Geekom A7 Review: Small but insanely powerful Mini PC
Today we are reviewing the powerful Geekom A7 mini-PC. Priced competitively at around $849, the Geekom A7 offers exceptional value for money considering its top-notch build quality, sleek design, powerful specifications, and extensive connectivity options.
Let’s dive into the details of what makes this mini PC from Geekom so outstanding.
Geekom A7: Video Review
| Specs | Geekom A7 |
| CPU | AMD Ryzen R9-7940HS (4.0GHz,8 cores, 16 threads,16MB Cache) |
| AMD Ryzen R7-7840HS (3.8GHz,8 cores, 16 threads,16MB Cache) | |
| TDP | 35-54W |
| Graphics | AMD Radeon 780M Graphics |
| Memory | Dual channel DDR5 262PIN 5600MHz SODIMM, up to 64GB |
| Storage | 1 x SSD Slot(NVMe Gen4x4 or SATAIII), up to 2TB |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Pro |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Wireless LAN | Intel Wi-Fi6E |
| Ethernet | Intel 10/100/1000/2500 Mbps RJ45 RTL8125BG-CG |
| I/O Ports | 3 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, 1 x USB 4 Gen3 Type-C, 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, |
| 1 x USB 2.0 Type-A, 1 x SD card reader, 1 x 3.5mm front stereo headset jack, | |
| 1 x RJ45, 2 x HDMI 2.0, 1 x DC in, 1 x PowerButton, 1 x Kensington Lock | |
| Adapter | 19V power supply adapter (120W) with geo-specific AC cord (IEC C5) |
| Size | 112.4 x 112.4 x 37 mm |
| Weight | 418 g |
Geekom A7: Design
The Geekom A7 attracts attention with its elegant space gray color and premium metal construction. Reminiscent of the iconic Apple Mac Mini, this device exudes sophistication with its engraved Geekom logo on top and curved corners, evoking a sense of familiarity and style.
The attention to detail is evident, with the entire body crafted from metal, ensuring durability and a premium feel. However, the backplate and bottom base are made from plastic, a minor compromise that doesn’t detract from the overall attractiveness of the design.
Compact dimensions of 112.4 x 112.4 x 37 mm further accentuate its sleek profile, while its surprising weight of 418 grams imparts a sense of quality akin to fine wristwatches.
Beneath the A7 lie four feet that effortlessly clip into designated recesses, facilitating easy access to the internal components via Phillips screws.
Taking a closer look at the front panel, you’ll find two USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, ideal for high-speed data transfer, along with a combo headphone and microphone jack for convenient audio connectivity. The power button adds a touch of simplicity and functionality to the front layout.
Turning to the rear panel, you’ll discover a plethora of connectivity options. From the power socket to USB 4 type-C ports, HDMI 2.0 outputs, 2.5 GB ethernet, and a variety of USB ports, including USB 3 and USB 2, this Mini PC offers versatility for various peripherals and devices. Notably, with support for quad 4K output, the Geekom A7 allows for the simultaneous connection of multiple monitors, making it ideal for multitasking and productivity.
Ventilation is key for efficient performance, and the Geekom A7 doesn’t disappoint. With strategically placed vents on the sides and back, airflow is optimized to keep the system cool, ensuring smooth operation even during intensive tasks.
Meanwhile, situated on the left-hand side is the quintessential SD card reader, a staple feature of Geekom’s devices.
Performance
At the heart of the Geekom A7 is the AMD Ryzen 9 7940 processor. Built on a cutting-edge 4nm technology, this CPU boasts 8 cores and 16 threads, with a base clock of 4GHz. However, it’s the turbo mode that truly shines, propelling the A7 to an impressive 5.2GHz on a single core. This level of performance transcends basic office tasks and media consumption, making the A7 a capable companion for demanding tasks like image editing and even handling older PC games.
Backing up the CPU is the integrated AMD Radeon 780M graphics, equipped with 12 GPU cores and a maximum clock speed of 2800MHz. While it may not match the performance of dedicated graphics cards, it ensures smooth visuals for everyday use. Impressively, the cooling system operates quietly, with noise levels ranging from 33 to 36 dB(A) during normal operation and reaching a maximum of 41 dB(A) under load. Thanks to effective heat dissipation, the Ryzen 9 can unleash its full potential in benchmarks without compromising on performance.
Storage capabilities are equally impressive, with the Geekom A7 featuring a branded SSD from ASUS. With a spacious 2TB capacity, this SSD delivers blazingly fast read and write speeds of 4913 MB/s and 4713 MB/s respectively, as tested in CrystalDiskMark. Whether it’s installing applications or copying large files, the A7 handles tasks with remarkable speed, while Windows boots up within seconds.
Memory-wise, the A7 comes equipped with 32GB of DDR5 RAM, comprising two 16GB bars running at 5600MHz in dual-channel mode. Notably, the A7 supports a maximum of 64GB RAM, offering ample room for future upgrades. Additionally, Geekom offers variations of the A7 with different storage and memory configurations, catering to varying user needs.
Upon initial setup, users are greeted by the familiar Windows 11 Pro interface, with licensing seamlessly integrated into the BIOS for hassle-free reinstallation. While drivers may not be immediately available on Geekom’s website, they are expected to be released soon, ensuring optimal performance and compatibility.
Connectivity
The Geekom A7 offers seamless connectivity options, including support for the latest wireless standards. With WiFi 6 compatibility, users can experience enhanced network performance and efficiency.
On the 2.4GHz network, the A7 demonstrates a commendable average bandwidth of 33 MBit/s, delivering reliable connectivity for everyday tasks. However, users may initially encounter limitations with the 5GHz network, as the speed may not fully utilize the available bandwidth.
To address this issue, users can embark on a quest to find the optimal drivers for the installed Mediatek MT7921 network card. After testing various driver installations with mixed outcomes, a recommendation emerges from the Republic Of Gamers forum, offering a solution that fully exploits the network’s capabilities.
Once the appropriate drivers are installed, users can expect a significant improvement in performance, with the A7 harnessing the full potential of the 5GHz network.
Moreover, the A7 mini-PC boasts Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity, facilitating effortless pairing with other devices. Throughout the testing period, connections remain stable with no dropouts or interruptions, ensuring a hassle-free user experience.
Tests
The Geekom A7 proves its mettle as a versatile multimedia powerhouse, effortlessly handling 4K video playback, streaming, and gaming with finesse.
Starting with 4K video playback from a USB drive, the A7 impresses with its ability to handle high-bitrate content flawlessly. From the 160 Mbps Jellyfish demo to the more demanding 400 Mbps variant, the playback remains buttery smooth, showing the A7’s prowess in handling even the most demanding media files. Furthermore, 4K 60 samples with various HDR formats playback seamlessly, with no stuttering or buffering issues, demonstrating the A7’s compatibility and versatility straight out of the box.
Moving on to streaming, the A7 excels yet again. YouTube’s 4K 60 HDR content streams effortlessly, providing an immersive viewing experience. Additionally, Netflix streaming via the web browser supports 4K resolution, further expanding the A7’s entertainment capabilities.
Transitioning to gaming, the A7 doesn’t disappoint. From the intense action of GTA 5 to the competitive gameplay of Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War, the A7 delivers smooth performance, thanks to its powerful AMD Ryzen 9 7940 processor and AMD Radeon 780M graphics card.
With its remarkable Geekbench single-core score of 1,992 and multi-core score of 12,146, the A7 outshines its competitors, demonstrating its raw processing power and efficiency.
Furthermore, in the Antutu benchmark test, the A7 achieved an impressive score of 1.2 million, showing its progress in both CPU and GPU performance. Meanwhile, the CPU Benchmark score by PassMark reaches an impressive 303,546, further cementing the A7’s status as a powerhouse in the mini PC market.
Cooling
The Geekom A7 stands out not only for its impressive performance but also for its efficient cooling system, ensuring optimal operation even during heavy usage. With a well-designed cooling fan drawing cool air from both sides and expelling heat through the back, the A7 maintains optimal temperatures without any throttling or overheating issues.
During extensive testing, including demanding tasks like 4K video editing and AAA gaming, the A7 remains cool and composed, thanks to its effective cooling mechanism. The system intelligently regulates the fan speed, ensuring efficient heat dissipation without generating excessive noise. Whether you’re browsing the web, working on office applications, coding, or engaging in graphics-intensive tasks, the A7 handles it all with ease.
Geekom A7: Conclusion
The Geekom A7 stands as a testament to the pinnacle of mini PC engineering, offering a blend of power, versatility, and future-proofing that’s hard to match. Its space-saving design, reminiscent of the sleek Mac Mini, exudes elegance and sophistication.
Priced at $849 for the most powerful configuration running Windows 11 Professional, the A7 may seem like a significant investment. However, when you consider the premium build quality, future upgradability, and robust performance it offers, the price becomes justified.
One of the standout features of the A7 is its upgradability. Unlike the Mac Mini M2, which restricts users to the storage and RAM configurations it comes with, the A7 offers the flexibility to upgrade components as needed. This not only enhances its longevity but also ensures that it remains relevant and capable of handling future computing demands.
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