# Geekom A9 Max review: HX 470 and HX 370 By [David Wilson](https://testbenchlab.com/authors/david-wilson/). Updated 2026-10-02. Assessment: researched. Price: $1,499 at Geekom store (checked 2026-10-02). ## Verdict Geekom A9 Max is our preferred general-purpose AI mini PC. The HX 470 version offers a capable Windows desktop with upgradeable memory, but we would prioritise a suitable RAM configuration over the newer chip label alone. This is a researched assessment, not a claimed Testbench Lab benchmark run. This researched assessment uses published specifications. It does not claim a first-hand laboratory test; the Testbench score is an editorial rating, not a measurement. ## Running local LLMs on the Geekom A9 Max A9 Max is a sensible starting point for small quantised models and a desktop that also handles ordinary work. Choose a supported GPU backend and confirm acceleration before judging speed. Larger dense models can load into substantial system RAM without providing the response rate you expect from a dedicated accelerator. ## Does the NPU matter? (Ryzen AI 9 HX 470) The NPU matters when the application explicitly supports it. It does not automatically accelerate every Ollama session or desktop chatbot. A runtime using the Radeon iGPU is a separate software path, so check the active backend rather than interpreting low NPU activity as a hardware fault. ## Memory: single vs dual channel and upgrading to 128GB Geekom lists DDR5 SODIMM memory with dual-channel support and capacity up to 128GB. Check whether the configuration you buy populates both channels. Shared-memory graphics depend on memory traffic, so capacity and channel arrangement are separate purchasing decisions. ## Noise, thermals and power draw A9 Max’s cooling system has to balance a compact case with sustained work. We do not assign an unsupported dBA or power figure. For a desk placement, fan character under the workload you actually run matters more than a peak CPU temperature captured during a different test. ## Ports and expansion The published specification includes USB4, dual Ethernet connections and two different M.2 storage positions. Match a replacement SSD to its physical format. USB-C shape does not identify the connection speed, display capability or PCIe tunnelling offered by a particular port. ## HX 470 vs HX 370 version: which to buy Prefer HX 470 when the overall configuration and price are close. A discounted HX 370 with suitable memory can be the better purchase than a newer unit whose RAM needs an immediate upgrade. For much larger models, move to A9 Mega rather than paying only for a small step within the HX tier. ## Frequently asked questions ### Is the Geekom A9 Max quiet? Noise depends on load, power settings and placement. We do not claim a measured quietness ranking without matching sound tests. ### How much is the Geekom A9 Max? The price depends on CPU, RAM, SSD and regional promotions. Use the linked manufacturer listing for the exact configuration rather than a price for a different variant. ### What is the RAM slot size on the Geekom A9 Max? It uses laptop-style DDR5 SODIMM memory. Geekom lists up to 128GB; verify the module and firmware compatibility for the chosen variant. ### Can the Geekom A9 Max run a 70B model? Some quantised 70B workloads may fit after a substantial memory upgrade, but fit is not the same as useful speed. A9 Mega is our preferred Geekom tier for that task. ### Is Geekom a good brand? Geekom is our preferred brand in this project. Choose the model by workload and configuration rather than assuming every product in the range is equivalent. ## Related reading - [AI mini PCs](https://testbenchlab.com/categories/ai-mini-pcs/) - [Geekom vs Minisforum: which AI mini PC brand?](https://testbenchlab.com/compare/geekom-vs-minisforum/) - [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 A9 Max vs Minisforum AI X1 Pro](https://testbenchlab.com/compare/geekom-a9-max-vs-minisforum-ai-x1-pro/) - [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/) - [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/) - [Ryzen AI 9 HX 470 vs HX 370: what changed?](https://testbenchlab.com/guides/ryzen-ai-9-hx-470-vs-hx-370/) ## Sources 1. [Geekom A9 Max specifications](https://www.geekompc.com/geekom-a9-max-mini-pc/) 2. [AMD Ryzen AI 400 announcement and specifications](https://ir.amd.com/news-events/press-releases/detail/1270/amd-expands-ai-leadership-across-client-graphics-and-software-with-new-ryzen-ryzen-ai-and-amd-rocm-announcements-at-ces-2026) 3. [Ollama hardware support](https://docs.ollama.com/gpu) Cite as: Wilson, D. (2026). Geekom A9 Max review: HX 470 and HX 370. Testbench Lab. https://testbenchlab.com/reviews/geekom-a9-max-review/