In an era where compactness and power are increasingly sought after, mini-PCs are growing in popularity. GEEKOM , this innovative company in the field of IT, which I no longer present to you, stands out with products that combine performance and design . Their latest model, the GEEKOM A8 , a worthy successor to the A7 , equipped with an AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS processor , promises to redefine the standards of mini-PCs by offering impressive capabilities in a small format.
Having had the opportunity to test the GEEKOM A8, I am excited to share my impressions and the results of my evaluation. This mini PC, with its promising specifications, could just transform your workspace or entertainment setup. Moreover, for your information, this computer is available in two distinct models, each offering different configurations and prices!
In this article, I offer you a detailed analysis of the GEEKOM A8 , a compact and powerful machine from the GEEKOM brand. To determine if this device deserves its hype, I will examine its technical characteristics , its performance, its connectivity, its manufacturing quality, and conclude with a general opinion.
Ready to find out more? Let's go!
Presentation of the GEEKOM A8
The Geekom A8 is one of the latest models to stand out, with its latest generation AMD Ryzen 9 and Ryzen 7 processors. This technological gem promises to push the limits of performance even further in an ultra-compact format. Is this the first time you're hearing about this mini PC? Here is a detailed presentation of these characteristics:
Performance
The Mini A8 comes in two powerful configurations, each incorporating the latest generation of AMD Ryzen processors .
- R9-8945HS with 32 GB RAM and 2 TB SSD : This configuration is the more powerful of the two and offers the best graphics performance, perfect for the most demanding gamers.
- R7-8845HS with 32 GB of RAM and 1 TB of SSD : This configuration is slightly less powerful than the R9-8945HS configuration, but it still offers more than enough graphics performance for most video games and applications.
Featuring an integrated AMD Radeon 780M graphics card , this mini-PC is capable of running most current video games at medium settings , giving you a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience.
Memory and Storage
The Geekom A8 does not compromise on memory and storage . It is equipped with:
RAM :
- Dual Channel DDR5 5600MT/s
- Up to 64 GB
This configuration provides speed and capacity for the most demanding tasks, such as multitasking, video editing, and software development.
Storage :
- M.2 2280 PCIe Gen 4x4 SSD
- Up to 2TB
The PCIe 4.0 SSD delivers blazing-fast read and write speeds , allowing you to load your apps and files in the blink of an eye.
Graphics and Display
Cutting-edge AMD Ryzen processors, such as the Ryzen 9 8945HS and Ryzen 7 8845HS , deliver exceptional performance with 8 cores and 16 threads. With a maximum Boost clock of up to 5.2 GHz TSMC 4nm FinFET technology , these processors guarantee realistic graphics and vivid details. AMD Radeon™ 780M graphics card ensures smooth, high-fidelity experiences, whether gaming, editing or streaming.
Connectivity
Ports :
- 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A on the back
- 1 x USB 2.0 Type-A on the back
- 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A on the front supporting Power Delivery
- 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A on the front
- 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C supporting Power Delivery (rear panel)
- 1 x USB 4 Gen3 Type-C supporting Power Delivery (rear panel)
- 1 front 3.5mm stereo headphone jack
- 1 x RJ45 (rear panel) RTL8125BG-CG
- 2 x HDMI 2.0 (rear panel)
- 1 x DC Input (Rear Panel)
- 1 x power supply button
- 1 x SD card
Network :
- Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2 for ultra-fast and stable wireless connection
- Gigabit Ethernet for a secure and efficient wired connection
Operating System and Dimensions
- OS : Windows 11 Pro pre-installed, delivering the latest Windows . However, if you prefer to use another operating system, you can always easily install Linux or macOS on the GEEKOM A8.
- Dimensions : A compact design with dimensions of 112.4 mm x 112.4 mm x 37 mm, ideal for tight spaces. This mini PC is ideal for demanding users looking for high performance without sacrificing compactness.
Now that you have a general idea of the A8 mini PC, let's focus on unboxing and checking out the top-performing model, featuring an AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS processor, 32GB of RAM, and a 2TB SSD . Be ready to be amazed!
Unboxing and first impression
As soon as I had the package in my hand, I felt a wave of excitement. The packaging immediately made a good impression on me with its quality. Not only was it aesthetically pleasing with its minimalist design, but it also provided solid protection, ensuring that the GEEKOM Mini A8 inside was in pristine condition.
Upon opening the box, the Mini A8 was presented to me with an elegance that surprised me. It sat in a custom-made stand.
The first thing that struck me was the compact size of the device, a stunning contrast to its 450g weight, suggesting the use of sturdy materials in its construction.
The unboxing process was a real adventure, with each layer revealing a new aspect of the mini-PC. The brushed aluminum housing caught the light, adding a touch of sophistication while still giving off a feeling of strength . Every detail seemed to have been carefully thought out to combine aesthetics and functionality.
The metal structure of the Mini A8 , very resistant, inspires great confidence. It is clear that GEEKOM has taken significant steps to ensure the sustainability of their product. Using a hybrid design mixing metal and plastic isn't just about style; it plays a crucial role in preventing deformation due to impact or compression. This demonstrates a particular concern for the longevity and reliability of the mini-PC .
Analysis of the external part of the Geekom A8
Let's talk about serious things ! From the moment you open the Geekom A8 Mini PC box, everything you need to get started is neatly packed inside:
- Obviously, the mini-PC itself , the centerpiece of this technological adventure.
- A power adapter with its cable to power your new gadget.
- An HDMI cable , essential for connecting the mini-PC to a screen.
- An illustrated quick start guide , providing a clear and concise overview of the device.
- A VESA mounting kit with all necessary screws, ideal for discreetly mounting the mini-PC behind a monitor.
Despite its compact dimensions, the Geekom A8 is packed with connection ports, demonstrating that size does not hinder functionality. To illustrate this, here is a detailed diagram, taken from the manufacturer's website, which highlights the ingenious arrangement of these ports:
Like what we observed on the IT13 Mini PC , the Geekom A8 is equipped, on its left side, with a dedicated slot for the SD card reader , but curiously, there is nothing on the right side.
Internal exploration of the Geekom Mini A8
As soon as you remove the bottom panel, you are greeted by a carefully organized internal architecture . Right in the center, you will find a 2TB M.2 SATA/PCIe x4 Gen 4 NVMe SSD , still offering impressive storage capacity, it must be said. Additionally, you have the option of adding a 2.5-inch SATA SSD with up to 2TB capacity, for even more storage space.
As for memory, the Geekom A8 is equipped with two slots, each housing a 32 GB DDR5-5600MT/s RAM stick , too. This configuration ensures a smooth and efficient multitasking experience, even for the most demanding applications.
User Experience: Launch, installation and feedback!
The first time I powered on my Geekom A8 Mini PC, I immediately connected the screen, keyboard and mouse, then plugged in the HDMI cable and power power supply to start the installation. After selecting my Wi-Fi network ( the Ethernet option is also available ), I continued with creating a user account, opting for a Microsoft account, although alternatives exist for those who prioritize privacy.
Once I completed these steps, the Windows 11 Pro desktop appeared in front of me. My first instinct was to run Windows Update, downloading the most recent updates and security patches to ensure my system was up to date with the latest features Microsoft had to offer.
What particularly impressed me was the cleanliness of this installation: Geekom did not include any superfluous software, leaving room for a pure version of Windows 11 Pro , without pre-installed applications or unnecessary customizations.
The user experience with the Geekom A8 is exceptional. Every task, whether installing applications, browsing the Internet or watching videos, runs smoothly and without the slightest problem. Working on such a responsive and efficient machine is a real pleasure.
Daily use
On a daily basis, the GEEKOM A8 has proven to be a reliable and efficient companion. Whether it was word processing, web browsing, or more resource-intensive tasks like video editing, this mini-PC handled it all with remarkable fluidity. I tested several office suites, including Microsoft Office and LibreOffice , and the GEEKOM A8 showed no signs of slowing down, even when running several heavy applications simultaneously.
For web browsing, I opened a multitude of tabs in various browsers like Chrome, Firefox and Edge. With over 20 tabs open, including streaming videos and web apps, the mini-PC maintained stable performance without any perceptible lag. The Wi-Fi 6E also ensured fast and reliable download and browsing speeds.
When it comes to multimedia, the GEEKOM A8 excelled . I used video editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro and DaVinci Resolve to edit 4K videos, and the results were impressive.
Rendering time has been significantly reduced thanks to the combination of the AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS processor and Radeon 780M graphics card. Large files were handled effortlessly, which is often a challenge for less powerful systems.
Launch of the benchmark
To evaluate the technical performance of the Geekom A8 Mini PC, I used 3DMark , a benchmarking software well known for its rigorous performance tests. This method allowed me to collect precise and detailed data on the hardware capabilities of this mini PC.
As a technology enthusiast, I found the results particularly impressive.
Gaming experience on the Geekom A8: Performance and adaptability
As I did with the Geekom XT 12 PRO , I decided to launch Fortnite on the Geekom A8 mini-PC to see what it had in store. Configured in 1080p, Performance mode and with graphics settings oscillating between low and medium, this little technological gem proved itself more than capable of handling this popular game with impressive fluidity.
During my testing sessions, the frames per second (FPS) generally remained between 100 and 150, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience. In quieter moments, when the camera was pointed at the ground or sky, the FPS could even exceed 160, providing an even more pronounced feeling of fluidity.
Even during intense action scenes, where the screen filled with enemies and explosions , the Geekom A8 held its own, with an FPS rarely dropping below 70. This allowed good gameplay to be maintained without any noticeable slowdown. .
Thermal Management
Another crucial aspect for a mini PC is thermal management. The aluminum casing of GEEKOM A8 plays an important role in heat dissipation. In my testing, even under heavy load, the mini-PC remained relatively quiet and cool. This is partly due to the intelligent design of passive and active cooling which ensures heat is dissipated efficiently.
To evaluate thermal management, I subjected the GEEKOM A8 to extended stress tests. During intensive gaming and video editing sessions, CPU and GPU temperatures remained within acceptable limits, without ever reaching concerning levels. The cooling system helped maintain high performance without throttling , which is often a problem with mini-PCs.
I also measured the noise levels produced by the mini-PC under different load conditions. In standby mode or during light tasks, the GEEKOM A8 is virtually inaudible. Under maximum load, fan noise is noticeable , but remains relatively low compared to other similar systems. This performance is particularly beneficial for users who work in noise-sensitive environments, such as shared offices or creative studios.
Another notable point is the energy consumption of the GEEKOM A8. Thanks to its efficient processor and optimized thermal management, the mini-PC consumes less energy compared to a traditional desktop computer while offering comparable performance. This not only results in savings on electricity bills, but also a reduced carbon footprint, which is a benefit for environmentally conscious users.
Security and Management of the GEEKOM mini A8
Finally, for business users, the GEEKOM A8 offers several security and management features that make it ideal for an enterprise environment. The presence of Windows 11 Pro allows the use of BitLocker for data encryption, ensuring that sensitive information remains protected from unauthorized access.
Additionally, the mini-PC supports remote management capabilities via Microsoft Endpoint Manager and Windows Autopilot , making it easier to deploy, configure and manage devices at scale. These tools are essential for IT teams who need to manage numerous devices within an organization.
The GEEKOM A8 is also equipped with a TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module), which provides additional hardware security by storing cryptographic keys used for encryption and authentication functions. This feature is particularly useful for businesses looking to strengthen the security of their systems against sophisticated attacks .
GEEKOM MINI TEST
Whether you need a mini PC for office tasks, photo editing, or even light video editing, the Geekom A8 is perfectly equipped to meet your expectations. Despite its compact size , it contains all the power of a large machine. Its Ryzen 9 processor combined with a Radeon graphics chip and multi-screen support up to 8K resolution make it an ideal choice.
The +
- High performance
- Large memory capacity
- Fast and large storage
- Powerful integrated graphics
- Compact and lightweight design
- Efficient thermal management
- Advanced security
THE -
- High price
- Relative weight for height
- Maintenance complexity
- Limited upgrade options : Although RAM and storage are expandable, other components are not easily expandable
