I turned my laptop into a Steam Machine with Linux and surprising performance

I turned my ASUS ROG Flow Z13 into a Steam Machine running Arch Linux, with solid performance and setup quirks.

My interest in computers started with a Compaq in 2005 and kept leading me to test, take apart, and repurpose hardware. Even when everything seems to turn into a makeshift mess, I remain curious and involved with technology and games.

Besides that, I love video games. In 2025, Valve hinted at a revival of the Steam Machine, promising a 2026 launch, but kept the date indefinite. The rush came at a price: the RAM shortage pressured memory and storage prices, fueling uncertainty about the project's return.

Even with this scenario, I couldn't wait. I took an old gaming laptop and turned it into a tablet Steam Machine, a homebrew project that has proven to be one of the most fun hardware experiences I've ever had.

Hardware and software: how I built it

The chosen device was a 2-in-1 with a detachable keyboard, the ASUS ROG Flow Z13. The base of the setup was simple: swap the SSD and install Arch Linux, followed by KDE and Steam.

• GPU drivers and game mode configured
• On AMD systems, use Vulkan Radeon to start
• For those with NVIDIA, install proprietary drivers and force the use of the dedicated GPU with the DRI_PRIME=x parameter
• Run the arch-deckify script, which automates dependencies, the SteamOS session, and some SDDM settings
• Have SDDM active and an AUR helper (Yay or Paru) installed

After a reboot, SteamOS appears with touch support and a display with good scaling, allowing for smooth transition between game and desktop.

Surprising performance in practice

The highlight is the Strix Halo APU AI Max 390, a version with 12 cores and 24 threads, including 32 integrated Radeon 8050S compute units. The set proves powerful for the form factor, competing with an RTX 4060 Mobile in some aspects, all while maintaining average power consumption around 120 watts.

With VRAM set to 8 GB and 24 GB of RAM free, results vary depending on the title. Well-optimized games like Resident Evil Requiem deliver good performance, while Crimson Desert runs stable at around 40 FPS without frame generation, at 3440x1440, with TDP mode at maximum.

If you agree to reduce quality or apply upscaling, it is possible to maintain consistent results without relying on frame generation, especially with stable Mesa and Vulkan-Radeon drivers.

One point to observe: the Z13 does not hold a charge when powered only by USB-C. The battery drains over time, and the practical solution has been to use the proprietary Asus charger to maintain real mobility.

What works and what doesn't

Overall, the Linux desktop proves stable for daily tasks and games supported by Proton. However, titles with kernel-level anti-cheat, such as Battlefield 6 or Call of Duty, do not launch. Even so, this is seen as an advantage to stay focused on the backlog.

Sleep works, which is an improvement over some experiences on Windows. And if the demand for power increases, it is possible to connect an external GPU, although it is not a perfect solution.

A smart way to repurpose old machines

The Flow Z13 is not the only option. With appropriate drivers and the right packages, it is viable to turn older gaming laptops (or even desktops) into Steam Machines, often with better results. Compatibility varies by hardware, but Asus and Lenovo usually do well.

SteamOS and specifications

Summary of SteamOS/Linux: Minimum CPU Intel Core i5-4590, Minimum RAM 8 GB, version 3.0.

Conclusion

Turning a laptop into a Steam Machine — with Linux — was one of the coolest decisions I've made recently. Linux is stable and agile, with smooth sleep and the possibility of expansion with an external GPU should the need arise.

And you, have you ever thought about turning an old device into a Steam Machine? Tell us in the comments what hardware you would use and which games you would test first.

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