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Buy a conventional Windows gaming PC if dependable support and predictable performance are your priorities. Electronic Arts lists 64-bit Windows 10 or 11 as the target platform and recommends hardware in the class of a Core i7-10700K or Ryzen 7 3700X, 32 GB of memory, and an RTX 3080 or Radeon RX 7800 XT for 1440p at 60 frames per second on High settings.
A Steam Machine makes more sense when you specifically want a compact, controller-friendly living-room system. Its Zen 4 processor and RDNA 3 graphics are capable on paper, but Zero Company launched without Steam Deck Verified status and has no Steam Machine-specific benchmark. SteamOS relies on Proton for Windows games, so compatibility and troubleshooting are less certain than on Windows.
What STAR WARS Zero Company is and where it runs
STAR WARS Zero Company is a single-player, turn-based tactics game set during the twilight of the Clone Wars. It does not require online multiplayer or co-op. The game launched on August 27, 2026, for PC through the EA app, Steam and the Epic Games Store, as well as PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.
For this comparison, the important distinction is not the game’s turn-based design but its software target. EA’s published requirements are for 64-bit Windows 10 and Windows 11. A Windows installation therefore has an explicitly supported operating system, while a Steam Machine must run the Windows build through SteamOS and Proton.
#1 Best Overall
- System: AMD Ryzen 5 5500 3.6GHz 6 Cores | AMD B550 Chipset | 8GB DDR4 | 500GB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD | Windows 11 Home
- Graphics: AMD Radeon RX 6500 XT 4GB Graphics | 1x HDMI | 1x DisplayPort
- Connectivity: 4 x USB-A 3.2 | 4 x USB-A 2.0 | 1 x LAN | WiFi 5 | Bluetooth 5.0 | 7.1 Channel Audio
- Tempered Side Case Panel | Custom RGB Lighting | Keyboard and Mouse
- 1 Year Parts & Labor Warranty, Free Lifetime Tech Support
Official PC requirements
EA publishes two hardware tiers. The minimum tier is a starting point for 1080p at 30 FPS on Low; it is not a promise of consistently smooth play. The recommended tier targets 1440p at 60 FPS on High.
| Component | Minimum (EA) | Recommended (EA) |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | 64-bit Windows 10 or Windows 11 | 64-bit Windows 10 or Windows 11; Windows 11 recommended |
| Processor | Intel Core i5-8400 or AMD Ryzen 5 2600X | Intel Core i7-10700K or AMD Ryzen 7 3700X |
| Memory | 16 GB RAM | 32 GB RAM |
| Graphics | GeForce GTX 1080, Radeon RX 5600 XT or Intel Arc B580 | GeForce RTX 3080 or Radeon RX 7800 XT |
| Graphics API | DirectX 12 | DirectX 12 |
| Storage | 50 GB | 50 GB |
| Target stated by EA | 1920×1080, 30 FPS, Low | 2560×1440, 60 FPS, High |
EA cautions that meeting the minimum specification does not guarantee smooth performance. Systems near that tier may need a lower resolution or reduced graphics settings. If you use an Intel Arc card, EA advises enabling Resizable BAR to improve frame-rate performance.
Steam Machine hardware compared with the game’s target
Valve describes Steam Machine as a small-form-factor SteamOS device with fast suspend and resume, cloud saves and roughly six times the performance of a Steam Deck. PC Gamer’s released-unit specification table lists the following configuration:
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- Semi-custom AMD RDNA 3 GPU with 28 compute units, up to 2.45 GHz and 8 GB of GDDR6 VRAM.
- 16 GB of DDR5 system memory.
- 512 GB or 2 TB internal storage options.
- SteamOS 3, based on Arch Linux.
- DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.0, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth, Ethernet and microSD expansion.
On paper, the six-core Zen 4 processor is newer than EA’s minimum CPU examples, and the RDNA 3 graphics architecture is newer than the listed Radeon RX 5600 XT. The 16 GB of system memory also matches the game’s minimum memory class. This is a specification-based inference, not a Zero Company benchmark: EA has not published a result for Steam Machine.
The gap is more obvious at the recommended target. EA calls for 32 GB of RAM and a desktop RTX 3080 or RX 7800 XT for 1440p/60 High, while the Steam Machine has 16 GB of shared system capacity and an 8 GB dedicated-VRAM GPU. Buyers who want that target with the least uncertainty should choose a Windows desktop with hardware in EA’s recommended class.
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- GeForce RTX 3050 8GB Graphics – Equipped with 8GB GDDR6 dedicated VRAM and real-time ray tracing support. Experience smooth 1080p gaming at 55-60 FPS in AAA titles like Cyberpunk 2077, 70+ FPS in Fortnite, and 90-100 FPS in Apex Legends with DLSS enabled. The 8GB buffer handles modern game textures comfortably – a step above 6GB variants
- High-Speed Memory & Storage – Paired with 16GB of DDR4 3200MHz dual-channel RAM (16GB), the PC ensures responsive multitasking—whether streaming while gaming or editing videos. It also includes a 512 GB NVMe M.2 SSD for lightning-fast boot times, quick game loads, and ample storage for your game library, creative projects, and files.
- Next-Gen WiFi 6 Connectivity – Stay connected with the latest WiFi 6 technology for faster speeds, lower latency, and improved network efficiency. Whether you're gaming online, streaming 4K content, or joining video conferences, enjoy stable, high-speed wireless connectivity.
- Ready-to-Use Value Desktop – Pre-built and ready to go right out of the box. Perfect for gamers, students, content creators, and home office users seeking reliable performance without the hassle of building a PC themselves. The mature AM4 platform with DDR4 memory offers excellent value and proven stability.
SteamOS and Proton: the compatibility question
Steam Machine uses SteamOS rather than Windows. Valve’s Proton compatibility layer translates Windows games so they can run on Linux; Valve engineer Yazan Aldehayyat has called Proton “the secret sauce.” That technology is why many Windows games work on SteamOS, but compatibility is established one title and one update at a time.
Zero Company’s launch FAQ says the Steam release is Steam-native and does not require the EA app. The same FAQ says the game was not Steam Deck Verified at launch. Steam Machine compatibility is therefore plausible through Proton, but there is no official game-specific certification, performance rating or benchmark to promise a smooth experience.
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Not being Verified does not prove that the game will fail. It means Valve’s published compatibility label was not in place at launch, so you should treat installation and performance as an experiment rather than a guaranteed console-like experience. Proton updates, game patches and graphics-driver changes can alter the result.
How performance is likely to differ
Windows PC at the minimum tier
A Windows PC that only meets the minimum list should be planned around 1080p and Low settings. EA’s own warning means you may still need to lower resolution or individual effects if frame pacing is uneven. A fast SSD, current graphics driver and adequate cooling will not turn minimum hardware into recommended-tier performance, but they remove common avoidable bottlenecks.
Windows PC at the recommended tier
A desktop with a Core i7-10700K or Ryzen 7 3700X, 32 GB of RAM and an RTX 3080 or RX 7800 XT aligns with EA’s 1440p/60 High target. That target is a specification goal, not a universal guarantee for every scene, display mode or future patch, but it is the clearest documented route to predictable quality.
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Steam Machine
The Steam Machine’s CPU and GPU look stronger than the minimum examples, so 1080p play may be reasonable in principle. However, its 16 GB system memory and 8 GB VRAM are below the recommended memory configuration, and Proton adds another variable. Without an official result, do not buy it on the assumption that it will sustain 1440p/60 High.
Which device fits your priorities?
| Priority | Better fit | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Official operating-system support | Windows gaming PC | EA documents Windows 10/11 requirements and troubleshooting guidance. |
| 1440p at 60 FPS on High | Windows gaming PC | The recommended CPU, 32 GB RAM and RTX 3080/RX 7800 XT class are substantially above the Steam Machine’s published memory configuration. |
| Small living-room enclosure | Steam Machine | Its small-form-factor design is intended for a TV setup. |
| Fast suspend and resume | Steam Machine | SteamOS and the hardware are designed around that console-like behavior. |
| Broad component replacement | Desktop PC | A standard desktop offers more choices for replacing the GPU, CPU, memory, storage and power supply. |
| Controller-focused play | Steam Machine | SteamOS and the optional Steam Controller are designed for couch use, although any compatible PC controller can be used on Windows. |
| Lowest compatibility risk | Windows gaming PC | SteamOS requires Proton and has no Zero Company-specific certification at launch. |
Buying decision: a practical checklist
Choose a Windows PC when any of these statements are true
- You want the game to work within the platform EA officially lists.
- You are buying specifically for 1440p/60 High and can budget for the recommended hardware tier.
- You do not want to select Proton versions, test workarounds or diagnose Linux-specific launch problems.
- You expect to upgrade the graphics card or add memory later.
- You also plan to use the machine for other Windows-only applications or games.
Choose a Steam Machine when these trade-offs are acceptable
- Your priority is a compact box connected to a television rather than a desk monitor.
- You value suspend/resume, cloud saves and a unified Steam interface more than guaranteed first-party support.
- You are comfortable testing Proton and changing graphics settings if the first configuration is imperfect.
- You are willing to treat Zero Company as an unverified title until Valve or the game’s developer publishes clearer compatibility information.
Setting up Zero Company on a Windows PC
- Confirm the platform. Install 64-bit Windows 10 or Windows 11, with Windows 11 preferred by EA. Check Settings > System > About and verify that the system type is 64-bit.
- Check the complete hardware tier. Compare the processor, graphics card and RAM as a group. A fast CPU does not compensate for a graphics card below the target, and a qualifying GPU does not remove the 32 GB recommendation for 1440p/60 High.
- Reserve installation space. Keep more free space than the stated requirement so the installer, shader caches and patches can complete without forcing you to uninstall another game.
- Update the graphics driver. Use the driver package for your exact Nvidia, AMD or Intel model. Intel Arc owners should also enable Resizable BAR in the motherboard firmware and confirm that it is active in the driver software.
- Install from your chosen PC storefront. Zero Company is available through the EA app, Steam and the Epic Games Store. On Steam, avoid assuming that a Steam purchase removes every compatibility consideration; the operating system still matters.
- Start with the documented target. On recommended hardware, select 2560×1440 and High, then observe frame pacing in a demanding mission. On minimum-class hardware, begin at 1920×1080 and Low and adjust downward only if necessary.
- Use EA’s diagnostics when problems persist. Capture a DxDiag report, note the driver version and record whether the issue is a crash, missing asset, stutter or low frame rate. Those details make support requests actionable.
Setting up the Steam Machine
- Install the game from Steam. Confirm that the library entry is the PC version and allow SteamOS to finish downloading updates and shader data before your first serious play session.
- Check compatibility information. Because the launch FAQ reported no Steam Deck Verified status, look for current community reports and Valve compatibility changes rather than relying on a generic assumption that every Steam title works.
- Test the default Proton configuration first. Launch without overrides and record whether the game reaches the menu, detects the controller and saves normally. Changing several variables at once makes failures harder to diagnose.
- Try another Proton release only when needed. If a game update causes a regression, test a newer or previously working Proton version from the game’s compatibility properties. Keep a note of which version worked so you can return to it after future patches.
- Begin at a conservative resolution. Use the television’s native mode only if frame pacing is acceptable. Reduce resolution, shadows or other demanding effects before concluding that the hardware cannot run the game.
- Verify suspend and cloud-save behavior. Suspend/resume and cloud saves are advertised Steam Machine features, but test a save in a short session before depending on them for a long campaign.
Living-room controls and display considerations
Steam Machine bundles may include an optional Steam Controller. PC Gamer describes the controller as having twin sticks, trackpads, gyro controls and rear grip buttons, with a battery rating of more than 35 hours. It is an accessory rather than a requirement; a compatible wired or wireless controller can also be used.
The Steam Machine provides HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort 1.4, so check the input and refresh-rate capabilities of your television or monitor before buying cables. A 4K television can accept the signal while the game renders at a lower internal resolution; do not infer a guaranteed 4K frame rate from the display’s resolution. Likewise, a 1440p/60 display is a sensible match for EA’s recommended PC target, but the panel itself cannot create performance the computer does not deliver.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Storage, upgrades and longevity
The Steam Machine is offered with 512 GB or 2 TB of storage and supports microSD expansion. Those choices affect how many large games you can keep installed, but external capacity does not increase graphics performance. Confirm the exact internal-upgrade options for the unit you are buying before assuming that a later CPU or GPU replacement will be straightforward.
A conventional desktop is easier to adapt over time. You can generally replace the graphics card, add memory, install another NVMe or SATA drive and change the power supply, subject to the motherboard, case and power limits. That flexibility is valuable if later patches raise the game’s demands or if you add other modern titles.
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- POWERED BY RTX 5070 12GB + RYZEN 7 9700X - The GeForce RTX 5070 12GB GDDR7 graphics card pairs with an 8-core AMD Ryzen 7 9700X processor to drive smooth 1440p and 4K gameplay, giving this gaming PC the headroom for modern titles, streaming, and creative work.
- 32GB DDR5 6000MHz MEMORY & 1TB NVMe SSD - 32GB of high-speed DDR5 memory and a 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe solid state drive deliver quick load times, smooth multitasking, and generous storage, keeping this prebuilt gaming desktop responsive under heavy workloads.
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Price and value context
PC Gamer reviewed a 2 TB Steam Machine without a controller at $1,349 and a controller bundle at $1,428 in 2026. Those are review-unit prices, not permanent worldwide prices; regional taxes, availability and later revisions can change the total. Compare the complete package rather than the bare enclosure: include the controller if you need one, the display you plan to use and any storage expansion.
For a Windows desktop, insist on a current, itemized specification. A listing that says “gaming PC” without naming the exact GPU, processor, RAM capacity and operating-system edition cannot be matched reliably to EA’s requirements. Prioritize the recommended GPU and 32 GB of memory if Zero Company is the main reason for the purchase.
Troubleshooting by symptom
The game will not launch on Windows
- Confirm that Windows is 64-bit and fully updated.
- Install the latest driver for the installed GPU and reboot.
- Verify the game files in the storefront and check that the installation drive has free space for updates.
- Disable unusual overlays or monitoring tools temporarily to isolate conflicts.
- If the issue remains, collect a DxDiag report and the exact error text for EA support.
The game launches but stutters or drops below the target
- Check whether the system is near the minimum tier; EA does not promise smooth performance there.
- Lower resolution and the most demanding graphics options before changing unrelated settings.
- Monitor temperatures and clocks to rule out thermal throttling.
- On Intel Arc hardware, verify that Resizable BAR is enabled.
The game fails or behaves unpredictably on SteamOS
- Record the SteamOS version, Proton version and GPU driver state.
- Return to the default Proton setting if a manual override introduced the problem.
- Test one alternative Proton release at a time and keep the working configuration documented.
- Use lower output settings and confirm that the controller is detected in the Steam input test.
- If no configuration works, install the game on a supported Windows PC; there is no official Steam Machine result to use as a performance guarantee.
Final recommendation
For most buyers choosing hardware specifically for STAR WARS Zero Company, a Windows gaming PC is the responsible default. It follows EA’s documented operating system, gives you a clear path to the 1440p/60 High target and leaves more room for future upgrades.
Select the Steam Machine only when its compact living-room design, suspend/resume behavior and controller-first interface are worth accepting unverified Proton compatibility. Its published hardware may be sufficient for sensible settings, but the absence of a Steam Machine benchmark or Steam Deck Verified status means you should buy it as a flexible SteamOS device—not as a guaranteed Zero Company console.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does Zero Company require an internet connection or online multiplayer subscription?
No. EA describes it as a single-player, turn-based game and does not list online multiplayer or co-op as a requirement. You still need the relevant storefront account and an internet connection for downloading, updates and authentication where the platform requires it.
Can I install Windows on a Steam Machine to remove Proton uncertainty?
The published Steam Machine information identifies SteamOS as its operating system but does not establish a supported Windows installation procedure. Do not buy one assuming that replacing SteamOS with Windows is officially supported; use a conventional Windows PC if Windows compatibility is essential.
Is the Steam Controller required to play on a television?
No. It is an optional bundle accessory. Steam Machine supports the included controller configuration, while Windows and SteamOS can also use other compatible wired or wireless controllers.
Quick Recap
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