The first Copilot+ capable mini PC I've tested doesn't disappoint as a strong rival to Apple's new Mac mini

As a tech enthusiast with years of experience under my belt, I must admit that the Beelink SER9 has left me quite impressed. This mini powerhouse is not just a compact PC; it’s a statement piece that effortlessly blends performance and aesthetics.

I have a soft spot for compact computers like mini PCs, and Beelink consistently delivers top-notch performance within this niche. After examining numerous mini PCs from Beelink, the latest SER9 equipped with AMD’s advanced Ryzen AI 9 370 processor could very well be one of their best yet.

This is our company’s inaugural mini PC that is compatible with the Copilot+ system. In other words, once the new functionalities like Windows Recall and Click To Do are rolled out in the forthcoming weeks, this device will be able to utilize these features.

This mini PC stands out not just because of its AI capabilities, but also due to the remarkable performance of its CPU and GPU. It’s capable of handling 1080p gaming and operates quietly enough for use in an office setting. The premium metal casing adds to its high-quality design. However, you should be prepared to pay a higher price for this top-tier mini PC.

I’ve been using the Beelink SER9 for a few weeks now, and this is my full review.

Beelink SER9: Pricing and availability

The first Copilot+ capable mini PC I've tested doesn't disappoint as a strong rival to Apple's new Mac mini

The Beelink SER9 is available for purchase either directly from Beelink’s official store or through third-party vendors such as Amazon.com at a price of $1,249. However, you may be able to get it for a few hundred dollars less if you buy it directly from Beelink. It comes in one configuration, though there are two color options: Silver or Space Grey.

Beelink SER9: Design

Kicking off my exploration with the Beelink SER9 design, I must say it’s a real standout. It seems to me that this compact PC is among the sleekest minimalist designs available today, boasting an all-metal aluminum body that remains cool to the touch. The chassis comes in two stylish colors: Frost Silver and Space Gray.

At the forefront, you’ll find a sleek design featuring four minuscule openings for the integrated microphone, accompanied by a 3.5mm audio jack, one USB-C port, and one USB-A port. Additionally, there’s a power button conveniently placed on the front, which lights up when the PC is turned on, providing an indicative glow. The button offers a tactile, pleasing click and is effortlessly accessible, unlike the new Mac mini.

At the rear side, you’ll find a variety of connectivity options. There’s one USB-A 3.2 port, two standard USB-A 2.0 ports, a 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet interface, a DisplayPort 1.4, an HDMI 2.1, a USB4 C-Type, and another audio jack. I must admit, I’m a bit disheartened by the number of USB 2.0 ports on the SER9. There are three USB-A ports in total, but only one of them supports contemporary 3.2 speeds. This limits their functionality to basic wired devices like keyboards and mice. Instead, it would have been more beneficial if all USB-A ports were at least USB 3.0 compatible.

On the upper part of the casing, you’ll find a compact emblem, while the underside sports a breathable plastic grille for ventilation. The box’s left and right sides maintain a minimalist aesthetic, lacking any visible ports, controls, or markings.

All in all, I’m quite fond of this mini computer’s design. It bears a striking resemblance to the latest Mac mini when viewed from a distance, which isn’t unwelcome. Most Mini PCs typically have a plastic casing, so it’s refreshing to see Beelink opt for an all-metal body in this instance.

The SER9 model boasts a flexible design that enables users to upgrade its internal components as well. Specifically, this model offers support for upgrading its storage, with two available M.2 SSD slots – one pre-installed with a 1TB SSD and the other left vacant for personal customization. To access these slots, simply unscrew a few screws under the mesh bottom panel, providing you with immediate access to upgrade your storage.

Beelink SER9: Features

Among mini PCs available today, the Beelink SER9 stands out as one equipped with both an integrated speaker and microphone. On its front facade, you’ll notice four openings that house the microphone. According to Beelink, this microphone benefits from AI technology housed within an embedded chip, enabling Windows to effectively differentiate between foreground and background noise. Essentially, the built-in microphone is compatible with Microsoft’s Voice Focus function, a part of Windows Studio Effects that is exclusive to devices incorporating a dedicated Neural Processing Unit (NPU), which is present in the Beelink SER9.

To begin with, let me point out the audio setup of the device. While I don’t believe it’s necessary for a mini PC like this to have built-in speakers, Beelink has included them. Unfortunately, they aren’t top-notch. In comparison, the speakers integrated into my monitor provide clearer and more comfortable listening experience, despite their shortcomings. However, I wouldn’t recommend relying on them either. The speakers in the SER9 are simply too muffled and tinny to be practical. They can suffice in a temporary situation if you’re joining a Teams call, but I wouldn’t suggest using them for watching movies or listening to music. This is particularly relevant if you plan to mount your mini PC behind your monitor or under the desk.

It’s worth noting that the Beelink SER9 is among the initial mini PCs available today, which come with a built-in Neural Processing Unit (NPU). Remarkably, this NPU can generate over 50 Tera Operations Per Second (TOPS), placing it in the category of official Copilot+ PCs. Consequently, this device is equipped to utilize all of Microsoft’s advanced AI functionalities within Windows 11, such as Windows Recall and Click To Do.

Regretfully, the mentioned features haven’t been implemented on the SER9 as of now. However, Microsoft plans to introduce Copilot+ PC features for AMD and Intel systems in the upcoming weeks following their release on Snapdragon X Copilot+ PCs. At least, you can expect the SER9 to receive new AI capabilities soon.

Beelink SER9: Performance

In terms of delivering top-notch performance, the SER9 doesn’t fall short. Equipped with AMD’s cutting-edge Ryzen AI 9 370 processor and Radeon 890M GPU, along with a robust 32GB RAM, this compact PC is nothing short of a powerhouse for handling tasks efficiently. It’s one of the first processors from AMD to support Copilot+ and boasts an NPU capable of approximately 50 TOPS, making it the most powerful NPU available in the Windows PC market at present.

Let’s kick off with our PCMark 10 assessment, a test that mimics daily tasks like using Microsoft Office, surfing the web, and video conferencing. In this test, the PCMark 10 scored an impressive 7,392, positioning it slightly below Intel’s Core i7-13700H and above the Intel Core Ultra 9 185H, indicating that this chip is quite capable.

In Geekbench 6 tests that measure raw CPU power, the SER9 slightly surpassed the Snapdragon X Elite in both single-core and multi-core performances. Our single-core result was 2,899 points, while our multi-core score reached 15,145. On the other hand, the Snapdragon X Elite managed to get 2,832 for single-core and 14,557 for multi-core. Although they’re quite close in performance, the AMD Ryzen AI 9 comes out on top.

The SER9 doesn’t fall short when it comes to graphics performance. In our 3DMark Time Spy test, the Radeon 890M graphics chip delivered a score of 4,022, positioning itself alongside high-performance GPUs like the Intel Arc 140V and demonstrating strikingly comparable results to the NVIDIA RTX 4060 L in the Dell XPS 16 with a score of 4,100.

In actual use, the SER9 computer operates swiftly and smoothly, while maintaining a cool and quiet environment almost all the time. The exceptions are when it’s rendering high-quality videos or playing games, as one would anticipate. For lightweight tasks, its noise level hovers around 33 decibels, suitable for a desktop PC. However, during gaming sessions, it can reach approximately 45 decibels.

As a tech enthusiast, I can confidently say that the gaming performance of this device is impressive! The 890M graphics chip inside packs quite a punch and is worth considering for those who enjoy dabbling in gaming on the side. In fact, you’ll be able to run most AAA titles at 1080p medium settings with approximately 60 frames per second (FPS), which is something I wouldn’t have been able to say about some older Beelink PCs marketed specifically for gaming.

If you’re searching for a device that can run games in 4K with top-tier graphics, this compact computer might not meet your needs. But if you occasionally enjoy playing games like Cities Skylines or a few matches of Halo: Infinite at 1080p with medium settings, the SER9 should handle those just fine.

Lastly, I want to mention an odd thing I noticed with my SER9 unit. Whenever the 890M graphics chip is in use, I can hear a very quiet, low-pitched buzzing noise from the PC. This buzzing noise is not present when the GPU isn’t in use. I’m not sure if it’s something similar to coil whine or just an issue with my unit. But it’s something to keep an eye out for.

Beelink SER9: Should you buy it?

You should buy this if …

✅ You’re looking for a mini PC that’s capable of Copilot+ AI features.

✅ You need a mini PC that’s powerful and quiet.

✅ You want to do a bit of lightweight gaming.

✅ You want a productivity machine that doesn’t take up much space.

You should not buy this if …

❌ You need multiple USB-C ports.

❌ You need more than two USB-A 3.x ports.

❌ You want to do high-end gaming.

In summary, the Beelink SER9 could be one of the top mini PCs I’ve evaluated so far. This is the first AI-enabled mini PC we’ve received in our lab, and I believe it’s an excellent option for individuals seeking a desktop computer that supports Copilot+ functionality, despite the fact that such features aren’t accessible yet. Its design is stunning, and it boasts impressive power considering its compact size, although you will need to pay a higher price for these capabilities.

I prefer a more modern USB port configuration at the back; ideally, they should all be USB 3.x compatible as a minimum. By 2024, USB 2.0 speeds will be outdated and inadequate for most devices, so it’s best not to include them going forward.

As a analyst, I find myself often pondering over the Beelink SER9, which leans towards the pricier end at $1,249. However, if you choose to acquire it directly from Beelink, you might be able to snag it for around $999 – though this option may carry some risks as customer support might not be as robust as purchasing from a reliable online retailer like Amazon.

2024-11-06 19:09

The first Copilot+ capable mini PC I’ve tested doesn’t disappoint as a strong rival to Apple’s new Mac mini