Geekom A8 Mini PC with AMD Ryzen 7 8745HS: Everyday Performance Review
The Geekom A8 stands out in the crowded mini PC market as a compact powerhouse tailored for demanding everyday tasks. Equipped with the AMD Ryzen 7 8745HS processor, this device delivers robust performance in a sleek aluminum chassis, making it ideal for professionals, home office users, and multimedia enthusiasts. In this review, we put the Geekom A8 through rigorous daily-use testing to evaluate its capabilities across productivity, content creation, and light gaming scenarios.
Design and Build Quality
Measuring just 112.4 x 112.4 x 37 mm and weighing 590 grams, the Geekom A8 exemplifies efficient space utilization without compromising on premium construction. Its unibody aluminum alloy enclosure not only enhances durability but also aids in heat dissipation, contributing to stable operation under load. The top lid features a subtle ventilation grid, while rubber feet on the base ensure stability and prevent slippage on desks.
A standout feature is the integrated VESA mount, allowing seamless attachment to the back of monitors for a clutter-free setup. Connectivity is comprehensive, with two USB4 ports (supporting 40 Gbps data transfer and 100W power delivery), a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, USB 2.0, dual HDMI 2.0 (4K@60Hz), DisplayPort 1.4, Gigabit Ethernet, and a 3.5mm audio jack. Wireless options include Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2, ensuring reliable network performance. Storage and memory are user-upgradable via dual SO-DIMM slots (up to 64GB DDR5-5600) and dual M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 SSD bays (up to 4TB total).
The review unit shipped with 32GB RAM and a 1TB NVMe SSD, providing ample headroom for multitasking. Setup is straightforward: power on, enter BIOS if needed for tweaks, and install your preferred OS—Windows 11 pre-installed, but Linux compatibility is excellent.
Processor and Graphics Performance
At the heart of the Geekom A8 is the AMD Ryzen 7 8745HS, an 8-core, 16-thread Zen 4 CPU with a base clock of 3.8 GHz and boost up to 5.1 GHz. Integrated Radeon 780M graphics (12 compute units at up to 2.7 GHz) handle modern workloads efficiently. In Cinebench R23 multi-core tests, it scored 17,845 points, surpassing many Intel Core Ultra counterparts and rivaling larger laptops. Single-core performance hit 1,912 points, excelling in responsive app launches and browsing.
Power consumption idles at 10-15W, rising to 54W under full CPU load—impressive for sustained performance without throttling. The iGPU shines in 3DMark Time Spy (3,512 points) and delivers playable frame rates in games like Cyberpunk 2077 at 1080p low settings (around 40 FPS) and Forza Horizon 5 at medium (60+ FPS). For content creators, PugetBench for Premiere Pro averaged 1,200 points, and Handbrake 4K-to-1080p transcoding completed in under 10 minutes.
Everyday Use Cases
In office productivity, the A8 multitasked effortlessly with 20+ Chrome tabs, Microsoft Office suite, and Zoom calls, maintaining smooth operation. 4K video playback via YouTube or Plex was flawless, with hardware decoding support for H.265/HEVC and AV1 formats minimizing CPU usage.
As a NAS alternative, it handled Plex server duties for a 4K library across multiple streams without hiccups, thanks to its SSD speeds exceeding 7,000 MB/s reads. Remote desktop via RDP or Parsec worked seamlessly over Wi-Fi 6E, ideal for hybrid work setups.
Thermal management is a highlight: under prolonged Cinebench loads, CPU temps peaked at 85°C, with surface temperatures remaining comfortable at 45°C. Fan noise stayed below 35 dB idle and 42 dB under load—whisper-quiet for office environments. No thermal throttling occurred during our two-hour stress tests.
Battery and Portability Considerations
While primarily a desktop device, its low power draw (under 60W max) pairs well with USB-C PD chargers for portable use. In our tests, it sustained full performance on a 100W GaN charger, drawing just 55W peak.
Software and Optimization
Geekom includes a clean Windows 11 installation with minimal bloatware. AMD Ryzen Master and Adrenalin software enable fine-tuning for power limits or GPU overclocks, though stock settings suffice for most users. BIOS access is simple (Del key at boot), supporting XMP for RAM and Secure Boot.
Strengths and Limitations
Pros:
- Exceptional multi-core performance in a tiny form factor.
- Upgradeable RAM/SSD and rich I/O.
- Quiet cooling and efficient power use.
- Strong integrated graphics for light gaming/creation.
Cons:
- No Thunderbolt support (USB4 suffices for most).
- Soldered Wi-Fi module limits upgrades.
- Price at €699 (32GB/1TB config) positions it as premium.
In daily testing over two weeks, the Geekom A8 proved reliable for professional workflows, media consumption, and casual gaming, outperforming many competitors in efficiency and versatility. It’s a top choice for users seeking laptop-grade power in a desktop mini package.
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What are your thoughts on this? I’d love to hear about your own experiences in the comments below.