Deep Dive: Minisforum AI X1 Pro Performance and Benchmarks
The landscape of compact computing is rapidly evolving, moving beyond simple office tasks and media consumption. The latest wave of mini PCs is all about specialized power, and leading the charge is a new class of devices built for the AI era. We got our hands on the Minisforum AI X1 Pro, a machine that promises desktop-grade intelligence in a package that fits in the palm of your hand. This in-depth analysis breaks down its performance, benchmarks, and who this powerful little machine is truly for.
Under the Hood: The Core of the AI X1 Pro
At the heart of this mini PC lies the Intel Core Ultra 9 185H processor. This isn’t just another mobile chip; it’s a powerhouse featuring a potent combination of CPU cores, integrated Intel Arc graphics, and, most importantly, a dedicated Neural Processing Unit (NPU). This three-pronged approach is designed to efficiently handle everything from demanding productivity workloads to sustained AI tasks.
Key Specifications:
- Processor: Intel Core Ultra 9 185H
- Graphics: Integrated Intel Arc Graphics
- AI Engine: Intel AI Boost NPU
- Connectivity: Oculink port, dual USB4, Wi-Fi 7, 2.5G Ethernet
CPU and Productivity Performance
In standard productivity and content creation benchmarks, the Core Ultra 9 185H proves its mettle. During testing with tools like Cinebench R23 and Geekbench 6, the processor delivered impressive multi-core scores that rival high-performance laptops and even some older desktop systems.
For the end-user, this translates to a snappy, responsive experience. Heavy multitasking, compiling code, or editing 4K video is handled with remarkable ease for a device of this size. The efficient architecture ensures that the system remains stable and performant even under sustained load, a critical factor for professional use.
The Main Event: NPU and AI Workload Benchmarks
The “AI” in its name isn’t just for marketing. The dedicated NPU is the X1 Pro’s standout feature, designed to accelerate artificial intelligence tasks while consuming significantly less power than a CPU or GPU.
We tested its capabilities using popular AI applications. In Stable Diffusion, a popular image generation tool, the NPU’s impact was immediately clear. When running optimized models, the X1 Pro generated images at a competitive speed while keeping power consumption and heat remarkably low. Compared to running the same task on the CPU alone, the NPU provides a massive efficiency gain, making it ideal for developers and creatives who need to run AI models locally without taxing their entire system or running up a high power bill.
This dedicated silicon is a game-changer for tasks like real-time translation, video effect processing, and running local language models. It offloads these specific jobs, freeing up the CPU and GPU for other operations.
Gaming and Graphics: The Power of Intel Arc
While not positioned as a dedicated gaming rig, the integrated Intel Arc graphics are surprisingly capable. For creators, the robust media engine with AV1 encode and decode support is a major advantage for video streaming and editing.
When it comes to gaming, the Minisforum AI X1 Pro holds its own for light to moderate use.
- Esports Titles: Games like Counter-Strike 2 and League of Legends are easily playable at 1080p with medium to high settings, delivering smooth frame rates.
- Older AAA Titles: You can comfortably enjoy many popular games from a few years ago at 1080p with adjusted settings.
- Modern Demanding Games: Newer, graphically-intensive titles will require significant compromises in resolution and quality to be playable.
However, the X1 Pro has a secret weapon for serious gamers.
The Oculink Port: A Gateway to Desktop-Class Gaming
Perhaps one of the most forward-thinking features is the inclusion of an Oculink port. This connector provides a direct PCIe interface to an external GPU, offering significantly more bandwidth and lower latency than Thunderbolt 4.
Actionable Tip: By connecting an external GPU enclosure via Oculink, you can transform the Minisforum AI X1 Pro into a true high-performance gaming machine. This setup bypasses the bottlenecks of other connection standards, allowing you to leverage the full power of a desktop graphics card like an NVIDIA RTX 4070 or higher for an uncompromised 4K gaming experience.
Thermals and Design
Powering high-performance components in a slim chassis is a thermal challenge, but the X1 Pro manages it well. The cooling system effectively dissipates heat, and during our stress tests, the machine avoided significant thermal throttling, maintaining consistent clock speeds under heavy load. The fan noise is audible when the system is pushed to its limits but remains unobtrusive during typical use.
The Verdict: Who Should Buy the Minisforum AI X1 Pro?
The Minisforum AI X1 Pro is not a mini PC for everyone; it’s a specialized tool for a specific audience.
- AI Developers and Researchers: The efficient NPU makes it an excellent, low-power device for developing and testing local AI models without needing to rely on the cloud.
- Content Creators: The powerful CPU and advanced media engine make it a fantastic compact video editing and transcoding station.
- Tech Enthusiasts and Power Users: For those who want maximum performance and future-proof connectivity (like Oculink) in the smallest possible form factor, the X1 Pro is a compelling choice.
It represents a new frontier for compact computing, where immense processing power and specialized AI acceleration are no longer confined to bulky desktop towers.
Source: https://www.linuxlinks.com/benchmarking-minisforum-ai-x1-pro/
