{ "version": "https://jsonfeed.org/version/1", "title": "Serhii's Makarenko Blog", "icon": "https://avatars.micro.blog/avatars/2024/49/1695267.jpg", "home_page_url": "https://serhiis.blog/", "feed_url": "https://serhiis.blog/feed.json", "items": [ { "id": "http://serhiymakarenko.micro.blog/2026/08/12/diy-steam-machine-hardware.html", "title": "DIY Steam Machine: Hardware", "content_html": "

As I wrote in the original post “Waiting for the Steam Machine,” I hope until the last moment all speculation about the Steam Machine’s price will remain only speculation. However, market conditions, driven by AI-related memory shortages, led to the worst predictions: the Steam Machine was priced above $1000.

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This left me no choice but to go with a custom PC build that lets me install 32GB DDR5 SODIMM RAM, a 4TB SSD, and the 2TB MicroSD card I already own. Fortunately, Valve welcomed this path. With the release of SteamOS, Valve updated its driver stack to support RDNA 4 GPUs. This changes the whole game for me. Instead of making the path to the DIY Steam Machine full of compromises and tricks, I have a very straightforward way to configure everything I need.

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As I said, I already owned the following list of components I bought during December 2025-January 2026:

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This component choice, originally intended for the Steam Machine, left me limited by the motherboard options I have. There were very few vendors making Mini-ITX motherboards with SODIMM support. Here is the list of options I have:

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The ASROCK motherboard was a very interesting option, but it was impossible to find, and it had one major flaw: it had no PCIe slot to connect a GPU. ASUS does not meet my requirements since I was willing to build my DIY Steam Machine around an AMD CPU. So, the last option is the BD Series from Minisforum.

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There was no sense in buying the BD895i SE variant because the AMD Ryzen 9 8945HX CPU is too powerful to be used solely for gaming. Modern AAA games barely utilize 8 cores. This means that half of the 8945HX cores will sit idle even during the heaviest game sessions. So, for me, the choice was obvious: the Minisforum BD775i SE with soldered AMD Ryzen 7 7745HX is the best option. This CPU is an optimized version of the desktop AMD Ryzen 7 7700. It packs 8 Zen 4 cores, 16 threads, and a massive 32MB L3 cache. It has more than enough raw processing power to easily handle modern games at the standard 60Hz or 120Hz refresh rate caps of modern TVs.

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With everything mentioned above, my list of the components to build a DIY Steam Machine transformed into the following range of items:

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Initially, I had no plans to buy SF1000, aiming to get SF850 instead, but an Amazon Prime Day deal came up, and I couldn’t resist buying SF1000 for less than SF850. The PowerColor AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT Reaper I snagged at Micro Center during the sale before the 4th of July. It was initially priced at $629.99, but with the Micro Center credit card, which give 5% instant savings, it went down to $598.49 at checkout.

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The last thing I need to put all parts together is the case. And this one I’m not willing to compromise. I want the smallest possible size that fits a full-size AMD Radeon RX 9070 TX GPU and offers the best aesthetics on the market. With all the mentioned requirements, I have only one option: FormD T1 with CNC-anodized mesh side panels. This one, with all necessary options, cost me a whopping $440, including shipping.

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During the assembly process, everything fit together perfectly. The Corsair SF series was redesigned in 2024, and all PSUs in this lineup got new, shorter cables. This was a perfect length for the SFF case, so I don’t need to order custom cables to connect all components inside the T1 case.

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Here is the final list of components and prices I paid for each item:

\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n
\n\t\t\t\tType\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tName\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tPrice\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\tGPU\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tPowerColor Reaper AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t598.49\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\tCase\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tFormD T1 Customize\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t245\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\tCase\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tFormD T1 Essential Packs\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t45\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\tCase\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tFormD T1 PCIe 5.0 Riser Cable\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t50\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\tCase\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tFormD T1 Vertical Stand\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t50\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\tCase\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tShipping\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t50\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\tSSD\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTeam Group T-FORCE CARDEA A440 M.2 2280 4TB\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t335.99\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\tRAM\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tCrucial 32GB DDR5 RAM Kit (2x16GB), 5600MHz, 262-Pin SODIMM, Black - CT2K16G56C46S5\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t217.8\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\tMicroSD Card\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tLexar 2TB Play Blue Micro SD Card\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t186.95\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\tCooler\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tNoctua NF-A12x25 G2 PWM Sx2-PP chromax.Black\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t64.95\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\tCooler\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tNoctua NF-A12x25 G2 PWM chromax.Black\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t34.95\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\tPSU\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tCorsair SF1000\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t169\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\tMB\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tMINISFORUM BD775i SE\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t255\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\tMicroSD Card Reader\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tPiodata iXflash Q mini Micro SD Card Reader\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t11.95\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\tSSD Heatsink\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tMHQJRH M.2 2280 SSD heatsink\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t6.99\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\tSSD Thermal Pads\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWAVLINK NVMe Heatsink with M.2 Thermal Pads\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t2.39\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\tI/O\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tUSB Front Panel Adapter, Vertical USB C Header Adapter, USB 3.1 Type-E Key-A to USB 3.0\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t8.99\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\tWi-Fi/Bluetooth\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tIntel Dual Band Wireless AX200NGW WiFi 6 AX200 WiFi Adapter\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t0\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\tTotal\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTotal Amount Spend\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t2322.07\n\t\t\t
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After the build finished, I encountered an unexpected issue with the MicroSD card reader installation. Initially, I chose the PNY Performance Prime USB 3.2 Gen 1 microSD Flash Memory Card Reader, but it appears this device does not support 2TB MicroSD cards. So, I replaced it with the Piodata iXflash Q mini card reader. This was the only small device that supported 2TB microSD cards.

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\"DIY

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\"DIY

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\"DIY

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\"DIY

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I’m very satisfied with the final result. My DIY Steam Machine looks awesome. Nice, clean look without anything that can reveal that it is a PC, not a console. The Noctua NF-A12x25 G2 PWM chromax.Black fans are doing a fantastic job cooling down the computer absolutely silently. The only components that can sometimes produce moderately loud noise are the GPU fans when I’m playing something demanding like Cyberpunk 2077.

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\"The

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\"Another

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The most difficult part in the assembly process was assembling and installing the Intel Dual Band Wireless AX200NGW WiFi 6 AX200 WiFi Adapter. Minisforum’s documentation for the BD775i SE motherboard does not provide guidance on how to do this correctly, so this postwas really useful for understanding how to put all things together.

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\"SSD

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Probably worth mentioning that one part required some attention from my side. As I said, I have a 4TB Team Group T-FORCE CARDEA A440 SSD. This drive is equipped with a Phison E18 controller that can run very hot, especially during long gaming sessions. The heatsink included with the drive was not good enough in my opinion, so I replaced it with the MHQJRH SSD heatsink. The SSD is positioned directly under the Noctua fan on the motherboard, so in conjunction with that well-made heatsink, it stays cool and runs at around 47 degrees Celsius.

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As you can see from the photos, I installed the DIY Steam Machine vertically, using the FormD T1 Vertical Stand. Despite the FormD recommendation to use T-shaped cables, I was able to use standard cables for HDMI, Ethernet, and USB connectivity, with one exception: the power cord. To power up the DIY Steam Machine, I’ve used a Unifi braided power cable from one of my USW Enterprise 24 PoE switches. Some time ago, I replaced them with a shorter version, so the original ones have been sitting on the shelf until today (surprisingly, I can’t find them on the Unifi store or anywhere else on the internet for sale).

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While I’m enjoying playing games on my Sony XR65A80J TV, I’m thinking about upgrading sometime in late 2027 or early 2028 to install the successor to the AMD Radeon RX 9070 TX. Definitely, the BD775i SE motherboard with soldered AMD Ryzen 7 7745HX CPU will not be enough to survive the GPU upgrade, so I need to replace everything I have now: the RAM and the Minisforum BD775i SE.

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In the current market conditions, having such a plan requires long-term planning, because the RAM in late 2027 or early 2028 will probably be the most expensive multi-hundred-dollar component. Having that in mind, I was lucky enough to snag CORSAIR Vengeance RGB DDR5 32GB (2 x 16GB) CL38-44-44-96 Kit for $314.99. Not the best memory, I know, but unfortunately, we are living in a time when we have no choice but to build the game rig from components we can get at a reasonable price, not from the ones we want. In the current market situation, this is a bargain. In addition to that memory, I’m planning to buy an AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D CPU and Mini-ITX motherboard (I haven’t decided yet what exact model it will be).

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That said, I’m happy with the current configuration and will hopefully enjoy evening sessions of playing games in 4K@120 FPS for the next two years, sitting in the chair in my living room.

\n", "date_published": "2026-08-12T17:13:29-07:00", "url": "https://serhiis.blog/2026/08/12/diy-steam-machine-hardware.html", "tags": ["blogging","hobby","games","DIY Steam Machine"] }, { "id": "http://serhiymakarenko.micro.blog/2026/06/03/waiting-for-the-steam-machine.html", "title": "Waiting for the Steam Machine", "content_html": "

I am excited to test the Steam Machine, announced by Valve in November 2025. Despite the memory shortage, I remain hopeful that Valve will deliver the device as it was promised in early 2026, allowing me to access Valve’s ecosystem of devices optimized for low-spec gaming without the complexities of building a compact PC. My primary goal for buying a Steam Machine is to have a console-like device for my living room and to enjoy modern AAA games at 4K resolution.

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I have a clear understanding that the Steam Machine is not a top-spec device for gaming. Based on leaks and rumors, I have identified key weaknesses I would like to eliminate for my specific configuration. Here is what I plan to upgrade once I receive the Steam Machine:

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To make my gaming experience bulletproof with the Steam Machine and provide a long and pleasant gaming experience, I’ve identified several weaknesses and would like to fix them. First in my list is the amount of RAM. While DDR5 SO-DIMM is great for compact size console-like devices, the amount of 16 GB is not enough to make me feel comfortable. I’m sure and believe that Valve does a good job stimulating developers to optimize games for low-spec hardware and tweaking SteamOS to provide the best possible game experience. But, still, I’m willing to play games, not waiting for optimization.

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The second aspect of Steam Machine configuration is the capacity of the SSD. While for the majority of gamers 2 TB would be enough, I want to have something better, which will allow me not to download a new game each time I want to play, instead of the old one. So, I decided to go with a 4 TB SSD.

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Lastly, this is the presence of the MicroSD card in my configuration of the maximum possible capacity to store game emulators and ROM’s for classic games. While 4 TB is a great capacity, it’s not enough to share classic games with modern AAA games on the same SSD.

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\"Components

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Taking into account my intentions and memory crisis, I started to make preparations in late December of 2025 and early January of 2026. Here is the list of parts I was lucky to buy before prices got crazy:

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Considering current prices for the parts above, I can tell that I have a feeling I’m sitting on top of a pillar of gold. Unfortunately, the latest news related to the Steam Machine pricing makes me sad, and I have no choice but to think about plan B. If Valve sets the price for the Steam Machine above $1000, I think a more reasonable and good investment would be just to assemble an SFF gaming PC and put it in the living room next to the TV. Yes, the DIY Steam Machine will not be as small and compact as the device from Valve, but it allows me to play games in 4K for several years without any issues.

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So, here is the list of components I will buy to assemble a DIY Steam Machine in the compact, nice-looking SFF case, in case I have no choice but to move towards plan B:

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Everything mentioned above will cost me around $1500, which looks like a reasonable price for the rest of the components. It will allow me to play AAA games without any issues at 4K, utilizing the raw power of the GPU. My OS of choice for the DIY Steam Machine will be SteamOS or Bazzite, depending on which will have native support for the AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT GPU. In case I decide to go with plan B, I will write a post where I will describe the logic behind the components I’ve chosen for the DIY Steam Machine. So, let’s hold fingers crossed and hope that Valve will make the right decision about pricing for the Steam Machine, and I will not need to bother you with another couple of thousand words describing my custom game rig.

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PS: There are no affiliated links in my posts.

\n", "date_published": "2026-06-03T18:41:06-07:00", "url": "https://serhiis.blog/2026/06/03/waiting-for-the-steam-machine.html", "tags": ["games","Steam Machine"] }, { "id": "http://serhiymakarenko.micro.blog/2024/12/13/an-attempt-to-start-blogging.html", "title": "An Attempt to Start Blogging Again", "content_html": "

Some time ago, I had a self-hosted blog that I had started it in 2009. I had a lot of spare time then and ran the blog software on the Mac mini, that resided on the shelf of my parent’s apartment in Kyiv, Ukraine. All posts there were written in Ukrainian, and I was trying to keep the blog alive for a decade or so. Since then, many things have changed; I lost the grip and did not have enough time to maintain this home setup and share my thoughts, ideas, and details of my hobbies.

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Now, I’m feeling confident enough to attempt to start blogging again. When I started to explore possible ways to spin-up a blog again on some blogging services or give a try to one of many self-hosted solutions, I’ve discovered that the landscape of blogging has dramatically changed recently.

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It appears that everything is moving in the Fediverse direction, and I like this. Furthermore, I think that self-hosted solutions are not for me anymore, mainly because of an insufficient amount of spare time. Since my initial blog was started, many things changed: I became a father, moved to a different country, and now I’m trying to build a professional career I dreamed about all of my life. So, blogging for me and all those supporting this hobby thing should be relatively easy and should not require all of my leisure time.

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I’ve decided to write posts in English, so this will increase the amount of time I need to spend on blogging, since English is not my home language. My English writing skills require some improvements, so I thought that blogging might be a good practice to improve them. As of now, I need to spend additional time on grammar checks and proofreading. This is a bit hard for me yet, even though I’m able to use all this AI stuff from Apple and Google to make these things easier.

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In the end, I decide to choose Micro.Blog as a platform to spin-up my new blog. Here are the key points for me of this service:

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So, without any future delays, let’s start this blogging journey.

\n", "date_published": "2024-12-13T21:46:00-07:00", "url": "https://serhiis.blog/2024/12/13/an-attempt-to-start-blogging.html", "tags": ["blogging","hobby"] } ] }