Can't Flash SteamOS onto New Build

[idiotwizard]

Hello new internet friends,

 

PROBLEM: On my new build PC, I am unable to boot from a flash drive containing SteamOS. I only have access to MacOS devices and a Steam Deck.

 

BACKGROUND: I want to build a PC powerful enough to run modern games and improve my Blender workflow (rendering speeds). I enjoy the SteamOS form factor after using it on steam deck and would like a linux-based OS that makes it easy switch between work mode (Blender etc on desktop mode) and play mode (SteamOS interface). The proton compatibility and ease of running/modding old games is also an important reason I'm committed to creating a build with SteamOS at this point.

 

SPECS: 

• CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D 4.7 GHz 8-Core Processor
• CPU Cooler: Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE 66.17 CFM CPU Cooler
• MOBO: Gigabyte X870 GAMING WIFI6 ATX AM5 Motherboard (BIOS ver F3)
• RAM: Corsair Vengeance 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-6000 CL30 Memory
• Hard Drive: Samsung 990 Pro 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive
• Video Card: Sapphire NITRO+ Radeon RX 7900 XTX 24 GB Video Card
• Case: Corsair FRAME 4000D ATX Mid Tower Case
• PSU: Corsair RM1000x (2024) 1000 W Fully Modular ATX Power Supply
• Monitor: Acer Nitro ‎KG271 M3biip 27.0" 1920 x 1080 180 Hz Monitor

 

HISTORY: Build process was uneventful. RAM, SSD, and video card were recognized by the MOBO in a pre-installation check and continue to be recognized accurately in the BIOS. To install SteamOS, I first followed the steps listed here under "Re-image / Install SteamOS:" https://help.steampowered.com/en/faqs/view/1B71-EDF2-EB6D-2BB3.

 

I initially formatted a 128gb flash drive as a MBR/FAT32 partition before extracting the recovery image onto the drive. At this point, BIOS recognized the bootable drive and I selected it as the boot priority in BIOS. However, when restarting (or going into the boot menu and manually selecting the desired UEFI drive), the PC would be stuck at either the MOBO splash screen (Gigabyte) or a blank screen. I waited for about 15 minutes with no changes to be seen before restarting. I disabled secure boot after looking online, then restarted a few times with no improvement.

 

Next, I tried creating a bootable drive using the same flash drive with Etcher on a Macbook. This created the same result as before, getting stuck at the splash screen or a blank screen.

 

Next, I created a bootable drive on my steam deck from the command line found on the steam instruction page, which appeared successful. However, I got stuck at the same point. I became concerned the flash drive was corrupted or something and decided to just buy a new 16gb flash drive. I tried the same process by creating the drive from Konsole on my steam deck. I encountered the same issue and could not boot.

 

I have tried booting with no USB accessories attached, booting from every USB slot on the MOBO and case, enabling/disabling CSM in BIOS (which caused me to not be able to boot into BIOS at all. I had to complete a CMOS reset to be able to boot again. I disabled secure boot once more.) Other than secure boot, BIOS is at default settings. The only other solution I can think of would be to update my BIOS, but I'm concerned about how that will go considering I appear unskilled at flashing anything onto the MOBO. No other OS has been installed on the PC. I am willing to try a different linux distro, but I am concerned about losing compatibility with games in the absence of Valve's proton layer. However, having a working PC with a different distro is better than having nothing.

 

CONCLUSION: Honestly, I'm feeling a little discouraged and burnt out on the process at this point. I envisioned loading a linux distro for the first time would be a relatively painless and simple process (the idea of relative simplicity and escaping windows is a big motivator for this project in the first place), but this otherwise exciting and enriching experience has been a real drag since I started trying to load the OS.

 

I just completed a cross-country move and downsized my life significantly, securely disposing of my old windows laptops from the late 2000s/early 2010s. Therefore, I only have access to my Steam Deck and a MacBook to create a bootable drive.

 

Notably, I've tried following this video to a T with no success either: 

 

I'm open to suggestions and any advice is appreciated.

 

Warmly,

idiotwizard

 

EDIT1: Initially linked wrong CPU

[idiotwizard]

UPDATE: I successfully installed Ubuntu on the new build and used that OS to install Ventoy onto a 16gb flash drive. I loaded the steamos .img onto the flash drive and the PC booted into the Ventoy splash. However, when selecting the steamos .img, I get a blank screen with a cursor.

 

Sadly, still no luck.

[idiotwizard]

UPDATE2: After installing Ubuntu and configuring it to open Steam in big picture at launch, I've decided to give it a rest for now. This wasn't my ideal solution, but I am looking forward to learning more about Linux through Ubuntu, and if I am brave enough I might try Debian at some point in the future

[KAMJ5642]

I'm having the exact same issues, also with a Gigabyte MB. I went from F3 to F6 BIOS during the process and it didn't help at all. After seeing how easily others can get Steam OS up and working, I'm honestly thinking it's a Gigabyte issue. If you end up trying this again and make any progress, please update. I too am super burnt out from this. It's comforting to see that I'm not the only one, at least.

[idiotwizard]

Hi!

 

Thanks for your comment. I don't have exciting news, but I wanted to let you know I once again tried flashing steamOS with a variety of methods (ventoy, etcher, command line, etc) onto the build I described with no success. I made a new attempt because I saw that the steam deck recovery image was updated on Valve's website, but this apparently didn't change the problem we're having. Sorry to disappoint.

 

I do agree this seems to be a gigabyte problem. I have yet to hear of someone successfully loading steamOS onto a gigabyte mobo system. Knowing this problem goes just beyond me and I'm not crazy, I'm going to reach out to gigabyte and valve to see if they have any guidance.

 

I have a decent workaround setup through ubuntu 25 where steam launches into big picture mode, but it's not *quite* as clean and straightforward as having essentially a big steam deck (or a steam home console). Let me know if you have any interest and I can share what I did to put that setup together

 

Good luck!

[DEDDOA]

I have the same Issue, I have a gigabyte x870i pro ice board now for my 8700G, but before that I had the MSI B650i Edge Wifi and I had the exact same problem. I tried multiple USB sticks that all work on my Ally X and Legion Go, but no go on my HTPC, I took all except the main drive, disconnected the card reader as well even though it unused, and still no joy. Seems its not just a Gigabyte Issue, though annoyingly I have seen the likes of RandomGamingHD have managed it, though on an X670 Asus Prime, but all he did was flash the USB using rufus, disable secure boot, and then just boot from the USB, and it works. 

 

Not exactly positive, but at least you can know its not just Gigabyte.