# AI mini PCs An AI mini PC can be an everyday desktop, a local assistant or a compact model server. Our preferred brand is Geekom: A9 Max is the general desktop choice, while A9 Mega is the more suitable starting point for large local models. ## Our picks - Everyday AI desktop: [Geekom A9 Max](https://testbenchlab.com/reviews/geekom-a9-max-review/) — from $1,499 - Larger local models: [Geekom A9 Mega](https://testbenchlab.com/reviews/geekom-a9-mega-review/) — $3,799 - Native eGPU expansion: [Minisforum AI X1 Pro](https://testbenchlab.com/reviews/minisforum-ai-x1-pro-review/) — from $1,199 ## All reviews | Product | Chip tier | Assessment | Price | |---|---|---|---| | [Beelink SER9 Pro](https://testbenchlab.com/reviews/beelink-ser9-pro-review/) | Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 | Researched | $1,149 | | [GMKtec EVO-X1](https://testbenchlab.com/reviews/gmktec-evo-x1-review/) | Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 | Researched | $1,149.99 | | [Minisforum AI X1 Pro](https://testbenchlab.com/reviews/minisforum-ai-x1-pro-review/) | Ryzen AI 9 HX 370/470 | Researched | from $1,199 | | [Geekom A9 Max](https://testbenchlab.com/reviews/geekom-a9-max-review/) | Ryzen AI 9 HX 370/470 | Researched | from $1,499 | | [GMKtec EVO-X2](https://testbenchlab.com/reviews/gmktec-evo-x2-review/) | Ryzen AI Max+ 395 | Researched | $3,649.99 | | [Geekom A9 Mega](https://testbenchlab.com/reviews/geekom-a9-mega-review/) | Ryzen AI Max+ 395 | Researched | $3,799 | | [Minisforum MS-S1 Max](https://testbenchlab.com/reviews/minisforum-ms-s1-max-review/) | Ryzen AI Max+ 395 | Researched | $3,799 | | [Beelink GTR9 Pro](https://testbenchlab.com/reviews/beelink-gtr9-pro-review/) | Ryzen AI Max+ 395 | Researched | $4,349 | ## Comparisons - [Geekom A9 Max vs Beelink SER9 Pro](https://testbenchlab.com/compare/geekom-a9-max-vs-beelink-ser9-pro/) - [Geekom A9 Max vs GMKtec EVO-X1](https://testbenchlab.com/compare/geekom-a9-max-vs-gmktec-evo-x1/) - [Geekom A9 Max vs Minisforum AI X1 Pro](https://testbenchlab.com/compare/geekom-a9-max-vs-minisforum-ai-x1-pro/) - [Geekom A9 Mega vs Beelink GTR9 Pro](https://testbenchlab.com/compare/geekom-a9-mega-vs-beelink-gtr9-pro/) - [Geekom A9 Mega vs GMKtec EVO-X2](https://testbenchlab.com/compare/geekom-a9-mega-vs-gmktec-evo-x2/) - [Geekom A9 Mega vs Minisforum MS-S1 Max](https://testbenchlab.com/compare/geekom-a9-mega-vs-minisforum-ms-s1-max/) - [Geekom vs Beelink: which AI mini PC brand?](https://testbenchlab.com/compare/geekom-vs-beelink/) - [Geekom vs GMKtec: which AI mini PC brand?](https://testbenchlab.com/compare/geekom-vs-gmktec/) - [Geekom vs Minisforum: which AI mini PC brand?](https://testbenchlab.com/compare/geekom-vs-minisforum/) - [GMKtec EVO-X2 vs Minisforum MS-S1 Max](https://testbenchlab.com/compare/gmktec-evo-x2-vs-minisforum-ms-s1-max/) ## Buying guides - [The best mini PCs for AI in 2026](https://testbenchlab.com/best/best-mini-pcs-for-ai/) - [The best Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 and HX 470 mini PCs](https://testbenchlab.com/best/best-ryzen-ai-9-hx-370-mini-pcs/) - [The best Strix Halo mini PCs](https://testbenchlab.com/best/best-strix-halo-mini-pcs/) ## Guides - [NVIDIA DGX Spark vs Strix Halo mini PCs](https://testbenchlab.com/guides/dgx-spark-vs-strix-halo/) - [How much RAM do you need to run a local LLM?](https://testbenchlab.com/guides/how-much-ram-for-local-llm/) - [How to install Ollama on Windows 11 (Ryzen AI mini PC)](https://testbenchlab.com/guides/install-ollama-windows-11-ryzen-ai-mini-pc/) - [llama.cpp with Vulkan on a Radeon iGPU](https://testbenchlab.com/guides/llama-cpp-vulkan-radeon-igpu/) - [Mini PC vs Mac mini for AI](https://testbenchlab.com/guides/mini-pc-vs-mac-mini-for-ai/) - [NPU vs GPU: which runs AI better on a mini PC?](https://testbenchlab.com/guides/npu-vs-gpu/) - [Radeon 890M vs Radeon 8060S: what the iGPU means for AI and gaming](https://testbenchlab.com/guides/radeon-890m-vs-radeon-8060s/) - [Run local LLMs on the Ryzen AI NPU with Lemonade Server](https://testbenchlab.com/guides/run-llms-on-ryzen-ai-npu-lemonade-server/) - [Ryzen AI 9 HX 470 vs HX 370: what changed?](https://testbenchlab.com/guides/ryzen-ai-9-hx-470-vs-hx-370/) - [Ryzen AI Max+ 395 (Strix Halo) explained](https://testbenchlab.com/guides/ryzen-ai-max-395-strix-halo-explained/) - [What is an AI PC? (and is a Copilot+ PC different?)](https://testbenchlab.com/guides/what-is-an-ai-pc/) - [What is an NPU, and does your PC need one?](https://testbenchlab.com/guides/what-is-an-npu/) - [What is OCuLink? OCuLink vs USB4 for an external GPU](https://testbenchlab.com/guides/what-is-oculink/) - [What is unified memory, and why does it matter for local AI?](https://testbenchlab.com/guides/what-is-unified-memory/) ## Which tier do you need: Ryzen AI 9 HX 370/470 or Ryzen AI Max+ 395? The HX tier suits a compact desktop that also runs smaller local models. Strix Halo systems provide a substantially wider graphics and memory platform for more demanding workloads. Choose according to the model and software you intend to run; an NPU number alone cannot identify the right tier. ## How much memory do you need for local AI? Allow room for model weights, context, runtime and the operating system. A model fitting in total system memory does not guarantee it fits in the memory available to the chosen accelerator. Start with a smaller model, verify hardware use and increase capacity only when the workload calls for it. ## Mini PC or Mac mini for AI? Choose a Windows or Linux mini PC when that is the environment you need. Apple silicon offers a different software path through Metal and MLX. Compare the exact memory configuration and supported backend, rather than treating the operating system as a minor difference after purchase. ## Frequently asked questions ### Which mini PC is good for AI? Geekom A9 Max is our preferred general desktop, and A9 Mega is our preferred starting point for larger local models. ### What is the best budget mini PC with AI capabilities? For a limited budget, choose enough memory for a small model and verify software compatibility. A premium HX or Strix Halo machine is unnecessary for cloud-only AI use. ### Can a mini PC run a local LLM? Yes, when the model fits available memory and the runtime supports the hardware. Practical speed depends on more than the AI label. ### Who makes Strix Halo mini PCs? The planned shortlist includes Geekom, Minisforum, GMKtec and Beelink. Match the processor and memory variant before comparing offers.