Valve releases Steam Machine e-ink faceplate CAD files and firmware
Valve has released the necessary design files and firmware for users to build their own e-ink display faceplate for the Steam Machine, which the company first unveiled in November alongside various other customization options. The specific design, called the “inkterface,” features a complete e-ink screen capable of displaying system metrics including test progression and CPU/GPU temperatures.
The release includes comprehensive resources to facilitate the project: CAD files for 3D printing the faceplate, firmware to power the display, software to control it, and detailed documentation with instructional videos covering the physical assembly process. This enables Steam Machine owners and enthusiasts to create custom monitoring displays using readily available components and a standard 3D printer.
The move reflects Valve’s commitment to enabling hardware customization within the Steam ecosystem. By open-sourcing the necessary technical specifications and documentation, Valve empowers the community to experiment with personalized hardware configurations, fostering a DIY culture around the Steam Machine platform. The e-ink display technology offers practical benefits for users, providing always-on visibility into system performance metrics without consuming significant power—a key advantage of e-ink technology over traditional LCD or OLED screens.