Valve SteamOS 3.8.10 version enables official DIY gaming system builds and improves hardware support for Nvidia drivers
In an official move, Valve has now permitted users to build their own gaming systems or consoles based on its operating system after they have announced their SteamOS 3.8.10 version where they also enhanced platform support to include more hardware components. With this latest software release, users will be able to install the OS on their regular desktop computers directly without the need of any complicated workaround.
Before now, setting up the operating system on non AMD hardware was extremely limited and in many situations necessary to resort to a recovery image aimed solely at mobile hardware. In a recent interview with The Verge, Valve developer Pierre Loup Griffais revealed that they are actively working on increasing device support. Valves internal team has, in fact, grown to a number where they can now collaborate directly with Nvidia directly on ufficial driver support. These support updates are ongoing, but the long term goal is the constant smooth operation on all major graphics platforms.
Thus far, the platform is designed for console like arrangements, where a separate computer is hooked directly into a TV. Asked this question, Laurent Larrieu stated that the software was perfect for a setup with one main disk with no partition sharing, although huge disclaimers for desktop users lie in wait, because of absent HDMI CEC native support. Also, the installer is not fully automatic, because the one feels that no easy or even safe way (concurrent setup on the main partition with dual boot as installation mode, is not yet offered) exists to go ahead with platform installation on the one and only hard disk drive.
DIY is appropriate for the players who want to preserve the existing setup or need dual boot setups and are ready to make the preparations and back ups for data. Players who are not wanting to clear the drives would have to choose from the other gaming distros based on Linux like Bazzite or Nobara which would bring a level playing field to the desktop. Valve is still working towards that where the SteamOS can easily be kept alongside the other operating systems on single drive that would indeed be a step change to open PC gaming.
