MINISFORUM AI X1 Pro Review - Best AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 Mini PC

The mini PC market has been rapidly evolving. In particular, the emergence of next-generation CPUs equipped with AI capabilities has significantly boosted the performance of small form-factor desktops, with the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor at the forefront. Boasting powerful performance with 12 cores and 24 threads, along with an impressive 80 TOPS of AI computing power, this processor has brought a fresh perspective to the previously underpowered mini PC market.

Video editing, photo retouching, 3D rendering, and various AI tasks—once exclusive to desktop computers—are now achievable on palm-sized mini PCs. To cater to consumers seeking high-performance mini PCs, MINISFORUM has launched the AI X1 Pro, featuring the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 CPU.

MINISFORUM is a brand of Kommend Technology Co., Limited, founded in Shenzhen, China, in 2012. They’ve been a dedicated mini PC manufacturer since 2018, earning global recognition for their diverse range of high-performance mini PCs based on AMD Ryzen and Intel Core processors. They’ve been particularly popular in Korea with their UM series. Currently, they’re celebrating their 5th anniversary with a discount event, offering the AI X1 Pro at a special price until the end of June.

Link to the 5th Anniversary Event

Specifications and Configuration

The MINISFORUM AI X1 Pro boasts top-tier specifications among current mini PCs. The key feature is the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor. With 12 cores and 24 threads, operating from a base clock of 2.0GHz up to a maximum boost clock of 5.1GHz, this processor delivers 80 TOPS of AI computing power. It also features integrated AMD Radeon 890M graphics operating at a high clock speed of 2900MHz.

Memory is expandable up to 128GB via two DDR5 SODIMM slots. Storage is remarkably versatile with three M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD slots. Each slot supports a 4TB SSD, allowing for a massive total storage capacity of up to 12TB. Networking is robust with dual 2.5G Ethernet ports, Wi-Fi 7, and Bluetooth 5.4.

The package includes the AI X1 Pro unit, a power cable, and a user manual. A stand for vertical placement and a VESA mounting bracket are also provided. This allows for versatile placement options, including horizontal placement, vertical standing, or mounting on the back of a monitor.

Design and Features

The AI X1 Pro measures a compact 195×195×47.5mm and weighs 1.5kg. Considering its high-performance hardware and triple M.2 expandability, the size is reminiscent of the previous-generation Mac mini M2. For users desiring an even more compact model, the MINISFORUM AI X1 is also available.

The front panel features a user-friendly port configuration with two USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A ports, one USB4 Type-C port (40Gbps, supporting 15W PD output), and a 3.5mm combo jack. The USB4 port enables ultra-fast data transfer at 40Gbps, allowing connection to external SSDs and high-resolution monitors.

An LED indicator is embedded in the center of the power button for clear ON/OFF status visibility. A dedicated button for launching Microsoft Copilot is also provided. Two digital microphones (DMIC) are built-in, delivering clear audio for voice recognition and video conferencing.

A full-size SD card slot on the right side proves highly useful for creators working with photos and videos. Directly transferring RAW files or 4K footage from a camera to the PC without a separate card reader significantly enhances workflow efficiency.

The rear panel is also packed with ports: a USB 2.0 Type-A port, an OCuLink port (PCIe 4.0×4), a USB4 port (100W PD input, 15W output), DisplayPort 2.0, HDMI 2.1, two 2.5G Ethernet ports, a power connector, a Kensington Lock slot, and a CMOS clear button.

Of particular note is the OCuLink port. This allows for connecting an external GPU. With MINISFORUM’s separately sold eGPU dock, graphics cards up to the RTX 4090 can be connected, enabling smooth gameplay even at 4K resolution. Utilizing up to 90% of the external GPU’s performance provides a tangible performance boost.

Monitor output is facilitated through the DP 2.0 port (4K@240Hz, 8K@60Hz), the HDMI 2.1 port (4K@120Hz, 8K@60Hz), and the two USB4 ports (4K@60Hz), supporting a total of four simultaneous displays. This is an ideal configuration for professionals requiring a multi-monitor setup.

Furthermore, the inclusion of dual 2.5G Ethernet ports, offering 2.5 times the speed of standard Gigabit Ethernet, allows for network redundancy or load balancing. This is beneficial for environments with frequent large file transfers or for home server applications.

A fingerprint sensor located on the top of the unit enables fast and secure login via Windows Hello. Accessing the system with a simple touch eliminates the need for complex passwords, enhancing both security and convenience. Registering fingerprints for each family member allows for automatic login to their respective accounts, which is another significant advantage.

The cooling system has been specially designed. The bottom of the case features mesh perforations for airflow, and two low-noise cooling fans are installed internally. The use of phase-change thermal material and pure copper heat pipes ensures efficient heat dissipation. Noise levels remain low at 45dB even under full load, and temperatures are managed effectively, with idle temperatures around 37°C and full-load temperatures around 80°C.

The unit also features a built-in 135W adapter. Unlike most mini PCs that use external adapters, the AI X1 Pro integrates the adapter internally, allowing for a cleaner desktop setup with just a single power cable.

Memory and SSD capacities can be selected based on the model specifications. Equipping all three M.2 slots with 4TB SSDs allows for a massive 12TB of total storage. This is a major advantage for professional workloads involving large 4K/8K video editing or RAW file processing.

Basic Performance Test

The AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 is based on AMD’s latest Zen 5 architecture. With a 12-core, 24-thread configuration consisting of 8 efficiency cores and 4 performance cores, it boasts a five-fold increase in AI response speed compared to the previous Ryzen 9 8945HS. The 80 TOPS AI computing capability is particularly noteworthy, with the NPU alone providing 50 TOPS, significantly exceeding the 40 TOPS requirement for Microsoft Copilot+ PC.

The integrated AMD Radeon 890M graphics, based on the RDNA 3.5 architecture, features 16 compute units operating at a high clock speed of 2900MHz. This represents a substantial performance improvement over the previous generation of integrated graphics. Furthermore, VRAM allocation can be adjusted to optimize for various workloads.

The review unit was equipped with 96GB of Micron DDR5-5600 memory. At purchase, options range from 32GB to 96GB. The use of upgradable SODIMM modules is a major advantage, providing flexibility for future memory expansion.

AIDA64 Cache & Memory Benchmark results confirmed the stable performance of the DDR5-5600 memory. While some competing models use LPDDR5X-7500, offering higher memory bandwidth, the AI X1 Pro’s user-upgradable memory is a significant advantage.

The main storage device was a Kingston OM8TAP42048K1-A00 2TB SSD. Actual measurements showed excellent performance, with read speeds of 6161MB/s and write speeds of 5508MB/s. This translates to noticeable improvements in large file operations, system boot times, and program loading.

Wireless connectivity is provided by an M.2 2230 Wi-Fi module, supporting the latest Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 standards. Wi-Fi 7 speed tests revealed impressive download speeds of 848Mbps and upload speeds of 709Mbps. Wired LAN performance was equally strong, with download speeds of 854Mbps and upload speeds of 821Mbps via the 2.5G port. This ensures stable network performance both wired and wirelessly.

Benchmarking

Various benchmarking tools were used to measure the AI X1 Pro’s real-world performance. In Cinebench R23, a leading CPU benchmark, it achieved an impressive score of 1979 points in single-core and 22570 points in multi-core performance, rivaling many desktop CPUs.

In the Blender Cosmos Laundromat Demo rendering test, it completed the render in an excellent time of 8 minutes and 48 seconds. Despite its small form factor, it is capable of handling professional 3D rendering tasks.

Geekbench CPU tests yielded a single-core score of 2904 and a multi-core score of 15198. The single-core performance surpasses that of the Apple M1 Max and M1 Ultra, and the multi-core performance is comparable to many high-end desktop CPUs. In the GPU test, it scored 36786 points, which is quite respectable for integrated graphics. This level of performance is sufficient for general office work, light gaming, and even video editing.

Particularly noteworthy are the Geekbench AI test results. In the OpenVINO test, it scored 5663 in Single, 5696 in Half, and 14983 in Quantized. The ONNX test showed scores of 4222 in Single, 1811 in Half, and 8023 in Quantized. These AI benchmark scores demonstrate the NPU’s powerful AI computing capabilities, promising excellent performance in local AI model execution and real-time AI inference tasks.

For 3DMARK tests, which measure graphics performance, Time Spy Extreme was chosen to assess high-end gaming capabilities, and the Extreme test scored 3023 points, reflecting the limitations of the graphics solution. Time Spy scored 3541 points, fairly impressive for integrated graphics. While playing demanding games at high graphics settings is limited, playing at medium or low settings is certainly feasible.

Testing AMD FSR (FidelityFX Super Resolution) showed a performance improvement of approximately 84.5% with FSR2 enabled. This technology helps to overcome some of the limitations of integrated graphics.

PCMARK test results, which measure performance in real-world scenarios, were also quite encouraging. It scored 7441 in Total, 10814 in Essentials, 9988 in Productivity, and 10325 in Digital Content Creation. This indicates its ability to smoothly handle everyday office tasks, web browsing, video calls, and even professional content creation tasks. Exceeding 10,000 points in Digital Content Creation demonstrates its capability for professional tasks like video editing, photo retouching, and 3D modeling.

Game Performance Test

The AMD Radeon 890M integrated graphics, based on the RDNA 3.5 architecture, delivers performance far exceeding previous integrated solutions. With 16 compute units, a high clock speed of 2900MHz, and dedicated memory allocation, it can handle many modern games at 1080p resolution.

In tests with the modern AAA title Monster Hunter: World, it achieved an average of 36.65 frames per second at the lowest settings with default configurations. While somewhat underwhelming for gameplay, utilizing AMD’s frame generation technology boosted performance to 69.44 frames per second, allowing for smooth gameplay.

PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds tests yielded even more encouraging results. It achieved an average of 100 frames per second at the very lowest settings and 73.5 frames per second at low settings. This level of performance is sufficient for enjoying most online games smoothly.

In Overwatch 2, it averaged 95.5 frames per second at medium settings and 105 frames per second at low settings. This demonstrates that even with integrated graphics, casual gaming is possible with some adjustments to the graphics settings, even in fast-paced FPS games where response time is crucial. For more demanding games or higher graphics settings, connecting an external GPU via the OCuLink port is recommended.

Copilot

Microsoft Copilot is one of the key features of the AI X1 Pro. The dedicated button on the front panel allows for instant access to Copilot, significantly enhancing daily productivity. It offers AI assistance for various tasks, including document creation, email replies, data analysis, and creative content generation.

By leveraging Copilot’s intelligent suggestions and automation features in tasks like editing business documents, creating presentations, and generating data analysis reports, users can significantly reduce work time and achieve higher quality results.

Other Features

Beyond performance, the AI X1 Pro offers several practical advantages. Its compact size of 195×195×47.5mm provides excellent space efficiency. Occupying about 1/10th the space of a typical desktop PC while delivering comparable performance, it is ideal for small offices or home office environments.

Versatile installation options, including a vertical stand and VESA mounting bracket, are also major advantages. In environments with limited desk space, it can be set up vertically or mounted on the back of a monitor to be completely hidden. This flexibility ensures optimal space utilization in any environment.

The dual 2.5G Ethernet ports prove invaluable for network-intensive tasks. For NAS deployments, large file server operations, and network virtualization environments, they offer 2.5 times the speed of standard Gigabit Ethernet, as well as the stability of redundancy.

Conclusion

The MINISFORUM AI X1 Pro is a high-performance mini PC featuring the powerful 12-core, 24-thread AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor with 80 TOPS of AI computing power, capable integrated AMD Radeon 890M graphics, and support for up to 128GB of memory and 12TB of storage.

The option for external GPU expansion via the OCuLink port, dual 2.5G Ethernet, Wi-Fi 7 support, quad-monitor output, and the built-in 135W adapter are distinct advantages. Furthermore, it offers user-friendly features like a fingerprint sensor, a dedicated Copilot button, and an SD card slot.

This product is highly recommended for content creators working with video and photo editing, programmers running multiple virtual machines, office environments requiring high performance in a limited space, and power users who value future upgradeability.

In the next installment, we will delve deeper into the AI computing capabilities of the AI X1 Pro by testing various local AI programs using the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 and analyzing the NPU performance in detail.

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