{"title": "Review: Minisforum AI X1 Pro – Compact System Delivering Top-Tier Power and AI Capabilities", "body": ["Over the past few years, Minisforum has evolved from a niche player into a prominent brand in the compact computer sector. The company has gained recognition for producing small-form-factor devices that offer substantial processing capabilities, advanced thermal management, and elegant aesthetics."], ["The latest AI X1 Pro from Minisforum aims to reinforce this reputation as a versatile computing solution featuring built-in AI processing. Designed for use by experts, programmers, smart home users, and content creators alike, this review evaluates if the device truly meets the brand's ambitious standards."], ["Beyond being a simple small computer, the Minisforum AI X1 Pro serves as an ideal choice for tech aficionados seeking no trade-offs in speed, upgrade potential, and interface options. For those needing a small yet potent and durable base for intricate automation, on-device AI operations, and media hosting, this model stands out among today's leading compact PCs."], ["The Minisforum AI X1 Pro presents a compelling all-in-one solution that highlights the remarkable capabilities squeezed into a small computer in the current era."], ["Visually, the AI X1 Pro's silver exterior with dark highlights initially evokes the style of a Mac Mini, though closer inspection reveals a more practical orientation. Minisforum prioritizes utility over mere aesthetics in its construction."], ["Examining the enclosures of the Minisforum AI X1 Pro alongside the Geekom IT15 reveals distinct approaches to design within the small PC category. Both emphasize reduced size, but their aims differ, evident in their measurements and build."], ["Measuring 195 × 195 × 47.5 millimeters, the Minisforum AI X1 Pro exceeds the size of numerous rivals (Geekom IT15: 117 × 112 × 49.2 millimeters). Its square base covers nearly double the area of the Geekom IT15. This expanded space is intentional, providing key benefits: it accommodates an internal power supply, eliminating the external adapter that often leads to messy wiring in other models. Consequently, the setup appears clean and polished."], ["Additionally, the increased internal room supports enhanced cooling systems and greater expansion via three M.2 slots. At 1.5 kilograms, the AI X1 Pro feels substantially heavier, thanks to its sturdy metal frame and dense internals."], ["Even with its high-end specs and built-in power unit, the device maintains a manageable footprint, though it's marginally bigger than certain peers. The front panel includes contemporary features like a biometric scanner for quick and secure access, plus a specialized button for AI assistant functions, underscoring its emphasis on intelligent computing."], ["Using the included stand, the AI X1 Pro can stand vertically, mount behind a display, or affix to a wall via VESA compatibility."], ["The AI X1 Pro's real prowess emerges from its core specifications and port selection. Minisforum has equipped it to challenge traditional small PCs, establishing it as a viable substitute for full desktops. A standout aspect is its upgradeability, which is uncommon in this segment."], ["Central to the Minisforum AI X1 Pro is the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor, among the initial desktop all-in-one units using Zen 5 technology. Featuring 12 processing cores and the capable Radeon 890M integrated graphics, it also includes a specialized neural processing unit providing up to 50 TOPS for AI tasks—suited for on-site language processing, visual evaluation, or assistant tools independent of online services."], ["Rather than fixed RAM, the AI X1 Pro provides two SODIMM slots supporting up to 128GB of DDR5-5600 memory. This allows users to tailor the setup for demanding applications, such as resource-intensive virtual environments hosting Home Assistant and similar tools, or intensive data handling. The reviewed unit came with 64GB RAM, with options for 32GB and 96GB configurations also offered."], ["Storage stands out too, with three M.2 slots for high-speed NVMe drives. This setup enables vast, rapid data capacity, perfect for large media libraries. The test model included a 1TB Kingston OM8TAP41024K1 SSD, while the 96GB RAM variant ships with a 2TB NVMe SSD."], ["The array of interfaces is exceptional, distinguishing the AI X1 Pro from others. It includes two USB4 connections for rapid transfers and external graphics support, plus a unique OCuLink port for even quicker links to discrete GPUs, transforming it into an adaptable platform for gaming or professional workloads."], ["Dual 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet interfaces guarantee reliable, swift networking, complemented by Wi-Fi 7 for advanced wireless performance. Further ports encompass HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 2.0, and a built-in SD card slot."], ["The Minisforum AI X1 Pro excels in multi-monitor setups, handling as many as four screens at once. This stems from its array of current video outputs: HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 2.0, and dual USB4 ports. Such versatility positions it as a robust hub for intensive multitasking in professional, artistic, or home automation settings."], ["Initial configuration of the Minisforum AI X1 Pro involves installing Windows 11 25H2, requiring an online connection for activation."], ["The process proceeds without issues, with drivers and system software updating automatically. Integration with Copilot, leveraging the NPU, functions flawlessly right away. This means no manual additions for patches or AI enhancements—the device is primed for Windows' latest intelligent features, including on-device text and image processing, plus streamlined automation."], ["This review skips in-depth analysis of Windows 11 25H2, but it's evident the Minisforum AI X1 Pro seamlessly enables the OS's advanced AI tools. Features like Copilot, Recall, and accelerated local models utilize the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370's NPU directly."], ["Consequently, AI-driven activities such as optical character recognition, visual assessment, or speech support execute more swiftly and offline, showing strong synergy between the hardware and operating system."], ["Equipped with the fresh AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, the Minisforum AI X1 Pro surpasses prior mini PC generations in raw power and rivals slim laptops and small workstations in various use cases."], ["To assess general computing speed, we ran the PCMark 10 suite, which simulates routine activities sequentially for lifelike results. Achieving a total of 7,809 points, it matches scores from premium mobile chips like the Intel Core Ultra 9 185H or Apple M3 Pro."], ["Subscores in 'Essentials' (11,353 points) and 'Productivity' (10,594 points) indicate effortless handling of daily office duties, messaging, and concurrent tasks. The 'Digital Content Creation' score of 10,746 points further proves its aptitude for image and video manipulation, reflecting balanced CPU-GPU integration."], ["3DMark's CPU test demonstrates superior multi-threading: 8,292 points under maximum stress and 1,161 in single-core mode, aligning it with the Intel Core Ultra 9 288V and closely trailing the AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS, all while benefiting from Zen 5's power savings. This yields strong parallel processing with low energy use, vital for sustained performance in tight enclosures."], ["In 3DMark Time Spy, the system scored 3,528 overall, with the Radeon 890M iGPU earning 3,152 graphics points. This RDNA-3-based unit outperforms the Radeon 780M by about 40%, enabling practical gaming in a fanless mini PC. For reference, the Geekom IT15's Intel Core Ultra 9 285H reaches 4,244 points."], ["Titles like Cyberpunk 2077, Fortnite, and Forza Horizon 5 perform fluidly at 1080p with moderate to elevated graphics options using the AMD processor. Recent benchmarks, including Steel Nomad Light (3,023 points, 22 FPS) and Solar Bay (14,762 points), validate its capability in DirectX 12 and ray-traced environments via integrated graphics."], ["Geekbench AI Pro yielded 7,007 points in quantized mode, showcasing the NPU's XDNA-2 prowess. This positions the HX 370 among select processors capable of desktop-grade local AI, fitting for tasks like visual processing, speech-to-text, or on-device natural language tools. Comparatively, the Geekom IT15's Intel Core Ultra 9 285H scores 8,005 quantized points."], ["The SSD performance impresses as well: the 1TB Kingston NVMe hits 6,132 MB/s reads and 5,259 MB/s writes in CrystalDiskMark, boosting overall responsiveness. This matches the Geekom A9 Max's Lexar drive at 6,242 MB/s reads and 5,423 MB/s writes."], ["In summary, the Minisforum AI X1 Pro offers a standout combination of features, proving the potential for high-end computing in a small package today. Integrating the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, Radeon 890M, and NPU, it merges full-sized potency, efficiency, and AI readiness into a portable form."], ["With three NVMe bays, twin 2.5GbE networking, OCuLink, and USB4, it suits diverse needs from remote work and home automation to entertainment. Build quality and amenities exceed typical standards in the category. Minor drawbacks include its cost and absence of 10GbE support. All told, it's a robust, forward-looking compact PC for demanding users."], ["This piece originated from our affiliate site PC-WELT, adapted and localized from its German version."], ["Christoph Hoffmann, an IT journalism veteran with over 25 years in print and digital media, has covered the field extensively. A longtime Windows adopter since its inception, he follows all developments from Microsoft closely. He's also embraced the iPhone from day one, expanding his interest to various Apple devices. Hoffmann remains enthusiastic about app-controlled innovations, from robotic vacuums to smart fitness gear and garden tools."]]}