The introduction of the Intel NUC within the early 2010s kickstarted the ultra-compact form-factor (UCFF) pattern for desktop techniques. Processors with TDPs starting from 6 – 15W fashioned the spine of this phase within the preliminary years. The emergence of configurable TDPs for pocket book processors has prompted some distributors to introduce UCFF techniques with common 45W TDP processors (albeit, in cTDP-down mode).
GEEKOM, the non-public label model of Shenzhen Jiteng Network Technology Co., has emerged as a preferred UCFF system vendor within the final couple of years. After beginning off with techniques primarily based on older processors, the corporate has moved on to introducing items carrying the newest and best from each AMD and Intel. The firm has additionally been innovating on the form-factor aspect with compact boards smaller than the normal 4″x4″ ones within the NUC clones. The GEEKOM A7 is one such system primarily based on AMD’s Phoenix lineup.
The system is offered in two configurations – one with the Ryzen 7 7840HS, and the opposite with the Ryzen 9 7940HS. Both include 32GB of DRAM, however the former is bundled with a 1TB SSD compared to the 2TB one within the latter. The firm despatched over the flagship configuration to place via our analysis routine for small form-factor computing techniques. This assessment explores the efficiency profile and worth proposition of the system, together with a dialogue of the trade-offs concerned in cramming a strong pocket book processor inside a system smaller than the normal NUC.
Introduction and Product Impressions
The days of cumbersome desktops are getting numbered for a lot of use-cases, with small form-factor (SFF) techniques changing them. The speedy progress on this phase has led to the rise of many Asian distributors specializing in these techniques. GEEKOM’s guardian firm, Shenzhen Jiteng Network Technology Co., Ltd., is an OEM / ODM for small form-factor computing techniques. The firm manufactures each Intel and AMD-based techniques. The non-public label began off with a number of entry-level techniques (such because the MiniAir 11) , however has since branched out to introduce machines with modern processors. We had reviewed the corporate’s Mini IT13 system final 12 months, with its declare to fame being the primary UCFF PC to ship with an Intel Core i9 processor. On the AMD aspect, the corporate additionally launched the Phoenix-based A7 mini-PC a number of months after the Mini IT13’s market entry.
GEEKOM despatched over the flagship A7 configuration for assessment. The AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS within the A7 assessment system has eight high-performance Zen Four cores coupled with a premium Radeon 780M built-in GPU primarily based on the RDNA3 structure. Compared to the normal 117mm x 112mm x 37mm of the skinny NUCs and its clones, the GEEKOM A7 presents a extra compact feel and appear with a 112mm x 112mm x 37mm case with out skimping on the vary of obtainable ports. The brushed aluminum exterior additionally lends it a premium really feel.
GEEKOM’s package deal for the A7 is spartan – the principle unit is accompanied by a welcome card, an set up information, HDMI cable, and a comparatively compact 120W (19V @ 6.32A) FSP-branded AC adapter with a geo-specific energy twine. Interestingly, there is no such thing as a VESA mounting bracket provided together with the unit (not like different GEEKOM techniques we have now reviewed earlier than).
The system is equal to the slim NUCs when it comes to peripherals assist. There isn’t any assist for an inside 2.5″ drive, however there may be wealthy number of I/O ports out there – together with a full-sized UHS-II SD card reader slot on the aspect. GEEKOM doesn’t promote barebones variations of the A7. A SSD, DRAM, and a pre-installed copy of Windows 11 Pro are supplied. In retaining with the premium nature of the Ryzen 9 7940HS, the configuration with that CPU features a 2TB SSD and 32GB of RAM.
Despite the smaller dimensions, the board and…
