TL;DR
Thorsten Meyer AI has published its 2026 selection of AI mini PCs, naming the MINISFORUM AI X1 Pro the best overall choice and the GEEKOM A9 Max the top pick for AI productivity. The guide compares 10 models across three brands, weighing processor power, expandability, connectivity and price.
Tech site Thorsten Meyer AI has published its 2026 selection of AI mini PCs, naming the MINISFORUM AI X1 Pro — built on AMD’s Ryzen AI 9 HX370 processor and Radeon 890M graphics — as the best overall choice. The GEEKOM A9 Max is singled out for high-end AI productivity, while the GEEKOM IT15 is presented as a balanced option for performance and connectivity. The guide compares 10 models across three brands for buyers seeking local AI processing in a compact desktop.
According to the report, the top-ranked MINISFORUM AI X1 Pro pairs the Ryzen AI 9 HX370 (12 cores, 24 threads, up to 5.1 GHz) with Radeon 890M graphics, supports up to 128GB of DDR5 memory at 5600MHz, and can hold three PCIe 4.0 SSDs for up to 12TB of total storage. Separate fans cool the CPU and SSDs.
The productivity pick, the GEEKOM A9 Max, is listed with a Ryzen AI 9 HX470-class chip rated at 86 TOPS of AI performance, including an XDNA 2 NPU delivering up to 55 TOPS. The listing cites dual PCIe Gen4 NVMe slots supporting up to 8TB and an IceBlast 3.0 thermal system. A second A9 Max configuration based on the HX370 is rated at up to 80 TOPS and positioned for gaming and creative AI tasks.
Other ranked models include the GEEKOM IT15 with an Intel Core Ultra 9 285H (16 cores, up to 5.4 GHz) and Arc 140T graphics; the GMKtec EVO-X2 with AMD’s Ryzen AI Max+ 395, Radeon RX 8060S graphics and 128GB of LPDDR5X; the GMKtec EVO-X1 with triple 8K display output; and the GEEKOM IT13 MAX with dual 2.5GbE networking. WiFi 7, USB4 and multi-display 8K support appear across most top-tier entries.
2026 Buyer’s Selection · Compact AI Desktops
AI Mini PCs In 2026: The Ultimate Selection For Tech Enthusiasts
Thorsten Meyer AI’s 2026 ranking compares 10 models across three brands — MINISFORUM, GEEKOM and GMKtec — weighing processor power, NPU throughput, expandability, connectivity and price. The MINISFORUM AI X1 Pro takes best overall; the GEEKOM A9 Max leads AI productivity.
Verdict · Best Overall
“The MINISFORUM AI X1 Pro stands out as the best overall choice, thanks to its robust AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX370 and Radeon 890M.”— Thorsten Meyer AI, 2026 Selection
86
TOPS · A9 Max Peak
12TB
Max Storage · X1 Pro
10
Models Ranked
3
Brands Compared
86·
Peak TOPS Rated
128GB
Max DDR5 Memory
8K
Multi-Display Output
The 2026 Podium
Three Machines, Three Clear Winners
The ranking maps specific models to specific workloads — raw power, professional AI productivity, and balanced performance with connectivity.
Raw Power + Expansion
MINISFORUM AI X1 Pro
AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX370
- 12 cores / 24 threads, up to 5.1 GHz
- Radeon 890M integrated graphics
- Up to 128GB DDR5 @ 5600MHz
- 3× PCIe 4.0 SSD slots · up to 12TB total
- Separate CPU + SSD cooling fans
Professional AI Workloads
GEEKOM A9 Max
Ryzen AI 9 HX470-class
- 86 TOPS rated AI performance
- XDNA 2 NPU up to 55 TOPS
- Dual PCIe Gen4 NVMe · up to 8TB
- IceBlast 3.0 thermal system
- HX370 variant: 80 TOPS for gaming + creative AI
Performance + Connectivity
GEEKOM IT15
Intel Core Ultra 9 285H
- 16 cores, up to 5.4 GHz
- Intel Arc 140T graphics
- Balanced everyday AI + productivity
- Modern connectivity stack
- Compact small-form-factor chassis
Full Field Comparison
The Ranked Field At A Glance
Six highlighted entries from the 10-model ranking, spanning flagship AMD and Intel silicon to gaming-ready configurations.
| Model | Processor | Graphics | Standout Strength | Memory / Storage | Connectivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MINISFORUM AI X1 Pro | Ryzen AI 9 HX370 · 12C/24T · 5.1 GHz | Radeon 890M | Best overall balance | 128GB DDR5 · 12TB (3× PCIe 4.0) | WiFi 7USB48K |
| GEEKOM A9 Max | Ryzen AI 9 HX470-class | Radeon 890M-class | 86 TOPS AI productivity | DDR5 · 8TB (2× PCIe Gen4) | WiFi 7USB4 |
| GEEKOM IT15 | Core Ultra 9 285H · 16C · 5.4 GHz | Arc 140T | Balanced all-rounder | DDR5 expandable | USB4Multi-display |
| GMKtec EVO-X2 | Ryzen AI Max+ 395 | Radeon RX 8060S | Gaming + AI workloads | 128GB LPDDR5X unified | WiFi 78K |
| GMKtec EVO-X1 | Ryzen AI 9 HX370 | Radeon 890M | Triple 8K output | DDR5 expandable | USB43× 8K |
| GEEKOM IT13 MAX | Intel Core (13th-gen class) | Iris Xe-class | Dual 2.5GbE networking | DDR4/DDR5 expandable | 2× 2.5GbEUSB4 |
Decision Framework
Four Factors, One Right Machine
The report’s key takeaway: the choice comes down to balancing processing needs, expandability, connectivity and budget — in that order of priority.
Processing
Match CPU + NPU class to the workload — Ryzen AI 9 HX370 leads raw power in the field.
Expandability
RAM and SSD slots future-proof demanding AI workloads; fixed configs age faster.
Connectivity
WiFi 7, USB4 and multi-display 8K support define the current top tier.
Budget
Price spread is widening — over- or under-buying by hundreds to thousands is real.
Market Context
How NPUs Reached The Mini PC
Mini PCs were long treated as low-power office machines. AMD’s Ryzen AI and Intel’s Core Ultra lines changed that — bringing dedicated neural processing units to small-form-factor desktops and moving workstation-class workloads into a shoebox.
Local Inference
AI Without The Cloud
Machines in this class are now marketed around NPU ratings in TOPS, local AI inference, 8K video editing and 3D rendering — workloads that previously called for full-size workstations.
Silicon Race
Ryzen AI vs Core Ultra
High-performance models typically feature Ryzen AI or Core Ultra chips, with the Ryzen AI 9 HX370 leading in raw power among the models compared.
2026 Outlook
Rankings Will Refresh
New chips with higher NPU ratings are likely to reshuffle the rankings during the year; upgradeable RAM/SSD models are positioned to absorb those changes best.
Buyer’s Caution
Verify Before You Commit
Several claims in the selection rest on manufacturer-listed specifications rather than independently verified benchmarks.
Claims Needing Verification
Read The Fine Print
- TOPS ratings (e.g. 86 TOPS on the A9 Max) are theoretical throughput — real-world inference may differ.
- Pricing is live-linked, not fixed — it shifts between regions and sellers through 2026 retail cycles.
- One listing inconsistency: an EVO-X2 is described with both a “Ryzen 5 3950” and a Ryzen AI Max+ 395 — confirm the exact CPU and memory config with the seller.
What To Expect Through 2026
The Year Ahead
- Full per-model breakdowns with detailed testing impressions are linked from the guide.
- Premium vs budget spread widens — premium configs add power and expandability; budget models focus on essential AI tasks.
- Core advice: match the model to the workload, and verify current pricing and specs at the point of purchase.
Traceability Chain
From Silicon To Selection
What the 2026 Picks Mean for Compact AI Desktops
The selection reflects how far compact AI desktops have moved into mainstream buying decisions. Machines in this class are now marketed around NPU ratings measured in TOPS, local AI inference, 8K video editing and 3D rendering — workloads that previously called for full-size workstations. For readers, the practical value of the ranking is that it maps specific models to specific workloads: raw power, memory and storage expansion, multi-display output, or price-constrained everyday AI tasks.
The report also underlines a widening price spread in the category. Premium configurations offer more power and expandability, while budget models focus on essential AI tasks, so the cost of over- or under-buying is real. A structured comparison gives buyers a reference point before committing several hundred to several thousand dollars.
GEEKOM [2026 Edition Multitasking Mini PC A7 MAX with AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS
- Industry Supply Chain Alert: Secure current DDR5 pricing and coverage
- Powerful AMD Ryzen 9 Processor: 8-core, 16-thread, up to 5.2GHz performance
- Advanced DDR5 Memory: 70% faster than DDR4 for data workflows
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
How Ryzen AI and Core Ultra Reached Mini PCs
Mini PCs were long treated as low-power office machines, but the arrival of AMD’s Ryzen AI and Intel’s Core Ultra processor lines brought dedicated neural processing units to small-form-factor desktops. The report notes that high-performance models in this class typically feature Ryzen AI or Core Ultra chips, with the Ryzen AI 9 HX370 leading in raw power among the models compared.
Alongside the processors, the report identifies expandability and connectivity as defining traits of the current generation: RAM and SSD slots for future-proofing demanding AI workloads, and WiFi 7, USB4 and multi-display support on most top-tier models. Brands such as MINISFORUM, GEEKOM and GMKtec have built their 2026 lineups around that formula, and the guide’s key takeaway is that the choice comes down to balancing processing needs, expandability, connectivity and budget.
“The MINISFORUM AI X1 Pro stands out as the best overall choice, thanks to its robust AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX370 and Radeon 890M.”
— Thorsten Meyer AI, in its 2026 selection
MINISFORUM AI X1 Pro-370 Mini PC AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX370 Up to 5.1GHz 12C/24T, Mini Desktop Computer AMD Radeon 890M, 32GB DDR5 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD, 8K Quad Display, Dual 2.5 LAN/WiFi 7/BT5.4/Oculink
- Powerful AI Processor: AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, up to 5.1GHz
- High-Performance Graphics: AMD Radeon 890M for smooth gaming
- Ample Memory and Storage: 32GB DDR5 RAM, 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
Which Claims Still Need Independent Verification
Several points in the selection rest on manufacturer-listed specifications rather than independently verified benchmarks. TOPS ratings, such as the 86 TOPS figure cited for the GEEKOM A9 Max, describe theoretical AI throughput and may not translate directly to real-world inference speed. The report also links out to live retail pricing, so actual prices are not fixed in the guide and can shift between regions and sellers.
Buyers should also note at least one inconsistency in the listings: an EVO-X2 configuration is described in one entry with a “Ryzen 5 3950” and in another with the Ryzen AI Max+ 395, so confirming the exact processor and memory configuration with the seller before purchase is advisable.
GEEKOM A9 Max High AI Productivity Mini PC,AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370(80 Tops)
- AI Performance: Up to 80 TOPS AI processing power
- AI Acceleration: Dedicated XDNA 2 NPU with 50 TOPS
- AI Compatibility: Supports Microsoft Copilot+, ChatGPT, and more
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
What Buyers Can Expect Through 2026
The report points readers to full per-model breakdowns for detailed testing impressions, and prices across the category are expected to move through 2026 retail cycles. New chips with higher NPU ratings are likely to refresh these rankings during the year, and models with upgradeable RAM and SSD slots are positioned to absorb those changes better than fixed-configuration machines. For now, the guide’s advice is to match the model to the workload and verify current pricing and specifications at the point of purchase.
GEEKOM A9 Max High AI Productivity Mini PC,AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370(80 Tops)
- AI Performance: Up to 80 TOPS AI processing power
- AI Acceleration: Dedicated XDNA 2 NPU with 50 TOPS
- AI Compatibility: Supports Microsoft Copilot+, ChatGPT, and more
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
Key Questions
Which AI mini PC is ranked best overall for 2026?
According to Thorsten Meyer AI, the MINISFORUM AI X1 Pro is the best overall choice, based on its Ryzen AI 9 HX370 processor, Radeon 890M graphics, support for up to 128GB of DDR5 memory and up to 12TB of PCIe 4.0 storage.
What should buyers look for in an AI mini PC?
The report identifies four factors: processor and NPU performance, expandability of RAM and storage, connectivity such as WiFi 7, USB4 and multi-display support, and how all of that fits the available budget.
Which model is recommended for professional AI workloads?
The GEEKOM A9 Max is the guide’s pick for high-end professional AI work, with a listed 86 TOPS of AI performance, an XDNA 2 NPU rated up to 55 TOPS, and dual PCIe Gen4 SSD slots supporting up to 8TB.
Are any of these mini PCs suitable for gaming?
Yes. The GMKtec EVO-X2 with the Ryzen AI Max+ 395 and Radeon RX 8060S graphics is positioned for gaming and AI workloads, and a GEEKOM A9 Max configuration based on the HX370 is listed for gaming and creative AI tasks.
Do prices vary between models?
Yes. The report states that pricing varies widely, with premium options offering more power and expandability and budget choices focused on essential AI tasks. Live prices are linked from each listing rather than fixed in the guide.
Source: Thorsten Meyer AI
