I've been using this Intel-based mini AI PC for the last two weeks of work, and now I absolutely love it

As a seasoned tech enthusiast with years of experience under my belt, I must say that the Geekom GT1 Mega has truly caught my eye. This compact powerhouse is not just about size; it’s about performance that packs a punch.

Due to their size, traditional desktop computers consume a significant amount of space. It’s not surprising then, that some individuals opt for mini PCs, which are considerably smaller and more space-efficient.

Here at Windows Central, we’ve put several mini PC brands to the test, and among them, Geekom has truly caught our attention. Intrigued by their recent offerings, I wanted to explore one of their latest devices further.

For the last two weeks, I’ve been using the Geekom GT1 Mega, a powerful PC with a small form factor, as my main work computer. Over the last 14 days, I’ve used it to work in Adobe Photoshop, multitask between multiple programs, write up articles, and stream shows. It’s a very impressive device that is hard not to recommend.

Geekom GT1 Mega: Pricing and availability

I've been using this Intel-based mini AI PC for the last two weeks of work, and now I absolutely love it

Price & specifications highlights

This mini PC is packed with excellent processors, 32GB RAM, and 1TB SSD.
It is an AI PC because it features an Intel Core Ultra processor with an AI-boosted NPU.
While the Geekom GT1 Mega is pricier than some other mini PCs, it also offers some powerful specs and is well-priced.
Price rating: 5/5

When considering a purchase of a mini PC, it’s essential to exercise caution, as there are numerous inexpensive options on Amazon that may contain malware. To avoid potential issues, it’s recommended to opt for reliable mini PC manufacturers such as Lenovo, ASUS, Dell, Beelink, and Geekom.

Regarding mini PCs, Geekom consistently delivers some of the best and most dependable devices we’ve encountered, and the GT1 Mega is no different. This device boasts a powerful Intel Core Ultra 100S AI CPU, coupled with Intel Arc Graphics, to establish a robust computing system. Moreover, it qualifies as an AI PC due to its processor’s integrated AI-enhanced NPU (neural processing unit).

This device features a generous 32GB DDR5 RAM and offers storage of up to 2TB via PCIe SSD. Despite its compact size, it allows for a maximum of 64GB RAM as an upgrade. It also includes Windows 11 Pro, the newest Wi-Fi 7, and Bluetooth 5.4, ensuring seamless connectivity with the latest technology devices and accessories.

Now, some mini PCs are budget options, while others are more premium. The GT1 Mega is the latter and makes for an ideal work or home computer. It has an MSRP of $1,299.00, but I’ve seen it on sale for $989.00 at Amazon. All in all, it’s somewhat pricey but at a good price point for its specs and size.

Regarding its impressive features and plentiful connectivity options, this compact computer is remarkably tiny, fitting effortlessly beneath your screen. For added convenience, you might choose to pack it up for travel as it’s surprisingly portable.

Geekom GT1 Mega — What’s in the box?

Beyond the compact PC itself, the Geekom GT1 Mega package includes a VESA mount, screws for the VESA mount, an HDMI cable, a power adapter/cable, and a user manual. With these items at hand, you’ll be equipped to attach it to a monitor, plug it in, and dive right into your setup.

Geekom GT1 Mega: Design

Build quality and design highlights

Thanks to its small form factor, the GT1 Mega easily fits under monitors.
The included VESA mount also allows it to be mounted behind monitors or under desks.
It has an aluminum metal casing that looks good and feels durable, too.
Design rating: 5/5

In simpler terms, the Geekom GT1 Mega is characterized by its robustness, practicality, and effectiveness. Although compact in size, this mini-computer boasts a versatile performance, capable of handling various tasks gracefully.

As a researcher exploring various mini PC options, I find Geekom’s devices to be distinctively understated yet sophisticated in their design. Unlike other flashier models adorned with RGB lighting, Geekom’s devices boast a sleek metal casing that exudes an air of refinement and class, making it a versatile fit for professional, educational, or home environments.

On the bottom of the GT1 Mega, there are rubber grips to keep it stationary on your workspace. Should you decide to take off these rubber grips, you’ll discover screws beneath them, and by removing those, you’ll gain access to open the mini PC. Similar to other computers with a compact enclosure, the GT1 Mega has a certain degree of limited expandability; however, it does offer dual-channel DDR5 5600MHZ memory slots that can house up to 64GB of RAM. Consequently, if you require additional RAM, it can accommodate that need.

Geekom GT1 Mega: Ports and connectivity

Ports and connectivity highlights

Even with its small frame, there are plenty of ports to meet your various accessory or monitor needs.
Four USB-A ports and a headphone jack are on the front for easy access.
Since it offers Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4, it has fantastic wireless connectivity, too.
Connectivity rating: 5/5

As a fan, I’m always impressed by Geekom mini PCs, like the GT1 Mega, because they manage to pack a multitude of useful ports onto their compact bodies. What’s more, this particular model includes a VESA mount, allowing for a sleek, concealed connection to compatible monitors if desired, creating a clutter-free setup that I absolutely love!

The GT1 Mega boasts a diverse range of connectivity options, including two USB-C 4.0 ports, two HDMI 2.0 ports, five USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 ports, a single USB-A 2.0 port, an SD card reader, two RJ45 ports, and a headphone jack. This variety of connections allowed me to seamlessly connect numerous peripherals, displays, or devices to this portable computer without encountering any issues. Notably, four of the USB-A ports and the headphone jack are strategically placed on the front of the mini PC for convenient access.

With the GT1 Mega, you can rest easy knowing it comes equipped with the cutting-edge Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 technology. No matter if you opt for a wired or wireless connection, this compact computer allows you seamless connectivity to all your necessary devices.

Geekom GT1 Mega: Performance

Performance & thermals highlights

While not the most powerful computer on the market, the GT1 Mega offers solid performance for work, school, or home.
The Intel Arc graphics card is perfect for streaming shows, browsing the internet, editing photos, and even some light gaming.
Just don’t expect this mini PC to handle more graphically demanding creative programs or games.
Performance rating: 5/5

To gauge the performance of the Geekom GT1 Mega, I tackled various assignments in Adobe Photoshop, navigated multiple webpages while surfing the internet, watched shows online, and even dabbled in some casual gaming. This mini computer handled all tasks remarkably well, making me frequently forget that I wasn’t using a standard desktop PC instead.

For amusement, I also added Cyberpunk 2077 to its library and ran some tests. The game managed to run, although the performance was quite jittery, averaging around 13 frames per second with low graphics settings. Consequently, it’s capable of light gaming, but it’s far from optimal for more demanding titles.

To better understand its performance, I subjected the GT1 Mega to multiple benchmark tests. First, I assessed the Intel Core Ultra 9 185H CPU using Geekbench 6 and it delivered impressive multi-core (13,610) and single-core (2,412) scores, outperforming many other tested Ultra 9 devices. Next, I examined its rendering capabilities by running Cinebench R24. Although the multi-core score of 906 and single-core score of 104 weren’t top-notch, they were still commendable overall. In essence, the GT1 Mega boasts strong processing power.

As an enthusiast excited about the Intel Core Ultra AI CPU, I’ve put it through a couple of Procyon tests to gauge its performance in AI-enhancing Neural Processing Unit (NPU) tasks. The Windows ML float 32 test yielded a score of 110 and the OpenVINO float 16 test delivered an impressive 282. In both scenarios, these results surpassed the average, demonstrating that this compact device is exceptionally proficient at managing AI tasks effectively.

After that, I leapt into 3DMark and ran the Time Spy test to assess the graphics performance of the Intel Arc. It yielded a score of 4,060, aligning well with how other Intel Arc devices have performed. Although it can’t handle heavy gaming or graphically demanding software, this processor is more robust than the Intel Iris Xe (equivalent to AMD 780M), making it ideal for streaming, browsing, photo editing, and even some video editing.

In order to evaluate the performance of the SSD, I conducted the CrystalDiskMark sequential read test, revealing a read speed of approximately 5049 megabytes per second and a write speed of around 4369 megabytes per second. While these figures might not leave you astounded, they certainly demonstrate that this compact computer can swiftly save or retrieve data files, as well as load them quickly. Notably, I also had the mini PC convert a 4K Tears of Steel file in Handbrake, and it managed to complete the task within a mere 2.292 seconds, which is remarkably fast.

To wrap things up, I used CrossMark to assess the overall system efficiency of the GT1 Mega mini PC. It managed to secure a score of 1,996, which is quite impressive. Consequently, this suggests that it operates swiftly and smoothly. In summary, the Geekom GT1 Mega is an outstanding device, delivering robust performance that you can count on, no matter what tasks you assign to it.

Thermals and fan noise

During a 20-minute CPU stress test, I used my thermal camera to gather temperature readings. Predictably, the back vent recorded the highest temperature, reaching 103 degrees Fahrenheit (around 39 degrees Celsius). In comparison, the top and front of the mini PC maxed out at a cooler 73 degrees Fahrenheit (about 23 degrees Celsius). Overall, these temperatures are relatively low, contributing to the device’s efficient performance.

As a tech enthusiast, I must say this device isn’t exactly noisy. The fans can kick into high gear quite easily, peaking at 57.6 dB during stress tests. However, from my seating position, it barely registered 43.9 dB close to my ear – that’s not too loud at all. If you place the mini PC behind your monitor or under the desk, you might not even hear the fans at all.

Geekom GT1 Mega: Alternatives

You don’t have to look outside of Geekom to find more of the best mini PCs. For starters, you might want to take a look at my colleague, Harish Jonnalagadda’s Geekom A8/A7 review. These mini PC models are powerful enough to easily handle creative projects in Photoshop, multitasking between multiple browser tabs, streaming shows, and running everyday programs. The Geekom A8 sells for $849.00 at Amazon.

If you’re specifically looking for a mini PC that can handle gaming, then I suggest you take a look at my ASUS ROG NUC 970 review. This relatively compact device manages to house a 14th Gen Intel Core Ultra 9 185H AI CPU, an RTX 4070 L GPU, 32GB DDR5 RAM, and 1TB NVMe SSD. It comes with a stand, so you can have it rest under your monitor or prop it upright to save you some desk space. You’ll find it selling for $1,800.00 at B&H.

Geekom GT1 Mega: Should you buy it?

✅ You should buy this if..

You want a compact mini PC that offers powerful and reliable performance.
You need a computer that is good for multitasking between programs or working in simple creative software.
You’d prefer a trusted mini PC with plenty of ports.

❌ You shouldn’t buy this if..

You’re looking for a computer that can handle graphically intensive programs or intensive gaming.
You’d prefer something larger that has room to upgrade more internal parts.

Compact PCs may sometimes appear restrictive and sluggish, but the Geekom GT1 Mega stands out as a potent, diminutive machine capable of managing a wide range of daily work tasks. The processors deliver robust performance, competent enough to handle activities such as browsing numerous tabs on the web or editing photos in Adobe Photoshop.

This device has a compact design, which makes it space-efficient on your workstation. Moreover, it includes a VESA mount for versatile placement options – either mount it at the back of a compatible monitor or hide it beneath your desk to create a sleek computer setup. Despite its petite form, it provides ample ports for connecting necessary accessories and monitors.

This model excels across most aspects, but it’s not upgradable like larger PCs – that’s typical for mini PCs. However, you can enhance the RAM to 64GB if needed. In summary, this is an exceptional mini PC that delivers consistent performance without demanding much space.

2024-12-11 20:09

I’ve been using this Intel-based mini AI PC for the last two weeks of work, and now I absolutely love it