The hell? I'll ask you straight. Where have I, in any of my previous posts, talked about people buying Alienware.

It's actually not an unreasonable assumption to assume that you would stay on topic. I guess that was a non-sequitur then?

I'd appreciate if you'd stop stuffing false arguments into my mouth.

You've done that several times to me. Meanwhile, what I did was make the assumption that when talking specifically about Alienware, your responses would actually be related.

As mentioned above, Valve doesn't care, as long as the hardware can run SteamOS.

Sweet. So there's literally nothing wrong with what Alienware is doing.

Alienware is blocking this feature in their model.

You're trying to sneak the idea of a "feature" back in.

Fine, they don't have to explain themselves. And apparently the Valve licencees has no restrictions against such practices. Still IMO it's a dick move that undermines the openess of Steam machine platform.

A feature you can't demonstrate is a feature.

EDIT: And after all that bile spewing it turns out Alienware Steam Machines will be upgradable after all, it just "won't be easy". They're pretty fast with backtracking on unpopular policies.
http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/131589-Alienware-Steam-Machine-Will-Be-Upgradeable-After-All

Or they were talking out their asses before. Regardless, it doesn't make anything you've mentioned logically sound.

 

[grimallq]

So now Alienware is a baseline for all pre-built Steam machines? Why haven't anyone told me?

Because you just made that up. It was the basis for the question I asked.

I should stop trying to use sarcasm online. I either suck at it badly or people take too seriously, or both. Noted.

You though I was talking about Alienware Steam Machines specifically all the time? Fine, maybe a valid assumption, maybe I wasn't clear enough. I'll say it again then. Unless I'm namedropping Alienware in a sentence talking about Steam Machines I'm probably talking about Steam Machines in general, not just Alienware.

The initial article was about Alienware, but it was also about how Alienware's Steam Machine would be different from other. So excuse me for talking about all pre-built Steam Machines in general in this case, but that's what I was doing.

Why do you think so many people here were pissed about the initial Alienware announcement, that their Steam Machines would not be upgradable? Because those people assumed that all Steam machines would be upgradable. Just look at the other posters comments here, same of them have also called upgradability a feature of Steam Machines.

You're saying that it's not. That the ability to customize and upgrade the hardware of a product is not a feature of that product? Even if several manufacturers specifically mention in in their promotional materials? In that case what is it, if not a feature?

I admit that I was overeager earlier. I called it a major feature, because I personally consider it major. IMO it is a major feature of Steam Machines in contrast to other consoles, to which they are constantly compared to. The ability to customize and upgrade Steam Machine hardware may be not important for most of their potential users, but it is a feature of the Steam Machine. (To be on the safe side I'll clarify i again. Here I'm talking about Steam Machines in general, not just Alienware models)

You don't need "requisite level of tech knowledge" to use any of those upgradable Steam Machines, just like with a regular PC.

Which las little or nothing to do with the upgradability factor, but you dodged that question. That makes this redundant outside of you apparently intentionally misrepresenting me.

It doesn't?

You were asking what's the "point of making a "for dummies" machine with an assumed requisite level of tech knowledge" in a thread about Steam Machine upgradability. I think it's fair that I assumed you were talking about Steam Machines and the ability to customize and upgrade their hardware. A feature that requires some technical knowledge from the user in order to be utilized. It's also a feature that most users can, and will ignore, or probably will just be unaware of.

Based on that assumption, my answer to your question was, that while Steam Machine is a device aimed "for dummies" it does not come with a requisite level of technical knowledge, since it's most technically demanding feature is not an essential one. People won't need advanced tech skills to just turn it on and play games on a Steam Machine.

If you were talking about something else, then yes I did misunderstand you, though not intentionally. Sorry.

 

[clippen05]

So, in other words, alienware sucks once again. Can't say I'm surprised. I really am speechless on how they were able to corner the pre-built gaming PC market on brand-recognition alone, because they certainly don't bring anything else to the table.