Custom mini PC build outperforms Steam Deck in gaming benchmarks

A custom-built mini PC featuring an AMD Ryzen 7 7745HX processor and a dedicated Radeon RX 7600 graphics card delivers significantly higher gaming performance than Valve's Steam Deck. Across a variety of tested titles, including Cyberpunk 2077, Shadow of the Tomb Raider, and Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered, the custom build achieved an average performance uplift of 21% compared to the Steam Deck. The performance gains were particularly pronounced at higher resolutions, with a 12% increase at 1080p, 20% at 1440p, and 50% at 4K. The build utilizes a Minisforum BD770i motherboard and a compact, non-branded case from Amazon, demonstrating that a DIY approach can provide superior graphical fidelity and frame rates. While the custom system requires manual configuration—such as disabling the integrated GPU in the BIOS to ensure the dedicated card is utilized—it offers a viable alternative for users seeking a small form factor gaming machine with more power than the Steam Deck, albeit without the same level of integrated portability.

The custom mini PC build achieved an average performance uplift of 21% across three tested games compared to the Steam Deck. Performance gains were most significant at 4K resolution, where the custom build saw a 50% increase in average frame rates.

The system uses a Minisforum BD770i motherboard, which features an AMD Ryzen 7 7745HX processor with eight cores and sixteen threads. A dedicated AMD Radeon RX 7600 graphics card provides the necessary graphical power for 1440p gaming at high settings.

Users must manually disable the integrated GPU in the BIOS to prevent performance degradation during gaming sessions. The build is housed in a compact, non-branded case from Amazon, which requires a 3D-printed side panel to improve ventilation for the vertical GPU.