We might be in the “golden era” of Mini PCs with many high performance options hitting the market like the amazing Mac Mini and many PC options that offer comparable performance.
In my latest review, we take a look at a new high-end unit from Beelink called the SER9 Pro.
Equipped with an AMD Ryzen AI9 365 processor, this compact machine aims to deliver solid performance for everyday tasks, media consumption, and even gaming. With a high price tag, it offers a blend of power and efficiency, though there are some trade-offs to consider. You can find the current price on Amazon here (affiliate link).
The Ryzen A I9 365 inside the Beelink SER9 is a 10-core CPU with a 12-core GPU. While it carries the AI branding, it’s important to keep expectations in check. This machine won’t be running large-scale AI models locally, but it does provide some AI-assisted enhancements in video and photo editing applications. The system also features 32GB of LPDDR5X-8000 RAM, though it’s soldered onto the motherboard per AMD requirements, making future upgrades impossible. On the storage side, it includes 1TB of NVMe storage with an additional NVME slot for expansion.
The front panel includes a USB-C 3.2 port, a USB 3.0 port, and a headphone/microphone jack. The rear panel offers additional ports, including two USB-A 2.0 ports, one USB-A 3.2 port, dual video outputs (DisplayPort and HDMI), and a USB 4.0 port that supports 40 gps Thunderbolt devices like eGPUs. There’s also a 2.5Gb Ethernet port for high-speed wired networking. Its Wi-Fi 6 performance falls slightly below expectations compared to other devices tested on the same access point.
In real-world use, the Beelink SER9 handles everyday tasks smoothly. Web browsing at 4K resolution feels snappy, and even demanding applications like DaVinci Resolve can run well for basic video editing. Heavier tasks, such as applying complex effects, do slow down playback slightly, but for general content creation, this system performs well.
Gaming on the Beelink SER9 is surprisingly decent for a Mini PC. Running Cyberpunk 2077 at 1080p on the lowest settings yields nearly 60 frames per second, with smooth performance in other demanding games like Red Dead Redemption 2. Benchmarks put its performance in line with older GPUs like the GTX 1060, but with significantly less power consumption. Under full load, the system draws around 95 watts, and fan noise remains minimal, making it a quiet option even during intensive tasks. Idle consumption is around 10-11 watts.
For those considering alternative operating systems, the SER9 runs Linux without issues. Everything from audio to Bluetooth and Wi-Fi is detected properly, making dual-booting a viable option.
While the Beelink SER9 is an impressive performer in the Mini PC category, potential buyers should weigh their options. A comparably priced laptop with similar specs could offer the same performance with added portability. However, for those who need a small, quiet, and efficient desktop alternative, the SER9 delivers on many fronts. Its sleek design, solid performance, and energy efficiency make it a strong contender in the Mini PC market, despite a few limitations.