IoT specialist M5Stack has released an alluring, translucent, RGB-infused, tetrahederal mini-PC dubbed the AI Pyramid Computing Box. Despite its curb-appeal, and great connectivity, computing enthusiasts should be clear that this cute little computer is designed for local-AI and edge deployment. M5Stack’s octa‑core Cortex‑A55 and NPU-powered box of tricks isn’t really a contender to replace your x86 productivity and gaming workhorse.
So, we’ve established the purpose of the AI Pyramid, let’s look closer at the compelling specs for edge-AI purposes. This delightful device is based around an Axera AX8850 SoC, which integrates an octa-core Arm Cortex-A55 processor, a 24 TOPS INT8 NPU, and 8K H.264/H.265 hardware encode/decode engines.
With the 4GB model ($199) there is 2GB available to the system and 2GB reserved for the NPU and video engines. M5Stack’s AI Pyramid Pro 8GB model ups the split to 4GB/4GB. Even the higher-spec model would be stingy for a desktop Linux OS, which is one of the major reasons we said this isn’t going to find favor as a general purpose mini-PC.
New Arrivals: AI Pyramid & AI Pyramid Pro - YouTube Watch On
M5Stack reckons that the true sweet spot deployments of its AI Pyramid will include: AI PC & Edge Intelligent Terminals; Smart Interactive Devices such as Home Assistant, AIGC, voice cloning, meeting transcription; AI Vision Gateways; Local AI Smart Photo Album (Immich); and AI-Powered Intelligent Security (Frigate).
Pro model diagram (with 8GB RAM) (Image credit: M5Stack
For hardware clarity, we’ve tabulated the full, extensive specs list of the AI Pyramid Computing Box, below.
Swipe to scroll horizontally Category Details SoC Axera AX8850 — octa-core Cortex-A55 @ 1.7 GHz, 24 TOPS INT8 NPU, hardware H.264/H.265 encode/decode RAM 4GB (or 8GB 'Pro' model) LPDDR4x-4266 (split evenly: half for system, half for the NPU / video engines) Storage 32GB eMMC 5.1, microSD card slot Physical 144.5 × 105 × 62mm, 195g; translucent pyramid enclosure with RGB LED matrix and OLED status display I/O 2× HDMI 2.0 outputs (4K60)
4× USB-A 3.0 (one internal)
2× USB-C (1× host, 1× PD input)
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