Geekom just lately launched the Mini IT13, the most recent in its rising circle of relatives of mini desktop PCs. As its identify implies, the Mini IT13 is powered through Intel thirteenth Gen (Raptor Lake) CPUs. The desktop maintains Geekom’s historical past of straightforward upgradeability, a compact shape issue, and aggressive pricing. Our evaluation fashion sports activities an Intel Core i9-13900H, 32 GB of RAM, and a 2 TB NVMe SSD. On this hands-on, we will be able to see if the tiny PC can comprise one among Intel’s maximum robust Raptor Lake processors.
Competition of the Mini IT13 come with the Beelink SEi12, Intel Serpent Canyon NUC 12, Intel NUC 13 Professional Equipment (Vibrant Canyon), GMK NucBox K3 Professional, and Minisforum Venus Sequence UM790 Professional.
Those who have enjoy with Geekom’s different Intel-based mini PCs will in finding the Mini IT13 very acquainted because the chassis is in large part unchanged from the Mini IT11 and Mini IT12.In conventional Geekom style, the mini PC could be very neatly constructed. We haven’t any qualms with the Mini IT13’s construct high quality. The one grievance now we have is that the case is most commonly manufactured from plastic (albeit a thick, top quality plastic). Whilst crafting the case from steel would definitely give the Mini IT13 a extra top rate feel and look, it might additionally elevate the fee. The ease on this subject matter improve would in large part be unseen because the Mini IT13 is meant to be saved inconspicuously on a desktop.
It’s reasonably compact at 117 x 112 x 49.2 mm (4.6 x 4.4 x 1.9 in), and it’s simple to stow away beneath a track. The Mini IT13 is slightly taller than different NUC devices to house a 2.5-inch power. Geekom features a VESA mounting bracket for securing the mini PC to the again of a like minded track.
One thing to notice is the lightning-fast SD card reader. Mini PCs usually have a mean SD card reader (if they have got on in any respect) with maximum clocking in at more or less 70-80 MB/s, however the Mini IT13’s reader boasts learn speeds as much as 180 MB/s, which can make it a excellent choice for execs that transfer numerous information off and on SD playing cards.
The Mini IT13 is full of ports, together with two USB4 40 Gbps ports at the again. Coupled with the 2 HDMI 2.0 ports, customers can attach as much as 4 presentations. The Mini IT13 helps two DDR4 SODIMMs, one M.2 2280 PCIe Gen 4×4 SSD, an M.2 2242 SATA SSD (now not NVMe), and a 2.5-inch SATA power. Geekom sells the Mini IT13 with those elements pre-installed, however upgrades/swaps are simple; merely unscrew the 4 captive Phillips Head screws, pull off the ground plate, and change out the required portions.
The Mini IT13 comes with both a thirteenth Gen Intel Core i5-13500H, Core i7-13700H, or Core i9-13900H. Our evaluation unit is the top-specced fashion with the Core i9-13900H. The six Hyperthreaded P-cores and eight E-cores make for an impressive package deal. Sadly, the Core i9 proves to be slightly too sizzling for the Mini IT13, main to a couple thermal throttling and less-than-expected efficiency.
The Intel Core i9-13900H is a top-tier Raptor Lake CPU boasting 20 general threads (6 Hyperthreaded P-Cores, 8 E-Cores) clocked between 1.9 GHz and 5.4 GHz. Most often talking, the 13900H is an impressive CPU that suffers from some thermal problems. With ok cooling, the CPU supplies strong and lightning-fast efficiency. Sadly, the Core i9-13900H appears to be an excessive amount of for the Mini IT13’s chassis.
In our Cinebench R15 loop take a look at, efficiency virtually completely fits the Intel Core i7-1360P discovered within the Intel NUC 13. Apparently, the Mini IT13 falls neatly in the back of the Intel Core i7-12700H (utilized in Intel’s Serpent Canyon NUC 12) and the AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS (discovered within the Minisforum Venus UM790 Professional); this can be because of the previous’s stepped forward cooling infrastructure and the latter’s extra environment friendly CPU structure. The Mini IT13’s efficiency stays reasonably strong after an preliminary drop from the primary run.
This tale stays a lot the similar all through different CPU benchmarks. The Core i9-13900H within the Mini IT13 can not catch as much as the Ryzen 9 7940HS, however outpaces its predecessor (the Mini IT12 with a Core i7-1260P) through 50% in multi-core benchmarks.
General device efficiency is very good. The Mini IT13 outpaces competition with Intel’s twelfth Gen CPUs and lower-tiered Raptor Lake processors. It additionally places up superb fights in opposition to the Ryzen 9 7940HS in all however graphically-demanding duties like virtual content material advent. That is to be anticipated taking into account the latter’s superb iGPU.
In real-world use, the Mini IT13 garners no court cases, save one merchandise: apps has a tendency to take a number of seconds to open upon first release, however will get started near-immediately on next launches. This conduct repeats after energy biking the desktop.
In comparison to its predecessors (the Mini IT11 and Mini IT12), DPC latencies are disappointing. The Mini IT13 appear to be simply at the cusp of ok real-time audio processing. Nonetheless, 4K60 video streaming was once clean in our trying out with most effective 11 frames dropped in the beginning of a YouTube video.
Geekom ships the Mini IT13 with a 2 TB M.2 2280 (80 mm) PCIe Gen4x4 SSD from Lexar. No longer most effective is there plentiful space for storing, the power is wickedly rapid with learn speeds in far more than 4000 MB/s. 4K learn and writes also are very fast. Apparently, the power dips in efficiency all over lengthy process classes, as famous through the DiskSpd Learn Loop take a look at.
The Mini IT13 additionally helps an M.2 2242 (42 mm) SSD and a 2.5-inch power.
The Mini IT13 has onboard Intel Iris Xe Graphics (96 EUs) for graphics processing. Efficiency (as measured through 3DMark) is healthier than anticipated for the built-in GPU, coming in more or less 10-15% higher than the typical Intel Iris Xe Graphics iGPU.
Whilst the Intel iGPU is not appropriate for heavy graphical paintings (e.g., 3-d modelling), it’s appropriate for some gentle photograph and video enhancing. It may well additionally deal with 4K video streaming with out fuss. The AMD Radeon 780M, which is built-in on Ryzen 7000 collection APUs, is between 50-75% quicker.
The Mini IT13 has two USB4 40 Gbps ports which is able to reinforce Thunderbolt-compatible eGPUs. We didn’t have an eGPU to be had all over this evaluation to check the feasibility of this setup and its efficiency, however is an choice.
Whilst Intel’s Xe iGPUs have come some distance, they’re nonetheless now not appropriate for contemporary AAA video games. Even on the lowest settings, video games like Spider-Guy Miles Morales slightly ruin 30 FPS and be afflicted by stutters. Lighter titles like Dota 2 Reborn or older video games will have to be playable at Complete HD, relying at the identify.
Right here lies the weakest level of the Geekom Mini IT13: fan noise. When underneath complete load, the mini desktop has a noticeable whine that cuts thru same old administrative center noise like a sizzling knife. Whilst it’s not as loud as top-tier gaming laptops, the fan’s top pitch is straight noticeable.
Apparently, the fan ramps up apparently at random, even if the pc sits idle at the Home windows desktop. Those bursts are reasonably quick (1-2 seconds), however they may be able to be frustrating because of their random nature.
In spite of its loud fan, the Mini IT13 struggles to stay the Core i9-13900H cool underneath excessive rigidity. Right through an hour-long Prime95 torture take a look at, the Core i9-13900H peaked at 96° C at a clock velocity of four.2 GHz, neatly under its rated spice up of five.4 GHz. The CPU averaged 2.0 GHz all over the take a look at, soaring simply above its base clock.
The iGPU noticed an identical results all over an hour-long run of Furmark, peaking at 100° C and averaging at 91° C. Whilst the GPU maintained a mean clock velocity of 1366 MHz, the CPU was once extra erratic.
Stressing each the CPU and GPU ended in a lot more conservative efficiency, albeit with decrease general temperatures.
All stated, the Core i9-13900H appears to be too sizzling to deal with for the small chassis of the Mini IT13. The Core i7-13700H is also a more sensible choice for thermal control.
The Mini IT13’s case remains reasonably cool, even underneath load. The freshest spot is on the rear exhaust (which is to be anticipated), topping out at about 50° C.
For a Mini PC, the Mini IT13 can draw a good bit of energy. Moderate draw underneath load is set 60 Watts. That is more or less consistent with different Intel-based mini desktop PCs.
The Mini IT13 is a tangible definition of the phrase “iteration.” It’s necessarily the Mini IT12 with a more recent CPU. Whilst it provides higher multi-core and basic use efficiency (in large part because of the efficiency differential between the Core i9-13900H and the Mini IT12’s Core i7-1260P), it additionally has the next energy draw, extra warmth, and a louder fan.
The Mini IT13 is an impressive mini PC with numerous energy filled into its tiny shell, however this energy can not absolutely be tapped because of some noticeable thermal throttling. Nonetheless, the plentiful port variety (together with twin USB4 40 Gbps ports), rapid incorporated SSD, and compact dimension are severe attracts.
In case you already personal a mini PC with a twelfth Gen Intel Core i7 CPU or higher, there is little reason why to improve to the Mini IT13. Then again, in case you are searching for a powerhouse in a small package deal, the Mini IT13 would possibly are compatible the invoice. Simply imagine the less expensive (and extra simply controlled) Core i7-13700H variant.
The Geekom Mini IT13 is to be had from Geekom. The configuration reviewed (Core i9-13900H, 32 GB RAM, 2 TB SSD) is to be had at a listing worth of $899. Use coupon code notebookcheckit13 to save lots of $40.
Allow 48h for review and removal.