If i cannot upgrade the GPU then that would be a deal breaker for me upgrading the CPU and ram will only take you so far before a new GPU is necessary i am assuming they know this and we will be able to.
Valve backs PC maker Xi3, announces Steam Box mini-PC
Specifics on tiny PC are kept quiet, but Valve invests an undisclosed amount into PC manufacturer.
PC manufacturer Xi3 has announced a modular, grapefruit-sized computer designed around Steam's TV-focused Big Picture mode, and Valve itself has announced an undisclosed amount of investment in the company.
While the oft-rumoured Steam Box was not shown directly, the Utah-based Xi3 showed off a prototype model of its tiny modular chassis, dubbed Piston, at CES Las Vegas. However, the company remained tight-lipped when it came to specs, price, and dates.
Speaking to Polygon, Xi3 chief marketing officer David Politis mentioned that the diminutive device would be modular, with the option to upgrade components like the CPU and RAM. The device also allows for up to a terabyte of storage.
While the exact differences between the Steam device and Xi3's current X7A and X5A prototypes have yet to be detailed, the demonstration unit of the Piston showed four USB 2.0, USB 3.0 and eSATA ports, an ethernet port, 3.5mm audio and S/PDIF, two Mini DisplayPorts, and an HDMI/DisplayPort.
Xi3 also confirmed that the upcoming box is based on its bigger and more powerful prototype, the X7A, which will retail for $999. The entry-level device, the X5A, retails for $499 and runs on Linux--the open-source OS Valve engineer Ben Krasnow recently said the Steam box would utilise.
“This new development stage product will allow users to take full-advantage of their large high-definition TV displays for an amazing computer game experience," said Xi3 CEO Jason A. Sullivan. "As a result, this new system could provide access to thousands of gaming titles through an integrated system that exceeds the capabilities of leading game consoles, but can fit in the palm of your hand.”
Valve's Jeri Ellsworth has previously said she would like to launch an external beta test of proprietary Valve hardware sometime in 2013.
Content you might like…
Users who looked at this article also looked at these content items.
Hot Stories
Newsmakers
-
Biden: No legal problem with taxing violent games
United States Vice President Joe Biden believes there is no legal restriction on ability to tax violent media. Full Story
- Posted May 14, 2013 3:50 am SST
-
Just Cause dev promises 'holy f**king sh**' moments in future games
Avalanche Studios co-founder says developer's ambition is for action, not moments that make players cry; steampunk-style game on hold. Full Story
- Posted May 15, 2013 9:33 pm SST
Featured Stories
-
Bungie shoots down Destiny for PS Vita rumor
Developer confirms image suggesting version of upcoming shared-world shooter in development for Sony's latest portable is a fake. Full Story
- Posted May 16, 2013 8:08 pm SST
-
Ubisoft planning to release games more frequently
Assassin's Creed and Far Cry publisher says its network of 26 studios and over 7,000 developers will allow company to ship major franchises more regularly. Full Story
- Posted May 16, 2013 7:42 pm SST
-
Metro: Last Light dev responds to workplace conditions claims
4A Games creative director Andrew Prokhorov thanks Jason Rubin for telling the studio's story, but says, "We deserve the ratings we get." Full Story
- Posted May 17, 2013 3:44 am SST
-
EA opens DICE LA to make Star Wars games
DICE head would also like to poach top talent from rivals Infinity Ward and Treyarch. Full Story
- Posted May 15, 2013 6:28 pm SST
-
EA dropping Online Passes - Report
Future EA games won't require Online Passes; the service is being scrapped after tepid player response. Full Story
- Posted May 16, 2013 11:28 am SST







