The arrival of the Geekom IT15 AI marks a significant milestone in the evolution of compact computing, presenting itself as one of the first mini PCs to incorporate Intel’s cutting-edge Core Ultra 2 (Arrow Lake) processors. After a six-month anticipation, this new model promises to redefine expectations for small form factor desktop alternatives, prompting a critical examination of its performance and value proposition against its predecessors and competitors.
Geekom’s new IT15 AI is available in configurations designed to cater to varying user needs and budgets. The Core Ultra 5 225H model, equipped with 32GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD, offers a compelling entry point. For those demanding superior processing power and storage, the Core Ultra 9 285H variant boasts 32GB of RAM and a 2TB SSD, representing the pinnacle of its initial offerings. Special promotional codes further enhance its appeal, making these powerful mini PCs a competitive choice in the market.
Despite its relatively premium pricing, the Geekom IT15 AI justifies its cost with exceptional build quality. Crafted from robust, stiff metal sheeting, the unit exudes durability and a substantial feel. Its sleek, matte-finish black aesthetic lends an understated elegance, ensuring it blends seamlessly into any modern workspace. This attention to detail in its construction underscores Geekom’s commitment to delivering a high-quality product.
Measuring a remarkably petite 117 x 112 x 45.5mm and weighing just 560g, the IT15 AI exemplifies compact computing. Its diminutive size makes it an ideal candidate for discreet placement, easily hidden behind monitors, for which Geekom thoughtfully includes a VESA bracket and screws. Furthermore, its versatile connectivity includes a USB-C port supporting Power Delivery, allowing for use with phone-friendly Type-C power supplies, alongside an SD 4.0 memory card slot and a Kensington lock for security.
At the heart of the Geekom IT15 AI lies the Intel Arrow Lake Core Ultra 9 285H CPU, a powerhouse featuring 16 cores, a maximum turbo frequency of 5.4GHz, and a 65W TDP. This potent processor, combined with 32GB of 5600MHz DDR5 RAM, delivers a formidable level of performance that significantly outpaces many Meteor Lake-based competitors. Benchmark tests such as PCMark 10, Cinebench R23, and 4K multimedia scores consistently demonstrate its superior processing capabilities, solidifying its position as a high performance computing solution.
For tasks requiring significant graphical prowess, the new Geekom box stands out. Its integrated graphics, while not a discrete GPU, show a marked improvement over previous generations, particularly against the Iris Xe iGPU found in Meteor Lake chipsets. Performance in 3D modeling benchmarks, such as SPECviewperf 3dsmax, illustrates its capability to handle graphically intensive applications, making it a viable option for professionals in creative fields who seek a compact desktop without a dedicated graphics card.
However, the IT15 AI does present a couple of minor considerations. The Arrow Lake CPU’s NPU, rated at 13 TOPS, offers less AI acceleration than the more powerful 48 TOPS found in Lunar Lake chips, meaning some advanced AI features like Windows Studio Effects may not be fully supported. Additionally, while generally quiet, the single cooling fan struggles slightly under prolonged heavy stress, leading to temporary CPU throttling. This is a minor point, as the system quickly recovers, but it hints at the theoretical maximum performance not being fully sustained in extreme conditions.
Out of the box, the Geekom IT15 AI comes pre-loaded with Windows 11 Pro, providing a robust and familiar operating environment. For users preferring alternative operating systems, the device demonstrates excellent compatibility, with seamless functionality reported when booted into Ubuntu 24.10. Our review unit, equipped with a 2TB Crucial SSD, also showcased impressive storage performance, achieving high sequential read and write speeds, further enhancing the overall user experience.
In conclusion, while the Geekom IT15 AI sits at the higher end of the mini PC price spectrum, its exceptional power, compact design, and comprehensive features deliver solid value. The impressive achievement of fitting such a potent chipset, along with extensive I/O ports, multiple internal storage bays, and ample RAM into such a tiny machine, is undeniable. When weighed against its Meteor Lake alternatives, the IT15 AI’s advanced specifications, including USB-C 4.0 ports and the latest wireless communication standards, make it a compelling and future-proof compact desktop solution for demanding users.
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