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PCIe Cable Extenders - why use them?

What PCIe Cable Extenders Are PCIe cable extenders, often called riser or extension cables, connect a PCIe slot on the motherboard to a GPU or expansion card placed elsewhere in the case. They come in different PCIe versions (3.0, 4.0, 5.0) and lengths, and are used for custom layouts, vertical GPU mounting, and mining rigs where card spacing matters. Benefits of Using PCIe Extenders Flexibility and layout freedom : Extenders let you mount GPUs vertically or place cards where airflow and aesthetics are better. Improved cooling and airflow : Moving a GPU away from crowded slots can lower temperatures and improve longevity. Compatibility for specialized builds : Mining rigs, test benches, and compact cases often require extenders to fit multiple cards or nonstandard layouts. Each of these practical gains depends on using the right extender for the PCIe generation and length you need. Why Quality Matters Signal integrity and shielding are critical : cheap extenders can introduce latency, ...

STEAM OS on PC

SteamOS: The Future of Gaming PCs?



SteamOS is a Linux-based operating system developed by Valve Corporation, the company behind the popular Steam gaming platform. It was first released on December 13, 2013, with the goal of creating a gaming-focused OS that could be used on various devices.

Development and Evolution

Valve initially developed SteamOS to support game streaming over a local network from a gaming PC. Over time, it evolved to support on-device gameplay, making it suitable for lightweight, upgradeable PCs known as Steam Machines. The latest version, SteamOS 3.0, was released in 2022 and is based on the Arch Linux distribution with the KDE Plasma desktop environment.

Devices and Compatibility

SteamOS can be installed on a variety of devices, including PCs, laptops, and even handheld devices like the Steam Deck. It requires a 64-bit capable processor, at least 4GB of RAM, and a compatible graphics card. While it is primarily designed for gaming, it can also be used for other multimedia purposes.

How It Works

SteamOS is built around the Steam client, which serves as the primary user interface. It provides access to the Steam library, allowing users to download and play games directly from the platform. The OS also includes a desktop mode for more traditional PC use, but its main focus is on gaming.

Advantages for Gaming

SteamOS offers several advantages for gamers:

  • Optimized Performance: Being a lightweight OS, it ensures that most of the system resources are dedicated to gaming.

  • Open Source: The open-source nature allows for customization and optimization by the community.

  • Proton Compatibility Layer: This layer allows many Windows-based games to run natively on SteamOS, expanding the library of available games.

  • Big Picture Mode: A console-like interface that makes it easy to navigate and play games using a controller.

Future Prospects

With the growing popularity of Linux-based systems and the increasing support from game developers, SteamOS has the potential to become a standard operating system for gaming PCs. Its focus on gaming, combined with the flexibility and openness of Linux, makes it an attractive option for gamers looking for a dedicated gaming experience.

In conclusion, SteamOS represents a significant step towards a more gaming-centric computing environment. Its continuous development and growing game library suggest that it could indeed become the future standard for gaming PCs or as secondary system for better performance in games.

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