# 641: Something New, Something Old

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/linux-unplugged/641-something-new-something-old
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/linux-unplugged/641-something-new-something-old.md
Podcast: [LINUX Unplugged](https://stenobird.com/podcast/linux-unplugged)
Published: 2025-11-17T01:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://linuxunplugged.com/641
Audio file: https://rss.art19.com/episodes/e8317153-fe2a-4bb9-b37b-6567c092f632.mp3?rss_browser=BAhJIgljdXJsBjoGRVQ%3D--435795d5c850773aaa4739d968bd77a1dfd6f301
Processing state: processed
JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/linux-unplugged/episodes/641-something-new-something-old
Duration seconds: 4227

## Resource

Valve's new Steam hardware lineup promises a unified Linux gaming experience, but anti-cheat remains a critical hurdle. The hosts also demonstrate a refurbished 1L PC setup using NixOS and KVM for Home Assistant virtualization.

## Highlights
- Main idea: Valve's new Steam Machine and Steam Frame aim to unify the Steam library across hardware, though anti-cheat compatibility is a major risk
- Technical breakthrough: FEX-Emu is making x86/x86-64 gaming on ARM64 Linux increasingly viable through high-performance translation
- Practical takeaway: Using NixOS with KVM and libvirt provides a robust, reproducible way to manage Home Assistant VMs with easy network bridging
- Hardware tip: Refurbished 1L PCs like the ThinkCentre M920q are excellent, low-power candidates for consolidating home automation services
- Failure mode: Relying on proprietary anti-cheat software can break the Linux gaming experience on new Steam hardware platforms

## Topics

Linux Gaming, Valve SteamOS, NixOS, Home Assistant, KVM Virtualization, ARM64 Emulation, Home Lab, Hardware Refurbishment

## Chapters
- 6:15 — Valve's New Steam Hardware: An analysis of the Steam Machine, Steam Controller, and Steam Frame, focusing on user experience and the looming threat of anti-cheat incompatibility.
- 16:35 — Gaming on ARM64: A look at FEX-Emu and how translation layers are enabling x86 game performance on ARM-based Linux devices.
- 21:50 — The 1L PC Server Project: Setting up a refurbished ThinkCentre M920q as a consolidated home server for virtualization and automation.
- 27:35 — NixOS and Home Assistant: Implementing KVM and libvirt on NixOS to host Home Assistant with proper network bridging for device discovery.
- 32:45 — Ventoy and Hardware Testing: Testing bootable USB drives and SSDs for reliable deployment in a home lab environment.
- 38:20 — Home Assistant Virtualization Challenge: A challenge to users to navigate the Home Assistant documentation and deploy KVM-ready images.
- 59:20 — Audio Enhancement with Easy Effects: Using Easy Effects and PipeWire to fix low-volume or noisy audio streams on Linux desktops.

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## Transcript

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