The GEEKOM Mini IT13 is a remarkable feat of engineering that stuffs desktop-class hardware into an incredibly small form factor. Measuring just 117 x 112 x 49mm and weighing only 1.5 pounds, it‘s hard to believe this diminutive PC houses up to a 13th gen Intel Core i9 processor, 64GB of RAM, and multiple terabytes of storage.
While compact PCs have been around for years, they‘ve often required major compromises in performance and upgradability. The Mini IT13 challenges that notion, delivering specs that rival many mid-tower desktops. It‘s part of a growing trend in the PC industry – shrinking powerful components down into more versatile, space-saving designs.
So how does the Mini IT13 actually perform? Can it keep up with full-size PCs or is it more comparable to a laptop? I ran it through a gauntlet of real-world tests and benchmarks to find out. But first, let‘s take a closer look at the hardware inside this mighty mini machine.
GEEKOM Mini IT13 Specs and Configurations
One of the standout features of the Mini IT13 is the variety of configurations available to suit different budgets and needs:
The base model sports a 12-core/16-thread Intel Core i5-13500H, 16GB of DDR4 RAM, and a 512GB PCIe 4.0 SSD for $499. Stepping up to the mid-tier config gets you a faster 14-core/20-thread Core i7-13700H.
But for this review, GEEKOM sent me the fully loaded model with a beastly Intel Core i9-13900H. This 14-core, 20-thread processor boosts up to 5.4GHz and supports 32GB of RAM out of the box (expandable to 64GB). Storage is also doubled to a 2TB PCIe 4.0 SSD. At $849, it‘s pricey for a mini PC but significantly cheaper than comparably specced desktops.
Regardless of which CPU you opt for, all models feature Intel‘s Iris Xe integrated graphics. This is fine for basic gaming and 4K media playback but falls well short of a dedicated GPU. The inability to add a graphics card is really the only downside of the IT13‘s compact size.
Other common specs across the lineup include Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, dual HDMI 2.0 video outputs, multiple USB ports (including Thunderbolt 4), 2.5Gb Ethernet, and a Windows 11 Pro license. Basically everything you‘d want in a high-end mini PC.
Design and Ports
Measuring just 4.6 inches wide, the IT13 is smaller than many books. The aluminum chassis has a professional, minimalist vibe with a matte blue finish. It‘s designed to disappear on your desk or behind a monitor.
On the front, you‘ll find an SD card reader, dual USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports, and a headphone jack for easy access. Around back are two more USB-A ports, dual Thunderbolt 4 ports, two HDMI outputs, 2.5Gb Ethernet, and the power input. That‘s an impressive selection of I/O for such a tiny PC.
One area where the IT13 falls a bit short is in upgradability. While you can access the M.2 SSDs and RAM by removing the bottom panel, the CPU is soldered to the motherboard. Adding a 2.5" SATA drive is also possible but requires a proprietary cable. Considering the limited space inside, some compromises are understandable.
Benchmarks and Performance
Okay, enough about the design and specs – how does this thing actually perform? In a word: impressively.
I ran a mix of synthetic tests and real-world tasks on the Core i9 model. It achieved nearly 20,000 points in Geekbench 5‘s multi-core test – roughly on par with the Intel Core i9-13900K desktop CPU. The speedy PCIe 4.0 SSD also kept load times minimal, booting Windows 11 in seconds.
Stability is excellent too, thanks to the upgraded cooling system. Despite the high-end hardware, the IT13 remained nearly silent except under full load. Even then, fan noise was reasonable albeit noticeable.
This level of performance makes the Mini IT13 a productivity beast for a system that fits in the palm of your hand. It tears through demanding photo and video editing jobs, encode 4K footage with ease. Multitasking is also a breeze with the ample RAM and high core/thread counts.
As expected, gaming performance is where integrated graphics show their limitations. Less demanding titles play fine but modern AAA games struggle, even at lower settings. This isn‘t a gaming PC.
Who Is It For?
The GEEKOM Mini IT13 excels as a versatile, space-efficient PC for productivity, content creation, and workloads that benefit from strong CPU performance. It‘s a great fit for cramped home offices, wall-mounted media servers, or compact development workstations. The near-silence makes it bedroom friendly too.
However, its graphics limitations mean gamers should look elsewhere unless they only play basic titles. Cheaper mini PCs are available if you don‘t need Core i9 power too.
But if you want a genuinely capable Windows 11 desktop in an ultra-compact package and are willing to pay for premium, the IT13 is tough to beat. It‘s an excellent showcase of how far mini PC technology has come.
The Competition
The mini PC market has heated up in recent years, with major players like Intel‘s NUC lineup and Apple‘s Mac Studio delivering serious performance. Compact PCs from brands like Beelink, Minisforum, and ASUS also compete in the space.
The most direct competitor is probably the Intel NUC 13 Extreme (Raptor Canyon), which offers even beefier specs and the unique ability to add a dedicated GPU. But it‘s also significantly larger and more expensive.
Ultimately, the IT13 strikes a compelling balance of size, performance, and price in the mini PC category. It‘s not the only game in town but makes a strong case for itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you upgrade the GEEKOM Mini IT13?
Yes and no. The RAM and SSDs are user-upgradeable by removing the bottom panel. However, the CPU is soldered and not replaceable.
How many displays can the Mini IT13 support?
With dual HDMI 2.0 ports and dual Thunderbolt 4 ports, you can connect up to 4 displays to the IT13 in extended mode. Resolution is limited to 4K at 60Hz per HDMI output.
Is the Mini IT13 suitable for gaming?
For less demanding games, absolutely. But modern AAA titles are out of reach for the integrated graphics. An eGPU could improve things but you‘ll likely still encounter a CPU bottleneck.
Final Thoughts
The GEEKOM Mini IT13 is a rare product that mostly lives up to its impressive spec sheet. By squeezing high-end laptop hardware into a desktop form factor, it achieves a unique blend of performance and portability.
While it‘s overkill and a bit pricey for basic computing needs, it fills a niche for power users who want maximum performance in minimal space. The Core i9 model I tested makes very few compromises and is undoubtedly one of the fastest PCs in its size class.
If you need a take-anywhere productivity/creator workstation or capable yet compact media server, the IT13 should be on your shortlist. Just be aware of the graphics limitations and lack of cheap configuration options. It‘s a premium mini PC for a specific audience – one that it serves very well.
