The powerful Mini IT12 mini PC (our review) is followed by a new top model with an Intel CPU from the manufacturer Geekom. After the Mini IT13 was already introduced in August 2023, the first mini PC with an Intel Core i9 processor is now in our test lab. Our Geekom Mini IT13 review explains what you can expect and whether the computing dwarf can convince.
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Technical data
| Processor | Intel Core i9-13900H (14 cores, 20 threads, 1.9 – 5.4 GHz) |
| Graphics performance | Intel Iris Xe Graphics |
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 50 mm x 115 mm x 110 mm |
| Weight | 567 grams |
| Storage space | 2.000 GB SSD M.2 2280 (PCI e Gen4 x4) |
| Memory | 32 GB DDR4-3200 |
| Video | 2x HDMI, 2x USB-C up to 8K resolution@60Hz |
| Operating system | Windows 11 Pro |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6E, 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet |
| Connections | 3x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type A; 1x USB 2.0; 2x USB4 Type-C; 1x 3.5 mm jack; 2x HDMI 2.0; 1x 2.5 GBit/s Ethernet LAN |
| Price | € 849.00 * |
Geekom Mini IT13 review: scope of delivery, design and workmanship
- Excellent workmanship
- Well-known, but still high-quality design
Geekom remains Geekom. Even with the latest member of the Mini IT model series, the manufacturer remains true to its design language. Visually, the new Geekom Mini IT13 is almost indistinguishable from its direct predecessor.
Thus, the current Mini PC also relies on a silvery-blue shimmering, anodized metal case, which leaves a robust and high-quality impression. With a weight of 567 grams, the new edition is even a bit lighter than its direct predecessor, and the dimensions of 50 mm x 115 mm x 110 mm have even remained the same.
The build quality is once again excellent, while the metal case dissipates the generated heat very well.
The scope of delivery is also similar to the Mini IT12. In addition to the Mini PC itself, a 120 watt power supply including power cable, a short HDMI cable and a VESA mounting plate including the necessary screws are included.
Equipment and connections
- Up-to-date and fast 14-core CPU
- Strong equipment
- Modern standards
The core of the Geekom Mini IT13 is, of course, the CPU in the form of the Intel Core i9-13900H in our test model – the first time a Core i9 has found a place in a mini PC. Accordingly, we expect a lot from the 14-core CPU with clock rates of up to 5400 MHz.
The manufacturer combines the whole thing with 32 gigabytes of DDR4-3200 working memory and a 2 terabyte PCIe Gen 4 x4 SSD, which comes from Lexar in our test model.
As always with Geekom, maintenance is a breeze. For example, the Mini IT13 can also be opened via four Phillips screws on the bottom and then allows the replacement of RAM (up to 64 GB), as well as the SSD, while an optional 2.5-inch SATA SSD can be accommodated in the case.
The equipment is rounded off by modern and fast Wi-Fi 6E, as well as Bluetooth 5.2, so there is nothing left to be desired in terms of equipment.
The ports of the Geekom Mini IT13
- Excellent selection of ports
- 2x USB4 including DisplayPort alt mode
- HDMI 2.0 only
The modern selection of ports is also taken directly from the predecessor. No wonder, since the mini PC already scored with a convincing port selection.
Thus, we also find two USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 ports and a 3.5 mm jack on the front of the Geekom Mini IT13, while the two sides offer an SD card reader and a Kensington lock port.
Most of the ports are on the back of the mini-PC. Here, one USB-A 3.2 Gen 2, one USB-A 2.0, two USB4 Type-C (with data rates of up to 40 Gbps), two HDMI 2.0 and a 2.5 Gbit LAN port are available alongside the power port.
The mini PC can be connected to up to four displays simultaneously. Via HDMI, 4K resolutions with up to 60 hertz are possible, and even 8K with 30 Hz via USB-C.
However, it is a bit unfortunate that Geekom does not use the modern HDMI 2.1 standard, and a DisplayPort port is also conspicuous by its absence. Thus, the Geekom AS6 (our review) has the edge here.
Practical test of the Geekom Mini IT13
- Very good working speed
- Impeccable cooling performance
- Reduced fan noise
The Geekom Mini IT13 comes with Windows 11 Pro preinstalled and is set up accordingly quickly. The connection via Wi-Fi 6E works flawlessly in practice and delivers excellent speeds.
As is often the case with mini-PCs, the fans rev up quite a bit during installation, but they have obviously been improved here and achieve a lower noise level than the predecessor even under permanent load. i measured 42 dB(A) under full load – significantly less than in the Mini IT12 and the new mini PC also remains pleasantly quiet in idle mode.
Once again, the cooling works flawlessly and keeps the computing dwarf cool even during demanding applications. In general, the Geekom Mini IT13 looks more defined and improved in detail in the test. Outstanding.
The system performance is also excellent, which was of course to be expected due to the CPU and RAM configuration. Only in graphics-intensive applications and games does the Intel Iris Xe graphics unit lose out compared to the AMD Radeon solution of the AS6, as we will see again in the benchmark in a moment.
Benchmark: Productivity, System, SSD and Gaming
In the context of the Geekom Mini IT13 test, the mini PC naturally had to face several benchmarks that put the SSD, CPU, graphics and system performance through their paces. I measured productivity and system performance with PCMark 10 and Cinebench R23. PCMark 10 simulates different workflows when running the benchmark, which include word processing, web browsing and spreadsheets.
Cinebench, on the other hand, measures the speed of the CPU cores individually as well as in multi-core mode. As usual, I ran all benchmarks three times and chose the middle result.
For the gaming test, I used the Final Fantasy XV benchmark in addition to 3DMark.
SSD benchmark
Geekom equips the Mini IT13 with a Lexar NM710 PCIe 4 x4 SSD, which turns out pleasantly large with a capacity of 2 terabytes. But not only that: The speeds are also impressive.
With over 4,800 MB/s in sequential read and 4,468 MB/s in sequential write, the SSD calls up its full potential, which results in an excellent system speed and fast Windows startup.
It is by far the fastest SSD we have seen so far in a mini PC from Geekom. So, for the first time, the memory does not mark a potential bottleneck for the system here.
Cinebench R23 and PCMark 10
The same can be said about the results of the processor benchmark Cinebench R23, in which the installed Core i9-13900H places itself at the top of all Mini-PCs tested so far in both the multi and single core test.
With 11,974 points and 1,724 points respectively, the Intel model positions itself clearly above the AMD Ryzen 9 6900H, which is used in the Geekom AS6 (10,802 points / 1,454 points).
However, a result that should then turn around in the holistic PCMark 10 test. Again, the reason for this is quickly identified, because the AMD Radeon 680M graphics unit of the AS6 offers significantly more performance than the Intel solution in the Mini IT13.
Accordingly, the Intel model is still ahead in the essential tests, but has to let up in more graphics-intensive tasks in the area of productivity and digital content creation, as well as in the overall result.
The results of the Geekom Mini IT13 are still very good, though, there’s no question about that. However, those who do a lot of video editing and/or rendering will be better served by the AS6.
| Benchmark | Result |
| Cinebench R23 Multi Core | 11.974 pts. |
| Cinebench R23 Single Core | 1.724 pts. |
| PCMark 10 total score | 6.208 pts. |
| PCMark 10 Essentials | 11.137 pts. |
| PCMark 10 Productivity | 7.596 pts. |
| PCMark 10 Digital Content Creation | 7.677 pts. |
| Geekbench 6 Multi Core | 11.650 pts. |
| Geekbench 6 Single Core | 2.413 pts. |
Gaming and graphics performance
A mini-PC that also cuts a good figure as a potent gaming solution has yet to be invented. Accordingly, you shouldn’t expect top performance from the Mini IT13 – which isn’t surprising considering the purely integrated graphics solution.
Nevertheless, the small computer is certainly suitable for the occasional game. At least if you reduce the resolution and detail level significantly.
Older games or indie games are quite playable and even more current titles in 720p or with lower details should be feasible. However, the AMD Radeon iGPU of the Geekom AS6 shows its strengths here as well and delivers significantly better results across the board.
| Benchmark | Result |
| Fire Strike total | 5.374 pts. |
| Time Spy total | 1.941 pts. |
| Night Raid Total | 19.674 pts. |
| Final Fantasy XV (720p; Standard Quality) | 3.752 pts. |
Geekom Mini IT13 Test: Conclusion
The Geekom Mini IT13 is a successful evolution of its predecessor and scores with more performance especially on the processor side. The 32 GB working memory and the fast SSD are also appealing and ensure a convincing performance of the system.
In combination with the reduced noise, the effective cooling and the coherent selection of modern ports and standards, the Mini IT13 is far ahead in the list of the best mini PCs.
However, it can’t hold a candle to the AS6, which was developed together with ASUS, when it comes to graphics and gaming performance – in return, you get twice as much and much faster SSD storage and a slightly higher-quality build at an almost identical price.
So, what is more important to you depends on personal preferences. In any case, both Geekom models are convincing mini-PCs.
Geekom Mini IT13
Design & workmanship
Features
Performance: System
Performance: Gaming
Value for money
90/100
Powerful and high-quality mini PC that scores with modern CPU, fast SSD and many ports.
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