Geekom Mini IT13 review: A concentrate of power in a mini format

The mini PC market is booming, and for good reason: these compact and powerful machines offer an attractive alternative to traditional desktop computers . The GEEKOM Mini IT13 is one of the latest models to hit this market, and it’s sure to turn heads. For several weeks, I have had the pleasure of testing the most powerful version of the Geekom Mini IT13, the one equipped with the Intel Core i9-13900H processor .

Moreover, for your information, this compact mini PC is available in three distinct models, each offering different configurations and prices!

In this article, I will give you an exhaustive review of the i9-13900H version , the cream of the crop. Is it really the best option for everyone? What are its miniature competitors worth?

I will sift through the capabilities of this mini PC from every angle. Will it be able to tame Windows 11 and its applications without flinching? What about video games? Will it be able to take on the role of server or run virtual machines without flinching?

Presentation of the Geekom Mini IT13

The Geekom Mini IT13 is a marvel of compact technology, delivering exceptional performance in a small form factor. I’ll give you a detailed presentation if you are ever discovering this product:

Performance

The Mini IT13 comes in three powerful configurations, all equipped with the latest generation of Intel processors:

Intel Core i9-13900H : With its 14 cores and 20 threads, this high-end processor reaches speeds of up to 5.40 GHz, accompanied by 32 GB of DDR4 memory and a 2 TB M.2 NVMe SSD.
Intel Core i7-13700H : Also featuring 14 cores and 20 threads, this processor offers solid performance with a maximum speed of 5.00 GHz, 32 GB of DDR4 and 1 TB of NVMe storage.
Intel Core i5-13500H : For those looking for a balance between performance and budget, this model with 12 cores, 16 threads and a speed of 4.70 GHz is an attractive option, complemented by 16 GB of DDR4 and a 512 GB SSD.

Memory and Storage

RAM : Dual channel DDR4-3200 SODIMM, expandable up to 64 GB.
Storage :
1. 1 x M.2 2280 PCIe Gen 4 x4 SSD slot, up to 2TB.
2. 1 x M.2 2242 SATA SSD slot, up to 1TB.
3. 1 x 2.5″ SATA HDD slot (7mm), up to 2 TB.

Graphics and Display

iGPU : Intel Iris Xe graphics, offering remarkable graphics quality for a mini PC.

Connectivity

Ports : A multitude of options, including 3 x USB 3.2 Gen 2, 2 x USB4, 2 x HDMI 2.0, and more, for complete connectivity.
Network : Intel wired network card with a 2.5GbE LAN port and wireless connectivity via Bluetooth v5.2 and Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX211.

Operating System and Dimensions

OS : Windows 11 Pro pre-installed, delivering the latest Windows .
Dimensions : A compact design with dimensions of 117mm x 112mm x 49.2mm, ideal for tight spaces.

This mini PC is a perfect choice for demanding users who don’t want to compromise performance for size.

Now that you have a general idea of the Mini IT13, let’s focus on unboxing and checking out the top-performing model, featuring an Intel Core i9 processor, 32GB of RAM, and a 2TB SSD. Get Ready you will be impressed!

Unboxing and first impression

The excitement was palpable as I held the long-awaited package in my hands. The first thing that struck me was the quality of the packaging. Not only was it visually appealing with its clean aesthetic, but it also offered sturdy protection, promising that the GEEKOM Mini IT13 inside had arrived safely.

Opening the box, I was greeted by the Mini IT13, nestled within a custom-designed case, which almost seemed to be presenting it on a silver platter.

However, the device’s compactness took me by surprise — its small size contrasted surprisingly with its substantial 652g weight, testament to the strength of the materials used in its design.

Unboxing was an experience in itself, with each layer revealing a new secret of the mini-PC. The brushed aluminum casing gleamed under the light, its elegant appearance betraying a surprising robustness. It was as if every detail had been thought out to combine aesthetics and functionality.

The high-strength metal frame of the Mini IT13 It is evident that GEEKOM has taken considerable steps to ensure the durability of their product. The metal-plastic hybrid design isn’t just about style; it plays a crucial role in preventing deformation under impact or compression. This demonstrates special attention paid to the longevity and reliability of the mini-PC.

Analysis of the external part

Back to the test! In the box, you will find everything you need to start your adventure with the Mini IT13:

The mini-PC itself, obviously, the heart of this experience.
A mains adapter accompanied by its cable to power the device.
An HDMI cable, essential for connecting the mini-PC to a screen .
An illustrated quick start guide, providing a clear overview of the device.
A VESA mounting kit with screws, allowing you to discreetly attach the mini-PC behind a monitor.

Despite its small size, it offers a multitude of connection ports, proving that size does not limit functionality. To illustrate this, here is a detailed diagram taken from the manufacturer’s website which highlights the intelligent arrangement of the ports:

The layout of the Geekom Mini IT13 case also reserves surprises with practical elements arranged on either side:

Left side : A dedicated slot for the SD card reader.

Right side : One port for Kingston security connector.

Internal exploration of the Geekom Mini IT13

Let’s discover together the insides of the Geekom Mini IT13, this technological beast!

When removing the bottom panel, one is immediately greeted by the well-laid-out internal architecture. The NVMe 2280 SSD, here a 2 TB Lexar model, sits proudly in the center. In addition, it is possible to add a 2.5-inch SATA SSD of up to 2 TB and an M2 SATA 2242 SSD of up to 1 TB.

As for the memory sticks, two slots each accommodate a 16 GB DDR4 RAM stick, also from Lexar, promising multitasking fluidity.

First launch of my Geekom Mini IT13, installation of Windows 11 Pro, various configurations… Hold on tight, we’re going to have a blast!

Here is how I started up my Geekom Mini IT13 and configured Windows 11 Pro:

As soon as I connected my screen, keyboard and mouse, I started the installation process (after connecting the HDMI cable, plugging in the power supply , in short, the basics). I then selected my Wi-Fi network , although the Ethernet option was also available.

Creating a user account through a Microsoft account was the next step, a standard procedure, unless you follow specific handling to avoid it, focused on privacy protection .

After completing the initial steps, I was greeted by the Windows 11 Pro .

My first instinct was to run Windows Update to download the latest updates and security patches, ensuring that my system was up to date with the newest features offered by Microsoft.

What struck me was how clean the installation was: no software pre-installed by Geekom, just Windows 11 Pro in its purest form, without any superfluous apps or editor customizations .

General use of the Mini IT13 is remarkably fluid. Whether installing apps, browsing the web or watching videos, everything went smoothly. It’s a real pleasure to work with such a responsive and efficient machine.

Launch of the benchmark

To measure the technical capabilities of the Mini IT13, I used PC benchmarking software, 3Dmark , known for its extensive performance testing. This allowed me to obtain precise and in-depth data on the hardware power of this mini PC.

As a technology enthusiast, I was impressed by the results.

With an overall score of 1894 , the Geekom IT 13 ranks favorably above average, signaling its proficiency in performing high-intensity computing tasks.

CPU and GPU performance: An effective synergy

The heart of this mini PC , the processor, brilliantly passed the test with an impressive score of 5389. This figure, far from being trivial, underlines the robustness of the CPU in managing daily tasks such as word processing, browsing the internet and playing videos in high definition.

As for the GPU, it displays a score of 1700 , which is remarkable for a device in this category. Although it does not compete with the latest generation dedicated graphics cards, it nevertheless ensures a pleasant and fluid gaming experience on a wide selection of current video games.

Detailed analysis of the performance graph

Examining the provided graph highlights the balanced performance distribution between the CPU and GPU . Interestingly, the processor is the pillar of the overall score, which is consistent with the requirements of the 3DMark Time Spy test, geared towards simulating realistic gaming scenarios.

The graph also illustrates the GPU’s ability to maintain consistent performance throughout the test, a crucial factor in ensuring a smooth user experience , especially in demanding gaming environments.

Extension based on visual analysis

The graphical presentation of the Geekom IT 13 results allows an intuitive visual interpretation of performance. The ‘ Monitoring ‘ section offers real-time monitoring of the system’s capabilities, revealing the PC’s responsiveness to the different demands of the benchmark. This observation is essential for understanding the performance dynamics of the Geekom IT 13, including its responsiveness and stability during computational stress situations.

Gaming experience on the Geekom IT 13: Performance and adaptability

As a tech and gaming aficionado, I put the Geekom IT 13 through its paces with a variety of games to gauge its performance. For lightweight titles like Mini Metro, Mini Motorways, and Terraforming Mars , the IT 13 rose to the occasion, delivering a smooth, glitch-free gaming experience. However, when it comes to more graphically demanding games, like the famous The Witcher 3, I had to adjust the graphics settings to optimize smoothness. By reducing antialiasing and shadow sharpness, and favoring an FHD (1920×1080) resolution rather than QHD (2560×1440) , the game becomes playable, although less comfortable than on more powerful systems.

For a popular game like Fortnite , the IT 13 is capable of running it at 60 FPS at 1080p resolution at high graphics settings, which is quite impressive for a mini PC .

That said, it’s clear that the Geekom IT 13 is better suited to casual gamers or those who prefer less resource-intensive games. It offers a decent gaming solution for those looking to combine work and entertainment on one compact device .

The noise and heat released by the Geekom IT 13

When using the Geekom IT 13, I found that noise and thermal management are important aspects to consider. Without resorting to precise measurements in decibels or a thermal camera , my somewhat “subjective” experience on this point allowed me to note certain relevant observations.

Operational noise: an audible presence

As soon as the power is turned on, the Geekom IT 13 fan sounds , a sign that it is activated to cool the internal components. Although I haven’t measured the exact noise level, it is evident that the fan adopts a more aggressive mode during startup or heavy load phases, such as system updates or resource-intensive applications.

In normal use, the noise remains perceptible but is not intrusive. It is comparable to what you would expect from a compact mini PC , where limited space and the need for effective ventilation lead to a compromise between performance and acoustic discretion.

Heat: efficient evacuation

As for heat, the Geekom IT 13 seems to manage heat evacuation well . Hot air is primarily exhausted from the rear of the device, which is consistent with the design of many computer systems. Even without precise thermal measurements , you can feel that certain areas, notably on the rear, become warmer to the touch during heavy use, indicating that the cooling system is actively working to dissipate heat.

Power consumption of the Geekom IT 13: Efficiency and energy saving

In my daily use of the Geekom IT 13 , I paid attention to its power consumption, an essential criterion for me who is concerned about energy efficiency. Although I have not carried out precise measurements, my experience has allowed me to note that the mini PC consumes little energy when it is in standby or used for light tasks, which is a positive point for a device of this size.

During more demanding operations, such as games or video editing applications, consumption increases , but remains within a reasonable range for the category of this mini PC. To give you an idea, the power consumption is around 15 watts in normal use, and it can reach 65 watts during heavy use.

The Geekom IT 13 BIOS: Simplicity and accessibility but…

The BIOS interface of the Geekom IT 13, which I explored, is characterized by its simplicity. It provides the basic options needed for system management without burdening the user with complex settings. This minimalist approach makes navigation and adjustments easier for less experienced users.

However, for advanced users like me, who are looking for deeper control, this might seem limiting. Despite this, the available options, including fan speed adjustment, allow enough customization for standard daily use.