GEEKOM IT15 Mini PC Review: Insane Power in a Tiny, Durable Package

GEEKOM IT15: Specs and Durability

• 💡 The GEEKOM IT15 is highlighted as the most powerful Intel mini PC, featuring a Core Ultra 9 285H CPU, integrated ARK 140TGPU, 32 GB of 5600 LP DDR5 RAM, and a 2 TB Gen 4 NVME SSD.
• 🧠 The CPU boasts 16 cores and 16 threads, with a mix of performance, efficiency, and low-power efficiency cores, while the integrated graphics offer eight XE cores capable of 8K output at 60 Hz.
• 🚀 The system includes an Intel AI Boost NPU with 13 peak TOPS, contributing to a total of 99 TOPS of AI performance when combined with the GPU and CPU.
• 🛠️ Upgradability is straightforward, allowing for RAM expansion up to 64 GB and an additional M.2 SSD, complemented by a built-in SD card reader.
• 🛡️ The IT15 is exceptionally durable, withstanding physical abuse like hammers, bats, and a flight of stairs, and features a resin coating to prevent scratches, backed by a three-year warranty.

Connectivity and Design

• 🔌 Connectivity options include three USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 ports, one USB-A 2.0, and two USB-C 4.0 ports that support display out up to 8K 30 Hz and external GPUs.
• 🖥️ Dual HDMI 2.0 ports offer 4K at 60 Hz output, and one USB-C port supports 100W power delivery, simplifying cable management.
• 📦 The included VESA mount adapter allows for a clean, pseudo all-in-one setup, with the ability to easily slide the PC off for portability.
• 🌐 Networking features include a 2.5 gig LAN port, Wi-Fi 7, and Bluetooth 5.4, supported by 3D stereoscopic antennas for enhanced signal reception.

Performance and Thermals

• 🌡️ The Ice Blast 2.0 active cooling system, with dual heat pipes and a large heatsink, keeps temperatures around 74°C under load, reaching 88°C in stress tests without throttling.
• ✅ The PC underwent 339 tests for reliability, including stability, temperature, noise, and interface compatibility.
• 📈 For office tasks and general use, the IT15 remained responsive, even with numerous Chrome tabs open.
• 🎬 In content creation, Adobe Premiere Pro and Da Vinci Resolve ran smoothly, with Premiere Pro exporting a 4K video in just 4 minutes.

Benchmarks and Gaming

• 📊 Synthetic benchmarks show strong performance: PassMark (7694 overall), Cinebench (125 single-core, 857 multi-core), and Geekbench (354 single-core, 15,558 multi-core).
• 🎮 Gaming tests at 1080p yielded playable frame rates: Cyberpunk (32 FPS), Black Ops 6 (32 FPS), Counterstrike 2 (82 FPS), GTA 5 (42 FPS), and The Sims 4 (84 FPS).
• 🚀 The option to connect an external GPU via USB-C 4.0 is available for users needing more graphical power.

Value and Conclusion

• 💰 The GEEKOM IT15 is available for $1199 (down from $1699) for the Core Ultra 9 configuration, with a 10% discount using code IT15UFD10, making it $1079.10.
• ✨ An $899 option with a Core Ultra 5 225H and 1 TB storage is also available, discounted to $809.10 with the code.
• 🚀 The mini PC offers impressive power, excellent upgradability, and a clean design, making it suitable for office use, content creation, and light gaming.