Cancelled Steam Machine case returns as a DIY 3D print

The cancelled Companion Cube case for Valve’s Steam Machine has returned as a fan-made 3D-printable project. A Printables user named Jaron has published the files needed to build a version inspired by Dbrand’s abandoned hard-shell design.

The project includes printable components, assembly instructions with video illustrations, and details of additional parts such as screws. Jaron says the case was created “from scratch” using images of Dbrand’s Companion Cube as a reference.

It is not an official Valve product, and the creator says it uses “any official assets from any game.” Whether Dbrand takes issue with the project remains unclear. Valve ended Dbrand’s original effort a few weeks ago after the maker failed to secure official permission to produce the case for the gaming PC.

Jaron also warns that the design has not undergone extensive thermal testing:

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“I have not done any extensive thermal tests but no airflow or venting is blocked, and the additional vent provided by the front face plate aperture logo can help provide a little extra airflow. So I don’t believe there will be any cooling issues caused by this case.”

Cooling was one of the main concerns surrounding Dbrand’s original case, particularly when the Steam Machine is used on warm days or placed inside a confined TV cabinet. Anyone attempting the DIY version will need a 3D printer, the relevant assembly skills, and, according to the source, a reasonable level of comfort with a soldering iron.

Steam Machine faceplates and custom PCs

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The Companion Cube clone is not the only customization project built around the Steam Machine. Custom faceplates, or front panels, are a simpler option and have become popular among owners and enthusiasts. One Reddit project features a slatted design alongside a blue version.

There are also numerous custom small form-factor (SFF) PCs inspired by Valve’s machine. These builds typically use more powerful components, making them larger than Valve’s PC while offering better performance.

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One Reddit build called “The Orange Box” uses a SilverStone SG05BB-Lite case and a strong Valve-inspired design. Its hardware includes a Ryzen 7 5800X processor and an RX 9060 XT graphics card, giving it considerably more performance than Valve’s gaming PC.

Other Steam Machine-inspired SFF projects are available on Printables. One design from 3DCatt resembles a larger Steam Machine, with similar aesthetics intended to fit into a living room. A completed version of the build also reportedly received a strong response.

These alternatives bring trade-offs, including larger enclosures and the work required to build them, but improved performance is a clear advantage. For enthusiasts disappointed by the cancelled Dbrand case, the new files offer a way to recreate its distinctive look—provided they can manage the printing and assembly themselves.