GEEKOM A9 Max
The GEEKOM A9 Max represents the pinnacle of mini PC engineering, packing desktop-class performance into a sleek 0.8-liter metal chassis. Powered by AMD’s flagship Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor with 12 cores, 24 threads, and an integrated Radeon 890M GPU, this Copilot+ certified PC delivers an impressive 80 TOPS of AI acceleration for modern AI-powered workflows. Unlike many competitors with soldered memory, the A9 Max features user-upgradeable DDR5 RAM that can be expanded to 128GB, making it a future-proof investment for power users who demand both performance and flexibility.
What truly sets the A9 Max apart is its connectivity prowess. With WiFi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, dual 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet ports, and two USB4 ports capable of 40Gbps data transfer, this mini PC is designed for professionals who need lightning-fast connections. The inclusion of dual M.2 NVMe slots, a full-size SD card reader, and VESA mounting capability rounds out a package that rivals much larger workstations. At $1,199 for the 32GB RAM and 2TB storage configuration, it targets content creators, developers, and productivity enthusiasts who value compact form factors without compromising on capability.
Pros and Cons of the GEEKOM A9 Max
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Powerful Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 with 80 TOPS AI acceleration and Copilot+ certification | Fan noise becomes noticeable in Performance Mode (45-52 dB) |
| User-upgradeable DDR5 RAM up to 128GB via SO-DIMM slots | No OCuLink or USB4 v2 for external GPU support |
| WiFi 7 and dual 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet for cutting-edge connectivity | Premium pricing at $1,199 for the base configuration |
| Premium all-metal chassis rated to withstand 200kg pressure | Limited manual fan control options in BIOS |
| Dual M.2 NVMe slots (2280 + 2230) supporting up to 8TB total storage | Design identical to older A8 Max and GT1 Mega models |
| Full-size SD card reader (UHS-II) and comprehensive port selection | High DPC latency may affect real-time audio applications |
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GEEKOM A9 Max Comparison Chart
![]() GEEKOM A9 Max | |
| Price | List Price: $1199.00 Amazon Prices: Loading prices... |
| Version | 32GB/2TB/Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 |
| Perfomance Rating | 10.1 |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Pro |
| Processor | Twelve-core 2.00 Ghz (max 5.10 Ghz) AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 |
| GPU | Integrated AMD Radeon 890M |
| RAM | 32 GB |
| Internal Storage | 2 TB |
| Dimensions width x length x thickness | 5.32 x 5.2 x 1.85 inches (135.13 x 132.08 x 46.99 mm) |
| Weight | 1.56 lbs (0.71 kg) |
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.4 |
| Ethernet | 2 Ethernet ports at 2.5 Gbps |
| HDMI | 2 HDMI 2.1 Ports |
| DisplayPort | No DisplayPort |
| VGA | No VGA Ports |
| USB Ports | 1 USB 2.0, 5 USB 3, 2 USB 4 |
| Thunderbolt Ports | No |
| Internal SATA Ports | No SATA ports |
| Card Reader | SD Card Reader 4.0 |
| Headphone Jack | combo |
| Fanless | No |
| VESA Mount | Yes |
| In the Box | A9 Max Mini PC, 120W power adapter with IEC C5 cord, 2x HDMI cables, VESA mount bracket with screws, quick-start guide, warranty booklet |
| Expandability | RAM upgradeable to 128GB via 2x DDR5-5600 SO-DIMM slots (dual-channel). Storage expandable via 2x M.2 slots (2280 + 2230, both PCIe 4.0 NVMe, each up to 4TB). User-upgradeable via removable bottom panel. |
Detailed Insights into the GEEKOM A9 Max
The GEEKOM A9 Max showcases impressive industrial design with its all-metal aluminum chassis measuring just 5.32 x 5.20 x 1.85 inches and weighing only 1.56 pounds. The build quality is exceptional, with GEEKOM claiming the chassis can withstand up to 200 kilograms of pressure, a testament to its ruggedness. The front panel provides easy access to four USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A ports (including one Always On for charging), a 3.5mm audio jack, and a full-size SD card reader. The rear houses two HDMI 2.1 outputs capable of 8K resolution, two USB4 Type-C ports, dual 2.5GbE Ethernet connections, and additional USB ports.
Under the hood, the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 delivers extraordinary processing power with its hybrid architecture of 4 Zen 5 performance cores and 8 Zen 5c efficiency cores. The integrated Radeon 890M GPU based on RDNA 3.5 architecture provides graphics performance previously unthinkable in integrated solutions, capable of running modern games at 1080p with respectable frame rates. The 50 TOPS neural processing unit enables hardware-accelerated AI features in applications like Microsoft Copilot, Adobe Premiere Pro, and other AI-enhanced software. In benchmarks, the system achieves approximately 7,976 points in PCMark 10 and 3,701 points in 3DMark Time Spy, placing it among the most powerful mini PCs available.
The connectivity options are genuinely impressive for a system this size. WiFi 7 (802.11be) provides multi-gigabit wireless speeds, while Bluetooth 5.4 ensures compatibility with the latest peripherals. The dual 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet ports support link aggregation for network professionals, and the USB4 ports deliver 40Gbps bandwidth with DisplayPort Alt Mode for connecting high-resolution displays. Storage expansion is handled by two M.2 slots (one 2280 and one 2230), each supporting PCIe 4.0 NVMe drives up to 4TB. The included Lexar NVMe drive delivers read speeds of 6,242 MB/s and write speeds of 5,423 MB/s.
Reviewer Insights on the GEEKOM A9 Max
NotebookCheck’s Comprehensive Analysis
NotebookCheck awarded the A9 Max an 82% score, praising it as the best GEEKOM mini PC ever released. Sebastian Bade noted the “elegant, refined design with premium craftsmanship” and highlighted the strong performance from the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor. The review specifically called out the dual USB4 40Gbps ports and Wi-Fi 7 as standout features for connectivity. However, the reviewer criticized the “noticeably audible fan noise during partial and full load operation” and the limited BIOS configuration options. The review concluded that “an optimized fan control could significantly improve the overall very positive impression.”
PCWorld’s Workstation Perspective
PCWorld gave the A9 Max 4.5 out of 5 stars, positioning it as an excellent choice for developers and graphic designers. Christoph Hoffmann emphasized the comprehensive port selection, noting that “GEEKOM hasn’t been stingy with ports and leaves nothing to be desired: supporting up to four monitors with 8K.” The review praised the compact metal construction and quick boot times, while acknowledging that the pricing policy and dual 16GB RAM modules (limiting future upgrades to a maximum of 64GB if one stick is replaced) are potential drawbacks.
TechRadar’s AI Focus
TechRadar rated the A9 Max 4.5 out of 5 stars, describing it as “a feature-packed AI-ready mini PC with surprising performance in a compact, ultra-stylish form.” Alastair Jennings noted that the system proved to be “an exceptional office-focused machine with more than enough power to handle heavy-duty day-to-day tasks.” The review highlighted good connectivity and stylish design as key strengths, while pointing out that the lack of GPU power for demanding games and the absence of front USB-C ports are notable limitations.
Tom’s Guide on Connectivity
Tom’s Guide also awarded 4.5 out of 5 stars, with Anthony Spadafora particularly impressed by the port layout. He declared it has “the most front ports I’ve seen on any PC yet,” praising the excellent expandability and very convenient front port access. The review highlighted quiet and efficient cooling as a major selling point, though it noted that accessing internal components for upgrades can be tricky due to the rubber feet removal requirement.
Customer Reviews of the GEEKOM A9 Max
Amazon customers have responded enthusiastically to the A9 Max, awarding it a 4.4-star rating based on 323 reviews. The most consistent praise centers on the system’s remarkable performance-to-size ratio, with many users expressing amazement at the computing power packed into such a compact chassis. Buyers particularly appreciate the silent operation during normal workloads and the ability to drive multiple 4K displays simultaneously without any perceivable lag.
Content creators and developers form a significant portion of satisfied customers, noting the smooth performance in applications like DaVinci Resolve, Adobe Creative Suite, and various development environments. The upgradeable RAM is frequently mentioned as a deciding factor over competitors with soldered memory, with several users planning future upgrades to 64GB or 128GB. Linux users have reported excellent compatibility with distributions like Ubuntu and Fedora, making it a popular choice for those running non-Windows workflows.
Common concerns among reviewers include the fan noise during intensive tasks, though most acknowledge it remains within acceptable limits. Some users found the initial setup process longer than expected due to Windows updates and driver installations. A few customers noted the premium pricing but ultimately concluded the feature set and build quality justified the investment for their specific use cases.
Conclusion
The GEEKOM A9 Max stands as one of the most capable mini PCs currently available, offering a compelling combination of raw performance, future-proof upgradeability, and cutting-edge connectivity in a premium metal chassis. The AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor with its 80 TOPS AI acceleration positions this system at the forefront of the AI PC revolution, while the user-upgradeable RAM and dual M.2 slots address one of the primary complaints about competing high-end mini PCs.
This mini PC is ideally suited for content creators who need powerful hardware for video editing and 3D rendering, developers seeking a compact yet capable workstation, and productivity enthusiasts who value desk space without sacrificing performance. The WiFi 7 and dual 2.5GbE connectivity make it particularly attractive for network professionals and those in modern, high-bandwidth environments. However, gamers seeking the absolute best graphics performance should consider systems with discrete GPUs, and budget-conscious buyers may find better value in lower-tier alternatives.
For those looking to compare the A9 Max against other mini PCs, Starry Hope’s Mini PC Comparison Chart provides a valuable resource for evaluating specifications and features across different models.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I upgrade the RAM in the GEEKOM A9 Max?
Yes, unlike many competing mini PCs with soldered memory, the GEEKOM A9 Max features two DDR5-5600 SO-DIMM slots that are user-accessible. The system supports up to 128GB of RAM in a dual-channel configuration. The base model ships with 2x 16GB modules, and you can upgrade by replacing one or both sticks with higher-capacity modules.
What is a Copilot+ PC and why does it matter?
A Copilot+ PC is Microsoft’s designation for systems with dedicated neural processing units (NPUs) capable of 40+ TOPS (trillion operations per second). The GEEKOM A9 Max exceeds this with 80 TOPS of AI processing power, enabling features like real-time AI-enhanced video effects, intelligent photo editing, and faster responses in Microsoft Copilot and other AI-powered applications.
How many monitors can the GEEKOM A9 Max support?
The A9 Max can support up to four displays simultaneously at resolutions up to 8K. It features two HDMI 2.1 ports and two USB4 ports with DisplayPort Alt Mode. This makes it excellent for multi-monitor productivity setups, trading workstations, or content creation environments requiring extensive screen real estate.
Is the GEEKOM A9 Max good for gaming?
The integrated AMD Radeon 890M GPU provides surprisingly capable gaming performance for an integrated solution. You can expect playable frame rates in modern games at 1080p on medium settings, and excellent performance in esports titles. However, for demanding AAA games at high settings, a system with a discrete GPU would be more appropriate.
How loud is the GEEKOM A9 Max during operation?
The A9 Max operates nearly silently during idle and light workloads. Under heavy loads, reviewers measured fan noise between 45-52 dB in Performance Mode, which is noticeable but not excessively loud. The IceBlast 2.0 cooling system maintains temperatures between 68-74 degrees Celsius during sustained workloads.
Does the GEEKOM A9 Max support Linux?
Yes, the A9 Max has good Linux compatibility. Users have reported successful installations of Ubuntu, Fedora, and other popular distributions. The AMD Ryzen platform generally offers strong open-source driver support, making it a solid choice for Linux-based development or server applications.
What comes in the box with the GEEKOM A9 Max?
The package includes the A9 Max mini PC, a 120W power adapter with IEC C5 cord, two HDMI cables, a VESA mounting bracket with screws, a quick-start guide, and warranty documentation. The inclusion of two HDMI cables and a VESA mount makes setup straightforward right out of the box.
Can I use an external GPU (eGPU) with the GEEKOM A9 Max?
The USB4 ports support Thunderbolt 3 compatibility, which theoretically allows eGPU enclosures. However, reviewers have noted the absence of OCuLink or USB4 v2 interfaces, which would provide more optimal bandwidth for external graphics cards. If eGPU capability is critical, you may want to verify compatibility with your specific enclosure before purchasing.
