VZMORE’s iX9 Max is a compact desktop built around Intel’s Core Ultra 9 185H. It includes 24GB of soldered LPDDR5 memory and a 1TB SSD in an aluminum chassis measuring 5.31 by 5.19 by 2.27 inches. The sole configuration is listed at $949, or $899 with a discount code mentioned at the time of reporting.

Connectivity is a central feature: the mini PC has 14 data and audio-visual ports, not including its power jack. The front has four 10Gbps USB-A ports and a 3.5mm headset jack. One of the USB-A ports can charge devices while the PC is switched off.

On the rear are two USB4 ports supporting speeds up to 40Gbps and DisplayPort 2.0 Alt Mode, another 10Gbps USB-A port, a USB 2.0 port, two HDMI 2.0 outputs and two 2.5GbE Ethernet jacks. An SD 4.0 reader sits on the side. One USB4 port also supports up to 100W of USB-C power input, as an alternative to the included 120W power adapter.

The two HDMI outputs support 4K, but are HDMI 2.0 rather than HDMI 2.1. The iX9 Max also lacks a front USB-C port. Together, those omissions may matter to users who want a more convenient USB-C connection or 4K output at 120Hz.

Intel’s Core Ultra 9 185H debuted in December 2023. The 16-core, 22-thread mobile processor has six performance cores, eight efficient cores and two low-power efficient cores, with boost speeds up to 5.1GHz and an eight-core Arc integrated GPU. It is rated at 45W base power, with turbo power up to 115W; VZMORE offers 20W, 40W and 65W operating modes.

At 65W, the processor can handle demanding workloads such as code compilation, virtual machines, spreadsheet work and photo editing. However, its age is relevant at this price: the chip’s NPU delivers up to 11 TOPS, below the 40 TOPS threshold associated with Copilot+ certification. VZMORE’s references to local AI therefore rely mainly on the CPU and GPU.

VZMORE also promotes its cooling system, saying its vapor chamber has 40% more heat-spreading area and 50% better heat transfer than a conventional dual-heat-pipe design. The company claims the PC can sustain 65W while remaining below 38dB. Its performance comparison with an Apple M3 system is based on VZMORE’s own Cinebench 2026 testing; the company does not identify the specific M3 model used.

The iX9 Max offers extensive connectivity and a capable processor, but its memory is soldered and its CPU dates to 2023. At $949, prospective buyers may want to weigh those limitations against the system’s port selection and consider waiting for independent reviews.

Sources: TechRadar.