I haven't noticed any other topics on this, but Xi3 has opened preorders on their Piston console, popularly known as the Steam Box. Some basic technical specs have been released, along with pricing options.

The Piston features a quad core CPU running at 3.2 GHz, 8GB of RAM, and the choice between a 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB solid state storage drive, which affects the price. Xi3 is currently offering a $100 discount on all preorders. Pricing after preorder discount is as follows:

128GB model - $899

256GB model - $1239

512GB model - $1649

For those who are a bit more technical, the Piston incorporates AMD's Trinity R464 embedded processing solution, consisting of a 4 core CPU turbo clocked at 3.2GHz with 4MB L2 cache, HD7660G GPU, and 8GB dual channel DDR3-1600 RAM.

At this price point it really shouldn't be considered competition for consoles any more than a gaming PC.

EDIT: Sorry the original title was a little misleading. Fixed.

From Polygon

Those who pre-order Piston, hardware maker Xi3's codenamed "Steam Box" modular computer, will receive a $100 discount off its $999.99 list price, the company announced.

According to Xi3 founder, president and CEO Jason Sullivan, pre-orders are a precaution for high demand.

"Given the amount of awards, media attention and gamer interest the Piston console has generated since it was unveiled at CES 2013 in January, we've become seriously concerned that we will not be able to meet the demand for Piston consoles this year," Sullivan said. "That's why we have decided to begin accepting pre-orders on our Piston console, beginning today with the start of the SXSW Gaming Expo."

SXSW attendees will have a chance to see the console in action as well, Sullivan said. An on-stage presentation will showcase the alpha version at 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 9.

Valve's partnership with mini-PC maker Xi3 was announced at CES in January, where Piston was one of many Steam Box prototypes shown. In the next three to four months, Valve is expected to distribute Steam Box prototypes to customers to gauge their reactions, co-founder Gabe Newell said.

Piston is expected to ship in time for the holiday season this year. The console is designed to support Steam and Big Picture mode.

Valve copies Alienware, prices and all confirrmed?

At least put cool lights and a picture of Gaben on the case, sheesh.

Holy shit. There is no way this thing will survive at that price point.

Welp there goes that idea of that competing with Next gen consoles.

Will be a gaming enthusiast item for hardcore steam users though. And as many Steam games as I own, I'm still not one of them.

This isn't the steam box.

Dam, price is a tad high, will see how it goes I guess.

Really now? If this is true then I guess the Wii U will be my secondary machine sometime after I get the PS4 this year. No way I'm paying that much.

I don't think this is THE Steam Box. It's just a small modular computer that has been officially supported by Valve.

Maybe that's the idea. There isn't going to be a single product line Steam Box. Maybe it's just going to be a sticker that gets slapped on computers built to be hooked up next to a TV that meet certain Steam requirements. Maybe Steam Box is nothing more than Big Screen mode and anyone can build and sell a PC compatible with Big Screen mode.

Is it something for turbo cars. ZOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!!!!!!!!!!!
Here I come, here I go.