Valve Steam Machine dual-channel RAM test shows up to 19% higher performance
Valve’s new Steam Machine ships with a single 16GB DDR5 SO-DIMM. Valve had first suggested that units could ship with either one 16GB module or two 8GB modules, depending on suppl, but right now it only ships with one memory module, a very new module produced in 2026, one should add.
GamersNexus has now tested the Steam Machine with its stock single-stick configuration and with a second 16GB module added. The outlet says the test suite stayed within 16GB of memory usage, so the results should mainly reflect the difference between single-channel and dual-channel operation, not the added capacity.
Dual-channel memory improves CPU-limited tests
The largest difference appeared in 7-Zip compression, where the dual-stick configuration scored 65,832 MIPS compared to 55,126.5 MIPS with the stock single-stick setup. That is a 19.4% improvement.
Source: GamersNexus
Games also showed gains when the CPU was the limiting factor. Baldur’s Gate 3 at 1080p Low improved by 15.3%, while The Outer Worlds 2 at 1080p Low improved by 14.7%. Resident Evil 4 at 1080p Prioritize Performance improved by 10.0%.
GPU-limited tests show smaller gains
The impact was much lower in GPU-targeted tests. Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty at 1080p Ultra improved by 0.9%, Dragon’s Dogma 2 by 0.6%, and Kingdom Come: Deliverance II by 0.6%.
There were still some cases above that range. Baldur’s Gate 3 at 1080p Ultra improved by 8.7%, while Starfield at 1080p Ultra improved by 3.6%. Resident Evil 4 at GPU-focused settings improved by 3.4%.
Source: GamersNexus
GamersNexus notes that adding memory is possible, but access requires disassembling much of the device. The RAM can be reached without removing the heatsink, but the process includes glued-down flex cables, which makes the upgrade less suitable for users without PC assembly experience.
Given that the Steam Machine is not aimed at 4K Ultra gameplay, most gamers will likely not notice a large difference in performance. The disassembly process is not easy, and Valve should have planned for this earlier. A simple removable panel at the bottom would have made RAM access much easier.
Still, the fact that users can upgrade the system at any time is already a win for the Steam Machine. But the complicated disassembly may also explain why Valve did not offer a barebones option. Many users probably have an old M.2 drive available, but memory may be a different issue.
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