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The allure of the Gigabyte Brix Pro is undeniable - what we have here is a full desktop Core i7 quad-core CPU integrated into a minuscule case that fits into the palm of your hand. In addition to this one-of-a-kind combination of power and portability, it also features Iris Pro 5200 graphics - the most powerful GPU Intel has ever released, hitherto found in this form only in the latest iMacs. Gigabyte has put forward this device as its debut Steam Machine, and Valve itself gave away one of these units to every game-maker that attended its recent Steam Developer Days event in Seattle. As a unique piece of technology, not to mention its status as a games console of the future, we just had to check it out.While the SteamOS platform is still in development, the Gigabyte Brix Pro is available to buy right now, and Valve's current beta OS works with the diminutive PC. But let's be clear here - we can't review the unit as a Steam Machine. The hardware might be complete, but SteamOS itself is still a long way off show-time and not in anything like a reviewable state. On top that, we're lacking hands-on time with Valve's intriguing controller. However, the machine is available to buy now and can definitely be assessed in terms of its hardware design and of course its Windows performance. Additionally, it's our contention that the findings there fundamentally define the unit's suitability for gaming, no matter which operating system you have installed.
First impressions on removing the Brix Pro from its svelte packaging are actually quite delightful. Even though you're expecting a small form-factor PC, holding the unit in your hand generates a sensation of pure disbelief - it's absolutely tiny. Never before has a high-end desktop processor been presented in so small a box, and in its Steam Machine guise, this may well be the smallest high-power games console you've ever seen.
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