This mini PC is discounted by 26%, and its specifications make many full-sized desktops in the same price range seem excessive.

      Digital Trends may receive a commission when purchases are made through links on our site. Why trust us?

      GEEKOM A7 MAX is now priced at $699 (26% off): Ryzen 9, 16GB DDR5, dual USB4, 3-year warranty.

      Mini PCs have become truly powerful in recent years, but many still require users to sacrifice significant connectivity features for a more compact design. The GEEKOM A7 MAX does not require such compromises. It's currently available for $699 on Amazon, saving you $250 off its original price of $949. It features a Ryzen 9 7940HS processor, dual USB4 ports, dual 2.5G LAN, and DDR5 memory, all while occupying less desk space than most monitors.

      What you’re getting

      The AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS is an 8-core, 16-thread processor capable of boosting up to 5.2GHz, providing ample power for intensive creative tasks, video editing, and multitasking without needing an additional GPU. The integrated Radeon 780M can manage 1080p gaming and enhance 4K video editing in programs like DaVinci Resolve and Premiere Pro via Ryzen AI, allowing the main processor to handle other tasks simultaneously.

      This model comes equipped with 16GB of DDR5 in one of its two slots, leaving room for upgrades to a maximum of 128GB if needed for your work. A 1TB M.2 NVMe Gen 4 SSD ensures quick load times, while a UHS-II SD card slot can accommodate an additional 2TB of storage for those frequently using card-based media.

      The A7 MAX stands out from typical mini PCs at this price point in terms of connectivity. Dual 40Gbps USB4 ports support eGPUs, high-speed storage, and multi-monitor configurations without any internal alterations necessary. Additionally, it supports up to four displays through two HDMI 2.0 and two USB4 outputs, making it a viable workstation choice for users with multi-screen setups. With dual 2.5G Ethernet ports, it provides robust networking capabilities for home labs, NAS, and business environments that require more than a single gigabit connection.

      Cooling is managed by GEEKOM’s IceBlast 2.0 system, which utilizes dual copper heat pipes and a larger fan to keep noise levels below 36dB while managing the heat from a 45W processor. Windows 11 Pro comes pre-installed, and the entire package is backed by a 3-year warranty.

      Why it’s worth it

      Most mini PCs priced at $699 require a compromise between processor performance, connectivity, and memory specifications. The A7 MAX does not pose that dilemma. The Ryzen 9, DDR5, USB4, and dual 2.5G LAN combine to create a system that competes with larger desktop models costing significantly more, and the $250 discount makes the choice easier than it already was.

      The bottom line

      The GEEKOM A7 MAX priced at $699 is a well-equipped mini PC that qualifies as a primary machine rather than a secondary one. The inclusion of a Ryzen 9 processor, expandable DDR5, dual USB4 ports, and a 3-year warranty results in a desktop that performs beyond typical expectations for this form factor, and the $250 discount enhances its appeal as one of the best compact PC offerings currently available.

      I'm a writer, entrepreneur, and powerlifting coach. I’ve been assembling computers and tinkering with PC components since I was a...

      Laser chips promise faster, greener indoor wireless at gigabit speeds

      A new optical system addresses crowded Wi-Fi networks by offering high-speed connections and lower energy consumption. Indoor wireless technology is facing limitations due to the increasing number of devices using the same spectrum. With streaming, video calls, and smart home devices taxing networks, power usage is also on the rise. A new category of laser chips presents an alternative by transmitting data via light. Researchers have created a chip-scale optical link that provides ultra-fast indoor connections while consuming less energy. Rather than broadly broadcasting signals, it transmits data through controlled infrared beams, maximizing usable capacity and minimizing interference in densely populated areas.

      Google’s latest Play Store fix improves app review navigation

      Google is implementing a solution for one of the Play Store’s most frustrating issues: disorganized and difficult-to-navigate app reviews. A new feature allows users to search reviews directly for specific complaints, bugs, or paywalls, making it easier to find pertinent information. Instead of sifting through hundreds of comments, users can now enter particular terms to quickly access relevant feedback. While this change may seem minor, it effectively addresses a significant trust deficit related to app evaluations before downloading.

      Teens are exhibiting unusual behavior with their AI companions

      The trend of teenagers engaging with AI friends is evolving in unexpected ways. Initially designed as practical tools, AI chatbots have been intended to be harmless extensions of chat culture. However,