The Piston V gaming mini PC is now available through a Kickstarter campaign, offering a compact desktop solution that prioritizes upgradeability and external graphics expansion. This device matters to buyers who want a small form factor without sacrificing the ability to add powerful components later. It targets users seeking a versatile gaming rig that can adapt to their budget and performance needs over time.
Compact desktop features external GPU support and dual-boot options
This mini PC is built around the AMD Ryzen AI 9 365 APU, which features a 10-core Zen 5 processor and integrates the Radeon 880M graphics unit. The system ships with 16 GB of DDR5-5600 RAM and a 500 GB M.2 Gen 4 SSD, both of which are user-upgradable. The RAM can be expanded to 64 GB, and the storage capacity can reach up to 4 TB, allowing for significant personalization.
Specifications
- Processor: AMD Ryzen AI 9 365 APU (Zen 5, 10-core)
- Graphics: AMD Radeon 880M iGPU
- Memory: 16 GB DDR5-5600 RAM (upgradable to 64 GB)
- Storage: 500 GB M.2 Gen 4 SSD (upgradable to 4 TB)
- Connectivity: OCuLink, USB4 Type-C, HDMI 2.1, Wi-Fi 7
Connectivity options include a USB4 Type-C port, HDMI 2.1, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, and dual 2.5G Ethernet ports. A standout feature is the OCuLink port, which enables the connection of external graphics cards for enhanced gaming performance. The front panel also houses a 4-inch IPS touch display with a 720 x 720 resolution, providing quick access to system information or media controls.
Synthetic benchmarks indicate that the Ryzen AI 9 365 performs similarly to the Ryzen 9 7940HS, while the Radeon 880M iGPU matches the Intel Arc 140V in graphics tasks. In practical gaming tests, the device achieved an average of 75 fps in Spider-Man 2 at 1080p high settings with FSR enabled. The system supports dual-boot configurations, allowing users to run either Windows or Bazzite, a Linux-based SteamOS variant.
Pricing tiers vary based on early bird status and configuration. The initial super early bird price was $559, but those slots are sold out. Current availability starts at around $590, with higher-tier configurations reaching approximately $715. The device is currently available for purchase via the Kickstarter platform, with final retail pricing and availability tiers subject to change as the campaign progresses.
Source: NotebookCheck
