In the bustling market of mini PCs, the Aoostar GT37 emerges as a compelling contender, promising desktop-grade performance in a palm-sized chassis. Designed to straddle the line between a creative workstation and a gaming hub, this compact powerhouse leverages AMD's latest Ryzen processors and Radeon 890M integrated graphics to challenge traditional desktops. With features like Wi-Fi 7, USB4, and NVMe SSD support, it targets professionals and enthusiasts seeking portability without compromising on capability. But does it deliver on its ambitious claims? We dive deep into its design, real-world performance, and market viability.

Design and Build: Compact Yet Expandable

The GT37 adopts a minimalist, industrial design with a matte-black aluminum chassis measuring just 5.1 x 5.1 x 2.2 inches—small enough to fit in a backpack or mount discreetly behind a monitor via VESA. Its metal shell aids heat dissipation, while rubber feet minimize vibration.

  • Ports Galore: Front-facing USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A and Type-C ports offer quick access for peripherals, while the rear houses dual HDMI 2.1 ports, a 2.5G Ethernet jack, two USB4 ports (with DP Alt Mode), and additional USB-A 3.2 connections. This layout supports triple 4K displays, a rarity in mini PCs.
  • Internal Accessibility: A tool-free bottom panel reveals upgradeable DDR5 RAM slots (supporting up to 64GB) and dual M.2 2280 NVMe SSD bays. This flexibility allows users to start with a base configuration and expand storage later—a significant advantage over soldered alternatives like Apple's Mac Mini.

Thermal management uses a copper heat pipe and dual fans, which remain whisper-quiet during office tasks but ramp up audibly under heavy gaming loads. Independent thermal tests by Notebookcheck and Tom's Hardware confirm temperatures stay below 85°C during sustained workloads, avoiding throttling in most scenarios.

Performance Benchmarks: Workstation Prowess

At its core, the GT37 utilizes AMD's Ryzen 8040HS series processors (confirmed via HWInfo and AMD's official specs), featuring Zen 4 architecture and a default TDP of 35–54W. Paired with the Radeon 890M iGPU—AMD's fastest integrated graphics to date—it targets content creators and multitaskers.

CPU and Productivity

  • Cinebench R23: Scores ~1,650 (single-core) and ~14,200 (multi-core), rivaling mid-tier desktop CPUs like Intel's Core i5-13400.
  • Blender Rendering: Completes the BMW scene in ~4 minutes, 30% faster than previous-gen Ryzen 7 7735HS mini PCs.
  • Memory Bandwidth: DDR5-5600 RAM achieves ~65 GB/s in AIDA64, accelerating data-heavy tasks like video editing.

GPU and Gaming

The Radeon 890M, with 12 RDNA 3 compute units, outperforms Intel's Iris Xe and previous-gen Radeon 780M:
- 1080p Gaming: Cyberpunk 2077 runs at 35–40 FPS on Low settings; Fortnite hits 60+ FPS at Medium.
- eGPU Support: USB4 ports (verified for 40Gbps speeds) enable external GPUs. Testing with an RTX 4070 Ti saw 1440p gameplay at 60+ FPS, though a 10–15% performance dip occurs versus direct PCIe connections.
- Creative Workloads: DaVinci Resolve exports 4K video 25% faster than Intel NUC 13 Pro models, thanks to AMD's AI engine and AV1 encoding.

Connectivity: Future-Proofed but Partially Gated

The GT37's standout features include Wi-Fi 7 and USB4, though real-world utility depends on ecosystem readiness:
- Wi-Fi 7: Theoretical speeds hit 5.8 Gbps, but current routers (like TP-Link's BE800) max out at ~3.2 Gbps in ideal conditions. Still, it reduces latency for cloud gaming and large file transfers.
- USB4: Supports 100W PD charging, 40Gbps data, and eGPUs. However, Thunderbolt 4 compatibility isn't universal; some docks require firmware updates.
- Networking: The 2.5G Ethernet port handles NAS workflows smoothly, while Bluetooth 5.3 ensures stable peripheral connections.

Competitive Landscape

Priced at $600–$900 (depending on RAM/SSD configs), the GT37 faces stiff rivals:
| Model | CPU/GPU | Key Differences | Price |
|---------------------|---------------------------|---------------------------------------------|------------|
| Aoostar GT37 | Ryzen 8040HS/Radeon 890M | Dual USB4, Wi-Fi 7, dual NVMe slots | $649+ |
| Minisforum UM790 Pro| Ryzen 9 7940HS/Radeon 780M| Slightly faster CPU, slower GPU | $599+ |
| Beelink SER7 | Ryzen 7 7840HS/Radeon 780M| Lower cost, single USB4, Wi-Fi 6E | $549+ |
| Intel NUC 13 Pro | Core i7-1360P/Iris Xe | Better single-thread, weaker GPU | $729+ |

The GT37 wins on GPU muscle and future-ready I/O, though the UM790 Pro offers marginally better CPU performance for $50 less.

Critical Analysis: Strengths and Caveats

Strengths

  1. Balanced Performance: Handles 4K video editing and 1080p gaming natively, plus eGPU scalability.
  2. Upgrade Flexibility: User-replaceable RAM and dual SSD slots extend longevity.
  3. Connectivity Leadership: Wi-Fi 7 and USB4 outpace most competitors, ideal for emerging peripherals.
  4. Energy Efficiency: Idles at 10W, peaking at 90W—far more efficient than a desktop RTX 4060 build (300W+).

Risks and Limitations

  1. Noise Under Load: Fans hit 45 dB during gaming, louder than the Beelink SER7 (40 dB).
  2. Wi-Fi 7 Hype: With few compatible devices, its value is currently theoretical; Wi-Fi 6E suffices for most users.
  3. Driver Optimization: Early adopters report occasional Radeon 890M driver crashes in Starfield. AMD has addressed similar issues via updates, but stability varies.
  4. Limited Availability: Sold primarily via crowdfunding (Indiegogo), raising concerns about warranty support. Aoostar's track record is mixed, with some users citing delayed RMAs.

Independent reviews from TechRadar and PCWorld corroborate these findings, praising its "desktop-tier versatility" but cautioning about thermal noise and niche Wi-Fi 7 use cases.

Verdict: Who Should Buy It?

The Aoostar GT37 excels as a compact all-rounder for:
- Hybrid Professionals: Photographers or developers needing portability and multi-display support.
- Casual Gamers: Those satisfied with 1080p gaming or planning an eGPU setup.
- Tech Early Adopters: Users future-proofing for Wi-Fi 7 and USB4 peripherals.

However, buyers prioritizing silence or guaranteed support may prefer established brands like Minisforum. At its core, the GT37 represents a bold step toward truly modular mini PCs—packing staggering power into a soda-can footprint while inviting users to customize and grow with their needs. Just keep expectations grounded in today's tech realities, not tomorrow's promises.