Piston V Ryzen AI 9 365 mini-PC crowdfunding starts at $589

Piston has launched a crowdfunding campaign for the Piston V, a compact gaming mini-PC that targets users seeking high performance in a small form factor. The device stands out by integrating a 4-inch circular touchscreen directly onto the chassis, offering immediate access to system controls without needing an external monitor. This hardware approach appeals to enthusiasts who want a self-contained gaming rig or a powerful desktop alternative that fits on a desk without clutter.

Compact gaming rig features Zen 5 CPU and circular touchscreen

At the core of the Piston V sits AMD's Ryzen AI 9 365 processor, which utilizes the Zen 5 architecture. This CPU is paired with the Radeon 880M integrated graphics, built on the RDNA 3.5 architecture with 12 Compute Units. The system runs on 16GB of DDR5-5600 memory, which can be expanded up to 64GB using standard SO-DIMM slots. Storage starts at a 500GB PCIe 4.0 SSD but supports upgrades to 4TB via M.2 slots.

Specifications

• CPU: Ryzen AI 9 365 (Zen 5)
• GPU: Radeon 880M (RDNA 3.5, 12 CUs)
• Memory: 16GB DDR5-5600 (up to 64GB)
• Storage: 500GB PCIe 4.0 SSD (up to 4TB)
• Display: 4-inch circular touchscreen

Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 7 for wireless networking and dual 2.5GbE Ethernet ports for wired connections. The machine supports both Windows and a SteamOS-style Linux gaming environment, giving users flexibility in their operating system choice. It is powered by a 120W power supply unit that fits within the compact chassis design.

Pricing for the Piston V varies based on the funding tier. The Early Bird tier is priced at 589 USD (around $589). The standard campaign price is 679 USD (around $679), while the stated MSRP is 799 USD (around $799). Delivery is currently estimated for January 2027, following a small-scale trial production run visible in factory photos.

The Piston V positions itself as a gaming-focused mini-PC with replaceable components, distinguishing it from sealed all-in-one systems. OCuLink support is listed as a stretch goal rather than a standard feature at this stage. Buyers interested in this hardware should note the extended delivery timeline and the specific hardware configuration included in each pricing tier.