Minisforum AI X1 Pro on Linux: The Ultimate Mini PC for AI and Development?
The world of mini PCs has evolved from simple media hubs to compact powerhouses capable of serious work. The Minisforum AI X1 Pro stands at the forefront of this evolution, packing an incredible amount of performance into a tiny chassis. But for developers, researchers, and power users, the real question is: how does it handle Linux?
We took a deep dive into the AI X1 Pro’s performance on a modern Linux distribution to see if this machine is the new king of compact computing for the open-source community. The results are impressive, with a few critical details you need to know.
At a Glance: What Powers the AI X1 Pro?
Before diving into the Linux experience, it’s essential to understand the hardware that makes this device unique. The specifications are not just impressive for a mini PC; they rival many full-sized desktops.
- Processor: The main event is the Intel Core Ultra 9 185H processor. This chip is a triple-threat, featuring powerful Performance-cores (P-cores), efficient Efficiency-cores (E-cores), and most importantly, an integrated Neural Processing Unit (NPU) designed specifically to accelerate AI workloads.
- Graphics: Integrated Intel Arc Graphics provide a significant step up from previous integrated solutions, offering solid performance for video encoding, content creation, and even light gaming.
- Memory and Storage: With support for up to 64GB of fast DDR5 RAM and dual M.2 NVMe SSD slots, the AI X1 Pro won’t be a bottleneck for memory-intensive tasks like compiling code or running virtual machines.
- Connectivity: It’s loaded with modern ports, including USB4, HDMI, DisplayPort, and 2.5GbE LAN. Crucially, it also features an Oculink port, offering high-speed PCIe connectivity for external devices like eGPUs.
The Linux Experience: Powerful and Promising
We tested the AI X1 Pro on a modern Linux distribution (similar to Ubuntu 24.04) with an up-to-date kernel. The out-of-the-box experience was largely excellent. Core components like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet, and audio worked flawlessly without any manual configuration.
CPU Performance
The Intel Core Ultra 9 185H is an absolute beast. In performance-heavy tasks like compiling the Linux kernel, the AI X1 Pro delivered blistering speeds, proving it’s more than capable of serving as a primary development workstation. For anyone frequently working with large codebases or virtualization, this machine offers desktop-class performance in a fraction of the space.
Intel Arc Graphics on Linux
Thanks to ongoing improvements in the Linux kernel and Mesa drivers, the integrated Intel Arc graphics are well-supported. Performance is strong for an integrated GPU, handling 4K video playback and GPU-accelerated tasks in applications like DaVinci Resolve with ease. While not a high-end gaming machine, it’s perfectly capable of running many modern titles at respectable settings.
The NPU: Ready for the Future
The NPU is one of the most exciting features for AI developers. On Linux, the hardware is correctly identified and the intel_npu driver loads automatically on modern kernels. This means the system is ready to leverage the NPU for AI inference tasks.
However, the software ecosystem is still maturing. To take full advantage of the NPU, you’ll need to work with frameworks like Intel’s OpenVINO toolkit. While not yet a simple plug-and-play solution for all AI models, the foundational hardware and driver support is there, making this an excellent platform for developers looking to build the next generation of AI-powered applications on Linux.
A Critical Tweak: Unlocking the Oculink Port
During testing, we discovered one major hurdle: the Oculink port did not function by default. For users planning to connect an external graphics card or other high-speed PCIe device, this could be a deal-breaker.
Fortunately, the fix is simple but essential.
Actionable Tip: To enable the Oculink port on Linux, you must enter the device’s BIOS/UEFI settings during boot. Navigate to the PCIe configuration options and find the setting for “PCIE Root Port Hot Plug.” By default, this may be set to “Disabled.” You must change this setting to “Enabled.” After saving and rebooting, the Oculink port will function correctly, allowing you to connect and use eGPUs and other peripherals.
The Verdict: Who Should Buy the Minisforum AI X1 Pro?
The Minisforum AI X1 Pro is not just another mini PC. It is a highly specialized tool designed for a specific audience.
- AI Developers and Researchers: If you want to experiment with local AI inference and work with tools like OpenVINO, the integrated NPU makes this a fantastic, low-power development platform.
- Linux Power Users and Developers: For those who need immense compiling power, extensive connectivity, and the flexibility of a small form factor, the AI X1 Pro is a dream machine. It can easily replace a much larger desktop tower.
- Content Creators: The powerful CPU and capable Arc graphics make this a formidable compact video editing and content creation station.
Overall, the Minisforum AI X1 Pro is an outstanding performer on Linux. While it requires a minor BIOS tweak to unlock its full hardware potential, the combination of a top-tier CPU, a forward-looking NPU, and excellent general compatibility makes it one of the most powerful and versatile mini PCs available today for tech-savvy users.
Source: https://www.linuxlinks.com/minisforum-ai-x1-pro-running-linux-introduction/
