Much more compact than a tower and less expensive than a laptop PC with equivalent configuration, mini PCs are increasingly popular, particularly within businesses. What are the reasons for such popularity? Are machines like the Geekom Mini IT13 really beneficial?
Although the concept dates back more than a decade, we had to wait until the last two years to witness a real democratization of high-end mini PCs. A leap forward made possible by the rise of APU processors (accelerated processing unit). One of the most telling examples being the new Geekom Mini IT13.
Presented during CES 2024, this miniature PC can count on a particularly solid technical sheet, including a 13th generation Intel Core chip. Better: it is currently on sale with a price displayed at 764 euros instead of 899 euros. But despite all these advantages, a question remains: what are the reasons for this mini PC?
Small size for big ambitions
Considering its dimensions, the first answer that comes to mind is the undeniable gain in mobility offered by the Geekom Mini IT13. With only 652 grams on the scale and a size of 117 mm x 112 mm x 49.2 mm, it manages to be more nomadic than the most nomadic of ultrabooks. It fits easily into a backpack, handbag and even a jacket pocket.
It therefore represents a real advantage for nomadic professionals who are often on the move. Not only does it avoid the bulk of a laptop, but it allows the user to find their entire working environment, software and documents combined, wherever they are, without having to have multiple different computers. Provided you have access to a screen and a keyboard.
Like a classic tower, and unlike most laptops available on the market, the Geekom Mini IT13 is particularly rich in connectors. We count thus:
- 3 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports;
- 1x USB 2.0 port;
- 2 x USB4 ports;
- 1 x SD card reader;
- 1 x 3.5mm headphone jack;
- 1x 2.5GbE LAN port;
- 2x HDMI 2.0 ports;
- 1 x DC socket
Added to this is compatibility with Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2. It is therefore possible to add all the classic peripherals to the Geekom Mini IT13, such as a keyboard, a screen, a printer, a mouse, a graphics tablet. This mini PC can also serve as a hub for a remote surveillance system, by connecting numerous intelligent cameras, or as a multimedia platform once paired with a television.
Discreet and powerful
This small size doesn’t come out of nowhere. It is only one of the consequences of the constant miniaturization of components. This also means that despite its size, the Geekom Minit IT13 is capable of deploying colossal power.
In its best configuration, the Geekom Mini IT13 features a 13th generation Intel Core i9 processor. Accompanied by a 2 TB SSD and 32 GB of RAM, this chip is capable of running all office applications without the slightest slowdown. If the absence of an internal graphics card is felt for video games, players can rest assured, it is entirely possible to connect an external GPU to one of the many ports of this mini PC.
Better, unlike a laptop PC, the technical sheet of the Geekom Mini IT13 can be modified to gain more power. So its dual-channel DDR4-3200 SODIMM slot can support up to 64GB of RAM, while its internal storage can accommodate up to 2TB PCIe SSDs, 1TB SATA SSDs, and even hard drives. 2TB SATA drives.
The Geekom Mini IT13 is therefore suitable for businesses since it allows them to upgrade their IT equipment without having to order new computers each time. All while allowing their employees to easily alternate between face-to-face and teleworking.
There remains the question of ventilation. On this point, Geekom does not do things by halves. Not only is the integrated fan quiet, with a sound below 45 decibels, but it also provides efficient cooling with a temperature of around 40°C during full use.
A truly affordable PC
The ultimate strength of mini PCs and more particularly of the Geekom Mini IT13 is financial. As powerful as a classic tower and more mobile than a laptop, this mini PC remains much more affordable than its peers. It therefore positions itself as an essential ally not only for companies who want to renew their IT equipment at a lower cost, but also for individuals and independents who are looking for power as well as preserving their savings.
Concretely, the Geekom Mini IT13 has a price of 899 euros. That said, this mini PC is currently on sale on the manufacturer’s website. It thus drops to 764 euros in its i9 + 1 TB storage version. The right way to enjoy a real portable tower without breaking the bank.