Winner
Updated October 2026
Data from the official Geekom and GMKtec sites.
2026 verdict
There is no real contest when the Geekom A9 Max (HX 370) is one of the two mini PCs in a matchup.
It brings a twelve-core Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, Radeon 890M graphics and a 50 TOPS XDNA 2 NPU, plus 32 GB of DDR5-5600 that reaches 128 GB, dual 2.5G Ethernet, Wi-Fi 7, two USB4 ports and an SD 4.0 reader, all with a three-year warranty. The GMKtec NucBox M2 Pro S (16GB + 1TB) is the cheaper and, on owner ratings, the more liked of the pair, and its Core i7-1185G7 still feeds three 4K displays from a metal case with a bundled VESA bracket. Choose the Geekom A9 Max (HX 370) for AI work, DDR5 memory and fast networking, and the GMKtec NucBox M2 Pro S (16GB + 1TB) only if the lower price and a light triple-monitor desktop are what matter.
vs
23% OFF
$499.98
$649.99
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| Feature | Geekom A9 Max (HX 370) | GMKtec NucBox M2 Pro S (16GB + 1TB) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $1499.00 | $499.98 | GMKtec NucBox M2 Pro S (16GB + 1TB) |
| Warranty | 3 years | 1 year | Geekom A9 Max (HX 370) |
| Memory Type | DDR5 | DDR4 | Geekom A9 Max (HX 370) |
| Memory Speed | 5600 MT/s | 3200 MT/s | Geekom A9 Max (HX 370) |
| Memory Capacity | 32 GB | 16 GB | Geekom A9 Max (HX 370) |
| CPU Model | AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 | Intel Core i7-1185G7 | Different strengths |
| GPU Model | AMD Radeon 890M | Intel Iris Xe Graphics G7 (96 EUs, 1.35 GHz) | Different strengths |
| Rating | 4.2 | 4.2 | Tie |
| Memory Configuration | Dual-channel | Dual-channel | Tie |
| Storage Capacity | 1 TB | 1 TB | Tie |
What the differences mean
Processor and NPU
The Geekom A9 Max (HX 370) has a twelve-core, twenty-four-thread Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 with a 50 TOPS NPU. The GMKtec NucBox M2 Pro S (16GB + 1TB) runs a four-core Core i7-1185G7 with no NPU. The Geekom is far faster at multitasking and is the only one of the two able to accelerate AI work on the device.
Memory
The GMKtec NucBox M2 Pro S (16GB + 1TB) ships 16 GB of DDR4-3200 and accepts 64 GB. The Geekom A9 Max (HX 370) moves to DDR5-5600, ships 32 GB and takes 128 GB. The Geekom's memory is a generation newer and its ceiling is twice as high.
Networking
The Geekom A9 Max (HX 370) has two 2.5G Ethernet ports, Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4. The GMKtec NucBox M2 Pro S (16GB + 1TB) has a single 2.5G port, Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2. For a home lab or a desk moving large files, the Geekom has more bandwidth and a second wired link.
Ports and video
The GMKtec NucBox M2 Pro S (16GB + 1TB) drives three displays from two HDMI 2.0 ports and a 5Gbps Type-C output. The Geekom A9 Max (HX 370) adds two USB4 ports at 40Gbps, two HDMI 2.1 outputs and an SD 4.0 card reader, so it runs four screens and takes fast external storage.
Warranty
The Geekom A9 Max (HX 370) is covered for three years. The GMKtec NucBox M2 Pro S (16GB + 1TB) carries a one-year warranty. On a machine meant to run for years, the longer term is a meaningful part of what you are buying.
Which one to buy if
- you want on-device AI acceleration and a large memory ceiling
The Geekom A9 Max (HX 370) has the 50 TOPS NPU and DDR5 that grows to 128 GB, and the GMKtec has neither.
- you are putting together a fast home lab or NAS front end
Two 2.5G Ethernet ports plus Wi-Fi 7 give the Geekom A9 Max (HX 370) more room for network separation than a single wired port.
- you want the lowest cost way to drive three 4K screens
The GMKtec NucBox M2 Pro S (16GB + 1TB) covers three displays and includes a VESA mount for a monitor-back install.
- you mostly browse and use office apps and value a compact metal case
Its Core i7 is more than enough for light work, and buyers rate the small, quiet metal build highly.
Winner
$1499.00
- + Warranty: 3 years
- + Memory Type: DDR5
- + Memory Speed: 5600 MT/s
- - Price: $1499.00 vs $499.98
23% OFF
$499.98
$649.99
- + Price: $499.98
- - Warranty: 1 year vs 3 years
- - Memory Type: DDR4 vs DDR5
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better overall: Geekom A9 Max (HX 370) or GMKtec NucBox M2 Pro S (16GB + 1TB)?
The Geekom A9 Max (HX 370), clearly. It has a twelve-core Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 with a 50 TOPS NPU, DDR5 memory to 128 GB, dual 2.5G Ethernet, Wi-Fi 7, two USB4 ports and a three-year warranty, while the GMKtec NucBox M2 Pro S (16GB + 1TB) is a smaller, cheaper Core i7 machine.
What is the biggest difference between the Geekom A9 Max (HX 370) and the GMKtec NucBox M2 Pro S (16GB + 1TB)?
The platform. The Geekom A9 Max (HX 370) is a current DDR5 design with an NPU and USB4, while the GMKtec NucBox M2 Pro S (16GB + 1TB) is an older Core i7 machine on DDR4 with no NPU and a single 5Gbps Type-C port.
Does the Geekom A9 Max (HX 370) have Thunderbolt?
No. It has two USB4 Type-C ports running at 40Gbps with DisplayPort output, which covers most Thunderbolt uses but is not Thunderbolt certified. The GMKtec NucBox M2 Pro S (16GB + 1TB) has no USB4 or Thunderbolt at all.
Can the Geekom A9 Max (HX 370) and the GMKtec NucBox M2 Pro S (16GB + 1TB) be upgraded?
Both use SODIMM memory and two M.2 bays. The Geekom A9 Max (HX 370) takes DDR5 to 128 GB across an M.2 2280 and an M.2 2230 slot, and the GMKtec NucBox M2 Pro S (16GB + 1TB) takes DDR4 to 64 GB across an M.2 2280 and an M.2 2242 slot.
Who should buy the GMKtec NucBox M2 Pro S (16GB + 1TB)?
Anyone who wants a compact, metal, VESA-mountable desktop with a real Core i7 for browsing, office work and three 4K displays, at a lower price than the Ryzen AI mini PCs, and who does not need an NPU or fast external ports.
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Compare all 108 Mini PCs side by side
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