So there it’s–my new mini PC, the A9 Max from Geekom. A sensible little powerhouse, barely larger than a sandwich tin, whisper-quiet and amazingly highly effective. I unpacked it, plugged it in, and accomplished the preliminary setup. Everything works completely, as my test shows.
And but I notice after only a few minutes: it gained’t keep this manner for lengthy. As quickly because the software program is put in, my fingers begin itching for a screwdriver. Why? Because an off-the-shelf PC is all the time a compromise–an excellent one, however not my private superb.
Christoph Hoffmann
As a expertise journalist and IT knowledgeable, I have a look at ready-made PCs from a unique perspective. Manufacturers must enchantment to a large viewers and, above all, put a horny worth on it. This inevitably implies that prices are lower in sure areas. Not within the CPU, since that’s the showpiece, however in parts whose true efficiency is just revealed in demanding on a regular basis use.
For me, the acquisition of such a mini PC is due to this fact not the top, however the starting of an optimization challenge. I’m shopping for a superb basis on which to construct my personalized system.
More RAM brings a efficiency increase
The first and best improve is sort of all the time the RAM. The Geekom A9 Max comes with 32GB of RAM, which is greater than sufficient for many customers and on a regular basis duties similar to shopping, workplace work, and streaming. But my on a regular basis use is completely different.
I typically run a digital machine for testing software program, dozens of browser tabs with CPU-intensive internet functions, picture modifying applications, and communication instruments on the similar time. This is the place 32GB shortly turns into a bottleneck. The system begins to really feel sluggish, switching between applications takes longer, and productiveness suffers.
The answer is easy and cheap: an improve to 64GB, for instance with the Kingston FURY Impact SO-DIMM 64GB DDR5-5600 CL40 kit. Replacing the RAM modules often takes only a few minutes, and the outcomes are instantly noticeable. Everything runs extra easily, the system has extra headroom, and it’s higher ready for tomorrow’s software program. For me, this small funding provides one of the best bang in your buck.
SSD upgrades: extra velocity and storage
The second candidate for an instantaneous enchancment is the mass storage machine, i.e. the SSD. Here, producers save on two fronts: capability and velocity. Models with 512GB or 1TB are sometimes put in. The NVMe SSD with 2TB of capability in our A9 Max comes from Lexar and is labeled LNQ7A1X002T.
Christoph Hoffmann
That seems like rather a lot at first, however I historically separate the Windows set up on the C: drive from my knowledge, which I sync with Dropbox. That’s why I’m placing a second SSD within the mini PC–an exterior exhausting drive can be an possibility, however inner storage is unbeatable for fast entry.
However, velocity is much more essential to me. Not each NVMe SSD is similar. Manufacturers typically set up low-cost fashions which are sooner than outdated SATA exhausting drives, however are nowhere close to the potential of recent interfaces.
The NVMe SSD from Lexar put in within the Geekom delivers a learn efficiency of 6,242 MB/s and a write fee of 5,423 MB/s in CrystalDiskMark. That’s an above-average end result for a PCIe 4.0 SSD, so there’s no cause to exchange it for efficiency causes.
The system features a brief M.2 slot (M.2-2230) for an extra SSD. The collection of appropriate drives is considerably restricted. For our improve, we selected the Crucial P310 SSD 2TB. The different is the Corsair MP600 Mini, which is available in 1 and 2TB variations.
If the usual SSD put in within the mini PC delivers below-average values, it is sensible to exchange it with a high-end SSD. It transforms the mini PC into an actual powerhouse. Programs begin directly, massive recordsdata are copied in seconds, and your entire system feels extra direct and responsive. It’s a stage of consolation I wouldn’t wish to miss in my each day work.
Upgrading is simple
Before you begin ordering or visiting an area seller, you must verify the precise specs of the mini PC. The Geekom A9 Max has a brief M.2 interface (M.2-2230) for an extra SSD, appropriate for the Crucial P310 SSD 2 TB M.2.
The RAM configuration is attention-grabbing. The A9 Max (and plenty of different fashions) comes with 32GB of RAM with two 16GB modules. To improve to 64GB, each sticks have to be changed.
There’s a wide selection of appropriate 64 GB kits (2 × 32 GB) dual-channel DDR5 with 5600 MHz. Popular choices embrace the Crucial CT2K32G56C46S5 and the Crucial Pro CP2K32G56C46U5. Alternatively, you possibly can select a single (although costlier) reminiscence stick to maintain the choice of upgrading to 128GB open.
Before you start the improve or set up, ensure that the mini PC is totally switched off and disconnected from the facility provide. To discharge any residual energy from the system, press and maintain the facility button for about 5 seconds.
Opening the case is usually a bit tough (see part: Troubleshooting: No extra Wi-Fi and Bluetooth). The screws on the underside are hidden behind the rubber toes, which might be pried out with a pointed object. Once the screws are loosened, deal with every part with care.
Christoph Hoffmann
Once the inside workings of the mini PC are uncovered, you possibly can entry the slots for the 2 SSDs (1 × M.2 2280 and 1 × M.2 2230) and the 2 reminiscence slots. Some mini PCs additionally embrace a mounting bracket for a 2.5-inch SATA SSD, such because the Samsung 870 EVO.
With the Geekom A9 Max (and most different fashions), insert the M.2 SSD at a slight angle into the slot offered. Then rigorously press it down and safe the top with the small screw offered. That’s it!
The RAM modules are held in place by small steel or plastic retaining clips on both sides. Gently push these clips outwards to launch the RAM module, which can raise up barely and might be eliminated.
Take the brand new RAM module and take note of the notch. This should match the corresponding information within the slot to forestall incorrect set up.
Insert the module into the slot and press it down firmly and evenly till you hear the retaining clips on the aspect click on into place. Done!
After set up, shut the case and reconnect all cables. Start the mini PC and enter the BIOS (often by urgent F2 or Del) to substantiate that the brand new RAM is acknowledged.
Once put in, the brand new SSD gained’t robotically seem as a drive in Windows. It should first be initialized in Disk Management.
That’s it! The mini PC now has extra space for storing and, due to the RAM improve, further efficiency headroom.
Troubleshooting Wi-Fi and Bluetooth points
Please be aware: When opening the case and eradicating the inside steel cowl, the black and grey cables might grow to be disconnected. These are soldered to the steel cowl and linked to the Wi-Fi card. If the connection is misplaced, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth performance will not be accessible.
The cables are mounted to the steel cowl with adhesive strips, which limits their size. To be certain that the cables keep firmly connected when the duvet is lifted, it’s finest to take away the strips and reposition the cables so they continue to be plugged in.
Christoph Hoffmann
If the cables have already been disconnected, the ends have to be reconnected to the Wi-Fi card. This is positioned beneath the M.2-2280 connector, which is why the SSD should first be rigorously eliminated.
After exposing the Wi-Fi card, rigorously raise the self-adhesive, clear plastic cowl with tweezers or fold it again. Then rigorously reconnect the black cable to the connection labeled “Main” and the gray cable to the “AUX” connection.
This course of requires persistence and will take a number of makes an attempt. Make certain the duvet is correctly closed earlier than reinserting the SSD.