Imagine ditching your bulky desktop for a sleek powerhouse that fits in the palm of your hand – yet delivers the muscle of a full-sized machine! That's the thrill of discovering the Geekom A9 Max, a compact mini PC that's redefined what I thought possible in small-form-factor computing.
I've put countless mini PCs through their paces over the years, but the A9 Max stands out as the one that finally checks all the boxes with its abundant ports and robust performance. This little beast comes housed in a stylish aluminum chassis, offering a wide array of front and rear connectors. Under the hood, it boasts an AMD Ryzen AI 9 processor teamed up with 32GB of speedy DDR5 RAM – for those new to this, DDR5 is the latest generation of memory that zips data around faster than ever, making multitasking and demanding apps feel seamless. Storage isn't an issue either, thanks to a massive 2TB SSD that ensures quick boot times and ample room for your files. Sure, popping it open for upgrades takes a tad more effort, but once inside, you can easily enhance its components, turning this mini PC into a reliable workhorse for productivity and even light gaming that will serve you faithfully for years to come.
Pros
- + Whisper-quiet and energy-efficient cooling system
- + Outstanding options for future expansions
- + Incredibly handy front-facing ports
- + Performance on par with full desktop computers
Cons
- - Somewhat challenging to access for customizations
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The Geekom A9 Max is an exceptionally speedy mini PC that excels in performance, driven by its potent AMD Ryzen AI 9 processor. It's matched with top-tier components and offers the flexibility to expand RAM and storage as needed, all encased in a compact design that's just a smidge wider than the Mac Mini M4 – perfect for saving desk space without sacrificing power.
Priced at $1,199, the A9 Max isn't exactly budget-friendly. But here's the part most people miss: This isn't just any ordinary mini PC; you're securing desktop-grade horsepower along with nearly every port imaginable. True to Geekom's style, the rear is loaded with connections capable of handling up to four monitors simultaneously. Yet, what truly wowed me were the four USB-A ports on the front and the handy SD card slot on the side – ideal for quick file transfers from cameras or devices.
Beyond its strength, the A9 Max operates with remarkable silence. Over the two months I used it daily, the internal fan barely whispered, keeping things cool thanks to the sizable heatsink beneath the motherboard. This cooling design, while effective, did complicate opening the case compared to other Geekom models I've reviewed.
My in-depth Geekom A9 Max review aims to help you determine if this is the ideal mini PC for your setup and whether justifying the higher cost for such a zippy, space-saving device makes sense. Check out our guide to the best mini PCs for more options: (https://www.tomsguide.com/us/best-mini-pc.html).
Geekom A9 Max: Cheat Sheet
- What is it? A petite, silver mini PC delivering desktop-level power and a plethora of front and rear ports.
- Who is it for? Individuals seeking a high-performance mini PC equivalent to a full desktop or a laptop replacement.
- What does it cost? The A9 Max retails for $1,199 (https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=45724&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.com%2FGEEKOM-A9-Max-Windows-Display%2Fdp%2FB0FJ213R6G%3Fth%3D1%26tag%3Dhawk-future-20%26ascsubtag%3Dtomsguide-us-2232638705114023446-20), though it's currently on sale for $1,089 (https://www.awin1.com/awclick.php?awinmid=70891&awinaffid=103504&clickref=tomsguide-us-1077769078350004296&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.geekompc.com%2Fgeekom-A9-max-mini-pc%2F) on the manufacturer's site.
- What do we like? The formidable Ryzen AI 9 processor, its petite build, USB-C power capability, generous port selection (especially upfront), and superior expandability for RAM and storage.
- What don’t we like? The steep price point, the extra effort required to open for upgrades, and the Wi-Fi antennas that can easily disconnect.
Geekom A9 Max: Specs
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| Price | $1,199 |
| CPU | AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 |
| GPU | AMD Radeon 890M |
| RAM | 32GB DDR5 (upgradeable to 128GB) |
| Storage | 2TB (upgradeable to 4TB), 1 x M.2 2230 (upgradeable to 4TB) |
| OS | Windows 11 Pro |
| Ports | 4 x USB-A, 1 x 3.5mm headphone jack (front), 1 x SD card reader, 1 x Kensington Lock (side), 2 x USB-A, 2 x HDMI 2.1, 2 x USB 4 (one with PD-in), 2 x 2.5G Ethernet |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4 |
| Size | 5.31 x 5.20 x 1.85 inches |
| Weight | 1.56 pounds |
Geekom A9 Max: The ups
The Geekom A9 Max lives up to its name with abundant power, extensive port options, and a reliable path for future upgrades.
Sleek, silver, and sturdy
Measuring 5.31 x 5.20 x 1.85 inches, the A9 Max takes up a bit more desk real estate than the Mac Mini M4 but stands a tad shorter. It includes VESA mounting hardware for attaching behind your monitor, though with all those convenient front ports, I'd advise against it – more on why later.
Up front, you'll find four swift USB-A ports – including one for constant charging – plus a headphone jack and the power button. On the left flank, there's an SD card slot, and on the right, a Kensington Lock for securing it to your workspace.
At the back, two additional USB-A ports (one speedy, the other USB 2.0), two HDMI 2.1 outputs, two USB4 ports, dual 2.5 gigabit Ethernet connections, and a traditional power input round out the setup. If multi-monitor isn't your thing, you can power it via the labeled PD-in USB4 port using a 100W+ GaN charger, much like the MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG.
Four rubber feet keep it steady on my desk, and the aluminum shell exudes a premium vibe. For variety, a purple model is available at the same price.
While the aesthetics and ports shine, the real magic lies in its internals.
Mini but mighty
Geekom spared no expense on the A9 Max's components, which shone brightly in everyday use. It's fueled by an AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor, matched with 32GB of DDR5 RAM, and backed by a roomy 2TB M.2 SSD for storage.
Connectivity-wise, Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 are onboard. The dual 2.5 gigabit Ethernet ports are a standout – handy for linking to top Wi-Fi routers or sharing files with a NAS system.
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Performance Benchmarks
| Header Cell - Column 0 | Geekom A9 Max | Geekom IT15 | Geekom A6 |
| Geekbench 6.4 single-core | 2976 | 3080 | 2126 |
| Geekbench 6.4 multi-core | 15140 | 15589 | 10547 |
| 25GB file copy test (MBps) | 15.34 | 19.62 | 1200 |
| Handbrake (Mins:Secs) | 3:25 | 4:44 | 5:44 |
As shown in the benchmarks, the A9 Max excelled impressively. It trailed slightly behind the Geekom IT15 in Geekbench scores but outperformed it in file transfers and video encoding. In real use, the IT15 tended to get noisy under pressure, whereas the A9 Max stayed quietly composed.
For two months, I relied on it with a dual-monitor setup as my main machine. As someone who juggles dozens of Chrome tabs daily, it handled everything smoothly, from photo editing in GIMP to intensive tasks. Though I didn't test gaming personally, lab results showed 72 fps in Civilization VI at 1080p and 37 fps at 4K – easily managing modern games at high settings or older titles effortlessly.
In work scenarios, one aspect streamlined my routine immensely.
Ports at your fingertips
Typical mini PCs offer a couple of front USB-A ports, a headphone jack, and perhaps a USB-C. But when front USB-C includes video, rear options often dwindle. Here, Geekom doubled down on USB-A upfront, which became my favorite perk.
Frequent computer switchers like me appreciate 2.4 GHz USB dongles for keyboards and mice, allowing instant swaps without Bluetooth hassles. With the A9 Max, I plugged in adapters upfront, leaving ports free for flash drives or charging devices.
The full-size SD reader on the side is another Geekom staple, perfect for camera photos – as in this review.
For gaming enthusiasts, it could support four wired controllers for retro-style fun. I'd love to experiment with that someday!
Geekom A9 Max: The downs
The A9 Max excels in power, ports, and upgrades, but accessing internals proved trickier than other models, with careful handling needed for Wi-Fi cables.
Upgrading can be tricky
Similar to the Geekom A6, disassembly begins by flipping and removing rubber feet, which were stubbornly glued and required a pry tool – luckily, I had one from installing dash cams.
The feet's design allows reattachment if adhesive fails. Next, unscrew four case screws. But Geekom added a twist for cooling: a large metal heatsink under the base requires removing four corner screws and two per side.
And this is the part most people miss – or rather, the part where things can go awry. Taped wires on the heatsink's back connect 3D spatial antennas, enhancing Wi-Fi. They improved signal over the IT15 but detached easily during my reassembly, unnoticed until later.
Once inside, upgrade the M.2 SSD for larger capacity or add a secondary M.2 2230 drive. RAM is also swappable.
The fiddlier disassembly isn't a deal-breaker, but proceed cautiously when removing the heatsink to avoid reattaching antennas – it's a bit fiddly.
Geekom A9 Max: Verdict
The Geekom A9 Max ranks among the finest mini PCs I've encountered. From its elegant aluminum build to potent internals and strategic ports, its design is flawless. It thrives under heavy and light loads, proving an excellent daily driver.
Upgrade paths abound – add a second SSD, replace the primary, or boost RAM. The Wi-Fi antennas could be more secure, but patience during heatsink removal helps.
It overdelivers, making it a top recommendation for downsizing from desktops or preferring a docked laptop at desks.
But here's where it gets controversial: At over $1,000, is this premium mini PC a savvy investment for everyone, or should budget-conscious buyers look elsewhere? Some might argue the price justifies the power for long-term use, while others see it as overkill for basic tasks. What about you? Do you believe the Geekom A9 Max's expandability and performance outweigh its cost and minor upgrade hassles? Or do you think cheaper alternatives suffice for most people? Share your opinions and counterpoints in the comments – I'd love to hear your takes!
Anthony Spadafora is the managing editor for security and home office furniture at Tom’s Guide, where he delves into topics like data breaches, password managers, and comprehensive Wi-Fi coverage. He also reviews standing desks, office chairs, and home office gear, with a passion for crafting optimal desk environments. Prior to joining, Anthony contributed to ITProPortal in Korea and TechRadar Pro in the US. Hailing from Houston, Texas, when not writing, he's often tweaking PCs, consoles, and his smart home setup.
