Beelink GTR9 Pro Review: Power-Packed Mini-PC Challenges Mac Mini

Beelink has introduced the GTR9 Pro, a mini-PC that packs a punch with the Ryzen AI Max+ 395 processor. Visually reminiscent of the Mac mini, this device offers a similar size but with significantly enhanced performance. Priced at around $2,000, this model is aimed at professionals and AI enthusiasts more than the average consumer.

A “Mini” PC That’s Anything But Mini

The GTR9 Pro sets a new standard for Beelink, a brand that has been renowned for its mini-PCs for years. This device, equipped with an AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395, resembles the Mac Studio more than the Mac mini in terms of size, featuring a chassis that is considerably bulkier than the brand’s SER9 models.

The design remains compact but has increased in volume to accommodate a cooling solution suitable for the processor’s 120 W. The Apple influence is clear in its aesthetic: sleek shapes, under-chassis ventilation, and visible aluminum. However, unlike the Mac mini, raw power is the priority here.

An Impressive Spec Sheet

Under the hood, the GTR9 Pro is powered by an AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 chip. This includes 16 cores, 32 threads, an iGPU Radeon 8060S with 40 CUs, and AI performance capabilities of up to 126 TOPS. Beelink offers up to 128 GB of soldered LPDDR5X RAM, which is more than sufficient for heavy-duty tasks or AI development. Connectivity-wise, both the GTR9 Pro and AI Mini models feature up to four USB4 ports, an SD card reader, 10 Gb/s Ethernet, Wi-Fi 7, and Bluetooth 5. These features are designed for professionals, not just for running Excel.

But at What Cost?

Beelink’s design and pricing closely mimic Apple’s strategy. At a price point of around $2,000, the GTR9 Pro competes with the Mac mini M2 Pro and even the Mac Studio M2 Max. However, the intended uses differ significantly: the Mac mini is geared towards office work and creative tasks, while the GTR9 targets AI, multi-threaded workloads, and advanced users. The APU Strix Halo, on paper, boasts impressive raw performance, especially with its abundant memory and an iGPU comparable to an RTX 4070, according to Beelink.

At nearly $2,000, the GTR9 Pro aims for a niche market. While the audience may be limited, it clearly illustrates the direction high-end mini-PCs are taking: compact machines that can compete with traditional desktop stations, all while adopting Apple’s aesthetic codes.

4.1/5 - (11 votes)

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