From Strix Halo to Hawk Point: Five Reasons to Switch to a Mini PC in May 2025

Compact computers have almost stopped being a compromise between size and performance. In 2025, mini PCs are using the same processors as high-end laptops, but with better cooling and broader connectivity, from 10-gigabit networking to external GPU support over OCuLink. This roundup covers five recent models, from quiet NAS boxes to miniature AI stations built around Ryzen AI Max+ 395 processors.
FEVM FA-EX9

Chinese company FEVM is preparing the compact FA-EX9 mini PC built around the AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 Strix Halo. This is a 16-core, 32-thread mobile chip with discrete-class graphics and an integrated NPU capable of up to 50 TOPS. The system supports up to 128 GB of memory, with as much as 96 GB available to the GPU. The chassis volume is about 2 liters, and its dimensions are 192 × 190 × 55 mm (7.56 × 7.48 × 2.17 in).
The FA-EX9 is aimed at users who need serious power in a very small package: thanks to the Strix Halo chip, it is suited to AI work, graphics, and heavy compute loads. The inclusion of OCuLink makes it possible to connect external GPUs or other PCIe devices. There is also a broad set of modern ports, including USB4 and DisplayPort 2.1. Power is provided by a 240W GaN adapter.
- Processor: AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 Strix Halo (16 cores, 32 threads)
- Graphics: integrated, discrete-class performance (up to 96 GB of memory available to the GPU)
- RAM: up to 128 GB
- Ports: 1 × OCuLink (64 Gbps), 2 × USB4 (40 Gbps), 5 × USB 3.x Type-A, 1 × HDMI 2.1, 1 × DisplayPort 2.1, 2 × 3.5 mm audio, 1 × RJ45 LAN, 1 × SD card reader, 1 × DC power input
- Dimensions: 192 × 190 × 55 mm
- Chassis volume: about 2 liters
- Power supply: 240W GaN
GMK Evo-X2

GMK Evo-X2 is a mini PC based on AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 Strix Halo, shown in March 2025. It includes 16 cores, 32 threads, integrated Radeon 8060S graphics, and an NPU rated at up to 50 TOPS. The system supports up to 128 GB of LPDDR5X-8000 memory, with up to 96 GB available to the GPU. It was slated to go on sale in May 2025 and was already open for preorder.
In the GMK Evo-X2, the processor can run at up to 140W TDP, which gives it extra performance compared with laptops. Thanks to the high-speed memory and the ability to allocate a large share of RAM to graphics, this mini PC is suitable for running large language models and other demanding workloads. It supports SSD replacement through an M.2 PCIe 4.0 slot and includes Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4. The system is heavily focused on AI, with up to 126 TOPS total from the CPU, GPU, and NPU combined.
- Processor: AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 Strix Halo (16 cores, 32 threads, 140W TDP)
- Graphics: Radeon 8060S, with up to 96 GB of memory available to the GPU
- RAM: up to 128 GB LPDDR5X-8000 (soldered, not upgradeable)
- Storage: M.2 slot for PCIe 4.0 SSD
- Wireless: Wi-Fi 7 (MediaTek RZ717/MT7925), Bluetooth 5.4
- Ports: 2 × USB4 (40 Gbps), 3 × USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A (10 Gbps), 2 × USB 2.0, 1 × DisplayPort 1.4, 1 × HDMI 2.1, 1 × 2.5GbE (RTL8125BG), 2 × 3.5 mm audio, 1 × SD card reader, 1 × DC power input
- Power supply: 230W
PELADN YO1

This mini PC from Chinese brand PELADN uses the AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395. The chip includes 16 Zen 5 cores, 32 threads, integrated Radeon 8060 graphics with 40 RDNA 3.5 compute units, and an NPU rated at up to 50 TOPS. The system supports up to 128 GB of LPDDR5X memory with bandwidth up to 256 GB/s.
Although Ryzen AI Max+ 395 is positioned as a mobile chip, it is being used actively in mini PCs like the YO1 because of its performance and its focus on AI workloads. Up to 96 GB of RAM can be allocated to graphics, and total AI performance from the CPU, GPU, and NPU reaches as high as 126 TOPS. The PELADN YO1 is aimed more at developers and AI users than gamers: at a similar price, many buyers would probably prefer a laptop with a discrete GPU.
- Processor: AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 (16 cores, 32 threads, Zen 5)
- Graphics: Radeon 8060 (40 CUs, RDNA 3.5), up to 96 GB of video memory
- RAM: up to 128 GB LPDDR5X, up to 256 GB/s bandwidth
- AI performance: up to 126 TOPS from CPU + GPU + NPU combined
MINISFORUM MS-A2

One of the brand's most powerful mini PCs, built around the 16-core AMD Ryzen 9 9955HX (Fire Range) with a 55W TDP. It supports up to 96 GB of DDR5-5600 memory, up to three PCIe 4.0 SSDs, and includes a PCIe 4.0 x8 slot for a graphics card or a network card.
The MS-A2 is aimed at users who need strong networking and compute capabilities in a compact format. It stands out with two 10 Gigabit SFP+ ports and two 2.5GbE ports, making it suitable for NAS use, virtualization, and mini-server roles. The processor is soldered but powerful, while the integrated Radeon 610M with two RDNA 2 units is only suitable for basic graphics tasks. A discrete GPU would be needed for heavy graphics, but the compact chassis and PCIe lane limitations constrain GPU choice.
- Processor: AMD Ryzen 9 9955HX (16 cores, 32 threads, 55W, Fire Range)
- Graphics: AMD Radeon 610M (2 CU, RDNA 2)
- RAM: up to 96 GB DDR5-5600
- Storage: 1 × M.2 2280/U.2 PCIe 4.0 x4, 2 × M.2 2280/22110 PCIe 4.0 x4 (NVMe or SATA)
- Expansion: PCIe 4.0 x8 slot (can split into 2 × PCIe 4.0 x4)
- Networking: 2 × 10G SFP+ (Intel X710), 1 × 2.5GbE (RTL8125), 1 × 2.5GbE (Intel i226-V), Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2 (card included)
- Video: 1 × HDMI (up to 8K/60 Hz), 2 × USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (up to 8K/60 Hz or 4K/144 Hz)
- Ports: 1 × USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, 3 × USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, 1 × USB 2.0 Type-A, 1 × 3.5 mm audio
- Dimensions: 196 × 189 × 48 mm (7.72 × 7.44 × 1.89 in)
- Chassis volume: 1.78 liters
- Power: 19V / 12.63A
AOOSTAR WTR Max

The AOOSTAR WTR Max is a NAS platform powered by AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 8845HS (Hawk Point), with support for up to 128 GB of DDR5 memory and up to 11 drives. It includes six bays for 3.5-inch hard drives and five M.2 2280 slots for SSDs.
The WTR Max combines server-style functionality and powerful hardware in a compact metal chassis with active cooling consisting of four fans and a vapor chamber. It supports ECC memory thanks to the Ryzen 7 PRO chip and is designed for stable 24/7 operation. Storage can be built around both high-capacity hard drives and fast SSDs. One notable feature is a front-panel display showing CPU, GPU, RAM, and network load, as well as broad networking: two 10G SFP+ ports, two 2.5GbE ports, and OCuLink support for an external PCIe device, though without hot-swap support.
- Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 8845HS (8 cores, 16 threads, ECC support)
- RAM: up to 128 GB DDR5-5600 (2 SO-DIMM slots)
- Storage: 6 × 3.5-inch HDD bays, 5 × M.2 2280 (3 × PCIe 4.0 x2, 2 × PCIe 4.0 x1)
- Networking: 2 × 10G SFP+, 2 × 2.5GbE
- Ports: 1 × OCuLink (64 Gbps, no hot-swap), 1 × USB4 (40 Gbps, with DisplayPort Alt Mode), 2 × USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A (10 Gbps), 1 × USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A (5 Gbps), 1 × USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C, 1 × HDMI 2.1, 1 × 3.5 mm audio, 1 × microSD card reader, 1 × DC power input
- Chassis: metal, with an LCD display and cooling system (4 fans, vapor chamber)
- Dimensions: 249 × 245 × 195 mm (9.80 × 9.65 × 7.68 in)