Over the past few years, there has been significant progress in mini PC technology, largely due to substantial technological leaps from Intel and AMD. The current generations of their mobile processors can now rival the performance of parts traditionally used in desktop computers, all while consuming significantly less power.
In simple terms, the compromises made with the new Geekom A9 Max mini PC have been very small, and I can genuinely say it has found a spot on my desk over the past fortnight of usage.
Boasting a powerful AMD APU within, ample storage capacity, generous amounts of RAM, and superior connectivity features surpassing those of my gaming PC, this small device packs quite the punch despite its compact size.
This review was created after receiving a complimentary product from Geekom. They did not influence the content or preview it before publication.
The Geekom A9 Max is a tiny box full of tricks
Initially opening the package, the aroma hints at similarities between the Geekom A9 Max and the Mac Mini. The minimalistic white packaging with silver highlights conceal a matching streamlined silver casing within. While there may be minor differences in dimensions and weight, it’s roughly comparable to the most recent Mac Mini in size.
About 14 years ago, I tried using a Mac Mini for the first time, and it left me in awe. Now, I find myself experiencing that same sense of wonderment once more with the Geekom A9 Max.
The A9 Max fits perfectly in compact spaces, making it suitable for virtually any setup. Its convenience is further enhanced by the provided VESA mount, allowing you to conceal it behind your monitor if desired. However, I prefer keeping it visible and enjoying its presence.
I’m still consistently amazed by how much power and capabilities such compact devices like the Geekom A9 Max can hold, given that it was around 14 years ago when I first experienced a similar sense of awe using a Mac Mini for the first time.
As a dedicated tech enthusiast, what truly sets this device apart from the likes of Apple is its impressive blend of style and substance. Unlike some other devices that might appear sleek but lack functionality, this powerhouse boasts an astonishing FOUR USB 3.2 ports on the front, one of which is permanently powered. Moving to the back, the action really heats up with dual HDMI 2.1, dual 2.5G Ethernet, dual USB-C 4.0, another USB 3.2, and a basic USB 2.0 port. To top it off, there’s even a full-sized SD card slot conveniently located on the side. This device is truly a dream for those who demand both style and performance!
In a straightforward manner, let me emphasize that the internet connection here surpasses what I have on my gaming computer, and interestingly, it’s even more compact than my power supply unit for the gaming PC.
How do they cram so much hardware inside?
For the first time, I’ve tried the Geekom A9 Max, which is one of the latest Ryzen AI APUs from AMD. Once used, there’s no turning back. This device isn’t like a Strix Halo mini PC, nor does it carry the same hefty price tag (thankfully). Instead, it utilizes Strix Point technology, or in full, the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX370.
This configuration features 12 total cores, comprised of four Zen 5 cores and eight Zen 5c cores. Each of these cores can handle 6 threads, bringing the total thread count to 24. It also comes equipped with Radeon 890M graphics. The NPU (Neural Processing Unit) in this system has a capacity of 50 TOPS (Trillion Operations Per Second), making it suitable for a Copilot+ PC. However, there seems to be no mention or sign of the Recall feature in this setup.
This device initially includes 32GB of DDR5 RAM operating at 5600MHz, which can be expanded up to 128GB since it uses removable SODIMMs rather than being soldered in place. For storage, you’ll find a pre-installed 2TB PCIe 4.0 SSD, and there’s also room for an additional drive using the m.2 2230 format – a common form factor often found on portable gaming PCs.
With a 120W power adapter, Geekom has extra room to design and customize internally, as there’s no need for an internal power supply. Although the system is set up to consume 54W on the APU, you’ll only notice this increase when gaming or working on local AI projects. The highest power consumption I’ve observed so far is a maximum of 58W.
In my experience, Geekom’s cooling solution works remarkably well and is consistently efficient. Even in my warm office environment, under prolonged load, my CPU temperature never exceeds a toasty 87°C (188°F), peaking at a relatively cool 71°C (160°F) during gaming sessions. As for the GPU, it rarely goes above 70°C (158°F).
In simpler terms, the issue here is that the A9 Max doesn’t support Oculink ports, which some external GPUs utilize for connection. Unfortunately, this means that these specific external GPUs can’t be used with the A9 Max. However, an eGPU connected via USB 4 is an option, but it’s not beneficial if you already own an external GPU equipped with an Oculink port.
“Crowned for AI, built to game”
The title above closely matches Geekom’s tagline for the A9 Max. Normally, I don’t fall for marketing rhetoric, but they seem to have hit the mark with this one. The standout feature is the Radeon 890M integrated GPU, which operates on RDNA 3.5 and boasts 16 cores. What sets it apart is its ability to allocate a significant portion of the system’s memory for graphics, up to 24GB of VRAM in this particular configuration.
In simpler terms, you don’t require much more than 8GB of RAM for gaming purposes. Your system comes with 2GB by default, but you can adjust this using the AMD software, reboot your computer, and you’re all set for gaming. Personally, I’ve been managing my games with 8GB, reserving the remaining 24GB for other tasks. For testing AI applications, I’ve evenly divided the RAM at 16GB each.
With this setup, it’s possible for the compact PC to manage the GPT-oss:20b, a language model with 20 billion parameters, effortlessly. By utilizing LM Studio alongside the Radeon 890M graphics card, I can generate 25 tokens per second on the GPT-oss:20b while maintaining a 4k context window. The model conveniently fits within the 16GB of dedicated GPU memory, and the Radeon 890M delivers ample computing power for optimal performance.
Other models of comparable size may not perform as effectively, but AMD collaborated with OpenAI on gpt-oss:20b. Consequently, its performance is reasonable. However, this setup functions well as a compact AI workstation, especially if you opt for 64GB or 128GB of RAM. Using Stable Diffusion, you can utilize the NPU for graphic tasks, in addition to the Copilot+ features that take advantage of it. Nevertheless, it’s quite sluggish, so I would advise simply using the GPU instead.
This device is an exceptional gaming console, indeed. Although it’s somewhat expensive for a compact home gaming PC setup in a living room, it undeniably possesses the power required for such a purpose.
As a researcher examining gaming performance, I’ve found some interesting data regarding frame rates in two popular games – Cyberpunk 2077 and Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War, both played at 1080p resolution.
In the case of Cyberpunk 2077, with medium settings and FSR balanced, an average of approximately 61 frames per second (FPS) is achieved. By enabling frame generation, an additional 30 FPS can be gained.
On the other hand, when setting Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War to balanced at 1080p with the balanced FSR preset, a more consistent average of around 77 FPS is observed.
In simpler terms, the game Forza Horizon 5 runs smoothly at an average of 66 frames per second in 1080p resolution when set to high graphics settings. On the other hand, Shadow of the Tomb Raider achieves approximately 61 frames per second at 1080p with medium graphics settings and Intel’s XeSS set to balanced.
As a devoted gamer, I’m thrilled to share that the Geekom A9 Max offers incredible flexibility when it comes to settings adjustments. You can crank up all the preferences to suit your style, but Whether you prefer medium or high graphics, this powerhouse of a device delivers an immersive gaming experience that’ll leave you truly impressed.
Including the CPU in our considerations, let’s not overlook the 12-core Ryzen AI 9 HX370. It performs exceptionally well, with Cinebench scores matching those from similar tests we’ve conducted with this processor. Similarly, it holds its ground in other synthetic benchmarks. A comparison of data with our colleagues at Techradar reveals that it surpasses the standard Apple M4 found in the Mac Mini in these specific tests.
Let me clarify one aspect about the BIOS on the Geekom A9 Max. Although it doesn’t offer extensive customization options, I did find one change that noticeably improved performance in benchmarks. Since there are few adjustments you can make, altering the fan settings to ‘Performance’ mode is a trade-off – it increases noise slightly but boosts performance. This adjustment elevated the Cinebench score by approximately 30 points, which isn’t negligible.
All the PC most people will ever need
You should buy this if …
✅ You want an efficient, yet powerful desktop PC.
✅ Connectivity is important.
✅ You’d like to be able to game and handle local AI workloads.
You shouldn’t buy this if …
❌ You need to process massive GPU workloads, such as larger AI models or high resolution gaming.
❌ You’re shopping on a budget.
For years, I’ve pondered the notion of parting ways with my cherished desktop gaming PC, which I hold dear and consider like a beloved child. However, despite its immense power, it’s more than necessary for almost all tasks, even gaming. But, after spending some time with the Geekom A9 Max, it’s the first instance that has given me the feeling that I might be ready to make the switch.
As a researcher, I find myself often emphasizing that for many individuals, this compact device serves as their comprehensive personal computer solution. With its gaming capabilities and robust artificial intelligence functionalities, it stands as an all-encompassing system that caters to various demands. Equipped with the latest technology, it promises longevity and avoids becoming outdated for a considerable period.
AMD also deserves its share of praise, even though the Ryzen AI 9 HX370 has been surpassed by the extravagant and pricey AI Max+ 395. However, let’s not underestimate the capabilities of this chip.
In simple terms, I find the CPU remarkable, its built-in graphics processor just as impressive. Miniature PCs such as the A9 Max, in my opinion, may be the shape of things to come in desktop computing.
By investing approximately $1,200, you can own a powerful yet energy-efficient PC that can run non-stop throughout the day without significantly increasing your electricity costs. A quick calculation reveals that switching to the Geekom A9 Max could potentially save you up to £200 in electricity expenses every year compared to using a gaming PC.
Instead of maintaining high settings and frame rates in games, I’m willing to compromise those for a smoother gaming experience. Fortunately, with the top-of-the-line NVIDIA GeForce Now, which includes an RTX 5080, such compromises may no longer be necessary.
Should you buy one? Absolutely, if it’s in your budget. This is a mini PC that can do it all.
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2025-08-27 14:11