ITG Cube: 3D-Printed Steam Machine Revival Delivers 105 FPS in Red Dead Redemption 2

YouTube channel ITG Gear has unveiled a compact, 3D-printed gaming enclosure that reimagines the Steam Machine concept using modern mini PC hardware and an external GPU connection. Dubbed the "ITG Cube," this project by the modder demonstrates how enthusiast-grade components can be combined into a sleek, cube-shaped form factor that delivers impressive gaming performance.

Hardware Configuration and Design Philosophy

The ITG Cube is built around a 165 × 165 × 165 mm cube-shaped enclosure designed to house an Aoostar GEM12 MAX mini PC powered by an AMD Ryzen 7 8745HS with Radeon 780M iGPU. The mini PC, currently selling on Amazon for $289, forms the core processing unit, while gaming performance is significantly enhanced through an external GPU solution.

Rather than relying on the more common USB4 or Thunderbolt connections, the creator opted for OCuLink to unlock higher bandwidth between the mini PC and a discrete graphics card. This choice reflects a growing trend among enthusiasts who prioritize maximum performance over convenience. The OCuLink connection provides dedicated PCIe lanes that can deliver bandwidth closer to native GPU performance compared to USB-based alternatives.

The enclosure itself is fully 3D printed and split into just two main parts, making it relatively straightforward to assemble. The modder says that the case was printed using heat-resistant ASA filament and designed with integrated rails, allowing the mini PC, GPU dock, and cooling hardware to slide into place without complex mounting hardware.

Cooling Solution and Power Management

Cooling is handled by a large 120 mm top-mounted fan, which is visible through the cube's top surface. While the fan is powered via USB rather than full PWM control, the creator notes that it remains quiet while keeping temperatures in check during extended gaming sessions. This represents a clever compromise between effective cooling and maintaining the compact form factor.

Power and cable management are also kept minimal, with the eGPU synchronizing power states directly with the mini PC. This integration ensures that the system powers on and off together, reducing complexity for the end user.

Gaming Performance Benchmarks

In gaming benchmarks shown in the video, the setup delivers desktop-like performance at 1200p resolution. The system achieved an average of 105 FPS in Red Dead Redemption 2 using a mix of high and ultra settings. During gameplay, on-screen monitoring shows the CPU operating at around 59 °C, while the RTX 4060 GPU remains at roughly 74 °C.

The modder also tested several other demanding titles:

• God of War Ragnarök: Ran at around 100 FPS
• Doom: The Dark Ages: Achieved between 75 and 90 FPS
• Cyberpunk 2077: Averaged approximately 95 FPS

These results are particularly impressive considering the compact form factor and the use of an external GPU connection rather than a traditional desktop setup.

Component Breakdown and Cost Analysis

The ITG Cube utilizes several key components:

• Aoostar GEM12 MAX mini PC: $289 (Amazon)
• HP RTX 4060 low-profile GPU: $239.95 (eBay)
• OCuLink eGPU dock: Included in the build
• 3D-printed enclosure: Custom design using ASA filament
• 120 mm cooling fan: USB-powered for simplicity

The total cost, excluding the 3D printing materials and design time, comes to approximately $530 for the core computing components. This positions the ITG Cube as a compelling alternative to traditional gaming laptops or small form factor PCs, especially for users who value the flexibility of external GPU upgrades.

Design Innovation and Practicality

The ITG Cube represents a thoughtful approach to modern gaming hardware design. By choosing OCuLink over more common connection standards, the creator prioritized performance over convenience, a decision that paid off in the benchmark results. The two-piece 3D-printed enclosure design simplifies assembly while maintaining a clean, professional appearance.

The integrated rail system for component mounting is particularly clever, eliminating the need for traditional screws or brackets. This approach makes the system more accessible to DIY builders while maintaining structural integrity.

Target Audience and Market Position

The video positions the ITG Cube as a proof of concept aimed at the DIY and enthusiast community rather than a commercial product. This approach allows the creator to push boundaries and experiment with design choices that might not be viable in a mass-market product.

For enthusiasts interested in building similar systems, the full build process and design files are detailed in the complete video. This transparency and willingness to share knowledge is characteristic of the maker community and helps advance the state of the art in compact gaming systems.

Technical Considerations and Limitations

While the ITG Cube delivers impressive performance, there are several technical considerations worth noting. The use of USB power for the cooling fan, while convenient, means that fan speed cannot be dynamically adjusted based on temperature. This could potentially lead to either excessive noise or insufficient cooling under extreme conditions.

The OCuLink connection, while providing excellent bandwidth, requires a compatible port on the mini PC. This limits the choice of host systems and may require additional adapters or docks for some configurations.

Additionally, the compact form factor means that there's limited space for future upgrades or modifications. While the external GPU approach provides some flexibility, the internal components are largely fixed once assembled.

Conclusion

The ITG Cube demonstrates that compact, high-performance gaming systems are achievable with current technology and creative design approaches. By combining an AMD Ryzen 7 8745HS mini PC with an RTX 4060 eGPU via OCuLink, the system achieves impressive 1200p gaming performance in a remarkably small package.

For DIY enthusiasts and makers, the ITG Cube serves as both inspiration and a practical guide for building similar systems. The choice of OCuLink over more common connection standards, the clever 3D-printed enclosure design, and the integrated cooling solution all represent thoughtful engineering decisions that contribute to the system's success.

The project also highlights the ongoing relevance of the Steam Machine concept in modern gaming, albeit with updated hardware and connectivity standards. As external GPU technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see more innovative approaches to compact gaming systems that balance performance, portability, and upgradability.