AMD’s APU lineup is finally becoming more affordable, making it easier for regular users to grab a compact machine that doesn’t skimp on performance. People used to think Mini PCs were only good for basic tasks like browsing or office work, but now? They’re stepping into the gaming arena too. Of course, you’ll need to dial down your expectations on maxed-out settings, but they’re no longer out of the question when it comes to gaming.
But here’s the thing—AMD isn’t stopping there. With the upcoming Ryzen AI series, things are about to get even more interesting. These aren’t just upgrades; they’re a whole new level of tech packed into tiny machines. The Ryzen AI 300 series brings Zen 5 CPUs, RDNA 3 GPUs, and even an XDNA2 NPU designed to handle AI tasks with ease. That’s right—50 TOPS of NPU power, which means these Mini PCs are ready for all the AI-driven features in Windows 11. And let’s not forget the Radeon 800 series graphics. Models like the Radeon 890M are pushing integrated graphics to their limits, offering performance that rivals some entry-level discrete GPUs.
Enter the Aoostar GT37, one of the first Mini PCs to feature AMD’s Ryzen AI 9 HX370 processor. This little machine has been making waves because it’s powerful and surprisingly compact. It’s got everything from Wi-Fi 7 to dual 2.5Gbps LAN ports, and even Oculink readiness for future expansion. But what really caught my attention was how much thought went into its design. The raised shell and larger vents make a noticeable difference in cooling and noise levels, which is something you don’t always see in Mini PCs. Plus, it’s packing LPDDR5X memory running at a blazing 8000MHz. Sure, it’s soldered on, so no upgrades later, but the speed makes up for it in many ways.
Design and Build Quality
The Aoostar GT37 feels like a thoughtful evolution of what we’ve seen before, especially compared to earlier models like the GEM10. The first thing you’ll notice is the raised shell. The larger vents on the sides are less obstructed now, which helps the internal cooling system do its job more effectively. You can feel the difference when pushing the machine hard during gaming or heavy multitasking sessions.
The compact size is another standout feature. Compared to other Mini PCs with similar hardware, the GT37 takes up noticeably less desk space without sacrificing performance or connectivity. Even with its smaller footprint, the build quality feels solid. There’s no flimsiness or creaking when handling the unit, which gives it a premium vibe despite its mid-range price tag. It’s not overly flashy either, sticking to a minimalist aesthetic that blends into any setup—perfect for gamers, creators, or even office use.
Ports are where this Mini PC really shines. On the back, you’ve got two USB-A ports running at 5Gbps, two slower 480Mbps USB-A ports, and a single USB4 Type-C port capable of 40Gbps speeds. For displays, there’s HDMI, DisplayPort, and the Type-C port that supports DisplayPort output, letting you hook up to three monitors if needed. Networking is equally future-proof with dual 2.5Gbps LAN ports and Wi-Fi 7 support. And here’s a cool bonus—it’s Oculink-ready, meaning you can add an external GPU down the line if you want to supercharge your graphics performance. That kind of flexibility isn’t something you see every day in a Mini PC.
Performance Analysis
The Aoostar GT37 Mini PC has some seriously impressive specs that make it stand out in the crowded Mini PC market. At its heart is the Ryzen AI 9 HX370 processor, which is part of AMD’s latest Ryzen AI 300 series. This chip combines Zen 5 and Zen 5C cores to deliver a total of 12 cores and 24 threads. That’s a big step up from older models like the Ryzen 7 7940HS or 8845HS, which typically max out at 8 cores and 16 threads. The extra cores and threads give the GT37 a noticeable edge when it comes to multitasking or running demanding applications.
On the graphics side, the Aoostar GT37 features the Radeon 890M, which is currently the top-tier integrated GPU in AMD’s lineup. It boasts 16 Compute Units (CUs), which is four more than the Radeon 780M found in earlier Ryzen APUs. This extra firepower translates into better gaming performance and smoother visuals.
The Ryzen AI 9 HX370 processor performance numbers are nothing short of impressive. Running benchmarks like CineBench R23 gives a clear picture of what this Mini PC can do. In multi-core tests, it scores a whopping 20,650 points, which is about 20% higher than the older Ryzen 7 7940HS. Even in single-core performance, it shows a solid 12% improvement. These numbers make it clear that the Zen 5 architecture combined with the Zen 5C cores delivers a serious boost for tasks that need raw computational power—think video rendering, heavy multitasking, or running virtual machines.
Regarding gaming, the Radeon 890M integrated GPU steps up to the plate. It’s not going to replace a high-end discrete GPU, but it holds its own against entry-level options. For example, in Cyberpunk 2077, setting the graphics to low and enabling FSR 3 along with Frame Generation pushes the frame rate to an impressive 111 FPS. That’s smooth enough for most gamers who aren’t chasing ultra-high settings.
Compared to other integrated GPUs, the Radeon 890M outperforms them by anywhere from 14% to 40%, depending on the game. If you’re wondering how it stacks up against laptop GPUs, think of it as sitting somewhere between an RTX 2050 and an RTX 3050. While it doesn’t quite match the RTX 3050, it does have some tricks up its sleeve, like full AV1 encoding and decoding, which makes it a better choice for content creators working with modern video formats.
Switching gears to productivity software, the Aoostar GT37 continues to impress. Running Adobe applications shows noticeable improvements over previous models. In Photoshop, it scores 8,428 points, which is roughly on par with the Ryzen 7 7940HS.
However, Premiere Pro sees a more significant jump, with a nearly 10% increase in performance. This boost comes in handy when editing videos, especially if you’re working with high-resolution footage or applying multiple effects. The combination of faster memory (LPDDR5X at 8000MHz) and the upgraded GPU ensures smoother playback and faster rendering times.
Thermal management plays a big role in maintaining consistent performance during extended use. During intense gaming sessions like playing Cyberpunk 2077, the CPU and GPU temperatures stay between 67-73 degrees Celsius. That’s pretty good for a Mini PC, especially one pushing 45W of power in its default Performance mode.
Fan noise stays below 50 decibels, making it quiet enough for most users. But here’s where things get interesting—if you’re willing to tinker in the BIOS, you can switch to manual mode and bump the power limit up to 54W. This unlocks slightly better performance, with gaming frame rates improving by 1-7% in some titles. The trade-off? Temperatures climb closer to 80 degrees Celsius, and the fan gets louder. It’s a small compromise, but one worth considering depending on your priorities.
One thing worth mentioning is how the LPDDR5X memory impacts performance. Running at 8000MHz, it’s significantly faster than the DDR5 SODIMM modules used in many other Mini PCs. Sure, it’s soldered onto the motherboard, so you can’t upgrade it later, but the speed difference is noticeable in real-world tasks. Everything feels snappier, from booting up the system to loading large files or switching between apps. Paired with the 1TB SSD, the Aoostar GT37 delivers a responsive user experience that keeps up with whatever you throw at it.
The dual 2.5Gbps LAN ports and Wi-Fi 7 support also deserve a shoutout. They might not directly affect gaming or creative work, but they future-proof the device and ensure stable connectivity for online activities. Transferring files over the network or streaming high-quality content happens without hiccups, which adds to the overall usability of the machine.
Final Thoughts
The Aoostar GT37 Mini PC is priced at around $800 USD for the pre-order version, which includes 32GB of LPDDR5X RAM and a 1TB SSD. For context, that’s significantly higher than many other Mini PCs powered by older Ryzen APUs like the 7940HS or 8845HS, which typically hover in the $500-$600 range. On paper, this makes the GT37 feel like a bit of a splurge.
But here’s the catch—$800 is a lot of money for a Mini PC, especially considering what else you can get for that price. At this price point, you could build a custom desktop with better performance or even pick up an entry-level gaming laptop. For example, some budget gaming laptops come with dedicated GPUs like the RTX 3050 or even the RTX 4050, offering better gaming performance than the GT37’s integrated Radeon 890M. So if raw gaming power is your priority, the GT37 might not be the best bang for your buck.
Another factor to consider is how the GT37 stacks up against similar Mini PCs. Compared to other Ryzen AI-powered models, the GT37 is actually one of the more affordable options. Most Mini PCs with the Ryzen AI 9 HX370 processor sit closer to $900-$1000, making the GT37’s $800 price tag look like a relative bargain. Plus, Aoostar throws in a few extras, like Wi-Fi 7 and Oculink support, that aren’t always standard in this category.
Still, the question remains: is it worth the premium over older Ryzen Mini PCs? If you’re looking for sheer performance per dollar, the answer leans toward no. Models with the 7940HS or 8845HS are cheaper and still deliver solid performance for everyday tasks and light gaming. However, if you want the latest tech and don’t mind paying a bit extra for features like Wi-Fi 7, LPDDR5X memory, and Oculink readiness, the GT37 starts to make more sense. It’s also worth noting that the GT37’s compact design and improved cooling make it a better fit for small desks or minimalist setups, which might justify the cost for some buyers.
