Can't Flash SteamOS onto New Build (crosspost from troubleshooting)

idiotwizard · May 23

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.

Link to original post:

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

Skiiwee29 · May 23

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Welcome to the LTT Forum. Please keep to a single thread in the most appropriate section. No need to cross post to different sections if it could fit there as well. Just select the most appropriate.