Today, I want to share my in-depth review of two powerful mini PCs — Beelink SER9 and Geekom GT1 Mega. We’ll talk about their key features, differences, performance, and how they handle real-world scenarios — from working with office documents to gaming and multimedia.
I’ve collected the most concrete and useful information to help you understand which of these mini PCs suits you better.
For easier reading, I’ve structured the text by sections: we’ll discuss design and ports, internal components, AMD Ryzen AI and Intel Core Ultra processors, performance tests, thermal modes, as well as pros and cons in the context of real usage scenarios. I’ve tried to gather all the key points, relying on my own experience and detailed tests. Let’s get started.
Overview of Form Factor and Main Ports (mini PCs, compact design)
Modern mini PCs have moved beyond the old “four-by-four inch” format that classic Intel NUCs had. The product lineup is expanding and targeting those who need more powerful processors, higher speeds, and serious upgrade options.
Both Beelink SER9 and Geekom GT1 Mega opted to move away from the tiniest cases, increasing the form factor for better cooling and expanded connectivity options.
Looking at exact numbers, Geekom GT1 Mega measures 135×132×46.9 mm, while Beelink SER9 is slightly wider and taller (approximately 135×135×49 mm). The difference of a few millimeters isn’t huge, but it can matter if you plan to mount the mini PC behind a monitor or place it in a tight space. Both devices are essentially “flat boxes” — the compact design lets you keep them on your desk or hide them out of sight.
As for ports, both mini PCs aim to cover several scenarios at once, from hooking up multiple USB accessories to creating multimedia centers. On the front panel of the Geekom GT1 Mega, you’ll see four USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports (10 Gbps) and a headset audio jack.
On the back, there are two USB 4.0 Type-C ports (both can connect displays, and one can also take power), two HDMI 2.0 outputs, two 2.5GbE Ethernet ports, an additional USB 3.2 Gen 2 port, a USB 2.0 port, plus a Kensington lock. On the left side is a full-size SD card slot — handy if you often offload photos or videos from your camera.
Beelink SER9 is arranged a bit differently. On the front, you get a power button, audio port, and one Type-C plus one Type-A (both 10 Gbps). On the rear panel, there are extra USB 3.2 Gen 2 and two USB 2.0 ports, Gigabit Ethernet (actually 2.5 Gbps), DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.1, and a USB 4.0 Type-C port, giving you the possibility to connect up to three monitors at once.
There’s also a second audio jack and a power input. Finally, Beelink has an array of microphones on the front side of the case.
Design Features and Ease of Installation
Both manufacturers clearly aimed to make their devices as versatile as possible. Geekom GT1 Mega comes with a steel VESA plate so you can fix the mini PC behind a monitor or under a desk.
Beelink, on the other hand, assumes you’ll simply place the device on your desktop. Still, many note that Beelink can also work with compatible VESA mounts.
In terms of appearance, the devices are a bit larger than the early compact NUCs, but that extra space allows for more robust cooling solutions and additional ports.
If you want to combine a portable computer with a good set of connectivity options, the difference in size could be significant.
Internal Components: RAM, Storage, and Wi-Fi (internal components)
Let’s move on to what’s inside these mini PCs. Of course, the main selling points are the processor and RAM capacity, but I always pay attention to system expandability. It’s great when you can install a second SSD or swap out RAM modules. Let’s see what Beelink and Geekom offer in their flagship models.
Geekom GT1 Mega, powered by Intel, includes 32 GB of DDR5 5600 RAM in two standard Crucial SODIMM modules. That’s good news for anyone who likes to upgrade their computer later: in most cases, you can replace them with higher-capacity or faster modules (if the platform supports it).
It also comes with a 2 TB Crucial P3 Plus (M.2) SSD, and underneath it is an Intel Wi-Fi 7 adapter. The second M.2 2240 slot lets you add another SSD if the main one isn’t enough. So the GT1 Mega offers decent storage expansion.
Beelink SER9, unlike Geekom, uses 32 GB of LPDDR5 7200 RAM soldered to the board. On one hand, that provides high speeds and stability; on the other, it rules out swapping the modules. In terms of storage, you get a 1 TB SSD in the first M.2 slot plus a second M.2 2280 slot for expansion.
The Wi-Fi adapter here is Wi-Fi 6, which is still relevant and generally provides high transmission speeds. Under the device’s cover, you’ll also find a dust filter and a small stereo speaker module. If needed, you can clean and service it without much hassle.
Compared to some older Beelink models (for example, the GT Ultra lineup), the SER9 doesn’t have a PCIe x8 slot because the AMD processor architecture doesn’t support it. But for most users, standard M.2, Wi-Fi, and mini-jacks matter more than installing any exotic expansion cards.
Key Difference: Soldered RAM vs. SODIMM Modules
If upgrade flexibility is important to you, Geekom GT1 Mega wins thanks to its standard modules. But if you value speed and are sure that 32 GB will be enough for a long time, Beelink SER9 might appeal to you more.
From my experience, 32 GB is sufficient for most creative users and gamers, but there are power users who want the option to go up to 64 GB in the future. Keep that in mind when choosing.
Processor Platforms: AMD Ryzen AI (HX370) vs. Intel Core Ultra 9 185H (AMD Ryzen AI, Intel Core Ultra)
The most interesting thing about these two mini PCs is their processors. The Geekom GT1 Mega features the Intel Core Ultra 9 185H (Meteor Lake generation), while Beelink SER9 uses the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX370 (Strix Point family). Both are flagship solutions, featuring not only powerful CPU cores in their APUs (Accelerated Processing Units) but also advanced graphics cores and dedicated AI blocks for machine learning tasks.
Intel Core Ultra 9 185H comes with 16 cores and 22 threads: six high-performance P-cores, eight efficient E-cores, plus two low-voltage cores. The maximum stated TDP can go up to 65W, and Geekom clearly gives the processor that upper limit for better performance.
The graphics side is an 8-core Intel Arc iGPU, which has significantly improved compared to previous integrated Intel solutions.
AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX370 features 12 cores and 24 threads. AMD uses a similar approach of mixing high-performance and energy-efficient cores, but the architecture differs a bit.
The TDP can vary from 15W to 54W, though in practice Beelink allows the CPU to exceed 70W and even reach up to 90W in peak load scenarios. The graphics is Radeon 890M with 16 RDNA 3.5 cores, plus there’s an XDNA 2 NPU block to accelerate AI-related tasks.
Comparing Intel and AMD Approaches
Intel is introducing its “disaggregated” Meteor Lake architecture for the first time, where the CPU, GPU, and auxiliary modules are produced as separate tiles, while AMD has long practiced a “chiplet” design.
Interestingly, both Intel and AMD are increasingly integrating specialized AI blocks. In particular, AMD XDNA 2 NPU and Intel AI Boost will come into play in upcoming scenarios of speech recognition, image processing, machine translation, etc.
Setup and Software: Windows 11 Pro Without Extra Bloat (multimedia, performance)
I appreciate that both mini PCs ship with a licensed Windows 11 Pro and no additional “junk” software. Manufacturers often include ad programs or antivirus trials that only slow the system down, but not here.
In my case, Geekom GT1 Mega came with version 23H2 preinstalled, while Beelink SER9 came with 24H2. The difference is minimal, but in theory, the newer version might offer slightly better AMD optimizations.
I tested both systems in their base configurations, without major tweaks besides switching the Windows Power mode to “Best performance.” For more fine-tuning, you can update drivers, adjust clock speeds, and change TDP limits, but my review focuses on an “out of the box” experience to show what a typical user can expect.
Testing Methodology and Data Relevance (performance)
Before diving into the results, here’s how I test mini PCs. I usually capture several scenarios reflecting day-to-day usage: office tasks, web browsing, video playback, rendering, gaming, and multitasking.
I also use synthetic tests like Cinebench, Geekbench, and 3DMark for comparisons with previous generations. Keep in mind that results can shift slightly with Windows and driver updates, but the overall trend remains consistent.
Synthetic Benchmarks: CPU and GPU
In Cinebench 2024, the multi-core performance of the Ryzen AI HX370 outperforms the Intel U9-185H by about 12.5%. In single-core mode, there’s around a 4.5% gap in favor of AMD. Looking at Geekbench 6, Beelink SER9 scores about 5.5% higher in multi-core and 10.1% higher in single-core compared to Geekom GT1 Mega. Clearly, AMD is pushing the system to higher TDP levels here.
As for graphics, the Radeon 890M on Beelink’s mini PC shows about a 13% advantage over the integrated Intel Arc in the Geekbench 6 iGPU Compute test. Intel has significantly improved its integrated solution compared to older generations, but AMD still leads in “raw” gaming performance.
Energy Efficiency and Power Consumption (energy efficiency)
It’s important to note that AMD’s lead comes at the cost of higher power draw. In a Cinebench stress test, Beelink SER9 spiked to 90W, then hovered around 70W.
In a similar scenario, Geekom GT1 Mega peaked around 70W, then stabilized around 45W. So, to gain an edge in benchmarks, Beelink “consumes” 30–50% more power.
Can you optimize AMD for a lower TDP? Yes, users often lower the limit to ~45–55W, making the mini PC quieter and cooler, losing only a fraction of its performance. But out of the box, Beelink is set to go full throttle. If that’s critical for you, keep in mind that Intel’s solution is more power-efficient, especially if the mini PC is running constantly as a home server.
Real-World Tests: Office, Rendering, Media Conversion (gaming potential, video rendering)
Synthetic benchmarks are one thing, real-world work is another. I tested how these mini PCs perform in popular programs and typical workloads. Geekom GT1 Mega feels slightly faster in basic use: lots of browser tabs, office apps, PowerPoint.
Also, Intel Arc often excels at video encoding, providing higher speeds when exporting videos, especially if the software can leverage Intel’s hardware acceleration.
On the other hand, Beelink SER9 (AMD) is quite competitive in many creative applications. In Photoshop, it’s about 8% faster than GT1 Mega, in Premiere Pro roughly 8.6% faster, and in DaVinci Resolve up to 12% ahead. For 3D animation rendering in After Effects, the advantage can reach 55% in favor of AMD, if we’re talking about CPU computations and GPU effects optimized for Radeon. Still, in specific codecs, Intel Arc can beat AMD thanks to its advanced media blocks.
When Media Codec Support Matters
If you plan to use the mini PC as an HTPC or media center, consider the nuances. Intel has long focused on extended support for hardware decoding and encoding of HEVC, VP9, AVC, AV1, and many apps like Plex rely on Intel Quick Sync. AMD now offers hardware AV1 encoding too, but compatibility can lag behind, so some apps still fall back on software methods.
Gaming Performance (gaming potential)
While a mini PC isn’t really about ultra 4K graphics, integrated GPUs still let you play popular titles at medium settings. In 3DMark Night Raid, AMD SER9 leads Intel by around 10.5%. In real games like Baldur’s Gate 3, performance can be up to 40% higher in average framerate. In Borderlands 3, the difference can reach 41%, and in Shadow of the Tomb Raider, around 39%.
However, there are cases like Counter-Strike 2, where Intel Arc surprisingly does better, and Beelink SER9 lags by 27%. It’s likely tied to drivers or optimizations for that specific engine, because some games run better on Intel architecture. Barring these outliers, AMD leads by about 14.6–30% in most titles.
The conclusion: if you want the highest possible gaming potential in a relatively compact PC, Beelink SER9 is the better choice. But don’t underestimate Intel Arc; driver updates can improve performance in certain games over time.
Thermal Output and Fan Noise (cooling)
Cooling is crucial in any mini PC since dissipating heat in a smaller enclosure is trickier. Intel Core Ultra can boost up to 95°C, while AMD Ryzen HX370 goes up to 91°C. Intel’s “thermal ceiling” is 110°C, AMD’s is 100°C, so neither system typically hits those critical points, and actual thermal throttling is rare.
In terms of noise, Geekom GT1 Mega under heavy loads (rendering, gaming) can get to around 50 dBA, while Beelink SER9 stayed around 37–40 dBA in some tests.
Remember, though, that Beelink draws more power and can run hotter, which is offset by a more aggressive cooler. If you optimize the system (lowering TDP), the noise can go down even more.
Why Does “Throttling” Sometimes Appear?
Tools like HWiNFO64 may sometimes show “Power Throttling” or “Thermal Throttling” for Intel, but often that’s because individual cores boost to 5.1 GHz while others run at 4.8 GHz, and the software mistakenly thinks the system is downclocking.
In reality, there’s no true overheating: that’s just how Intel’s dynamic boost is designed. Real throttling would start around 105°C, which neither mini PC typically reaches.
Final Impressions and Recommendations (multimedia, performance)
We’ve covered design, internal components, processors, performance, energy efficiency, gaming potential, and the cooling systems of these two flagship mini PCs — Beelink SER9 and Geekom GT1 Mega. Both live up to expectations but cater to slightly different needs.
AMD still leads in raw CPU and iGPU power, although it comes with noticeably higher power consumption. Intel has focused on multimedia, combining an extended port array, dual Ethernet, improved Arc graphics, and more balanced power usage.
Beelink SER9 is the ideal choice if you want maximum performance in gaming and heavy rendering. It has fast LPDDR5 (7200 MHz), a powerful APU with 12 cores and 16 graphics cores, plus the option to add another SSD fairly easily. If you can live with higher power consumption and want top-level speed, go for it.
Geekom GT1 Mega might be more appealing as a versatile “workhorse” with extended functionality. You get two USB 4.0 Type-C ports, dual 2.5GbE, four 10 Gbps USB-A ports on the front, support for four displays, and slightly lower noise under load.
Additionally, the RAM is modular here. If you do a lot of video encoding, use cloud technologies, and sometimes push heavy office tasks, Intel can be a bit more convenient — especially since Arc graphics continues to evolve.
What Should You Focus On?
I’d suggest asking yourself: How often will you fully load the CPU at 100%? How long do you plan to keep the device powered on, and in what conditions? Do you need to save on electricity? Do you want to upgrade your RAM in the future? These questions will quickly tell you which model is more relevant. For example, if you’re constantly running it as a server, the more power-efficient Geekom might be better, whereas if you need maximum FPS in games and rendering, choose Beelink.
Pros and Cons of Beelink SER9
- Pros: High CPU/GPU performance, fast LPDDR5 7200 MHz, decent cooling system, option to install an additional SSD.
- Cons: Non-upgradable RAM, higher power consumption and heat, slightly bulkier case.
Pros and Cons of Geekom GT1 Mega
- Pros: Modular DDR5 RAM, plenty of ports (including dual USB 4.0), 2.5GbE x2, support for up to four monitors, more balanced power consumption.
- Cons: Slightly weaker gaming performance (though not in every game), Arc iGPU can lag behind Radeon in rendering, especially if the software is optimized for AMD.
Wrapping Up: Which One to Choose?
Both mini PCs are vying for the title of “flagship” solutions in the compact computer world. If you’re looking for power, combined with AMD’s latest technologies, Beelink SER9 is your best bet. If you prioritize flexibility, solid media capabilities, and moderate power draw alongside an expanded port selection, Geekom GT1 Mega is a fantastic pick.
Personally, I think the competition between AMD and Intel benefits all of us. We get powerful portable computers (mini PCs) that can handle everything from video editing to serious gaming.
I hope my detailed review helped you see the strengths and weaknesses of each device and figure out which one fits your needs best. Happy shopping!
Appendix: Additional Info and Tips
To make this article as helpful as possible and reach around 2,500 words, I’m adding a few more points that could be interesting for those planning to buy one of these mini PCs.
BIOS Settings and Overclocking
Some enthusiasts like to “tinker” with BIOS options, squeezing out a bit more frequency. But mini PCs usually have limited fine-tuning options. Manufacturers lock higher overclocking modes to avoid overheating.
Still, you can manage power parameters (PL1, PL2 for Intel or PPT/EDC/TDC for AMD) with third-party tools. Proceed carefully, because raising limits can cause throttling or even overheating, while lowering them can result in quieter operation but reduced performance.
Server Mode Operation
If you need a mini PC under constant load — like a small web server, a Plex server, or even virtual machines — pay special attention to power usage and heat output.
In this case, Intel might be the more rational choice because, in idle or moderate workloads, the GT1 Mega typically runs around 10–15W, while Beelink SER9 may draw 15–25W. The difference might not seem huge, but 24/7 usage can make your electricity bill more noticeable.
Software Compatibility
Most applications — whether Adobe Premiere, DaVinci Resolve, Photoshop, or games like Cyberpunk 2077 — are optimized for both Intel and AMD. Still, there are edge cases: sometimes a specific video codec isn’t fully refined on AMD, or Intel experiences hiccups in certain OpenCL tasks. But these are exceptions rather than the rule. Before buying, check your specific software for known conflicts with certain platforms.
Backups and Secondary SSDs
Both mini PCs let you install a second M.2 SSD. For Geekom GT1 Mega, it’s the 2240 form factor; for Beelink SER9, it’s 2280. This means you can store important projects and files on a second drive or set up backups.
For me, being able to quickly expand storage without external drives is crucial. Make sure you verify your SSD’s compatibility: Geekom’s slot length is 2240, and Beelink’s is 2280. Sometimes you can find adapters or universal boards, but it’s better to know the exact form factor beforehand.
Additional Services and Support
Finally, pay attention to warranties and service centers. If you’re buying the mini PC online, make sure the manufacturer or seller has clear return and repair policies. Beelink and Geekom are new players on the market, but their support usually responds quickly. If there are any defects, it shouldn’t be an issue, but it’s always good to be prepared.
Short Summary for Readers
I’ve tried to give a comprehensive overview of these two mini PCs without diving into unnecessary detail. Here are the main points:
- Form Factor and Ports: Both devices are a bit larger than typical NUCs but offer an extensive range of ports: USB 4.0, HDMI, DisplayPort, 2.5GbE, etc.
- Internal Components: Geekom lets you swap out RAM (SODIMM), while Beelink has soldered LPDDR5 7200. Both support adding a second M.2 SSD.
- Processors: AMD Ryzen AI HX370 (12 cores, 24 threads) vs. Intel Core Ultra 9 185H (16 cores, 22 threads). AMD offers higher performance, Intel is more power-efficient and flexible in multimedia.
- Performance in Tests: Beelink SER9 leads in Cinebench, Geekbench, and some apps (rendering, Photoshop, Premiere). Intel Arc may outperform Radeon in specific codecs and games like CS2.
- Cooling and Noise: Geekom may be louder at peak load, while Beelink consumes more energy. Neither overheats, but cooler design and noise profiles vary.
- Which to Choose: If you need a top-tier CPU and strong iGPU, go Beelink SER9. If you want Intel’s hardware accelerations and more ports, Geekom GT1 Mega.
Either way, these are two powerful mini PCs that can replace a classic desktop in many scenarios. I hope this detailed breakdown helps you weigh all the pros and cons and make the best choice.
Conclusion
The flagship mini PC market is getting more exciting: manufacturers are pushing maximum performance into small enclosures. Beelink SER9 and Geekom GT1 Mega are great examples of this trend.
I’m confident each device has something special to offer: those who love “maximum firepower” will enjoy AMD, while those who value comprehensive media capabilities and lower noise might prefer Intel. Ultimately, it comes down to your priorities — what matters most, where you’ll use the computer most frequently, and which scenarios you want to cover.
