Steam Machine faceplates from Michelangelo’s marble: what does this mean for players?

In short

• A Reddit user has made Steam Machine faceplates from marble used by Michelangelo.
• The faceplates are made from Statuario, Sahara Noir, and Roman Travertine, with a thickness of 5–6 mm.
• There is some concern about the impact of these marble faceplates on Steam Machine temperatures and performance.

Creating Steam Machine faceplates out of marble is a striking blend of art and technology. The Reddit user, known as /u/GinoWT, crafted these faceplates from Statuario, Sahara Noir, and Roman Travertine, all marble varieties with a rich history. Statuario marble comes from the same quarry where Michelangelo once carved his masterpieces, making these faceplates not only visually impressive, but also a piece of art history.

GAME-scanner analysis

Choosing marble as a material for faceplates is both innovative and risky. While it looks stunning, it raises the question of whether these heavy materials could negatively affect the Steam Machine’s thermal performance. The Reddit user is currently preparing a small batch of these faceplates for sale, which suggests a niche market for gamers who want to personalize their systems with luxury materials. However, uncertainty around thermal performance could put off potential buyers, especially those worried about the performance of their gaming PC.

What does this mean for players?

For gamers who value both aesthetics and functionality, this development offers a unique way to customize their Steam Machine. However, the unclear impact of the marble faceplates on performance is an important consideration. Players may need to weigh whether the visual appeal is worth any potential risk to system performance.