GEEKOM A9 Max Review: Desktop Power in a Pocket-Sized Package

The GEEKOM A9 Max challenges everything we thought we knew about compact computers. For too long, mini PCs have been synonymous with compromise, but this unexpected powerhouse completely redefines what a compact computer can accomplish. This isn’t just another small PC – it’s a genuine engineering marvel that delivers desktop-class performance in a form factor that fits in your pocket.

In this comprehensive review, we’ll explore what makes the A9 Max such an impressive machine. From its raw processing power to its remarkable cooling system, we’ll dive deep into every aspect that makes this mini PC stand out from the competition.

The GEEKOM A9 Max: Where desktop power meets pocket-sized design.

At the heart of the GEEKOM A9 Max lies the powerful AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor. This beast of a chip delivers the equivalent of 12 cores and 24 threads, reaching impressive clock speeds of up to 5.1 GHz. But raw specs only tell part of the story.

During demanding benchmark testing with Cinebench R23, the A9 Max exceeded 15,000 points. This impressive score puts it in direct competition with acclaimed desktop processors, including the highly regarded Apple M4 Pro. Finding this level of performance in such a compact chassis isn’t just surprising – it’s a genuine engineering feat.

The AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor powering the A9 Max.

Benchmark Performance

The surprises don’t stop with the processor. The integrated Radeon 890M graphics chip delivers performance that seemed impossible for an iGPU just a short time ago. Whether referenced as the 890M or the Radeon 780M in certain tests, the result is the same: it manages to surpass a dedicated graphics card like the NVIDIA GTX 1650.

What does this mean in practical terms? This mini PC can handle demanding games on a 1440p 200Hz monitor – a task usually reserved for much larger gaming computers. Achieving such graphics performance from a system of this size, without a dedicated graphics card, is simply astounding.

Far from making sacrifices on connectivity, the GEEKOM A9 Max offers comprehensive, future-oriented connectivity options that rival full-sized desktops.

Comprehensive connectivity options on the A9 Max.

The device’s compact format is designed for discretion, with an included VESA mount allowing you to attach it behind a monitor for a completely clutter-free desk setup. This thoughtful design makes it perfect for minimalist workspaces or anyone looking to maximize their desk space.

Raw performance means nothing if the user experience isn’t smooth. The A9 Max excels in this area as well. Its PCIe 4.0 SSD delivers read speeds exceeding 5,000 MB/s, translating to nearly instantaneous boot times and flawless application responsiveness.

High-speed memory and storage configuration in the A9 Max.

To push the system to its absolute limits, an extreme productivity scenario was simulated: running Chrome with 20 tabs, Canva, DaVinci Resolve video editing software, and OBS screen recording simultaneously. The system never showed the slightest sign of weakness.

As for the two major concerns with mini PCs – heat and noise – the A9 Max handles them with remarkable efficiency. Even under full load, temperatures remain below 80°C, fan noise is minimal, and most importantly, there’s no thermal throttling that would degrade performance.

Positioned around $1,000, the GEEKOM A9 Max offers a value proposition that’s hard to ignore. It doesn’t just perform well – it actively outclasses much more established competitors.

Compared to many other mini PCs from far more recognized and well-known brands, this truly wonderful and exceptionally capable mini PC, specifically the A9 Max, simply puts them all to shame.

This statement rings even truer when you consider that many competitors still offer machines equipped with less powerful processors like Intel i5, Ryzen 5, i7, or Ryzen 7 at similar or even higher prices – processors that fall far short of reaching this level of performance.