Question Replacing my HTPC Alienware Alpha R2 with my Steam Deck?

[Samduhman]

I bought the Steam Deck 512 last year and have easily less than 10 hours on it. I have considered selling it however a thought keeps returning. Can I and is it a good replacement for my HTPC.

I've been wanting to replace my 2016 Alienware R2 console that I use as a home theater PC as it's getting sluggish, even when web browsing. I don't want to spend a lot of money and keep looking at those mini pcs such as the Minisforum and Beelinks. Would my Steam Deck be a better option? As I'm assuming it should easily out perform the cheaper mini pcs when gaming I've been looking at.

I already have a standing dock with HDMI out and 3 usbs I use on a computer monitor to configure EMUDECK. I'm just not sure how well the Steam desktop OS would perform for surfing the web and streaming from the internet and my Synology NAS.

 

[turtletarget111]

I haven't used the Steam Deck to stream over the internet, but I have used Desktop Mode and browsed the internet a large number of times for modding the console. Browsing the internet and downloading things is always snappy; I've never stopped to think about performance because for the most part it just works. You already have the system, so hook it up and try it out for awhile. If it doesn't pan out you can always grab a Mini PC or new laptop later down the line. You might also consider the Steam Deck OLED, as it's got better hardware and supports WiFi 6E, as opposed to purchasing a Mini PC. Hope this helped, take care.