The world of mini PCs continues to evolve, and the Beelink SER9 Mini PC is the latest to showcase cutting-edge technology. As the first mini PC featuring AMD Ryzen AI, it has captured the attention of enthusiasts and gamers alike. The combination of the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor and Radeon 890M GPU in a compact form factor makes this an exciting release. In this post, we’ll dive deep into the specifications, performance benchmarks, and potential of the Beelink SER9, shedding light on why it’s generating so much buzz in the tech community.
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Key Features and Specifications
The Beelink SER9 is powered by AMD’s Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, part of the Zen 5 architecture, which boasts a 12-core, 24-thread CPU with a maximum clock speed of 5.1 GHz. This high-performance chip is paired with the Radeon 890M GPU, which features 16 compute units clocking up to 2900 MHz. Together, they create a formidable system capable of handling a range of tasks from AI processing to high-end gaming.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the core specifications:
- Processor: AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 (12 cores, 24 threads, up to 5.1 GHz)
- Graphics: Radeon 890M GPU (16 compute units, up to 2900 MHz)
- RAM: 32 GB LPDDR5x (7500 MHz, soldered and non-upgradable)
- Storage: Two M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 slots, supporting up to 8 TB
- Cooling System: MSC 2.0 with copper vapor chamber and silent fan
- Operating System: Windows 11
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2
- Power Supply: 120W
Ports and Connectivity
The Beelink SER9 provides an impressive array of ports that enhance its versatility. With USB 3.2, USB 4, DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI, and more, the system supports multiple peripherals and displays, making it a convenient option for various use cases, from content creation to gaming and AI-driven applications.
Design and Build Quality
The Beelink SER9 comes with a sleek, minimalist design that’s both functional and visually appealing. It’s available in two colors: silver and space gray, which give the system a premium feel. Quad microphones on the front (which can be disabled) enhance the audio experience, while a dual-speaker system ensures crisp sound.
The internal build allows easy access for upgrading storage; however, a notable limitation is the soldered RAM, which cannot be upgraded. This may deter some potential users who prefer future-proofing their systems. Nevertheless, with 32 GB of LPDDR5x RAM running at 7500 MHz, the system should meet most performance needs out of the box.
Performance Benchmarks
In terms of raw performance, the Beelink SER9 impresses, especially when considering its size. It handles everything from gaming to AI applications efficiently, with early benchmarks showcasing its prowess. Here are the key benchmark results:
- Geekbench 6: Single-core score of 2864, multi-core score of 15,166.
- OpenCL Benchmark: The Radeon 890M scored 44,325, which places it slightly behind the RX 590 but ahead of the RTX 2050 laptop GPU.
- 3DMark Fire Strike: Scored 9443, showing the system’s ability to handle graphically intense applications.
- 3DMark Time Spy: Scored 4181, reinforcing its suitability for gaming and graphical workloads.
Gaming Performance
Gaming on the Beelink SER9 is where the device truly shines, particularly for a mini PC. The combination of the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 and Radeon 890M delivers solid performance at 1080p across a range of popular titles:
- Horizon Forbidden West: Played at 1080p on low settings with Frame Generation, averaging 47 FPS.
- Forza Horizon 5: Achieved an impressive 109 FPS at 1080p medium settings.
- Shadow of the Tomb Raider: Managed 56 FPS at medium settings and 67 FPS on low at 1080p.
- Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3: Delivered 141 FPS on a balanced preset with FSR (1080p).
- Starfield: Held steady around 87 FPS with FSR 3 in cities.
- Cyberpunk 2077: Averaged 65 FPS at 1080p on low settings with FSR, pushing to 90 FPS with balanced Frame Generation.
The SER9’s ability to run these demanding games at respectable frame rates is a testament to the power packed inside this small form factor. It may not rival top-tier gaming rigs, but for a mini PC, it offers exceptional gaming potential.
Cooling and Power Management
The Beelink SER9 is equipped with Beelink’s MSC 2.0 cooling system, featuring a copper vapor chamber and a silent fan. This setup keeps the system cool even under heavy workloads. During tests, the system consistently managed 54 watts while maintaining quiet operation. Pushing beyond 65 watts caused the fan to spin faster, but it remained within acceptable noise levels.
The system’s cooling performance is further highlighted by its ability to keep CPU temperatures under control. The maximum CPU temperature during benchmarks reached 78°C, well within safe limits. Users can also manually adjust the fan settings through the BIOS, offering flexibility for those looking to optimize performance or maintain quieter operation.
Overclocking and Future Testing
While the Beelink SER9 performs well out of the box, there’s room for enthusiasts to push the system even further. Upcoming tests will explore overclocking the system’s RAM to 8000 MHz, which could unlock even more performance. Increasing the system’s thermal design power (TDP) may also provide a boost for certain applications, particularly in gaming or AI-driven tasks.
Additionally, future tests will delve into the system’s Linux compatibility, including running Steam OS. This is an exciting prospect for users interested in a versatile mini PC that can handle different operating systems and configurations.
Final Thoughts
The Beelink SER9 Mini PC is a remarkable achievement in the world of compact computing. With the power of AMD’s Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 and Radeon 890M graphics, it strikes a perfect balance between performance, size, and versatility. Whether you’re gaming, working with AI applications, or simply need a powerful, space-saving PC, the SER9 offers a solid solution.
Although the non-upgradable RAM may be a drawback for some, the overall performance of the system more than compensates for this limitation. Its sleek design, combined with impressive benchmarks and future testing potential, makes the Beelink SER9 an exciting option for tech enthusiasts, gamers, and professionals alike.
For those looking to explore overclocking or Linux compatibility, stay tuned for future updates as more performance tests and configurations are explored. This mini PC is just getting started.