Overview: Redefining Mini PCs with AI-Driven Performance

Minisforum has established itself as a prominent player in the mini-PC arena, recognized for delivering compact yet potent systems that blend cutting-edge processing power with innovative thermal management. Their AI X1 Pro model elevates this reputation by integrating dedicated AI acceleration, targeting professionals, developers, smart home integrators, and creative users who demand both versatility and performance.

This review explores whether the AI X1 Pro lives up to its promise as a future-ready, high-performance mini PC.

Key Advantages and Limitations

Strengths

• Exceptional CPU performance suitable for intensive multitasking and workstation-grade applications.
• Highly upgradeable architecture featuring replaceable DDR5 RAM modules and multiple M.2 SSD slots.
• Integrated Neural Processing Unit (NPU) delivering up to 80 TOPS for advanced local AI workloads.
• Thoughtful design including a built-in fingerprint sensor and internal power supply for a clutter-free setup.

Considerations

• Use of standard DDR5 memory at 5600 MHz may limit graphics throughput compared to competitors utilizing faster LPDDR5X soldered RAM.

Pricing Snapshot

At the time of this review, the Minisforum AI X1 Pro is priced around $1,087, positioning it competitively within the high-end mini PC segment.

Technical Specifications

• Processor: AMD Ryzen AI 9HX 370 (Zen 5 architecture), featuring 12 cores and up to 80 TOPS AI performance.
• Graphics: Integrated AMD Radeon 890M GPU based on RDNA 3.
• Memory: Up to 64GB DDR5-5600 MHz via 2x SO-DIMM slots (expandable to 128GB).
• Storage: Three M.2 NVMe PCIe Gen4 SSD slots; test unit includes 1TB Kingston OM8 NVMe SSD.
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, dual 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet ports, USB4, OCuLink, HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 2.0, SD card reader.
• Dimensions: 195 × 195 × 47.5 mm; Weight: 1.5 kg.

Design and Build Quality: Functionality Meets Elegance

At first glance, the AI X1 Pro’s silver chassis with black detailing might evoke comparisons to the Mac Mini, but its design philosophy is distinctly utilitarian. Unlike smaller competitors such as the Geekom IT15, which measures just 117 × 112 × 49.2 mm, the AI X1 Pro’s larger footprint is intentional, accommodating an internal power supply and enhanced cooling solutions.

This design choice eliminates the need for bulky external power bricks, resulting in a cleaner workspace. The robust metal enclosure not only adds durability but also supports superior thermal management, essential for sustained high performance.

Additional thoughtful touches include a front-facing fingerprint sensor for secure, swift authentication and a dedicated AI Co-pilot button, underscoring the system’s AI-centric focus. The device can be positioned upright or mounted discreetly behind monitors or on walls using the included VESA bracket, offering flexible deployment options.

Core Features and Expandability

The AI X1 Pro stands out in the mini PC market due to its exceptional upgrade potential and comprehensive connectivity. The AMD Ryzen AI 9HX 370 APU, built on the latest Zen 5 architecture, combines 12 CPU cores with a powerful Radeon 890M GPU and a dedicated NPU capable of delivering up to 80 TOPS, enabling efficient local AI processing without reliance on cloud services.

Unlike many mini PCs with soldered memory, the AI X1 Pro supports dual SO-DIMM slots, allowing users to install up to 128GB of DDR5 RAM. This flexibility is ideal for running memory-intensive applications such as virtual machines, complex data analytics, or smart home automation platforms.

Storage options are equally impressive, with three M.2 NVMe slots supporting high-speed SSDs for expansive and rapid data access. The test configuration includes a 1TB Kingston OM8 NVMe SSD, while higher-end models offer up to 2TB.

Connectivity is comprehensive: dual USB4 ports support high data throughput and external GPU connections, complemented by an OCuLink port for even faster external graphics expansion. Dual 2.5 GbE ports and Wi-Fi 7 ensure robust wired and wireless networking, while HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 2.0, and an SD card reader provide versatile display and peripheral options.

Thanks to this array of video outputs, the AI X1 Pro can simultaneously drive up to four monitors, making it an excellent hub for multitasking professionals, creative studios, or smart home control centers.

Operating System and AI Integration

The AI X1 Pro ships with Windows 11 25H2 pre-installed and activated, streamlining initial setup with automatic driver and firmware updates. The system’s AI capabilities are seamlessly integrated, with native support for Windows Copilot and direct utilization of the NPU for accelerated AI tasks.

This tight hardware-software integration enables efficient local AI functions such as text recognition, image processing, and voice commands without cloud dependency, enhancing privacy and responsiveness.

Performance Benchmarks and Real-World Usage

Equipped with the AMD Ryzen AI 9HX 370, the AI X1 Pro competes with high-end ultrabooks and compact desktops. In PCMark 10 testing, it achieved an impressive overall score of 7,809, rivaling systems powered by Intel Core Ultra 9185H and Apple M3 Pro processors.

Subscores highlight its multitasking prowess: 11,353 in Essentials and 10,594 in Productivity, confirming smooth handling of office and communication workloads. The Digital Content Creation score of 10,746 reflects strong capabilities in photo and video editing, thanks to the balanced CPU-GPU combination.

3DMark CPU benchmarks reveal excellent multi-thread scaling, with 8,292 points under full load and 1,161 in single-thread tests, placing it alongside Intel’s Core Ultra 9 288V and just behind AMD’s Ryzen 9 7940HS, all while maintaining energy efficiency.

The integrated Radeon 890M GPU scored 3,152 graphics points in 3DMark Time Spy, outperforming the previous generation Radeon 780M by approximately 40%. This enables smooth 1080p gaming on titles like Cyberpunk 2077, Fortnite, and Forza Horizon 5 at medium to high settings. Although it trails the Geekom IT15’s Intel Core U9-285H GPU score of 4,244, the AI X1 Pro offers a compelling balance of power and efficiency.

AI performance is robust, with a Geekbench AI Pro quantized score of 7,007, showcasing the NPU’s capability for desktop-level local AI workloads such as image analysis and transcription. This is comparable to the Geekom IT15’s score of 8,005.

Storage performance is equally strong: the 1TB Kingston NVMe SSD delivers sequential read speeds of 6,132 MB/s and write speeds of 5,259 MB/s, ensuring rapid system responsiveness and data access.

Final Assessment: Who Should Consider the Minisforum AI X1 Pro?

The Minisforum AI X1 Pro is a compelling choice for users seeking a compact yet powerful mini PC that integrates advanced AI capabilities with desktop-grade performance. Its extensive upgrade options, versatile connectivity, and efficient cooling make it suitable for gaming, professional workloads, and smart home automation.

While the absence of 10 GbE networking and the use of standard DDR5 RAM instead of faster LPDDR5X may be minor drawbacks, the overall package is impressive. The AI X1 Pro stands out as a future-proof, high-performance system designed for power users who demand flexibility and AI acceleration in a small form factor.