Beelink SER9 Max H 255
The Beelink SER9 Max H 255 represents a significant evolution in compact computing, targeting power users who need workstation-caliber performance without sacrificing desk space. Built around the AMD Ryzen 7 H 255 processor with 8 cores and 16 threads boosting up to 4.9GHz, this mini PC delivers desktop-class computing in a chassis measuring just 5.31 inches on each side. The standout feature is its 10Gbps Ethernet port, a rarity in consumer mini PCs that makes it particularly attractive for home lab enthusiasts, content creators working with large files, and anyone who needs serious network throughput. Combined with USB4 40Gbps connectivity, triple 4K display support at 240Hz, and DDR5 memory upgradability to 128GB, the SER9 Max positions itself as a versatile workhorse capable of handling everything from Proxmox virtualization to 4K video editing.
Pros and Cons of the Beelink SER9 Max H 255
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 10Gbps Ethernet with auto-downspeed to 2.5GbE | Realtek NIC incompatible with VMware ESXi |
| USB4 40Gbps with Power Delivery and DisplayPort Alt Mode | No NPU for Copilot+ AI features |
| MSC 2.0 vapor chamber keeps noise to 32dB under load | 20% larger than standard Intel NUC form factor |
| Dual M.2 PCIe 4.0 slots supporting up to 8TB total | Pre-installed bloatware (Wondershare software) |
| DDR5 memory upgradable to 128GB | No pure performance gain over previous SER8 |
| Low 8W idle power consumption | Single RAM/storage configuration available |
Beelink SER9 Max H 255 Comparison Chart
 Beelink SER9 Max H 255 | |
| Price | List Price: $679 Amazon Prices: Loading prices... |
| Version | 32GB/1TB |
| Perfomance Rating | 9.0 |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Pro |
| Processor | Octa-core 3.80 Ghz (max 4.90 Ghz) AMD Ryzen 7 H 255 |
| GPU | Integrated AMD Radeon 780M |
| RAM | 32 GB |
| Internal Storage | 1 TB |
| Dimensions width x length x thickness | 5.31 x 5.31 x 1.76 inches (134.87 x 134.87 x 44.7 mm) |
| Weight | 1.72 lbs (0.78 kg) |
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Ethernet | 1 Ethernet port at 10 Gbps |
| HDMI | 1 HDMI Port |
| DisplayPort | 1 DisplayPort |
| VGA | No VGA Ports |
| USB Ports | 2 USB 2.0, 3 USB 3, 1 USB 4, 2 USB-C |
| Thunderbolt Ports | No |
| Internal SATA Ports | No SATA ports |
| Card Reader | No Card Reader |
| Headphone Jack | combo |
| Fanless | No |
| VESA Mount | Yes |
| In the Box | Mini PC unit, power adapter (19V 6.32A), HDMI cable, VESA mounting bracket with screws, user manual |
| Expandability | 2x DDR5 SO-DIMM slots (32GB installed, upgradable to 128GB), 2x M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe (supports up to 8TB total) |
Detailed Insights into the Beelink SER9 Max H 255
The Beelink SER9 Max H 255 features a premium aluminum chassis that exudes quality the moment you unbox it. The compact 5.31 x 5.31 x 1.76-inch form factor weighs just 1.72 pounds, making it easy to mount behind a monitor using the included VESA bracket or tuck away on a desk. Port selection is comprehensive, with the rear panel hosting 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x DisplayPort 2.1, 2x USB-A 2.0, and the prized 10Gbps Ethernet port. The front panel provides quick access to 2x USB-A 3.2 Gen2 (10Gbps), 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen2 (10Gbps), and a combo headphone jack. The standout USB4 40Gbps port supports Power Delivery and DisplayPort 1.4 Alt Mode, enabling eGPU connectivity for those needing additional graphics horsepower.
Under the hood, the AMD Ryzen 7 H 255 processor delivers impressive performance for its class. In Geekbench 6 benchmarks, the SER9 Max scores approximately 2,500 single-core and 12,000+ multi-core, putting it in the same performance tier as the Ryzen 7940HS and 8945HS. The integrated Radeon 780M GPU with 12 RDNA 3 compute units at 2600MHz handles 1080p gaming respectably, while its hardware encoding makes it suitable for 4K video editing workflows. The MSC 2.0 vapor chamber cooling system enables the chip to sustain its full 65W TDP while maintaining noise levels around 32dB, which reviewers describe as barely audible in typical office environments. Power consumption is equally impressive at just 8W idle, making it suitable for always-on home server applications.
Storage and memory expansion options are generous for this form factor. The two DDR5 SO-DIMM slots come populated with 32GB at 5600MHz, with support for up to 128GB according to Beelink’s specifications. Two M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe slots allow for up to 8TB of high-speed storage expansion, though there’s no 2.5-inch SATA bay for those with older drives. Connectivity includes Intel AX200 WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2, providing reliable wireless options. The 10Gbps Ethernet port intelligently auto-downspeeds to 2.5Gbps when connected to slower switches, a feature that many dedicated 10G NICs lack.
Reviewer Insights on the Beelink SER9 Max H 255
ETA PRIME’s Perspective
ETA PRIME’s comprehensive review praised the SER9 Max’s build quality and thermal management. His teardown revealed the MSC 2.0 vapor chamber cooling system, which he noted keeps the system “quiet, cool, and powerful” even during extended stress tests. He highlighted the premium aluminum construction and the versatility of having both HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 2.1 for high-refresh-rate 4K displays. ETA PRIME’s gaming tests showed the Radeon 780M handling titles like Cyberpunk 2077 at 1080p with playable frame rates, making this a capable casual gaming machine when a dedicated GPU isn’t available.
VirtualizationHowto’s Perspective
VirtualizationHowto’s review focused on the SER9 Max’s home lab potential. “The big story here is 10 gig networking,” he stated, emphasizing that the Realtek 10G NIC delivers true 10Gbps throughput for applications like NAS frontends and high-bandwidth Docker nodes. His Proxmox VE Server 9 testing confirmed the system runs virtualization workloads without issues, though he cautioned that the Realtek NIC won’t work natively with VMware ESXi. At just 8W idle power consumption, he recommended it as “an excellent choice for low-power virtualization hosts with real 10 gig connectivity.”
According to Virtualization Howto’s written review, “When combined with the redesigned MSC 2.0 vapor chamber cooler, the SER9 Max stays quiet under load.” Their testing confirmed the 10Gbps Ethernet can intelligently downspeed to 2.5GbE when connected to slower infrastructure, a feature many 10G cards lack. The review particularly praised the unit for “setups where network throughput is the deciding factor.”
Both video and written reviewers consistently praised the 10Gbps networking and quiet operation while noting the lack of a pure performance upgrade over the previous SER8 model. The consensus is that buyers should choose the SER9 Max specifically for its networking capabilities rather than expecting a CPU performance leap.
Customer Reviews of the Beelink SER9 Max H 255
Amazon customers have responded positively to the Beelink SER9 Max, awarding it a 4.5 out of 5 star rating based on 241 reviews. Buyers consistently praise the system’s compact size, quiet operation, and impressive performance for productivity tasks. Many highlight the 10Gbps Ethernet as a key differentiator, with home lab enthusiasts particularly appreciating the high-speed networking for NAS and virtualization applications.
Common criticisms focus on the pre-installed bloatware, particularly Wondershare software that requires manual removal. Some users note that the AMD Ryzen 7 H 255 (essentially a rebadged Ryzen 7 8745H) doesn’t represent a generational leap over previous offerings, suggesting buyers specifically need the 10G networking to justify the purchase. A few reviews mention the slightly larger footprint compared to Intel NUC-style mini PCs, though most consider the size increase acceptable given the performance and connectivity on offer.
Overall, customers view the SER9 Max as excellent value for its feature set, with the combination of DDR5 memory, PCIe 4.0 storage, USB4 connectivity, and 10Gbps Ethernet providing a future-proofed platform. The 32GB/1TB configuration at $679 (frequently discounted to around $615) represents competitive pricing for this performance tier.
Conclusion
The Beelink SER9 Max H 255 carves out a clear niche for itself in the mini PC market by prioritizing networking capability over raw CPU performance gains. For home lab enthusiasts running Proxmox, content creators transferring large video files, or anyone needing genuine 10Gbps network throughput, this system delivers where most competitors still max out at 2.5Gbps. The AMD Ryzen 7 H 255 provides ample processing power for virtualization workloads, while the Radeon 780M handles casual gaming and hardware video encoding with ease.
However, if you’re upgrading from a Beelink SER8 or similar Ryzen 8000-series system and don’t specifically need 10Gbps networking, the performance gains won’t justify the expense. The SER9 Max makes the most sense as a purpose-built platform for high-bandwidth applications. At its discounted street price around $615, it offers compelling value for users who will actually utilize the networking capabilities.
For those looking to compare options, Starry Hope’s Mini PC Comparison Chart provides a valuable resource for evaluating the SER9 Max against alternatives in its performance class.
Frequently Asked Questions
What processor does the Beelink SER9 Max H 255 use?
The Beelink SER9 Max H 255 uses the AMD Ryzen 7 H 255 processor, an 8-core, 16-thread chip based on Zen 4 architecture with boost speeds up to 4.9GHz. This processor is essentially a rebadged AMD Ryzen 7 8745H optimized for compact systems, delivering performance comparable to the Ryzen 7940HS and 8945HS in benchmarks.
Does the Beelink SER9 Max support 10 gigabit Ethernet?
Yes, the SER9 Max features a true 10Gbps Ethernet port using a Realtek 10G NIC. The port intelligently auto-downspeeds to 2.5GbE when connected to slower network infrastructure, a feature that many dedicated 10G network cards lack. This makes it ideal for home lab setups, NAS connections, and high-bandwidth workloads.
How much RAM can the Beelink SER9 Max support?
The SER9 Max supports up to 128GB of DDR5 memory via its two SO-DIMM slots. It ships with 32GB of DDR5-5600MHz RAM pre-installed. Both RAM slots are user-accessible for upgrades, making it suitable for memory-intensive virtualization and professional workloads.
Can the Beelink SER9 Max run Proxmox or ESXi?
The SER9 Max runs Proxmox VE Server 9 without any issues and works well with Hyper-V and VMware Workstation. However, the Realtek 10G NIC is not natively compatible with VMware ESXi, so users wanting to run ESXi will need to use a community driver or add a compatible USB/Thunderbolt Ethernet adapter.
How loud is the Beelink SER9 Max under load?
The SER9 Max operates at approximately 32 decibels under load, which reviewers describe as barely audible in a typical office environment. The MSC 2.0 vapor chamber cooling system enables the CPU to maintain its full 65W TDP while keeping noise levels low. At idle, the system is essentially silent with power consumption around 8W.
What display outputs does the Beelink SER9 Max have?
The SER9 Max supports triple 4K displays at 240Hz through its HDMI 2.1 port, DisplayPort 2.1 port, and USB4 port (via DisplayPort Alt Mode). The USB4 port also provides 40Gbps bandwidth for eGPU connectivity, enabling additional graphics capabilities when needed.
Is the Beelink SER9 Max good for gaming?
The integrated AMD Radeon 780M GPU with 12 RDNA 3 compute units handles 1080p gaming at medium to low settings for most titles. Reviewers demonstrated playable frame rates in demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077, though it’s not a replacement for a dedicated gaming PC. The USB4 port enables eGPU connectivity for those wanting to add external graphics capabilities.
What storage expansion options does the SER9 Max offer?
The SER9 Max includes two M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe slots supporting up to 8TB of total storage. The system ships with a 1TB NVMe drive installed, leaving the second slot free for expansion. Note that there is no 2.5-inch SATA bay, so only NVMe drives can be added internally.