Picking a mini PC upgrade path can feel like a guessing game, especially when a new generation launches barely a year after the last one. If you already own a Beelink SER8, or you’re weighing the SER8 against the newer SER9 before you buy, you want a straight answer: is this a big enough leap to justify the extra cost, or mostly a refreshed sticker on the same box? This guide lines up every specification we could independently verify for both models — CPU, GPU, NPU, memory, ports, power, and physical dimensions — so you can see exactly what changed and what stayed the same. We’ll go category by category, then finish with a complete side-by-side spec table and answers to the questions buyers ask most.
Short answer up front: the SER9 swaps the SER8’s Zen4-based Hawk Point chip for a Zen5/Zen5c hybrid chip (the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370), more than triples the NPU’s rated AI performance from roughly 16 TOPS to 50 TOPS, and switches from the SER8’s swappable DDR5 memory to fixed, soldered LPDDR5X-7500 memory topping out at 32GB — all while keeping a similarly compact chassis and power adapter — check each model’s official product page for the exact chassis dimensions and the adapter’s printed voltage, current, and wattage rating. These figures come from Beelink’s official product specification pages and AMD’s Ryzen AI 300 series product pages, along with hands-on coverage referenced throughout this comparison.
Quick Facts: SER9 vs SER8 at a Glance
| Spec | Beelink SER8 | Beelink SER9 |
|---|---|---|
| Top CPU SKU | AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS | AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 |
| CPU architecture | Zen4 (Hawk Point) | Zen5 / Zen5c (Strix Point) |
| Cores / Threads | 8C / 16T | 12C / 24T |
| Integrated GPU | Radeon 780M, 12 CU (RDNA3) | Radeon 890M, 16 CU (RDNA3.5) |
| NPU performance | ~16 TOPS (XDNA) | 50 TOPS (XDNA2) |
| Memory | DDR5, swappable (SODIMM) | LPDDR5X-7500, soldered (24GB or 32GB fixed) |
| Storage | M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe SSD | M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe SSD |
| USB4 | Type-C, 40Gbps | Type-C, 40Gbps |
| 2.5GbE LAN ports | 1 | 1 |
| Wi-Fi standard | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Power adapter | Per manufacturer’s label (check official product page) | Per manufacturer’s label (check official product page) |
| Chassis dimensions | 135 x 135 x 44.7mm | 135 x 135 x 44.7mm |
| Microsoft Copilot+ PC certified | No | Yes (50 TOPS NPU clears Microsoft’s 40 TOPS floor) |
Source note (checked 2025): figures above are drawn from Beelink’s and AMD’s published product pages plus hands-on coverage from PC Gamer, TechRadar, WindowsCentral, and minipc-mothership.com. A few port and storage-slot counts vary by retail SKU, so treat this table as a directional comparison rather than a guarantee for the exact unit you buy.
CPU and NPU: The Jump from Zen4 to Zen5
The processor is where the generational gap is widest. The SER8 is built around AMD’s Hawk Point family, a refined Zen4 design. The configuration with fully published specs is the Ryzen 7 8845HS:
| SER8 CPU | Cores/Threads | Base/Boost Clock | Cache | TDP range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS | 8C / 16T | 3.8 / 5.1GHz | 24MB (L2+L3) | Configurable, per AMD’s official processor specifications and Beelink’s listed rating |
The SER9 moves to AMD’s Ryzen AI 300 series, which pairs full-power Zen5 cores with efficiency-focused Zen5c cores in a hybrid layout. The confirmed configuration is the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370:
| SER9 CPU | Cores/Threads | Boost Clock | Cache | TDP range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 | 12C / 24T (4 Zen5 + 8 Zen5c) | up to 5.1GHz | 36MB (L2 12MB+L3 24MB) | Configurable, per AMD’s official processor specifications and Beelink’s listed rating |
On paper, the SER9’s chip adds eight extra threads and 12MB more cache than the SER8’s, which typically translates into a meaningful multi-threaded performance gain in workloads like video encoding, compiling, or running several virtual machines at once — though the exact gap depends on cooling and the power limits set in the BIOS.
The NPU is the other headline change. The SER8’s Hawk Point-generation NPU uses AMD’s original XDNA architecture and is commonly listed around 16 TOPS (int8). The SER9’s NPU uses the newer XDNA2 architecture and is rated at 50 TOPS — more than three times higher. That number matters beyond bragging rights: Microsoft’s Copilot+ PC program requires an NPU rated at 40 TOPS or higher. The SER8’s NPU falls well short of that bar; the SER9’s 50 TOPS NPU clears it comfortably, which is why Beelink markets the SER9 as Copilot+ PC eligible and doesn’t extend that claim to the SER8.
Graphics: Radeon 780M vs Radeon 890M
Both mini PCs skip a discrete GPU and rely entirely on AMD’s integrated graphics, which is standard for this class of small-form-factor desktop. The SER8 uses the Radeon 780M, an RDNA3 design with 12 compute units clocked up to roughly 2.7GHz. The SER9 uses the Radeon 890M, an RDNA3.5 design with 16 compute units clocked up to roughly 2.9GHz. AMD has claimed gaming performance gains in the 15–30% range for the 890M over the 780M in select 1080p titles — that’s AMD’s own marketing figure, not an independent benchmark, and actual gains vary heavily by game and settings.
Practically speaking, neither chip is meant for high-end gaming. Both handle 1080p esports titles, older AAA games at reduced settings, and everyday creative work like photo editing or light video editing without much drama. If gaming matters to you, the 890M in the SER9 is the stronger option on paper, but don’t expect discrete-GPU performance from either machine.
Memory and Storage: A Bigger Change Than It Looks
Memory is one of the more consequential differences between these two generations, and it doesn’t run in the direction most people assume. The SER8 uses conventional, swappable DDR5 memory — a reviewed unit shipped with 32GB installed — which means owners can open the chassis later and add or swap sticks. The SER9 switches to LPDDR5X-7500 memory that’s soldered directly to the motherboard. That memory is faster in raw bandwidth, which helps feed the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370’s larger GPU and NPU, but it locks you into whatever capacity you buy: Beelink’s retail listings show the SER9 shipping with either 24GB or 32GB of LPDDR5X, with no upgrade path afterward.
In other words, if you expect to add memory down the road, the SER8’s socketed DDR5 is actually the more flexible machine, even though the SER9’s LPDDR5X is quicker and better matched to on-device AI workloads. Decide how much memory you need for the SER9 before you check out, because that decision is permanent.
Storage hasn’t changed in kind: both models use M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe SSDs rather than soldered eMMC storage, and Beelink ships both barebone or with a pre-installed drive depending on the configuration you choose, typically in the 500GB–2TB range at launch. If you plan to run local AI models, multiple virtual machines, or a large game library, weigh the SER9’s faster memory against its fixed capacity — for some buyers, the SER8’s upgradability will matter more than the SER9’s raw speed.
Ports, Connectivity, and Display Outputs
The physical port selection is largely unchanged between generations, which is good news if you’re moving cables and peripherals from an old SER8 to a new SER9. Here’s what both models offer:
| Port / Feature | SER8 | SER9 |
|---|---|---|
| USB4 (Type-C, 40Gbps) | Yes | Yes |
| USB 3.2 Gen2 (Type-A) | Check manufacturer’s official product page for the exact port count on your SKU | Check manufacturer’s official product page for the exact port count on your SKU |
| USB 2.0 (Type-A) | Check manufacturer’s official product page for the exact port count on your SKU | Check manufacturer’s official product page for the exact port count on your SKU |
| HDMI 2.1 | 1 | 1 |
| DisplayPort 1.4 | 1 | 1 |
| 2.5GbE RJ45 LAN | 1 | 1 |
| 3.5mm audio combo jack | 1 | 1 |
| Kensington lock slot | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi standard | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.2 |
| Max simultaneous displays | Check manufacturer’s official product page for the exact figure on your SKU | Check manufacturer’s official product page for the exact figure on your SKU |
Neither model has moved to Wi-Fi 7 as of their published spec sheets, and neither has added Thunderbolt branding — both rely on USB4, which works with most external GPU docks, high-speed storage enclosures, and DisplayPort Alt Mode monitors just as well for everyday use.
Power, Cooling, and Physical Design
Both mini PCs ship with an external power adapter; follow the voltage, current, and wattage printed on each unit’s own adapter label, and when replacing an adapter, use only a genuine or certified equivalent that matches the label’s ratings and connector. Both the SER8 and SER9 share an identical chassis, listed at 135 x 135 x 44.7mm. Beelink hasn’t published an exact net weight for either model. Both chips support a configurable TDP as specified by AMD and Beelink, and Beelink’s marketing describes an updated thermal module for the newer model — but exact fan size, fin count, or vapor chamber dimensions aren’t published for either generation, so we can’t compare those numbers directly.
One safety note that applies to both machines: use only the manufacturer-specified adapter — matching the voltage, current, and wattage printed on your unit’s own label — or a certified equivalent. An underpowered or mismatched third-party adapter can cause throttling or instability. Neither model is meant for end users to open the power supply or modify the internal power circuitry, and there’s no battery in either unit since both are wall-powered desktops rather than laptops.
Copilot+ PC Certification and On-Device AI
Microsoft’s Copilot+ PC program sets a hardware floor that starts with the NPU: a rating of 40 TOPS or more. The SER8’s roughly 16 TOPS NPU doesn’t come close to that threshold, so it isn’t marketed as a Copilot+ PC. The SER9’s Ryzen AI 300-series NPU is rated at 50 TOPS — well above the 40 TOPS floor — and Beelink lists the SER9 as Copilot+ PC eligible. In practice, this affects which on-device AI features, like certain Windows Studio Effects or local AI image tools, are available out of the box. Those features are gated by Microsoft at the OS level, not something Beelink can unlock on the SER8 through a driver update.
Full Spec Sheet Comparison
| Category | Beelink SER8 | Beelink SER9 |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Ryzen 7 8845HS | Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 |
| Architecture | Zen4 (Hawk Point) | Zen5 / Zen5c (Strix Point) |
| Cores/Threads | 8C/16T | 12C/24T |
| Boost clock | 5.1GHz | 5.1GHz |
| Integrated GPU | Radeon 780M, 12 CU | Radeon 890M, 16 CU |
| NPU | ~16 TOPS (XDNA) | 50 TOPS (XDNA2) |
| Memory | DDR5, swappable (SODIMM) | LPDDR5X-7500, soldered (24GB or 32GB fixed) |
| Storage | M.2 2280 PCIe4.0 x4 NVMe | M.2 2280 PCIe4.0 x4 NVMe |
| Wi-Fi / Bluetooth | Wi-Fi 6 / BT 5.2 | Wi-Fi 6 / BT 5.2 |
| LAN | 1x 2.5GbE RJ45 | 1x 2.5GbE RJ45 |
| USB4 | Type-C, 40Gbps | Type-C, 40Gbps |
| USB 3.2 Gen2 | Type-A | Type-A |
| USB 2.0 | Type-A | Type-A |
| Video outputs | HDMI 2.1 (1) + DP 1.4 (1) + USB4 (triple 4K output) | HDMI 2.1 (1) + DP 1.4 (1) + USB4 (triple 4K output) |
| Audio | 1x 3.5mm combo jack | 1x 3.5mm combo jack |
| Power adapter | Per manufacturer’s label | Per manufacturer’s label |
| Dimensions | 135 x 135 x 44.7mm | 135 x 135 x 44.7mm |
| Weight | Not published | Not published |
| Operating system | Windows 11 (per configuration) | Windows 11 (per configuration) |
| Copilot+ PC eligible | No | Yes |
Should You Upgrade from SER8 to SER9?
If you already own a SER8 and mainly use it for web browsing, office work, streaming video, or light photo editing, the generational jump probably won’t feel dramatic day to day — both chips handle those tasks comfortably, and the port layout hasn’t changed, so you lose nothing by staying put. Where the SER9 earns its higher price is in two specific scenarios: you want the on-device AI features gated behind Microsoft’s 40+ TOPS Copilot+ requirement, which only the SER9’s NPU clears, or you want the strongest integrated graphics AMD currently offers in this chassis size for lightly demanding games.
One trade-off worth weighing before you buy: the SER9’s LPDDR5X memory is soldered in place at either 24GB or 32GB, while the SER8’s DDR5 memory can be opened up and swapped later. If you think you’ll need more memory down the road, that difference may matter more than the CPU generation gap. Beelink also tends to price new SER-series launches close to the outgoing model, with occasional discounts on both, so the actual price gap between them can shift by retailer and time of year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the single biggest difference between the SER9 and SER8?
The CPU generation change from Zen4 to Zen5/Zen5c and the NPU jump from roughly 16 TOPS to 50 TOPS are the two most significant upgrades. The chassis, port layout, and power adapter are essentially unchanged.
Does the SER9 have more RAM than the SER8?
Not necessarily, and the comparison is different than a simple capacity bump. The SER8 uses swappable DDR5 memory that owners can open up and upgrade later (a reviewed unit shipped with 32GB). The SER9 uses soldered LPDDR5X-7500 memory in fixed 24GB or 32GB configurations with no upgrade path. The SER9’s memory is faster, but the SER8 is the one you can expand after purchase.
Is the Beelink SER9 a Copilot+ PC?
Beelink lists the SER9 as Copilot+ PC eligible because its 50 TOPS NPU clears Microsoft’s 40 TOPS minimum requirement for the program. The SER8’s roughly 16 TOPS NPU doesn’t meet that threshold, so it isn’t marketed as Copilot+ certified.
Can I use my old SER8 power adapter on a SER9?
Check each product’s official label — voltage, current, and wattage — to confirm whether the SER8 and SER9 adapters share the same rating before swapping them. Even if the ratings match, also verify the connector type and polarity before swapping power supplies between two different units.
Are the physical dimensions the same on both models?
Yes. Both the SER8 and SER9 share an identical chassis listed at 135 x 135 x 44.7mm. Neither listing publishes an exact net weight for either model.
What storage drives are compatible with each model?
Both the SER8 and SER9 use M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe SSDs rather than soldered eMMC storage. Standard 2280-size NVMe drives from any brand should work in either machine, since neither uses a proprietary storage format.
Does the SER9 support Wi-Fi 7?
No. Both the SER8 and SER9 use Wi-Fi 6, not Wi-Fi 7, based on their published specifications.
Is the SER9 a big upgrade for gaming?
The SER9’s Radeon 890M has more compute units and a higher clock ceiling than the SER8’s Radeon 780M, and AMD has claimed meaningful gaming gains from that jump. However, both are integrated GPUs meant for 1080p esports titles and lighter workloads rather than high-end gaming, so don’t expect discrete-GPU-level performance from either machine.
Reviewed and edited by Jason Paik. Spotted an error? Tell us — we verify and correct. See how we create content.