How to Open and Clean a Steam Machine (2026)

Power down your Steam Machine and disconnect the power cable.

Unplug any remaining cables or accessories from all ports.

Reposition the Steam Machine so the bottom is facing up.

Use a T8 Torx screwdriver to remove the four rubber feet.

Reposition the Steam Machine so the back panel is facing up.

Use a T8 Torx screwdriver to fully loosen the two captive screws securing the back panel.

Lift the top edge of the panel (near the screws) until the two locking clips release.

Slide the panel towards the top edge and lift to remove it.

Use a T8 Torx screwdriver to remove the two 7.3 mm‑long screws securing the inner assembly.

Grip the inner assembly under the fan and lift it straight up and out of the shell.

Set the inner assembly down so the SSD is on top.

Spin the inner assembly so the fan faces you.

Use a T8 Torx screwdriver to remove the 5.1 mm‑long screw securing the rear USB and Ethernet port cable cover.

Remove the cable cover.

Use the flat end of a spudger to pry up and disconnect the board's press connector.

Use a T8 Torx screwdriver to remove the 5.1 mm‑long screw securing the rear USB and Ethernet port board.

Slide the board straight away fron the inner assembly to remove it.

Reposition the inner assembly so the antenna marked AUX ANT is facing up.

Lay a heated iOpener on the auxiliary antenna for two minutes.

Slide the flat end of a spudger under the antenna and lift to separate the adhesive.

Guide the antenna cable out of its clips on the fan.

Reposition the inner assembly so the antenna marked MAIN ANT is facing up.

Lay a heated iOpener on the main antenna for two minutes.

Slide the flat end of a spudger under the antenna and lift to separate the adhesive.

Guide the antenna cable out of its plastic clips.

Use a pair of angled tweezers to firmly grip the head of the fan cable connector.

Gently rock the connector side-to-side while lifting to disconnect it.

Peel up the tape securing the fan cable to the heatsink.

Reposition the inner assembly so the fan is facing you and the power cable socket is on the bottom.

Use a T8 Torx screwdriver to remove the two 7.3 mm‑long screws securing the fan.

Slide the fan straight away from the inner assembly to remove it.

Use a T8 Torx screwdriver to remove the three 5.1 mm‑long screws securing the front port cover.

Reposition the shell so the open side is facing you.

Two plastic clips secure the front port cover to the shell.

Use your finger to push both clips in to release them.

Remove the front port cover.

Firmly pull the faceplate away from the shell to remove it.

You're left with just the shell.

Use a clean rag or microfiber cloth to wipe clean the front and back of all accessible case components.

Using an anti-static brush or a new toothbrush, clean any dust out of the grilles on the shell.

Blow any remaining dust out of the grilles with a small dust blower or light compressed air.

Remove the rubber gaskets from the front port cutouts.

Use a brush and dust blower to remove dust and dirt from the port cutouts.

Use a pair of tweezers or your fingers to grab loose hairs and dust clumps off of the fan.

Use a dust blower or light compressed air to blow remaining dust off of the fan.

If there's a layer of grime on the fan blades, use soapy water on a damp rag or an isopropyl alcohol wipe to clean it off.

Gently slide the bristles of an anti‑static brush or new toothbrush back and forth between the metal fins to loosen any debris near the openings.

Use a dust blower to blow any loose dust out of the heatsink fins.

Repeat the previous step to clean out the grille on the power supply (underneath the heatsink).