Link to article with pics

The "Steam Box" modular computer announced by hardware maker Xi3 and Valve at CES is codenamed "Piston" and is modeled after the PC maker's X7A line of pint-sized computers, Xi3 reps tell Polygon.

Xi3 brought an early version of Piston to CES, but was tight lipped on details about the hardware currently in development with Valve. Xi3 chief marketing officer David Politis told Polygon that Piston will offer up to 1 TB of interal storage and offer modular component updates, including the option to upgrade the PC's CPU and RAM.

Xi3 wouldn't discuss price for Piston, but commented that the Steam Box is based on its "performance level" X7A offering, which is priced at $999. Xi3 declined to comment on what would differentiate Piston hardware-wise from a standard X7A.

Xi3 also offers the entry level X5A, which is priced at $499 with a Linux operating system.

The demo unit of Piston featured an IO board boasting one ethernet port, 1/8" audio in/out, SPDIF optical audio, four USB 3.0 ports, four USB 2.0 ports (with one dedicated to keyboard input), four eSATAp ports, two Mini Display Port ports and one DisplayPort/HDMI port.


Follow the link for pics. This is gonna be interesting can't wait for E3

Youtube Link

11 years ago*

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The only thing that I'm missing is the graphic card specs

11 years ago
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Speculation the X7A uses AMD "Trinity" CPU with integrated graphics which apparently can push games like Crysis. This thing is not going to replace the monster rigs out there but i'm starting to get where Valve is going with this.

11 years ago
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HATS!

11 years ago
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well derp, this is why I hate AMD now, they are not making processors that can par up with intel.

my old trusty 5770 can beat the crap out of that 7660

11 years ago
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To begin with, the A10 is the cost of an i3. Thus it doesn't matter that the 5770 or whatever is better because its an extra 100. As for beating Intel, this is one area where they are beating Intel - budget gaming pcs and HTPCs. The 7660 is better than the HD 4k (and pretty much everything up to 7750).

11 years ago
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well that's my gripe with AMD, They are leaving the enthusiast and catering more for the entry level gamers

11 years ago
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Don't criticize AMD for leaving the high end market. Intel is a tough competitor. AMD is trying to server CPUs to compete with Intel's consumer CPUs and it just doesn't work.

In 3-4 years, if AMD is still making x86 CPUs, you'll see that most gamers will be using integrated graphics. AMD is on the right track with their APUs, but Intel won't be far behind with Haswell. Kaveri can't come fast enough for AMD.

11 years ago
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And your 5770 is almost as hot and expensive as the entire Trinity APU. There is value in mid-range one-chip solutions.

11 years ago
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10/10 would buy

11 years ago
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*wouldn't

11 years ago
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*would buy, unless they're seeking attention by correcting to the contrary.

11 years ago
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11 years ago
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Look interesting but expensive. And I want to know how they want to get the games on Linux with a good performance.

I would buy one if all games are supported and the OS is open that I can also install other programs, else I'd rather buy a cheaper console.

11 years ago
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Yeah i will buy it but when its like half the price...

11 years ago
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Apparently Steam has developed a magical D3D to OpenGL wrapper. I'm assuming they'd license it as they've invested in this company.

11 years ago
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When they use that magical wrapper the console would need much power to run the games well. I doubt that it will sell well in comparison to other consoles.

11 years ago
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If we totally excuse the fact that Steam claims to be capable of doing something that other companies have worked on for 20+ years, then yeah, it'll also require decent performance.

The R-464L they're looking at isn't bad and should be able to handle most games at 720p, but going up to 1080p will be another story.

11 years ago
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So, a 1000$ console that can only run games at 720p? That doesn't sound good.

11 years ago
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Not at all!

You're paying quite a bit extra for the form factor and their propitiatory parts.

11 years ago
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if we talk about DX10 wrapper, they will need far more than magic

11 years ago
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Okay, wtf is that?xD

11 years ago
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Deleted

This comment was deleted 5 years ago.

11 years ago
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oh no, another console. god no!

11 years ago
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Even at $500 price I can purchase a PC with better specs. Then there's Android based Ouya that costs only $100 along with a crap load of mini-PCs with varying specs and proportional pricing.

I just don't get it, Valve. I just don't.

11 years ago
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well they are not technically using it, they just "invested" on it so I'm still hoping for improvements

11 years ago
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Dude, they invested in it to sell as their own. I mean, I get that they want Steam to compete directly with XBLM and PSS, they want to fight for and win a couch user. But why not just teach people how to use an HDMI cable?

11 years ago
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I'm sure the Steam system will teach them how to plug in an HDMI also and make then a shit ton of money.

Thats probably why.

11 years ago
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Valve taught us already how to use an HDMI cable. ;)

They will get more money and when they only allow to run Steam games on it they will make much more money. That's the reason Valve makes this.

11 years ago
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Because needs extra porting to run on ARM.

11 years ago
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This isn't running on ARM or I at least don't see any mention of it.

I believe it'll have a R-464L or similar based on the specs.

11 years ago
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Ouya uses the ARM (Cortex-A9) processor, and tr4656 is saying 'you can't use the Ouya because it needs extra porting to run on the ARM architecture'.
The problem with ARM and other mobile (as in cellphone) processors is everything would need to be written to work with that processor.

11 years ago
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Well that makes a lot more sense now that I see that.

Apparently I skipped that sentence and read Even at $500 price I can purchase a PC with better specs. I just don't get it, Valve. I just don't. followed by tr4656's reply.

11 years ago
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At least it won't be made immediately obsolete the second it comes out.

11 years ago
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Given I know little about computers really... That looks really quite small. As in handsized. As in small. Would that be a problem with venting / cooling / amount of electronic goodness you can pack into it for processing all the code-y goodness that makes a game?

11 years ago
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no no no no no no no, the prices are too high, it won't attract console gamers, who generally stay well below the $400 mark

11 years ago
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Well it's not a console so why would console "gamers" buy one?

11 years ago
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It's geared towards converting console gamers into "PC Gamers".

If you have a PC purchased within the past few years, it'll most likely beat this.

11 years ago
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(What Peroxide said)

I was under the impression that the point of this was to offer a console that would not be a sub-par gaming experience, and would convert the console "gamers" to the proper form of gaming, with the advantages PC gaming has over console gaming, like incredible accessibility for most games (mods, tweaks, etc)

The fact that this costs considerably more than what it would cost a to custom build a pc of around the same power means that its not even worth being bought by pc gamers, let alone console gamers, who do nothing but whinge about PC prices (despite the fact that they pay a fortune for games, which we get incredibly cheaply from steam)

11 years ago
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About the mods, tweaks and such stuff: Is there any info available if the OS will be open or if it will be only possible to run Steam games on it?

11 years ago
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I thought that was a thing from the very start? That it would be an open OS, allowing you to run programs and everything?

11 years ago
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I think the that the console will not only attract converting console players, I think another big target audience will be people that already have many games on Steam and don't want to buy a console because of that. And the Steam Box will give those people a console but they will still have all the games they bought on Steam.

11 years ago
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but what would be the point of getting it as a console if you already have steam? if you want to use a controller, just plug it into the pc, if you want to use a tv, just plug it in, etc

the only reason i can think of for moving to console is that tons of my friends have PS3s, but if none of them convert to steam box, then why would i move to it?

11 years ago
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You could ask the same about why consoles exists when there a PCs. It makes things easier, also not everyone can connect their PC to TVs. It's not only a console, it's also a PC. PC players can then have a console where they can play any game they have on Steam without buying anything new. But everything depends on the price, when it is right it will sell well, else it's just a little overpriced gadget.

11 years ago
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Consoles exist mainly because of the price difference (consoles are quite a bit cheaper, but a less quality orientated experience)

11 years ago
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And they also exist because they are easier to use, insert the disc or download a game and you can play it. You don't need to configure stuff, etc.

11 years ago
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not that complicated to use a pc, you can also insert a disc (or download a game), install (which doesnt take long, esp with steam), and then play

configuring settings takes 5 min at most, and most games default the settings to what it thinks your rig can handle (though i admit that they usually get it wrong)

11 years ago
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If you go out of your home, you can easily bring this little thing and play, for example in a friend´s house or in the village.

11 years ago
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I can easily bring my laptop to my friend's house, don't even need there to be a TV there

11 years ago
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That's the point where the price makes the difference. When it has better hardware and it's cheaper than a laptop it would be a great deal.

11 years ago
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Exactly, it will be great if its powerful, yet cheap

but from the current looks of it, its not

11 years ago
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As long as they also give some redstone...

11 years ago
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A redstone computer would be a bit large for fitting in a house xD

11 years ago
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Aren't these the guys who made the computer where you can snap components like graphics cards on?

11 years ago
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yes, the very same, and those "extras" have a massive hefty price because of being specific to platform
no good!

11 years ago
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This is actually very intersting, i can't wait for the officaial specs. May gonna replace my PS3 forever, all dependending on the size of that thing

11 years ago
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Youtube Link

Xi3 talking about new "partnership" at CES. Updated also in OP

11 years ago
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Piston might not be The SteamBox in the end - check this interview with GabeN to see pictures of totally different box.

Or there could be many different things called SteamBox, with only one true Valve SteamBox. Quack knows.

11 years ago
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Meh, probably not aimed at people like me. I have a decent PC and a PS3. This won't replace either.

11 years ago
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exactly, all these new devices keep coming out, and none will replace my PC so far, they are all less powerful and more expensive than a normal PC, I guess they are trying to convert console users to "some kind" of PC gaming, all of this is irrelevant to us except that if more people come to the PC platform it will be easier to find matches online and PC ports will be more polished and better optimised.

11 years ago
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Nvidia Reveals Project Shield

11 years ago
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Video for Project Shield

The streaming from your pc is pretty cool, not a direct competitor to steambox most likely however based on the tech involved.

11 years ago
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Why would it be a competitor in any way? It might actually work great as a peripheral.

11 years ago
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we want prices

11 years ago
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anyway the idea is nice, and I read that it would be upgradable (tho it's not the final prototype). that's important

11 years ago
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Well, a nice thing for some people i guess, but i'll stay with PC since that's the most powerful and modular system right now.

11 years ago
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Well, it's gonna be great for LAN party, but I don't think I want to spend that much, especially there is no specific specs and apparently, it's gonna be hard to upgrade it.

11 years ago
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Closed 11 years ago by H1N1337.