A Fan-Made Alternative to the Cancelled dbrand Project
Shortly after dbrand was forced to scrap its ambitious Steam Machine Companion Cube project due to intellectual property issues with Valve, a dedicated 3D printing enthusiast has stepped in to fill the void. A creator known as Jaron has shared a DIY version on Printables, allowing fans of the design to build their own custom case at home using a standard single-extruder 3D printer.
The project, dubbed the «Steam Machine Companion Cube Case,» was reportedly built from the ground up, with the creator using only photographs of the original dbrand design as a reference. While the resemblance is striking, it remains to be seen whether this independent creation will attract any legal scrutiny.
Technical Requirements and Assembly
Creating this case is a significant undertaking that requires more than just a printer. To achieve the multi-colored appearance of the cube panels, users must utilize a slicer to pause the print at specific layers, allowing for manual filament swaps. In addition to the 3D-printed components, the project requires a variety of hardware, including:
- Specific screws, inserts, and magnets
- A soldering iron and tweezers
- Basic hand tools like screwdrivers
- Specific Sunlu and Overture filaments for color matching
While the project is aimed at more experienced makers, the creator has provided comprehensive assembly instructions and supplementary YouTube videos to guide users through the process.
Thermal Considerations
A common concern with custom PC enclosures is the impact on internal temperatures. Regarding thermals, the designer notes that while extensive testing has not been conducted, the build ensures that all original vents remain unobstructed. In some instances, the modified faceplate may even offer improved airflow compared to the stock configuration.
The Story Behind the Cube
The original dbrand Companion Cube was announced in mid-November alongside the Steam Machine. Despite significant investment in industrial design and promotional efforts, the company ultimately halted the project after failing to secure a licensing agreement from Valve regarding the iconic intellectual property. Consequently, the company was forced to abandon the initiative entirely.
The Steam Machine itself—a compact gaming PC featuring an AMD Zen 4 processor, RDNA3 graphics, 16GB of DDR5 RAM, and a 2TB SSD—has faced a challenging market reception due to its $1,049 price point. For owners of the device looking to add a unique aesthetic touch, this fan-made project offers an engaging weekend build, provided users are comfortable with advanced 3D printing techniques and assembly.