Before you buy a Steam Machine, you need to know about its RAM issue

PCWorld reports that Valve's Steam Machine ships with a single 16GB DDR5-5600 SODIMM, leaving one memory slot empty and causing a 10% performance loss compared to dual-channel configurations. Users can upgrade to 32GB by adding another 16GB SODIMM for around $200, but the process requires complex disassembly as demonstrated in teardowns. The Steam Machine's high price combined with its single-stick RAM limitation makes it a questionable value proposition for gamers seeking optimal performance. Valve will sell you a Steam Machine starting today, at least if you signed up earlier this week and you have a little bit of luck. Early supplies are expected to be extremely limited, as Valve is dealing with the same hardware issues as the entire industry. It comes with just 16GB of RAM, which is a little light for a gaming desktop. But there's something you should know about it that isn't on the spec list. The Steam Machine is using semi-standard parts, at least for RAM and storage, including familiar SODIMM sticks that go into laptops.