Steam Machine shows no picture on the TV or monitor

Updated Troubleshooting

If both HDMI and DisplayPort are connected, Gaming Mode outputs to HDMI. Gaming Mode only drives one display at a time, so a monitor on DisplayPort stays blank while HDMI is plugged in. That’s expected, not a fault.

Steam Machine shows no picture

Symptoms
Blank screen on the TV or monitor connected to the Steam Machine.
Documented cause
Cable or input problem, an intermediate device (receiver, soundbar, switch), or a passive DisplayPort-to-HDMI adapter.[1]
  1. Restart and reseat. Restart the Machine and the display, and reseat the cable at both ends.[1]
  2. Check input, port and cable. Confirm the right input is selected, try another HDMI/DisplayPort port on the display, another cable and, if possible, another display.[1]
  3. Connect directly. Remove any dock, receiver, soundbar, switch or adapter between the Machine and the display.[1]
  4. Use an active adapter for DisplayPort to HDMI. Passive DisplayPort-to-HDMI adapters and cables aren't supported.[1]

Port limits

Steam Machine display output
DisplayPortDisplayPort 1.4, up to 4K 240 Hz or 8K 60 Hz; HDR, FreeSync, daisy-chaining[2]
HDMIHDMI 2.0, up to 4K 120 Hz; HDR, FreeSync, CEC[2]
Displays in Gaming ModeOne at a time (HDMI is the default if connected)[1]
Default game resolution1080p (used for Steam Machine Verified testing)[1]

If the picture appears but looks wrong, check the HDR, SDR brightness, colour temperature and RGB range options under Settings → Display → Advanced. On the TV, check the HDMI format, colour depth, RGB range and black level, and any picture-processing features.

Full hardware details: Steam Machine specifications.

Sources

Last checked

  1. Steam Machine - Feature & Troubleshooting guide Steam Support · Official support
  2. Steam Machine Valve (Steam Store) · Manufacturer product page

Related

Devices