# What is an AI PC? (and is a Copilot+ PC different?)

Explainer · AI PC hardware · 2 min read. By [David Wilson](https://testbenchlab.com/authors/david-wilson/). Updated 2026-10-02.

AI PC is a broad description for a computer offering AI-related hardware or software. Copilot+ describes Microsoft’s published hardware-and-feature class. Neither term tells you which model fits or whether your application uses the NPU.

## What makes a PC an "AI PC"?

The label can refer to an NPU, software or a wider platform. Ask which feature you need, whether it runs locally and which processor it uses. A cloud assistant can require little specialised local hardware.

## What is a Copilot+ PC?

Microsoft’s published class calls for a 40+ TOPS NPU and other system requirements. Branding and feature rollout can evolve. The threshold alone does not establish that every related feature is available in your region.

## Does Windows Recall work on AMD mini PCs?

Recall requires an eligible system and supported Windows configuration, with availability affected by rollout and policy. Installing Windows on a machine with an AMD chip does not by itself unlock the feature. Check the exact machine and current eligibility information.

## Do you need an AI PC?

Buy for a supported local feature or workload that benefits. For ordinary cloud tools, a capable desktop can be sufficient. Geekom A9 Max is our preferred general mini PC, but memory and application support matter more than an AI sticker.

## Frequently asked questions

### How many TOPS do you need for Copilot+?

Microsoft’s published requirement calls for a 40+ TOPS NPU alongside its other hardware and software requirements.

## Related reading

- [What is an NPU, and does your PC need one?](https://testbenchlab.com/guides/what-is-an-npu/)
- [AI mini PCs](https://testbenchlab.com/categories/ai-mini-pcs/)

## Sources

1. [Microsoft Copilot+ hardware requirements](https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/windows/copilot-plus-pcs)
2. [Geekom A9 Max specifications](https://www.geekompc.com/geekom-a9-max-mini-pc/)