GEEKOM Mini IT 11 Review: Decent alternative desktop towers
The Geekom Mini IT 11 is a powerful and compact mini PC that offers a fantastic alternative to traditional laptops and bulky desktop towers. If you’re working from home and looking for a reliable workstation, this mini PC is worth considering due to its impressive performance and versatility.
Unlike laptops, which are primarily designed for portability, this mini PC is meant for desk duty. It allows you to connect it to the monitor, mouse, and keyboard of your choice, providing you with a comfortable and customizable setup. This feature is crucial for those who spend extended hours at their desk, as it helps maintain better posture and reduces strain on your neck and back.
In terms of performance, the Geekom Mini IT 11 doesn’t disappoint. With an Intel Core i7 processor, 16 GB of RAM, and 512 GB of SSD storage, it can handle demanding tasks with ease. Whether you’re working on complex spreadsheets, editing videos, or running multiple applications simultaneously, this mini PC has the power to keep up with your workload.
In terms of price, the Geekom Mini IT 11 offers great value for money. At just under $590 for the higher-end configuration with an Intel Core i7, 512 GB SSD, and 16 GB RAM, it is competitively priced compared to other desktop solutions with similar specifications. The cheaper versions with an Intel Core i5, 256 GB SSD, and 8 GB RAM offer even more budget-friendly options for those with less demanding computing needs.
GEEKOM Mini IT 11: Video Review
| Specs | GEEKOM Mini IT 11 |
| CPU | 11th Gen Intel® Core™ i7-11390H (4 Cores, 8 Threads, 12M Cache, up to 5.00 GHz) |
| 11th Gen Intel® Core™ i5-1155G7 (4 Cores, 8 Threads, 8M Cache, up to 4.50 GHz) | |
| Graphics | Intel Iris Xe |
| Memory | 32 GB |
| Expanded Memory | 64 GB |
| Storage | 2 TB |
| Expanded Storage | 2 TB + 2 TB (SATA) |
| OS | Windows 11 Pro |
| Wireless LAN | Intel® Wi-Fi 6, AX201 (CNVI) - Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Power Adapter | 19V, 65 W |
| interface | 3 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, 2 x USB4 ports, 1 x SD card reader, |
| 1 x 3.5 mm headphone jack, 1 x RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet port, 1 x HDMI 2.0 port, | |
| 1 x Mini DisplayPort, 1 x DC jack, 1 x Power button | |
| Dimensions | 117 x 112 x 45,6 mm |
| Weight | 565 g |
Design
The Geekom Mini IT 11 is a highly versatile and compact mini-PC that offers a wide range of connectivity options. With its dimensions of 11.7 x 11.2 x 4.56 cm and a weight of 565 g, it’s an incredibly space-saving and portable solution.
The mini-PC features a sleek and elegant design with rounded edges and a matte gray finish, giving it a sophisticated appearance. On the front side, there are various ports and buttons, including the power button, LED light indicator, audio port, USB 4 port, and a USB 3.2 Gen 2 port. These front-facing ports make it convenient to connect peripherals or USB devices quickly.
On the rear side, you’ll find more connectivity options, such as the HDMI/Display port (mini), additional USB4 port, USB 3.2 Gen 2 port, and a standard Ethernet jack that supports 1 Gbit speeds. The Geekom Mini IT 11 doesn’t fall short in terms of wireless connectivity either, supporting both Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.2, ensuring high-speed and reliable wireless connections.
The mini-PC also offers some handy features on the sides. On the right side, there’s a Kensington Security Slot, providing added security options for preventing theft. On the left side, you’ll find an SD Card Reader, making it easy to transfer data from memory cards.
At the bottom of the mini-PC, you’ll notice rubber pads that help keep it stable on any surface. There are screws next to each pad, allowing users to open up the mini-PC for maintenance or upgrades if necessary.
For network connectivity, the Geekom Mini IT 11 uses the Wi-Fi 6 AX201 module, offering excellent and consistent data transfer rates, particularly on a 5GHz network. This ensures smooth and reliable internet connectivity for everyday tasks.
The Geekom Mini IT 11 is the inclusion of a VESA mount, allowing users to attach the mini-PC to the back of a compatible monitor. This feature helps save even more desk space and keeps the setup tidy and clutter-free.
Software and Drivers
The Geekom Mini IT 11 comes pre-installed with Windows 11 Pro, making it an attractive option for users who prefer a familiar and user-friendly operating system. The initial setup process is straightforward, and Windows 11’s user-friendly interface ensures that even beginners can navigate through it with ease. The operating system features a fresh design, with a centered taskbar and various improvements over previous versions.
One significant advantage of the Geekom is the absence of bloatware. Unlike many other pre-built PCs that come with unnecessary and resource-consuming software, Geekom avoids cluttering the system with such programs. This means users can start using the mini PC without having to uninstall unwanted applications, saving both time and system resources.
Additionally, Geekom has taken care of installing the necessary drivers for the hardware, so users don’t have to go through the hassle of finding and installing drivers manually. This convenience ensures that the Mini IT 11 is ready to use right out of the box. The only additional setup required may be installing specific codecs for video playback or drivers for peripherals like mice and keyboards, which is a simple and quick process.
Furthermore, Geekom promotes the Mini IT 11 as a system that can be easily configured for dual-boot setups. This means that users have the option to run other operating systems alongside Windows 11, such as Linux. This flexibility appeals to those who may have specific software or development needs that require running multiple operating systems on the same machine.
GEEKOM Mini IT 11: Performance
The Geekom Mini IT 11 comes in a reviewed configuration powered by the Intel Core i7-11390H, a robust quad-core CPU with eight threads. This processor, part of Intel’s 11th generation, delivers impressive performance for a mini-PC. The review model is equipped with 32 GB of DDR4 RAM, which can be further upgraded to 64 GB, providing ample memory for multitasking and demanding applications. Additionally, it boasts a spacious 2 TB SSD, offering fast and reliable storage for your files and programs.
In comparison to its smaller brother, the Mini IT 11 with the Intel Core i7 is notably faster and more capable. The i7-11390H processor provides significant processing power, making it suitable for various tasks and applications.
For everyday office use, the Mini IT 11 performs exceptionally well. Whether you’re browsing the internet, working on documents, or managing files, you’ll experience minimal loading times and smooth multitasking. Apps and programs open quickly without noticeable delays, thanks to the combination of the powerful processor and abundant RAM.
However, it’s worth noting that the onboard graphics might limit the Mini IT 11’s performance in more graphically intensive tasks or applications like Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop. For specialized tasks in those applications, a dedicated graphics card may be more suitable.
The benchmark results showcase the Mini IT 11’s capabilities, with Geekbench 5 scoring 17,434 and impressive read and write speeds on the SSD, as well as fast copy speeds (up to 90 Mb/s) with the SD card reader.
While the performance of the Mini IT 11 is commendable, one notable downside is the fan noise. The fan can get loud and tends to fluctuate in speed. If a completely silent working environment is essential, considering a fanless model might be a better option.
GEEKOM Mini IT 11: Conclusion
The Geekom Mini IT 11 is a powerful and versatile mini-PC that offers an excellent computing solution for a wide range of users. With its compact design and various connectivity options, it is an ideal choice for home offices, workstations, media centers, and more.
Equipped with the Intel Core i7-11390H processor, 32 GB of RAM, and a spacious 2 TB SSD, the Mini IT 11 delivers impressive performance for everyday tasks and multitasking. Whether you’re browsing the internet, working on office documents, or engaging in light content creation, this mini-PC handles it all with ease.
The inclusion of Windows 11 Pro as the pre-installed operating system provides a user-friendly and modern computing experience. The absence of bloatware and the convenience of pre-installed drivers make the initial setup hassle-free, allowing users to get straight to work or play without unnecessary distractions.
While the onboard graphics might limit its capabilities for more graphically demanding tasks or applications, the Geekom Mini IT 11 still proves to be a reliable workhorse for general use.
One notable downside is the fan noise, which can be a bit erratic and noticeable during operation. For those who require absolute silence while working, a fanless model might be a better option.
The Mini IT 11 also offers the flexibility of configuring a dual-boot setup with other operating systems like Linux, catering to users with specific software needs.
In conclusion, the Geekom Mini IT 11 stands out as a powerful and feature-rich mini-PC. Its compact size, impressive performance, and various connectivity options make it a compelling choice for individuals looking for a space-saving, reliable, and customizable computing solution. Whether you need a powerful workstation for work or a versatile media center for entertainment, the Geekom Mini IT 11 is more than capable of meeting your needs.
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