The mini-PC market is heating up, and Beelink is stepping into the ring with its latest powerhouse: the GTR9 Pro. Powered by AMD’s upcoming Strix Halo APU, this sleek, compact machine is being touted as a direct rival to Apple’s Mac Studio and GMKtec’s recently announced EVO-X2. With its polished aluminum chassis and ambitious performance claims, the GTR9 Pro is poised to shake up the desktop computing landscape.
A Design That Channels Apple’s Minimalist Aesthetic
At first glance, the Beelink GTR9 Pro could easily be mistaken for Apple’s Mac Studio, thanks to its refined, all-metal enclosure and compact footprint. Measuring just 7.5 x 7.5 inches, the device emphasizes portability without sacrificing premium build quality. Beelink’s design team appears to have taken cues from Apple’s playbook, offering a space-gray finish and a minimalist front panel featuring USB-C and Thunderbolt 4 ports.
But the similarities end under the hood. Unlike Apple’s ARM-based M-series chips, the GTR9 Pro harnesses AMD’s Strix Halo APU, which combines Zen 5 CPU cores with a cutting-edge RDNA 3+ GPU. This hybrid architecture promises desktop-grade performance for creative professionals and gamers alike, with early benchmarks suggesting it could rival mid-tier dedicated graphics cards.
Performance That Packs a Punch
The Strix Halo APU is the star of the show here. With up to 16 cores and 32 threads, the chip is designed to handle intensive workloads like 4K video editing, 3D rendering, and AAA gaming. Beelink claims the GTR9 Pro will support up to 96GB of DDR5 RAM and 8TB of NVMe storage, making it a versatile option for power users who need both speed and capacity.
In a recent tweet, Beelink teased the device’s gaming capabilities, showcasing Cyberpunk 2077 running at 1440p with ray tracing enabled. While exact frame rates weren’t disclosed, the demonstration highlighted the APU’s ability to handle modern titles without a discrete GPU—a feat that positions the GTR9 Pro as a unique hybrid between a workstation and a gaming rig.
A Growing Market of Mini-PC Rivals
Beelink isn’t alone in chasing the high-end mini-PC niche. GMKtec recently unveiled plans for its EVO-X2, a similarly compact system boasting Intel’s Lunar Lake processors. As detailed in a report by GSMGoTech, the EVO-X2 aims to leverage AI acceleration for creative workflows, setting up a head-to-head battle with Beelink’s AMD-powered offering.
Meanwhile, Apple’s Mac Studio remains a formidable competitor, particularly for macOS loyalists. However, the GTR9 Pro’s x86 architecture and Windows/Linux compatibility could give it an edge in versatility, especially for users who rely on software not yet optimized for Apple Silicon.
Pricing and Availability
Pre-orders for the Beelink GTR9 Pro are expected to open in Q3 2024, with a starting price of 1,999, while GMKtec’s EVO-X2 is projected to start at $1,499. This aggressive pricing strategy could make the GTR9 Pro a compelling option for budget-conscious professionals.
The device will be available globally through Amazon and Beelink’s official storefronts. Interested buyers can sign up for updates on the product’s Amazon page, where early bird discounts are rumored to be in the works.
The Verdict: A New Era for Compact Powerhouses?
The Beelink GTR9 Pro represents a bold step forward for mini-PCs, blending pro-level performance with a design that challenges industry giants like Apple. While questions remain about real-world thermals and noise levels—common concerns for compact systems—the specs on paper are undeniably impressive.
As the battle between AMD, Intel, and Apple Silicon intensifies, consumers stand to benefit from a wave of innovation. Whether the GTR9 Pro can dethrone the Mac Studio or outpace the EVO-X2 remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the mini-PC revolution is just getting started.
Image credit: Beelink
