● Covered by 1 source · 2 reportsLow impact
Steam Machine's 'Red Line of Death' Fixed by Clearing CMOS
Key points
- New Steam Machine faced GPU issues termed 'red line of death'.
- Problem caused by an LED indicating a GPU failure.
- Valve provided a CMOS clearing solution to fix the issue.
- User's manual reset also resolved the problem before official fix.
Initial Steam Machine GPU Failure Reports
A new Steam Machine encountered a major GPU failure shortly after launching No Man’s Sky, reportedly after a mere 20 minutes of activity. The issue, termed the 'red line of death', mimics the infamous Xbox 360's 'Red Ring of Death'. The problem manifested with a distinctive LED signal indicating GPU failure.
Valve's Official Fix for the 'Red Line of Death'
Valve has issued a solution involving a step-by-step guide to clear the CMOS. This process effectively addresses the issue, returning the Steam Machines to a functional state from their unresponsive status. This response came after initial community attempts to troubleshoot the problem.
Community and Valve Response
The solution emerged from Valve's response to a Reddit user's complaint. The Redditor had succeeded in resolving the issue with community-driven troubleshooting, reinforcing the initial official guidance about clearing the CMOS.
Significance and Future Concerns
This issue raises questions about the reliability of early Steam Machine units. Despite the low initial failure reports, the response provides reassurance for current and potential users regarding effective and simple solutions. Valve's handling may also protect its reputation amidst high market competition.
✨ This summary was generated by AI from the outlets' reporting listed below. It is not independently verified and may contain errors — check the original sources. How BrevFeed works →
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How outlets covered it
Valve has provided a solution for Steam Machines encountering the 'Red Line of Death' (RLOD) by detailing steps to clear the CMOS. This fix allows affected machines to recover from an unresponsive state, addressing concerns reminiscent of past console failures.
A new Steam Machine console experienced GPU failure, showing a 'red line of death' after 20 minutes of use. This incident raises concerns about the reliability of early units, especially given the anticipated demand and high price of the console.