Redditor builds Valve’s e-ink Steam Machine faceplate, but pans “distracting” screen refresh
Valve has released open source CAD files and firmware for an e-ink display faceplate designed for the Steam Machine, enabling users to build and customize their own units. The faceplate displays real-time system metrics including CPU/GPU utilization, temperature readings, and other performance data.
A Reddit user, /u/Slacktron, recently completed one of the first builds using Valve’s released files and documented the experience in detail. The builder reported that the construction process was “pretty straightforward,” suggesting the open source design is accessible to enthusiasts with moderate technical skills. However, they also identified several limitations that could be addressed in future iterations.
Notably, /u/Slacktron recommended that Valve consider specifying a different Adafruit development board for the project, as the current choice requires additional firmware modifications to function optimally. This feedback highlights how community involvement with open source hardware projects can lead to practical improvements and better recommendations for future builders.
The project represents Valve’s commitment to hardware transparency and modifiability, allowing the gaming community to build custom monitoring solutions. While the current iteration has some rough edges, the documentation and ease of construction suggest this could attract more users interested in customizing their gaming hardware with performance monitoring capabilities.