Since we got SteamOS, the idea of machines being sold for the specific purpose of running PC games has been one that’s popped up a few times. Corsair’s Bulldog seems to be like it will be a front runner for those looking for an unofficial “Steam Machine,” offering the sort of customization that PC gamers appreciate for a fair price, and the accessibility newcomers to the PC platform of gaming might appreciate in an entry level machine.
The Bulldog is a stylish machine fit with liquid cooling, an optional Intel Z170 motherboard, and an option to pick up either the Bulldog-ready graphics card from Corsair, or use a Corsair adapter to fit your own graphics card for a more personalized experience.
The Bulldog looks like it could be a great option for those who were curious about building a PC gaming machine but are concerned about starting from scatch. When the machine comes out in Q1 2016, customers will receive the PC which at minimum, includes the case, a 600W power supply, and a cooling solution for the CPU. Customers will need to add in their own motherboard, processor, memory, graphics, and hard drives. The Bulldog starts at $299, while a build that includes the Skylake-ready motherboard starts at $399. Additionally, a fully-built model will also be available from Corsair with the complete specs and price to be determined at a later date.
For PC gamers who already have a machine they’re comfortable with (the vast majority of PC gamers,) there’s still something you may be interested in. Corsair is offering the “Lapdog,” a keyboard that maximizes comfort for the PC gamer who likes to hook their rig up to a television. Coming with a curved bottom built to conform to your legs, the Lapdog has a keyboard, a mouse pad, several USB ports built for fast charging, and a hidden compartment to store cables. If you already have a keyboard you like, you can pick up the standalone (without keyboard built in) for $89, instead of the standard $199.