Aoostar GEM 10

The Aoostar GEM10 emerges as a powerhouse in the compact PC segment, offering AMD's Ryzen 7 6800H (8 cores/16 threads, up to 4.7GHz) with Radeon 680M iGPU and 32GB LPDDR5-6400 RAM in its $459 configuration (1TB SSD included). The Zen 3+ architecture delivers robust productivity performance, while the LPDDR5 memory's 6400MHz bandwidth gives the 680M iGPU a ~30% boost over standard DDR5 systems, enabling 1080p gaming in titles like Forza Horizon 5 at medium settings :cite[1]:cite[4]. Its standout feature is the OCuLink port, offering 63Gbps bandwidth for eGPU connectivity—a rare inclusion that outperforms USB4's 40Gbps for graphics expansion :cite[7]:cite[8]. The 0.6L aluminum chassis houses three PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots (supporting RAID) and dual 2.5G Ethernet ports, making it equally viable for gaming, NAS setups, or creative workstations.

Priced competitively at $459 for the 32GB/1TB model, the GEM10 undercuts rivals like the Minisforum EM780 while offering superior storage flexibility. The LPDDR5's soldered design guarantees stability but eliminates upgrade options—a trade-off for the iGPU's performance gains :cite[4]:cite[6]. Connectivity shines with USB4 (40Gbps), four USB 3.2 Gen2 ports, and dual HDMI 2.1 outputs supporting triple 4K displays. However, the Intel AX200 WiFi 6 module delivered subpar throughput in tests (~450Mbps vs. competitors' 900Mbps+), and the OCuLink's front-facing placement complicates cable management for eGPUs :cite[4]:cite[8]. The "Glacier 2.5" cooling system keeps the 45W TDP CPU at 81°C under load but emits 38dB—noticeable in quiet environments :cite[7].

Where the GEM10 truly excels is in its niche as a compact hybrid—equally capable as a gaming PC (via eGPU), media server (triple M.2 RAID), or productivity hub. The BIOS-adjustable TDP (28W-45W) and RAM overclocking (up to 7500MHz) cater to tinkerers :cite[8], while Windows 11 Pro pre-installation simplifies deployment. That said, the 8845HS variant (from $549) offers Zen 4 and RDNA3 iGPU upgrades for ~20% more performance, making the 6800H model best for budget-conscious buyers. If you prioritize raw expandability over absolute CPU power, the GEM10 is a uniquely versatile mini PC—just pack headphones for noisy workloads and a 2.5G switch to leverage its dual LAN ports.

- GhostKeyboard Review.