In the realm of compact computing, the Geekom A9 Max emerges as a formidable contender, sporting a high-end AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 chip that places it among the most powerful Mini-PCs currently available. With a host of connectivity options and a robust build, the A9 Max sets itself apart, though it occasionally reveals its power through audible fan noise and retains a somewhat dated aspect in its design.
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### A Closer Look at Aesthetics and Connectivity
Upon unboxing the Geekom A9 Max, it’s apparent that the company has opted to reuse the chassis from its predecessor, the A8 Max, which was introduced six months prior. This isn’t necessarily a drawback since the aluminum body with its black plastic rear and underside exudes a sleek and premium feel. The front of the device, however, features four USB-A ports, which seem a tad outdated despite their compatibility with many existing peripherals. These ports, equipped with USB 3.2 Gen 2, allow for data transfers up to 10 Gigabits per second.
On the back, you’ll find an additional two USB-A ports, with one also capable of 10 Gbps, while the other, limited to 480 Mbps, is suited for less demanding devices like mice or keyboards. The rear also houses two USB-C ports with a whopping 40 Gbps transfer capability (USB 4.0), one of which can also power the unit, thus eliminating the need for a power adapter during travel. Additionally, there are dual Ethernet ports supporting up to 2.5 Gbps, two HDMI 2.1 outputs, a convenient SD card reader on the left side, and a security lock slot on the right.
### Visual Capabilities and Internal Performance
A significant upgrade over its precursor, the A9 Max supports HDMI 2.1, enabling the connection of up to four 8K monitors—a remarkable feature for such a compact device. Internally, the Mini-PC doesn’t disappoint with its 2 Terabyte SSD, which boasts impressive read and write speeds exceeding 5300 MB/s. This not only surpasses the previous A8 Max but also outperforms the SSD speeds of the recently tested Apple Mac mini M4.
Equipped with 32 GB of DDR5 RAM (expandable to 64 GB), the A9 Max delivers strong performance benchmarks. After updating all software and shutting down unnecessary applications, the device scored impressively in Geekbench 6 tests, both for single-core and multi-core operations. The integrated AMD Radeon 890M GPU also leverages this robust memory, securing high scores in graphical benchmarks, thereby facilitating both professional tasks like video editing and moderate gaming.
### Future-Ready with AI Capabilities
The “AI” in the chip’s name isn’t just for show; the A9 Max is geared towards future artificial intelligence tasks, bolstered by an onboard neural processor (NPU). Although challenging to measure AI performance accurately through current benchmarks, the Geekom A9 Max is certified by Microsoft for Copilot+, indicating its readiness for demanding AI applications. The NPU’s capacity far exceeds the requirements, showcasing its potential for extensive AI operations.
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### Performance Under Pressure
While the A9 Max operates quietly under typical use, demanding tasks can prompt the cooling fan into a louder operation, though this is somewhat expected given its powerful internals. Energy efficiency remains a strong point, with the Mini-PC drawing less than 5 watts in idle and not exceeding 70 watts under maximum load, typically settling around 50 watts during intensive tasks.
In the competitive landscape of Mini-PCs, where Apple’s Mac mini M4 has set a high standard in terms of cost-performance ratio, the Geekom A9 Max stands out not only for its affordability but also for its superior performance and versatility, making it a compelling option for those seeking a powerful yet compact computing solution.
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Ned Winslow is passionate about technological innovations. He writes about AI, cybersecurity, startups, and big tech companies. He makes technology understandable for everyone, with a critical eye on its impacts.
