Steam Machine (2026) Shell Replacement - iFixit Repair Guide

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Introduction

Follow this guide to replace or upgrade the shell on a Valve Steam Machine (2026).

What you need

1. Step 1 Before you begin
  Before you begin this repair:
  
  Power down your Steam Machine and disconnect the power cable.
  
  Unplug any remaining cables or accessories from all ports.
  
  If you have a microSD card installed, remove it. Otherwise, it may break during this procedure.
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1. Step 2 Reposition the Steam Machine
  Reposition the Steam Machine so the bottom is facing up.
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2. Step 3 Remove the feet
  Use a T8 Torx screwdriver to remove the four rubber feet.
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1. Step 4 Reposition the Steam Machine
  Reposition the Steam Machine so the back panel is facing up.
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2. Step 5 Loosen the back panel screws
  Use a T8 Torx screwdriver to fully loosen the two captive screws securing the back panel.
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4. Step 6 Remove the back panel
  The back panel is secured by two hinge clips near the bottom corners and two locking clips on the sides.
  
  Lift the top edge of the panel (near the screws) until the two locking clips release.
  
  If you're having trouble getting an initial grip on the panel, use a spudger to lift it enough to grab with your fingers.
  
  Slide the panel towards the top edge and lift to remove it.
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5. Step 7 Remove the inner assembly screws
  Use a T8 Torx screwdriver to remove the two 7.3 mm‑long screws securing the inner assembly.
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6. Step 8 Remove the inner assembly
  After removal, don't lay the inner assembly down on the microSD and USB ports. These ports are fragile and shouldn't have the weight of the assembly resting on them.
  
  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.
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1. Step 9 Remove the front port cover screws
  Use a T8 Torx screwdriver to remove the three 5.1 mm‑long screws securing the front port cover.
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2. Step 10 Reposition the shell
  Reposition the shell so the open side is facing you.
  
  This allows the front port cover to unclip in the next step.
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3. Step 11 Unclip the front port cover
  Two plastic clips secure the front port cover to the shell.
  
  Use your finger to push both clips in to release them.
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4. Step 12 Remove the front port cover
  Remove the front port cover.
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1. Step 13 Remove the faceplate
  The faceplate is held in place with four strong magnets near the corners.
  
  Firmly pull the faceplate away from the shell to remove it.
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2. Step 14 Only the shell remains
  You're left with just the shell.
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Conclusion

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.

Repair didn’t go as planned? Try some basic troubleshooting, or ask our Answers community for help.

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Author

with 1 other contributor

Spencer Day

Member since: 09/14/22

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