Aoostar GEM 12 PRO MAX

"The Aoostar GEM12 PRO MAX is essentially a GEM 12 with an added system info screen but no meaningful hardware upgrades. Both models share identical specs—Ryzen 7 8845HS, Radeon 780M, DDR5-5600, dual M.2 slots, and vacuum chamber cooling. The PRO MAX’s only distinction is its built-in display for monitoring temps/clocks, making it a niche option for users who value the screen over cost savings."

However The Aoostar GEM12 PRO MAX is a formidable contender in the high-performance mini PC segment, packing AMD’s Ryzen 7 8845HS (8 cores/16 threads, up to 5.1GHz) and Radeon 780M iGPU at competitive prices—$399 for the barebone model or $549 with 32GB DDR5-5600 RAM and a 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD. The Zen 4 CPU excels in productivity tasks, rivaling desktop-grade chips in multi-threaded workloads, while the 780M iGPU (RDNA 3) delivers solid 1080p gaming performance in titles like Genshin Impact or Elden Ring (low settings). Unique features like the **built-in system info screen** and **vacuum chamber cooling system** set it apart, though its plastic chassis lacks the premium heft of aluminum rivals like Minisforum’s HX99G.

At $549 for the 32GB/1TB configuration, the GEM12 PRO MAX targets power users with its dual M.2 PCIe 4.0 slots, USB4 (40Gbps), and Oculink support—ideal for expandable storage or eGPU setups. The vacuum chamber cooling keeps thermals in check (even at 75W in Performance mode), though fan noise can spike (~65dB under load). The 780M handles AV1 decoding and esports titles (Valorant at 120fps) smoothly, but AAA games like Starfield require upscaling or low presets. The dual 2.5G LAN ports and WiFi 6 are welcome additions, though Bluetooth 5.2 feels dated compared to 5.3/5.4 alternatives.

The GEM12 PRO MAX’s standout feature is its **vacuum chamber cooling**, which outperforms traditional heat pipes in sustained workloads, making it a strong choice for creators or 24/7 NAS use. The **system info screen** (showing temps, clock speeds, etc.) adds a niche but practical touch If you prioritize thermal innovation and Oculink expandability, the GEM12 PRO MAX justifies its premium—but budget-focused buyers might prefer barebone deals or models with quieter cooling.

- GhostKeyboard Review.