What Happened
A tech enthusiast successfully retrofitted an AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT external graphics processing unit (eGPU) into Valve’s compact Steam Machine, achieving over 100 frames per second in Crimson Desert at High settings. The modification involved creative hardware workarounds to overcome the Steam Machine’s limited internal storage and connectivity constraints. The builder relocated the system boot drive to a USB-C to NVMe enclosure and used an M.2 to OCuLink adapter to connect the high-end Radeon card via an external dock, effectively sidestepping the device’s single M.2 slot limitation.
The Technical Challenge
Valve’s Steam Machine presents inherent hardware limitations that make traditional GPU upgrades impossible. The system contains only one M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe slot, occupied by the factory-installed storage drive. This forced the modder to get creative: the original SSD was moved into a USB-C storage caddy and booted from the machine’s fastest available USB port, the USB 3.2 Gen 2 connector on the rear panel. While unconventional, this approach freed up the M.2 slot for the OCuLink adapter that bridges the eGPU dock.
The external setup itself uses an Aoostar EG01 enclosure, which functions essentially as a platform with exposed PCIe hosting circuitry, the Radeon card, and a separate power supply unit visible on the desk. The aesthetic is utilitarian and cable-heavy, but performance gains justify the visual trade-off for serious gamers looking to repurpose existing hardware.
Performance Impact for Shoppers
The results speak clearly to the upgrade’s value proposition. The Steam Machine’s integrated GPU, roughly equivalent to an AMD Radeon RX 7600, typically handles Crimson Desert at approximately 50 FPS on High settings. Adding the RX 9070 XT eGPU more than doubled frame rates to over 100 FPS, representing a transformative performance bump. For buyers contemplating whether older or compact gaming systems are still viable, this demonstrates that external GPU solutions can deliver substantial real-world improvements.
However, this approach comes with important caveats. The eGPU dock setup requires meticulous cable management and, if you want a clean appearance, a case modification to route the OCuLink cable through the rear chassis. The Aoostar EG01 also lacks an integrated power supply, meaning you’ll need to accommodate an external PSU on your desk. These practical limitations may deter casual users but represent acceptable compromises for enthusiasts seeking maximum performance from compact systems.
What This Means for Your Purchase Decisions
If you own a Steam Machine or similar compact gaming PC, this mod proves that eGPU expansion is technically feasible and yields measurable gaming benefits. The strategy of relocating storage to USB-C storage solutions and leveraging OCuLink connectivity opens possibilities that standard hardware specifications might suggest were impossible. Before committing to this approach, confirm your system includes a high-speed USB port with DisplayPort Alt mode support, as the Steam Machine’s USB 3.2 Gen 2 connector proved adequate for this task.
For those shopping for new systems, the Steam Machine’s limitations highlight why GPU selection matters during initial purchase. Devices lacking USB4 or Thunderbolt connectivity restrict your eGPU upgrade options to older, less convenient OCuLink solutions. Modern compact gaming systems should prioritize USB4 or superior ports to support hot-pluggable external graphics without extensive workarounds. Spending more upfront on a system with better connectivity proves far less painful than retrofitting adapters and relocating boot drives after purchase.
Future Outlook
The creator noted appreciation that the Radeon RX 9070 XT became the primary graphics adapter immediately upon connection, requiring no manual GPU selection or driver configuration. This plug-and-play behavior suggests AMD continues optimizing eGPU compatibility, a positive sign for buyers considering external graphics expansion. Nonetheless, most enthusiasts acknowledge that mainstream USB4 v2 or Thunderbolt 5 eGPU solutions represent the ideal direction for compact PC gaming, offering superior convenience and bandwidth once products reach reasonable price points.
Currently, eGPU systems remain niche solutions, but this successful demonstration shows how powerful modern graphics cards like the Radeon RX 9070 XT can breathe new life into aging hardware. If you’re investigating whether your compact gaming system can handle cutting-edge titles, exploring eGPU possibilities may unlock performance you thought impossible.
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