GEEKOM AX8 Max

GEEKOM has built a reputation for delivering solid mini PCs that punch above their weight class, and the AX8 Max represents their most ambitious effort yet in the AMD-powered segment. This compact workstation combines the 8-core AMD Ryzen 7 8745HS processor with an impressive array of connectivity options that would make many full-sized desktops jealous. The aircraft-grade aluminum chassis feels substantial in hand and provides excellent thermal dissipation, while the dual 2.5G Ethernet ports and dual USB4 connections open up possibilities for networking professionals and content creators alike. At around $649 for the 32GB/1TB configuration, GEEKOM is positioning this squarely against both entry-level workstations and premium mini PCs from competitors like Intel NUC and Beelink.

Pros and Cons of the GEEKOM AX8 Max

Related Videos

GEEKOM AX8 Max Comparison Chart

	GEEKOM AX8 Max
Price	List Price: $649.00 Amazon Prices: Loading prices...
Version	32GB/1TB
Perfomance Rating	9.1
Operating System	Windows 11 Pro
Processor	Octa-core 3.80 Ghz (max 5.10 Ghz) AMD Ryzen 7 8745HS
GPU	Integrated Intel UHD Graphics
RAM	32 GB
Internal Storage	1 TB
Dimensions width x length x thickness	5.31 x 5.2 x 1.85 inches (134.87 x 132.08 x 46.99 mm)
Weight	1.2 lbs (0.55 kg)
WiFi	Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax)
Bluetooth	Bluetooth 5.2
Ethernet	2 Ethernet ports at 2.5 Gbps
HDMI	2 Full-Size HDMI Ports
DisplayPort	2 DisplayPorts (Via USB4 Type-C (DisplayPort 2.1 Alt Mode))
VGA	No VGA Ports
USB Ports	1 USB 2.0, 5 USB 3, 2 USB 4, 2 USB-C
Thunderbolt Ports	No
Internal SATA Ports	1 SATA port, includes 2.5" drive bay (2.5" SATA bay (16-pin FPC connector) + M.2 Key-B (SATA))
Card Reader	SD UHS-II
Headphone Jack	combo
Fanless	No
VESA Mount	Yes
In the Box	GEEKOM AX8 Max Mini PC, VESA mount bracket with screws, HDMI cable, 120W power adapter (19V), user manual
Expandability	RAM: 2x DDR5-5600 SODIMM slots (up to 64GB max). Storage: 1x M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 x4 (up to 4TB), 1x 2.5" SATA bay, 1x M.2 Key-B SATA slot

Detailed Insights into the GEEKOM AX8 Max

The GEEKOM AX8 Max makes an immediate impression with its build quality, featuring a CNC-machined chassis constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum alloy that GEEKOM claims can withstand 200 kilograms of pressure. This is not just marketing speak; multiple reviewers have noted the substantial, almost tank-like feel when handling the unit. The dimensions come in at approximately 5.3 x 5.2 x 1.85 inches and the unit weighs around 1.2 pounds (545 grams) without accessories, making it compact enough for desk mounting via the included VESA bracket while still providing ample room for effective thermal management. The two-tone aesthetic with contrasting silver accents is a departure from the typical all-black mini PC look, though some reviewers found the color scheme a bit unconventional.

Performance from the AMD Ryzen 7 8745HS processor proves impressive across the board, delivering Cinebench R23 multi-core scores around 16,000 and Geekbench 6 multi-core scores exceeding 12,600. These numbers translate to snappy everyday performance whether you are working through large spreadsheets, editing presentations, or running light video editing tasks in Premiere Pro. The integrated Radeon 780M graphics punch well above their weight, enabling comfortable 1080p gaming in many AAA titles and excellent performance in emulation scenarios including PS3, Wii U, and Nintendo Switch. Reviewers consistently praised how the AX8 Max handles Hogwarts Legacy and Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 at playable frame rates.

The connectivity package is where the AX8 Max truly earns its “Max” designation, offering an exceptional array of ports that rivals machines costing twice as much. You get dual 2.5G Ethernet ports powered by Realtek RTL8125 controllers, perfect for network-attached storage setups, virtualization labs, or simply having a backup connection. The dual USB4 Type-C ports deliver the full 40Gbps bandwidth with DisplayPort 2.1 Alt Mode and 100W Power Delivery, enabling connection to high-bandwidth peripherals and 8K displays. Combined with dual HDMI 2.0 outputs, you can drive up to four displays simultaneously, making this an excellent choice for trading desks, digital signage, or multi-monitor productivity setups.

Reviewer Insights on the GEEKOM AX8 Max

Tek Syndicate’s Perspective

Logan from Tek Syndicate delivered one of the most thorough technical reviews of the AX8 Max, running extensive benchmarks and thermal testing over the course of a 16-minute deep dive. He was particularly impressed by the out-of-the-box SSD speeds exceeding 7,000 MB/s and the stable thermal performance under sustained loads, noting that the chassis “can withstand 200 kilograms of pressure” which speaks to its rugged construction. His testing revealed idle temperatures around 39-44°C climbing to 83-85°C under full load with peaks hitting 90°C. “What makes this the Max? Well, they’ve just thrown the maximum number of ports and everything on there,” Logan observed, while also noting his only real complaint was the single M.2 storage slot. “For the price, it stacks up at a really nice spot… I was very impressed.”

Mad Little Pixel’s Perspective

Mad Little Pixel focused heavily on gaming and emulation performance, showcasing the AX8 Max as one of the best value propositions in the mini PC space at around the $500 price point (during sales). He was immediately struck by the premium packaging and unboxing experience, noting it felt “a lot more fancier than any of the other mini PCs that I’ve got from GEEKOM in the past.” His gaming tests demonstrated impressive results in titles like Hogwarts Legacy, which he described as “running awesome… the game looked great and it performed great.” For emulation enthusiasts, he highlighted Switch emulation quality: “It looks better than playing on my Nintendo Switch.” The three-year warranty and easy upgradeability also factored into his positive assessment.

TechRadar’s Review

According to TechRadar’s Alastair Jennings, who awarded the AX8 Max 4 out of 5 stars, this mini PC is “ideally balanced for the office” while remaining capable enough for light content creation work. The review emphasized the build quality, stating “the small mini PC feels exceptionally well built and robust, with a metal chassis that means it’s equally at home in a static office setup, used in a van, or taken between locations as a powerful portable mini PC.” The comprehensive benchmark results showed Geekbench single-core of 2440, multi-core of 12660, and Time Spy graphics score of 3162, confirming strong performance for its class.

The consensus among reviewers aligns remarkably well: the GEEKOM AX8 Max delivers premium build quality, excellent connectivity, and solid performance, with the main tradeoffs being slightly larger dimensions than some competitors and fan noise under heavy loads. For users prioritizing port selection and build quality over absolute silence or the smallest possible footprint, the AX8 Max makes a compelling case.

Customer Reviews of the GEEKOM AX8 Max

Amazon customers have responded positively to the GEEKOM AX8 Max, with the product maintaining a 4.4-star rating across over 500 reviews. Buyers consistently praise the build quality and substantial feel of the aluminum chassis, with many noting it feels like a premium product that justifies its price tag. The performance headroom for everyday tasks and even light gaming surprises many customers who were not expecting integrated graphics to handle modern titles so capably.

Common complaints center around fan noise during intensive workloads, with several reviewers noting that Performance Mode produces noticeably more noise for what some feel is marginal improvement. A few customers have also mentioned that while the port selection is excellent, they wish GEEKOM had included a second full-speed M.2 slot instead of the SATA-based expansion option. The three-year warranty and responsive customer support receive positive mentions, with several reviewers noting successful interactions with GEEKOM’s support team for questions about RAM upgrades and compatibility.

Conclusion

The GEEKOM AX8 Max establishes itself as a versatile powerhouse for users who need workstation-class connectivity in a compact form factor. The combination of dual 2.5G Ethernet, dual USB4 ports, and support for up to four displays makes it particularly appealing for networking professionals, home lab enthusiasts, and anyone running multi-monitor productivity setups. The Radeon 780M graphics also make it a surprisingly capable gaming machine, handling everything from AAA titles at 1080p to demanding console emulation with aplomb.

Users who prioritize absolute silence or need the smallest possible footprint might want to look elsewhere, as the AX8 Max trades those characteristics for its premium build quality and thermal headroom. Those requiring extensive local storage expansion should also note that while the 2.5” SATA bay and secondary M.2 slot provide some flexibility, only one slot offers full PCIe 4.0 speeds. At its current price point around $649, the AX8 Max competes favorably against both Intel-based alternatives and higher-end AMD mini PCs, offering a compelling balance of performance, connectivity, and build quality that justifies its “Max” designation.

For those looking to compare options, Starry Hope’s Mini PC Comparison Chart provides a valuable resource for evaluating the AX8 Max against its competitors.

Frequently Asked Questions