Xi3 Piston Console

[Latin00032]

I've been following the Xi3 Piston console since I heard they were working with Valve.

This past Monday, they announced a couple more significant details about the system.

Besides what is on the site, there are a couple things that stand out as interesting to me and that also cause me to question what the product is and who it appeals to.

The system isn't really that powerful. If I spent $1000 on a pre-made computer (or built it myself) I can get a system that is at least twice as powerful as the Piston. It is using the new AMD A10 processor. Based on reviews, that processor can handle only mid to low end gaming.

I understand they are aiming for: 1. A person who wants something they can use with their TV easily. 2. A computer that doesn't take too much space near the TV. 3. A device that is quiet.

It looks like they are focusing on the device being "modular". I wish they were more specific in what that means. On the surface and as per info they provide, it looks like only some items are upgradeable. You can upgrade the ram and you can upgrade the hard drive. Based on reading the FAQ, it looks like you may be able to upgrade the processor and/or GPU in the future. How?

I actually thought the device would work differently when first announced. I thought the "base unit" would house the main CPU on a tiny motherboard with ram. I thought the hard drive and/or GPU would be on a separate module to be easily upgradable. I don't know if this is going to really work this way.

Does anyone have any thoughts on the pluses and minuses to this device? Im trying to understand what they are trying to market to.

Thanks.

[inteli722]

I've been following the Xi3 Piston console since I heard they were working with Valve.

This past Monday, they announced a couple more significant details about the system.

Besides what is on the site, there are a couple things that stand out as interesting to me and that also cause me to question what the product is and who it appeals to.

The system isn't really that powerful. If I spent $1000 on a pre-made computer (or built it myself) I can get a system that is at least twice as powerful as the Piston. It is using the new AMD A10 processor. Based on reviews, that processor can handle only mid to low end gaming.

I understand they are aiming for: 1. A person who wants something they can use with their TV easily. 2. A computer that doesn't take too much space near the TV. 3. A device that is quiet.

It looks like they are focusing on the device being "modular". I wish they were more specific in what that means. On the surface and as per info they provide, it looks like only some items are upgradeable. You can upgrade the ram and you can upgrade the hard drive. Based on reading the FAQ, it looks like you may be able to upgrade the processor and/or GPU in the future. How?

I actually thought the device would work differently when first announced. I thought the "base unit" would house the main CPU on a tiny motherboard with ram. I thought the hard drive and/or GPU would be on a separate module to be easily upgradable. I don't know if this is going to really work this way.

Does anyone have any thoughts on the pluses and minuses to this device? Im trying to understand what they are trying to market to.

Thanks.

OK: <hipster> So I heard about Xi3 WAY before Piston </hipster>, and The way it works is that there are 3 boards inside the computer which comprise the Motherboard. When the time comes, instead of upgrading the whole computer, you swap the CPU board, or the GPU board out by unscrewing one side, sliding the assembly out, removing the board, and replacing the new board. If Xi3 can get this box out for <$500, then they'll probably make a boatload.

[tp4tissue]

this thing is too slow to game..

[inteli722]

this thing is too slow to game..

I don't know. From what I've seen, an A10 wouldn't be too bad for gaming. It's NOT going to run Crysis 3 on Ultra, but it should do fine, provided you have fast RAM.

[metalliqaz]

It runs Steam OS, ie Linux.  There aren't many AAA titles available.  It will be good for the current round of HumbleBundle-type games that are currently on the market.  Price is expensive but when you think about it, it make some sense.  This is new, custom hardware that can't score sales in the range of Dell or Samsung.  Also, they can't sell at a loss the way Xbox or Sony can.  They have to make profit on the hardware, because they most likely do not get a cut of the software.

[tp4tissue]

Modern games require at least a dual core 3.6ghz i3...

If the APU is the only thing that they'll offer,   all of the Piston players will be at a huge disadvantage vs the i5, 5ghz people...

I'm reading A8 5500... who's seriously crazy enough to pay $1000 for that...

for $1000 you can build a 5ghz i5 or i7...