After struggling with mini PCs like the Geekom A8 and Khadas Mind due to persistent internet woes, I was skeptical about the Geekom IT15 when I received it for review. But this time, I decided to take a different approach.

Instead of settling for sluggish performance with Windows 11, I wiped it clean and installed Ubuntu. The results? Remarkable! This once problematic device transformed into a viable workhorse, allowing me to write this article with greater ease.

A Glitch in Connectivity

Upon setting up the IT15, I immediately faced internet issues during the Windows 11 setup, with painfully slow updates and download speeds. My office’s distance from the router typically causes problems for mini PCs, but the Geekom went above and beyond in frustrating me.

Things took a turn for the worse as I struggled to join a crucial Discord work call, which is essential for my productivity. After a series of futile attempts and connection errors, I decided enough was enough. I crafted a bootable USB drive of Ubuntu and rejuvenated the mini PC.

A Breath of Fresh Air on Ubuntu

The difference was night and day! Suddenly, I could join calls and download files without hiccuping. Speed tests may not have reached their full potential, but overall usability improved significantly. Even in my office, where connectivity was once abysmal, I found the IT15 easier to work with.

However, occasional connection drops and page loading issues still cropped up. An easy fix? Switching to a 2.4GHz network, although my other devices were effortlessly connected via 5GHz, which begged the question of underlying hardware problems.

Display Dilemmas Resolved

Many mini PCs, including the IT15, suffer from pesky display flickering when connected via USB-C. Until now, that was an annoyance I accepted as part of the experience. Yet, remarkably, installing Linux completely eliminated this issue. Although monitor connection problems still occur infrequently—like waking from sleep—it’s manageable and far less disruptive.

Challenges with Linux

While Linux breathed new life into my mini PC, the transition wasn’t without its challenges. Audio seemed inconsistent, flickering in and out while attempting to utilize my monitor’s speakers. Despite tinkering with Linux settings, it’s been a frustrating ordeal and a gamble to rely on my Bluetooth headset for calls.

Moreover, the app distribution system in Linux can feel chaotic. Navigating between DEB, Snap, AppImage, and Flatpak formats has proven cumbersome, complicating installations compared to Windows.

Performance Insights

Benchmark comparisons between Ubuntu and Windows showed similar performance metrics, with Geekbench yielding very comparable scores. Daily usage felt smoother on Ubuntu, exhibiting quicker app launches and snappier animations—making for a more engaging experience overall.

Why You Should Consider Ubuntu

In conclusion, my switch to Ubuntu on the Geekom IT15 has made this mini PC usable, transforming it from a frustratingly slow device into a functional asset. If you’re grappling with a sluggish PC on Windows, consider giving Linux a shot! It could be the game-changer you’ve been searching for.