hardware

RX 9070 XT used as eGPU on Steam Machine via NVMe–Oculink, delivers 100+ FPS

A modder connected an AMD RX 9070 XT to a Steam Machine as an external GPU by using the NVMe slot with an NVMe-to-Oculink adapter and booting the NVMe drive from a USB-C NVMe adapter. The card became the system's primary GPU on startup and ran Crimson Desert at over 100 fps on High settings. The build required removing the Steam Machine backplate and only functioned with the Steam Machine connected to a TV to avoid a black screen, but the installer says the arrangement could be made permanent with case modifications. This demonstrates a practical way to add high-end GPU performance to compact Steam Machines without replacing the whole system.

• RX 9070 XT was attached as an eGPU via the Steam Machine's NVMe slot using an NVMe-to-Oculink adapter while the NVMe boot drive was moved to a USB-C NVMe adapter to boot SteamOS.
• The Radeon 9070 XT became the primary display adapter immediately on power-up and produced over 100 fps in Crimson Desert on High settings.
• The mod required removing the Steam Machine's backplate and the eGPU only worked when the Steam Machine was connected to a TV to avoid a black screen.
• The installer indicates the setup could be converted into a permanent upgrade with case modification and additional cooling if desired.