GEEKOM A9 Max vs Minisforum MS-A2
Minisforum MS-A2 is both faster and cheaper here - the default pick unless you need something specific from the other.
The verdict
- CPU
- Minisforum MS-A2 has 1.4x the CPU throughput (54,042 vs 37,699 PassMark).
- Idle power
- GEEKOM A9 Max idles lower (7W vs 25W) - cheaper to run 24/7.
- Networking
- Minisforum MS-A2 has more NICs (4 vs 2) - better for a firewall or VLAN trunk.
- RAM ceiling
- GEEKOM A9 Max takes more RAM (128GB vs 96GB).
- Local AI
- Minisforum MS-A2 has a PCIe slot for a low-profile GPU - the other needs a DIY build for local LLMs.
Which wins for each job
| Job | GEEKOM A9 Max | Minisforum MS-A2 |
|---|---|---|
| Plex / Jellyfin | ~5 streams | ~5 streams |
| Frigate NVR | add a detector | add a detector |
| Proxmox / VMs | 37,699 PassMark | 54,042 PassMark win |
| Firewall / router | 2 NICs | 4 NICs win |
| Local AI / LLM | no slot | PCIe GPU slot win |
Approximate - capacity estimates from curated specs, the same logic as the recommender. Verify against your exact setup. Prices move; check the retailer.
Full specs
| Spec | GEEKOM A9 Max | Minisforum MS-A2 |
|---|---|---|
| Price (list) | $999 | $639 |
| CPU | AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 | AMD Ryzen 9 7945HX |
| Cores / threads | 12 | 16 |
| PassMark | 37,699 | 54,042 |
| iGPU | Radeon 890M (RDNA3.5) | Radeon 610M (RDNA2) |
| NICs | 2 | 4 |
| NIC model | Realtek 2.5GbE dual | Intel X710 (10G SFP+) |
| RAM max (GB) | 128 | 96 |
| M.2 free | 1 | 1 |
| PCIe slot | none | x16 |
| Idle (W) | 7 | 25 |
| TDP (W) | 54 | 55 |