Overview
WhatCable and Steam Machine serve completely different purposes, but both aim to simplify complex technology for users. WhatCable is a macOS utility that decodes USB-C cable capabilities and charging performance, helping users understand why their Mac charges slowly or why a cable doesn't support video. Steam Machine is a compact gaming PC designed to deliver a console-like Steam experience on a big screen, with enough power to run AAA titles at 4K 60 FPS.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | WhatCable | Steam Machine |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Function | USB-C cable diagnostics | Big-screen gaming PC |
| Platform | macOS (Apple Silicon) | SteamOS (Linux) |
| Hardware | Software only | Dedicated hardware (6-inch cube) |
| User Interface | Menu bar app + CLI | SteamOS Big Picture + desktop |
| Key Output | Cable speed, charging power, e-marker data | 4K 60 FPS gaming |
| Advanced Features | Pro: live power, PD contracts, port health | Full PC, install other OS |
| Connectivity | Reads local IOKit data | HDMI, USB, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
| Open Source | Yes (MIT) | No (partially open) |
| Pricing | Free; Pro £4.99 one-time | Hardware purchase (TBD) |
Pricing
WhatCable: The base app is free and open source under the MIT licence. WhatCable Pro costs £4.99 one-time and works on up to 2 Macs. Pro unlocks 12 advanced features including live power metering, port health counters, PD contract inspection, and raw VDO identity. No subscription, no ads, no tracking.
Steam Machine: Pricing has not been announced. Given its target specs (over 6x the power of Steam Deck, 4K 60 FPS), it is expected to be a premium product, likely in the range of $500-$1000 or more depending on configuration.
Pros and Cons
WhatCable
Pros:
- Free and open source with no tracking or telemetry
- Plain-English explanations of cable capabilities and charging bottlenecks
- Detects e-marker anomalies that may indicate counterfeit cables
- CLI tool for scripting and automation
- Low one-time cost for Pro features
Cons:
- Only works on Apple Silicon Macs (M1 or later)
- Requires macOS 14 or later
- Cannot detect cables without e-marker chips (USB 2.0 or under 3A)
- Limited to USB-C diagnostics only
Steam Machine
Pros:
- Plays entire Steam library including AAA titles
- 4K 60 FPS gaming on a big screen
- Compact, quiet, and cool design
- Runs SteamOS for console-like ease of use
- Full PC flexibility (install apps or other OS)
Cons:
- Hardware cost likely high
- Not portable like Steam Deck
- Limited to Steam ecosystem for gaming
- No release date or pricing announced yet
Verdict
WhatCable is an essential utility for Apple Silicon Mac users who need to diagnose USB-C cable and charging issues, offering deep insights at a low cost. Steam Machine is a dedicated gaming PC for those who want a powerful, console-like Steam experience on their TV. Choose WhatCable if you troubleshoot cables; choose Steam Machine if you want to play games at 4K.
Steam Machine
WhatCable