I Turned My Mini PC Into a Powerhouse With 2 Easy Upgrades

So here it is: my new mini PC, the A9 Max from Geekom. A smart little powerhouse, barely bigger than a sandwich box, quiet and incredibly powerful. I unboxed it, plugged it in, and completed the initial setup. Everything works perfectly, as my test shows.

And yet, I realize after a few minutes: it’s not going to stay like this for long. As soon as the software is installed, my fingers start to crave a screwdriver. For what? Because a standard PC is always a compromise – a very good compromise, but it’s not my personal ideal.

As a technology journalist and IT expert, I look at off-the-shelf PCs from a different perspective. Manufacturers must appeal to a wide audience and above all offer an attractive price. This inevitably means that costs are reduced in certain areas. Not in the CPU, since it is the centerpiece, but in the components whose true performance is only revealed in demanding daily use.

For me, the purchase of such a mini PC is therefore not the end, but the beginning of an optimization project. I am purchasing a great foundation on which to build my custom system.

More RAM brings performance improvement

The first and easiest upgrade is almost always RAM. The Geekom A9 Max comes with 32GB of RAM, which is more than enough for most users and everyday tasks like browsing, office work, and streaming. But my daily use is different.

I often run a virtual machine for software testing, dozens of browser tabs with CPU-intensive web applications, image editing programs and communication tools at the same time. This is where 32GB quickly becomes a bottleneck. The system starts to feel slow, switching between programs takes longer, and productivity suffers.

The solution is simple and inexpensive: an upgrade to 64 GB, for example with the Kingston FURY Impact SO-DIMM 64 GB DDR5-5600 CL40 kit. Replacing RAM modules usually only takes a few minutes and the results are immediately noticeable. Everything runs more smoothly, the system has more headroom and is better prepared for tomorrow’s software. For me, this small investment offers the best value for money.

SSD Upgrades: More Speed ​​and Storage

The second candidate for immediate improvement is the mass storage device, i.e. SSD. Here, manufacturers save on two fronts: capacity and speed. 512 GB or 1 TB models are often installed. The 2TB capacity NVMe SSD in our A9 Max comes from Lexar and is labeled LNQ7A1X002T.

Christophe Hoffmann

This seems like a lot at first, but I traditionally separate the Windows installation on the C: drive from my data, which I sync with Dropbox. That’s why I install a second SSD in the mini PC: an external hard drive would be an option, but the internal storage can’t be beat for quick access.

But speed is even more important to me. Not all NVMe SSDs are the same. Manufacturers often install cheap models that are faster than older SATA hard drives, but fall far short of the potential of modern interfaces.

The Lexar NVMe SSD installed in the Geekom offers a read performance of 6,242 MB/s and a write rate of 5,423 MB/s in CrystalDiskMark. This is an above-average result for a PCIe 4.0 SSD, so there’s no reason to replace it for performance reasons.

The system includes a short M.2 (M.2-2230) slot for an additional SSD. The selection of compatible discs is somewhat limited. For our upgrade, we chose the Crucial P310 2TB SSD. The alternative is the Corsair MP600 Mini, available in 1 and 2TB versions.

If the standard SSD installed in the mini PC delivers below-average values, it makes sense to replace it with a high-end SSD. It transforms the mini PC into a real powerhouse. Programs start without delay, large files are copied in seconds, and the entire system seems more direct and responsive. This is a level of comfort that I would not want to miss in my daily work.

Upgrading is easy

Before you start ordering or visiting a local dealer, you need to check the exact specifications of the mini PC. Geekom A9 Max has a short M.2 interface (M.2-2230) for additional SSD, suitable for Crucial P310 2TB M.2 SSD.

The RAM configuration is interesting. The A9 Max (and many other models) comes with 32GB of RAM with two 16GB modules. To upgrade to 64GB, both sticks need to be replaced.

There is a good selection of 64GB (2×32GB) dual-channel DDR5 compatible kits with 5600MHz. Popular options include the Crucial CT2K32G56C46S5 and the Crucial Pro CP2K32G56C46U5. Alternatively, you can choose a single USB drive (albeit more expensive) to keep the option to upgrade to 128GB open.

Before you begin the upgrade or installation, make sure the mini PC is completely turned off and unplugged from the power supply. To discharge any remaining power from the system, press and hold the power button for approximately five seconds.

Opening the case can be a little tricky (see section: Troubleshooting: No more Wi-Fi and Bluetooth). The screws underneath are hidden behind the rubber feet, which can be removed with a sharp object. Once the screws are loose, handle everything with care.

Christophe Hoffmann

Once the inner workings of the mini PC are exposed, you can access the slots for the two SSDs (1 × M.2 2280 and 1 × M.2 2230) and the two memory slots. Some mini PCs also include a mounting bracket for a 2.5-inch SATA SSD, like the Samsung 870 EVO.

With the Geekom A9 Max (and most other models), insert the M.2 SSD at a slight angle into the slot provided. Then gently press it and secure the end with the small screw provided. That’s it!

The RAM modules are held in place by small metal or plastic retaining clips on each side. Gently push these clips outward to release the RAM module, which will lift up slightly and can be removed.

Take the new RAM module and pay attention to the notch. This must match the corresponding guide in the slot to avoid incorrect installation.

Insert the module into the slot and press it firmly and evenly until you hear the retaining clips on the side click into place. Do!

After installation, close the case and reconnect all cables. Boot the mini PC and enter the BIOS (usually by pressing F2 or Del) to confirm that the new RAM is recognized.

Once installed, the new SSD will not automatically appear as a drive in Windows. It must first be initialized in Disk Management.

That’s it! The mini PC now has more storage space and, thanks to the RAM upgrade, additional performance margin.

Troubleshooting Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Issues

Caution: When opening the case and removing the inner metal cover, the black and gray cables may become disconnected. These are soldered to the metal cover and connected to the Wi-Fi card. If the connection is lost, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth functionality will no longer be available.

The cables are attached to the metal cover using adhesive strips, which limits their length. To ensure that the cables remain secure when the cover is raised, it is best to remove the bands and reposition the cables so that they remain plugged in.

Christophe Hoffmann

If the cables have already been unplugged, the ends need to be reconnected to the Wi-Fi card. This is located under the M.2-2280 connector, so the SSD needs to be carefully removed first.

After exposing the Wi-Fi card, carefully lift the self-adhesive clear plastic cover with tweezers or fold it back. Then carefully reconnect the black cable to the connection labeled “Main” and the gray cable to the “AUX” connection.

This process requires patience and may take several attempts. Make sure the cover is properly closed before reinserting the SSD.