Technology

Unleash Power in Your Palm: The Minisforum AI X1 Ryzen 9 Mini PC Review

2025-08-18

Author: John Tan

Compact Powerhouse: Unboxing the Minisforum AI X1

If you're on the hunt for a compact yet powerful mini PC, the Minisforum AI X1 should be at the top of your list! Weighing in at a mere 0.6 kg and boasting a configurable AMD Ryzen 9 365 CPU (4nm), along with options for 64 GB or even 96 GB of lightning-fast DDR5 RAM, this device packs a punch—all for under $900/€1,000. A true giant in a small package!

Minisforum is renowned for its impressive line-up of PCs, and the AI X1 stands proudly as its flagship model. Unboxing reveals all the essentials: an HDMI cable, power supply, and a handy mounting bracket for your desk or monitor. Plus, there's an optional OCuLink port for beefing up graphics capabilities or adding extra storage!

Sleek Design Meets Functional Ports

The Minisforum AI X1's dimensions are strikingly similar to the Mac Mini M4, with sleek metal construction, ventilation grilles, and an array of ports that make connectivity a breeze. At the front, you’ll find dual USB-A 3.2 Gen2 ports, a USB4 Type-C, a 3.5mm audio jack, and dual microphones.

The back is where the real magic happens: a power supply port, a blazing 2.5G Ethernet port, a DisplayPort 2.0, an HDMI 2.1, and another USB4 port. It’s easily accessible with just a few Phillips-head screws, allowing you to swap out components like a pro!

Performance That Packs a Punch

Equipped with the AMD Ryzen 9 365, this mini PC shines in stress tests, maintaining an average clock speed of 3.4GHz while keeping cool under pressure. The new chip, based on TSMC's cutting-edge 4nm design, features 10 cores and handles threads like a seasoned veteran, making it perfect for any task.

Benchmark tests confirm its prowess—while it might lag slightly behind Apple’s M4 in single-core performance, it excels in multi-core tasks, thanks to its robust architecture and competitive built-in Radeon 880M GPU.

Gaming? Yes, Please!

Surprisingly, the Radeon 880M holds its own in gaming, delivering a smooth experience at 60fps on titles like Dirt 2.0 and Forza Horizon at 1080p. Gaming classics such as Civilization VI and Age of Empires II run like a dream, while even busy titles like GTA V perform admirably.

However, for demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077, you may need to tweak the settings for a seamless gameplay experience. Nonetheless, its performance rivals that of the Nvidia RTX 3050, making it a solid choice for both gamers and creators.

Conclusion: A Mini PC Marvel!

In summary, the Minisforum AI X1 is an impressive compact computing solution that combines powerful performance with an excellent selection of ports. Its ease of disassembly for upgrades sets it apart, emphasizing user-friendly accessibility.

With options to configure your device to your specific needs—choose from Ryzen 7 or 9 processors and select RAM and storage configurations—the personalization possibilities are endless. Plus, a current promotion could save you up to $200, making this robust mini PC an absolute steal!

Find your ideal setup on Amazon or through Minisforum's official website and step into the future of compact computing!