Framework PC transforms into a Steam console using Bazzite
I recently reported on Valve potentially working on a Steam home console. While the real Steam console might still be years away from official release, you can easily build your own DIY gaming console thanks to modern chips from AMD and many different OEMs including Framework.
The AMD chip series I am talking about is the AMD Ryzen AI Max series, more specifically the Max+ 395 APU. It is proving to be a game-changer for laptops and mini-PCs alike. I recently reported on the chip's performance when the YouTuber ETA Prime tested it in the upcoming AIM MAX+ laptop, both in Windows 11 and Bazzite.
And then we saw the chip's performance in the recently launched Framework Desktop running Windows 11. Now, the YouTuber has gone ahead and tested the mini-PC by installing the popular Linux gaming distro, Bazzite, on it.
According to ETA Prime, the Framework Desktop comes really close to being an official Steam console, thanks to its compact size and the controller-friendly nature of the Bazzite operating system. But if you’re looking to try Bazzite on your main PC, don’t worry, it also has a desktop mode where you can run Linux and get work done.
In their testing, the YouTuber booted up Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered as the first title. The game ran at 1440p resolution, high settings, with FSR set to Quality. It averaged 66 FPS, which is slightly lower than the 72 FPS the game achieved in Windows 11, according to ETA PRIME.
The Framework Desktop maintained a 99–100W TDP, and the processor temperature stayed below 65 degrees Celsius, a strong result in terms of thermal performance.
Up next, ETA Prime tested Cyberpunk 2077 at 1440p with high settings and FSR set to Balanced. The game ran at around 75 FPS. One highlight the YouTuber mentioned was the lack of unnecessary fan noise: “It’s a pretty silent experience even with this boosting up to 100W,” they said.
The YouTuber did more game testing in their video, linked below, which I highly recommend you check out.
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