ASRock DeskMini B860 + Core Ultra 7 265 vs GEEKOM A9 Mega
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ASRock DeskMini B860 + Core Ultra 7 265
DeskMini B860 barebone with user-installed Core Ultra 7 265; no RAM, storage, Wi-Fi, or OS
GEEKOM A9 Mega
Ryzen AI Max+ 395, 128GB LPDDR5X-8000, 2TB SSD
Amazon results may include other models. Verify the processor, memory, storage, and seller before buying.
| Memory | ||
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| Storage |
1Is it fast for normal work?
ASRock DeskMini B860 + Core Ultra 7 265
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PCMark 10 7016 points
CT.nl measured 7,016 points in PCMark 10 on the same DeskMini B860 chassis with a Core Ultra 5 235, 32GB of memory, and a 1TB SSD. The CPU differs from this reference configuration, so the result is not used in a score.
PCMark 10 · Core Ultra 5 235, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD; partial chassis match
CT.nl · 0:00 -
Reference-build status Integrator builds available
Sycom and DunamisTek both offered complete DeskMini B860 systems with the 20-core Core Ultra 7 265, confirming a real build path. Their memory, storage, cooling, and software choices do not define this barebone record.
Exact-processor configuration verification · DeskMini B860 with Core Ultra 7 265
Sycom -
Retail operating system Not available
GEEKOM A9 Mega
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PCMark 10 Not available
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Reference-build status Not available
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Retail operating system Windows 11 Pro
The exact US retail configuration ships with Windows 11 Pro. GEEKOM also describes the system as Linux-ready, but the manufacturer does not specify a supported distribution on the product page.
Manufacturer configuration check · GMA9MEGAAIMAX+395-1282-US
GEEKOM
2Can it handle sustained work?
ASRock DeskMini B860 + Core Ultra 7 265
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Cinebench 2026 multi-core 5073 points
CT.nl measured 5,073 points in Cinebench 2026 multi-core with a Core Ultra 5 235. This is same-chassis evidence only and does not represent the 20-core Core Ultra 7 265.
Cinebench 2026 multi-core · Core Ultra 5 235, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD; partial chassis match
CT.nl · 0:00 -
Power-envelope constraint 65W chassis class
Intel rates the Core Ultra 7 265 for 65W base power and up to 182W turbo power, while ASRock limits the DeskMini B860 to 65W processors and supplies a 120W adapter. Sustained 265 performance therefore depends on the chassis BIOS limits and cooler rather than the processor's unrestricted desktop maximum.
Processor and chassis power-specification check · Core Ultra 7 265 reference build
Intel -
Owner-tested local AI Not available
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Sustained power target Not available
GEEKOM A9 Mega
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Cinebench 2026 multi-core Not available
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Power-envelope constraint Not available
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Owner-tested local AI 26B and 27B models demonstrated
Takashi Yoshinaga says he purchased the A9 Mega for local-AI work and found Gemma 4 26B A4B text generation fast, simple multimodal image recognition practical, and Qwen 3.6 27B usable in the short demonstration. The video does not report a repeatable tokens-per-second measurement.
Local LLM text generation and image recognition · Owner-purchased Ryzen AI Max+ 395 retail system; runtime and model quantization not stated
Takashi Yoshinaga · 0:00 -
Sustained power target 120 W sustained target
GEEKOM rates the IceBlast 5.0 dual-fan and vapor-chamber cooling system for a sustained 120 W processor setting. This is a manufacturer capability claim, not an independently retained endurance result.
Manufacturer thermal-design specification · Ryzen AI Max+ 395 configuration
GEEKOM
3Can it game?
ASRock DeskMini B860 + Core Ultra 7 265
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3DMark Steel Nomad 333 points
CT.nl measured 333 points in 3DMark Steel Nomad using a Core Ultra 5 235. It is retained only as a same-chassis indication of the limited integrated Intel Graphics class, not as an exact Core Ultra 7 265 result.
3DMark Steel Nomad · Core Ultra 5 235 integrated graphics; partial chassis match
CT.nl · 0:00 -
No discrete-GPU slot Integrated graphics only
The Mini-STX chassis has no PCIe graphics-card position. Gaming and GPU-compute capability is limited to the four-Xe-core Intel Graphics engine integrated into the selected Core Ultra 7 265.
Expansion and processor-graphics specification check · DeskMini B860 with Core Ultra 7 265
ASRock -
Integrated graphics Not available
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Pre-production gaming demonstration Not available
GEEKOM A9 Mega
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3DMark Steel Nomad Not available
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No discrete-GPU slot Not available
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Integrated graphics Radeon 8060S, 40 CUs
The Ryzen AI Max+ 395 includes Radeon 8060S integrated graphics with 40 RDNA 3.5 compute units and shared access to the system's 128GB unified memory.
Manufacturer hardware specification · Exact 128GB/2TB retail configuration
GEEKOM -
Pre-production gaming demonstration Hands-on prototype; no FPS retained
TechGround handled the A9 Mega at GEEKOM's IFA 2025 booth and showed the exact 128GB Strix Halo prototype, but did not run a reproducible game benchmark. No FPS claim from that demonstration is treated as a measured result.
IFA product demonstration · Pre-production A9 Mega prototype
TechGround in English · 0:30
4Is it loud or hot?
ASRock DeskMini B860 + Core Ultra 7 265
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Full-load loudness 1.7 sone
CT.nl measured 1.7 sone under full load with the Core Ultra 5 235 and its boxed Intel cooler, while idle and light GPU-only work stayed below 0.1 sone. The target 265 and cooler choice differ, so this is not scored.
Full system load · Core Ultra 5 235 with boxed Intel cooler; partial chassis match
CT.nl · 0:00 -
Cooler flexibility 47mm cooler clearance
ASRock permits CPU coolers up to 47mm tall. CT.nl recommended a larger-fan low-profile cooler such as the Noctua NH-L9i-17xx or Alpenfohn Silvretta to reduce the boxed cooler's load noise.
Chassis clearance and acoustic inspection · DeskMini B860 chassis
CT.nl -
Cooling hardware Not available
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Independent acoustics status Not available
GEEKOM A9 Mega
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Full-load loudness Not available
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Cooler flexibility Not available
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Cooling hardware Dual fan plus vapor chamber
GEEKOM's IceBlast 5.0 system uses two fans and a full-coverage vapor chamber. The public product page claims this supports 120 W sustained operation, but the retained exact-model YouTube sources do not provide controlled temperature or sound-level measurements.
Manufacturer cooling specification · A9 Mega chassis
GEEKOM -
Independent acoustics status No controlled dB result
The retained owner video focuses on local AI, while the IFA hands-on used a show-floor prototype. Neither establishes retail-unit idle or load acoustics, so no decibel value is published here.
Evidence-coverage check · Exact-model retained video sources
Takashi Yoshinaga · 0:00
5How much electricity does it use?
ASRock DeskMini B860 + Core Ultra 7 265
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Idle wall power 8.1 W
CT.nl measured 8.1 W at an idle Windows desktop with a UHD DisplayPort display attached on its Core Ultra 5 235, 32GB, and 1TB test build.
Windows desktop idle · Core Ultra 5 235, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD, UHD DisplayPort display; partial configuration
CT.nl · 0:00 -
Full-load wall power 112 W
CT.nl measured 112 W at full load on its Core Ultra 5 235 build. The publication found that ASRock set both short and sustained CPU limits to 75W for that processor to stay within the adapter envelope.
Full system load · Core Ultra 5 235, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD; partial configuration
CT.nl · 0:00 -
Processor power range Not available
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Power adapter Not available
GEEKOM A9 Mega
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Idle wall power Not available
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Full-load wall power Not available
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Processor power range 45-120 W cTDP
GEEKOM lists a configurable processor TDP range of 45 to 120 W and describes up to 140 W of heat dissipation for the platform.
Manufacturer power specification · Ryzen AI Max+ 395 configuration
GEEKOM -
Power adapter 330 W adapter
The exact retail system includes a 330 W external power supply. Adapter capacity is not a measurement of normal wall draw, and no independent wall-power result is published from the retained videos.
Manufacturer bundle specification · GMA9MEGAAIMAX+395-1282-US
GEEKOM
6Can I upgrade and connect everything?
ASRock DeskMini B860 + Core Ultra 7 265
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Memory is upgradeable Yes
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Storage is upgradeable Yes
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Thunderbolt 4 is present Yes
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Four storage positions 2x M.2 plus 2x SATA
The board provides one PCIe 5.0 x4 M.2 2280 slot, one PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 2280 slot, and two SATA 6Gbps connectors for 2.5-inch drives up to 9.5mm thick. ASRock includes the proprietary SATA power/data cables.
Manufacturer specification and teardown · DeskMini B860 barebone
ASRock -
Fast external I/O TB4, 20Gbps USB-C, 2.5GbE
CT.nl measured up to 3.8GB/s through rear Thunderbolt 4, about 2.03GB/s through the front 20Gbps USB-C port, and roughly 300MB/s over 2.5GbE on its DeskMini B860 test build.
External storage and network throughput checks · Core Ultra 5 235 test build; chassis interfaces match
CT.nl -
Socketed processor Replaceable LGA1851 CPU
Unlike most mini PCs, the LGA1851 processor can be replaced independently. ASRock officially limits the system to supported Core Ultra Series 2 processors at 65W or below and requires integrated graphics because the chassis has no GPU slot.
Manufacturer CPU-support and expansion check · DeskMini B860 barebone
ASRock -
Thunderbolt is present Not available
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Storage expansion Not available
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High-speed I/O Not available
GEEKOM A9 Mega
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Memory is upgradeable No
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Storage is upgradeable Yes
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Thunderbolt 4 is present Not available
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Four storage positions Not available
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Fast external I/O Not available
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Socketed processor Not available
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Thunderbolt is present No
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Storage expansion 2x M.2 2280, up to 8TB
The chassis contains two PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 2280 slots, supports up to 4TB in each slot, and exposes RAID 0 and RAID 1. The installed 2TB system drive occupies one slot.
Manufacturer expansion specification · Exact 128GB/2TB retail configuration
GEEKOM -
High-speed I/O 2x USB4 and 2x 2.5GbE
GEEKOM provides two 40Gbps USB4 ports with DisplayPort 2.1, two HDMI 2.1 outputs, two 2.5GbE Ethernet ports, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, and an SDXC card reader.
Manufacturer connectivity specification · A9 Mega chassis
GEEKOM
7Is it good value?
ASRock DeskMini B860 + Core Ultra 7 265
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Barebone price $295 barebone
A US eBay importer listed exact global part 90BXG5501-A10GA0W for $295 when checked. ASRock did not publish a global USD MSRP, and the listing does not include the Core Ultra 7 265, memory, storage, wireless, or Windows.
Exact-part retail-price check · 90BXG5501-A10GA0W barebone only
eBay -
Processor cost is separate $384-$394 CPU RCP
Intel publishes a recommended customer price range of $384 to $394 for the boxed Core Ultra 7 265. The total working-system cost must also include memory, storage, wireless if wanted, and an operating system.
Processor price and included-components check · Boxed Core Ultra 7 265
Intel -
Amazon availability No exact ASIN found
No exact Amazon listing was found for global barebone part 90BXG5501-A10GA0W or the defined Core Ultra 7 265 reference build.
Exact retailer-identity search · DeskMini B860 and Core Ultra 7 265 reference build
ASRock -
Manufacturer price Not available
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Verified Amazon configuration Not available
GEEKOM A9 Mega
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Barebone price Not available
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Processor cost is separate Not available
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Amazon availability Not available
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Manufacturer price $3,999
GEEKOM listed the exact 128GB/2TB US configuration for $3,999 when checked, against a $4,399 crossed-out price.
Manufacturer retail-price check · Ryzen AI Max+ 395, 128GB LPDDR5X-8000, 2TB SSD, Windows 11 Pro
GEEKOM -
Verified Amazon configuration B0GL8XB8KX
Amazon ASIN B0GL8XB8KX matched the exact Ryzen AI Max+ 395, 128GB LPDDR5X, 2TB SSD, and Windows 11 Pro retail system when checked.
Retailer identity check · Exact 128GB/2TB listing
GEEKOM
8Will it be dependable?
ASRock DeskMini B860 + Core Ultra 7 265
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Replaceable core components CPU, RAM, storage serviceable
The socketed CPU, two SO-DIMMs, two M.2 drives, two SATA drives, and optional wireless module are independently replaceable. This avoids the motherboard-level memory and storage repair limits common to soldered mini PCs.
Hands-on assembly and serviceability inspection · DeskMini B860 barebone
CT.nl -
Split warranty responsibility Component-level warranties
Because this is a parts build, the barebone, processor, memory, storage, and optional wireless card may each have separate warranty providers and terms. ASRock's global product page does not publish one universal coverage period for part 90BXG5501-A10GA0W.
Warranty-scope review · User-assembled reference build
ASRock -
Firmware support B860M-STX BIOS updates active
ASRock continued publishing B860M-STX firmware updates in August 2026, including CPU microcode, Intel Management Engine, and compatibility changes. Builders should verify CPU support and update procedure before changing processors.
Manufacturer firmware-support check · B860M-STX motherboard
ASRock -
Hardware warranty Not available
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Memory serviceability Not available
GEEKOM A9 Mega
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Replaceable core components Not available
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Split warranty responsibility Not available
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Firmware support Not available
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Hardware warranty 3 years
GEEKOM advertises a three-year warranty and a 30-day refund and return window for the A9 Mega on its US product page.
Manufacturer warranty-policy check
GEEKOM -
Memory serviceability Fixed memory; replaceable storage
All 128GB of LPDDR5X-8000 memory is soldered and cannot be replaced or expanded. Storage remains replaceable through two standard M.2 2280 positions.
Manufacturer serviceability check · Exact 128GB/2TB retail configuration
GEEKOM
References
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ASRock. DeskMini B860 Series. Product page. . Accessed .
Configuration: DeskMini B860 barebone, B860M-STX, LGA1851, 120W adapter; no CPU, memory, storage, wireless, or OS
Disclosure: Manufacturer specifications and official product gallery. The selected Core Ultra 7 265 is a separate reference-build component, not an included ASRock part.
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ASRock. ASRock Support - DeskMini B860 Series. Product page. Accessed .
Configuration: DeskMini B860 Series and B860M-STX firmware
Disclosure: Manufacturer firmware and support index.
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Intel. Intel Core Ultra 7 Processor 265 Specifications. Product page. . Accessed .
Configuration: Core Ultra 7 265 desktop processor, 20 cores, 20 threads, 65W base power, integrated Intel Graphics, FCLGA1851
Disclosure: Processor-manufacturer specifications and recommended customer price.
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CT.nl. Asrock DeskMini B860 review: krachtige barebone voor op kantoor & thuis. Product page. . Accessed .
Configuration: DeskMini B860 with Core Ultra 5 235, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD, Windows 11, boxed Intel cooler
Disclosure: The article contains advertising and an Amazon shop link. No test-unit source or sponsored-content disclosure was found in the accessible article.
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Sycom. Radiant SPX3300B860i product announcement. Product page. . Accessed .
Configuration: Complete DeskMini B860-based Radiant SPX3300B860i with Core Ultra 7 265, Windows 11 Home, and system-integrator-selected components
Disclosure: System-integrator product announcement used only to verify that the exact 65W processor is offered in this chassis.
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eBay. ASRock Barebone DeskMini B860 HDMI/DP/TB4 black DDR5. Product page. Accessed .
Configuration: Global barebone part 90BXG5501-A10GA0W; no CPU, RAM, storage, wireless, or operating system
Disclosure: Third-party importer listing used for exact part identity and current US-dollar barebone price only.
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GEEKOM. GEEKOM A9 Mega. Product page. . Accessed .
Configuration: GMA9MEGAAIMAX+395-1282-US: Ryzen AI Max+ 395, Radeon 8060S, 128GB LPDDR5X-8000, 2TB SSD, Windows 11 Pro
Disclosure: Manufacturer specifications, current price, availability, warranty, and return terms.
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Takashi Yoshinaga. Testing Local LLMs on GEEKOM A9 Mega. Video review. . Accessed .
Configuration: Owner-purchased GEEKOM A9 Mega with Ryzen AI Max+ 395 and 128GB unified memory; installed SSD capacity is not stated
Disclosure: The description states that the reviewer purchased the machine as a dedicated AI system; no affiliate or sponsorship disclosure appears.
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TechGround in English. Testing the Most Powerful MINI PC Ever: 128GB RAM on the GEEKOM A9 Mega at IFA. Video review. . Accessed .
Configuration: Pre-production A9 Mega show-floor unit with Ryzen AI Max+ 395 and 128GB LPDDR5X memory
Disclosure: The video was recorded at GEEKOM's IFA booth and its description contains Amazon affiliate links.
Value for money
No value comparison is available. It requires eligible test scores and at least four current price observations in seven days.
Specification differences
Differences supported by the listed manufacturer specifications
Higher listed specifications for ASRock DeskMini B860 + Core Ultra 7 265
- Provides 4 storage slots versus 2
Higher listed specifications for GEEKOM A9 Mega
Verified specifications
Manufacturer-sourced specifications and current testing status
Processor
| Specification | DeskMini B860 + Core Ultra 7 265 | A9 Mega |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Intel Core Ultra 7 265 | AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 |
| Cores / threads | 20 / 20 | 16 / 32 |
| Processor default TDP | 65 W | 120 W |
| Integrated graphics | Intel Graphics integrated in the Core Ultra 7 265 | AMD Radeon 8060S integrated graphics, 40 compute units |
Memory and storage
| Specification | DeskMini B860 + Core Ultra 7 265 | A9 Mega |
|---|---|---|
| Memory type | 2x DDR5-5600 SO-DIMM slots; DDR5 CSODIMM up to 7200 MT/s overclocked | LPDDR5X-8000 onboard |
| Maximum memory | 128 GB | 128 GB |
| Upgradeable memory | Yes | No |
| Storage slots | 4 | 2 |
Connectivity
| Specification | DeskMini B860 + Core Ultra 7 265 | A9 Mega |
|---|---|---|
| Ethernet | Realtek RTL8125BG 2.5GbE RJ45 | Dual 2.5GbE |
| Wireless | Optional M.2 2230 Wi-Fi/Bluetooth module; none included | Wi-Fi 7 + Bluetooth 5.4 |
| USB4 | Yes | Yes |
| Thunderbolt | Yes | No |
Size and price
| Specification | DeskMini B860 + Core Ultra 7 265 | A9 Mega |
|---|---|---|
| Enclosure volume | 1.92 liters | Not published |
| List price | Not published | $4,399 |
| Product class | Socketed desktop-CPU builds and compact home servers | Large local AI models |