If you walked past the new GTBox T1 sitting on a shelf, you'd be forgiven for mistaking it for a high-end Apple speaker. But don't let its sleek, fabric-wrapped cylinder design fool you. This isn't an audio device; it's a fully-fledged mini-PC packing some serious hardware that blurs the line between stylish home decor and a potent desktop computer.
The launch follows rumors last week about a HomePod-inspired mini-PC appearing on AliExpress under brands like Soayan and Chatreey. Now, GTBox has officially entered the global market with the GTBox T1, a machine that promises to deliver performance where its aesthetic cousins can't.
More Than Meets the Eye: A Familiar Design with a Powerful Secret
At first glance, the GTBox T1 is a dead ringer for the popular Apple HomePod (currently $339 on Amazon), sporting the same compact, cylindrical form factor. However, a closer look at the spec sheet reveals this device is in an entirely different league.
What truly sets the T1 apart from other mini-PCs is a feature we almost never see: built-in stereo speakers. This isn't just about playing system sounds; it makes the T1 a perfect, all-in-one solution for video conferencing, eliminating the need for external speakers in a home office or kitchen setup.
But the real magic is under the hood. The GTBox T1 is powered by AMD's Ryzen 7 8745HS "Hawk Point" APU. This is a modern processor built on a 4 nm process, featuring 8 high-performance Zen 4 cores that can boost up to an impressive 4.9 GHz. With a 35W Thermal Design Power (TDP), it shares its power envelope with the nominally more powerful Ryzen 7 8845HS we've tested in devices like the Geekom A8 Max, ensuring robust performance for productivity, content consumption, and more.
The Heart of the Machine: Radeon 780M iGPU and eGPU Support
The inclusion of the Ryzen 7 8745HS means the GTBox T1 comes with one of the most powerful integrated graphics solutions on the market: the AMD Radeon 780M. This iGPU is a game-changer for a PC of this size. It's capable enough to handle modern triple-A titles at 1080p resolution with low to medium graphics settings, making it a surprisingly competent casual gaming machine. For retro gaming enthusiasts, it's an emulation powerhouse, easily tackling systems from the PS2/Xbox era and beyond.
For users who need even more graphical muscle, the GTBox T1 has a killer feature: full eGPU support via its USB4 port. This means you can connect an external graphics card enclosure housing a desktop-grade GPU like an NVIDIA RTX 4070 or AMD Radeon RX 7700 XT, effectively transforming this tiny cylinder into a high-end gaming rig or a formidable workstation for video editing and 3D rendering.
Connectivity is comprehensive for a device of its size. On the rear panel, you'll find Ethernet, a DisplayPort 2.0, an HDMI 2.1 port, and multiple USB Type-A connections, allowing for a clean, multi-monitor setup.
Interested in this unique blend of style and performance? You can check out the official product page here: GTBox T1 on GTBox's Website
Internals, Pricing, and One Major Caveat
Inside its 167 x 112 mm frame, the GTBox T1 utilizes modern SODIMM DDR5 RAM and a speedy M.2 PCIe SSD for storage. This ensures snappy system responsiveness and fast load times. Potential buyers should note, however, that GTBox issues a stark warning: disassembling the device is considered a "destructive process." This likely means the fabric exterior or internal clips are not designed to be user-accessible, making post-purchase upgrades or repairs difficult, if not impossible. It's a significant trade-off for its unique design.
The GTBox T1 is launching with a compelling configuration and an attractive introductory price.
You can currently purchase the system directly from GTBox with 32 GB of DDR5 RAM and a 1 TB PCIe 4.0 SSD for $549.99, which includes a $50 launch discount. The same SKU is also available through retailer MiniXPC for $599.99.
For more details or to purchase from the other retailer, visit: GTBox T1 on MiniXPC
And for those looking for the aesthetic inspiration, you can find the Apple HomePod here: Apple HomePod on Amazon
The Verdict
The GTBox T1 successfully carves out a unique niche in the crowded mini-PC market. It combines a design that will appeal to Apple enthusiasts with the raw power of AMD's latest Ryzen silicon and the incredible flexibility of the Radeon 780M iGPU and eGPU support. While the non-upgradeable design is a downside for tinkerers, it presents a fantastic, space-saving all-in-one solution for users who want a powerful, stylish, and discreet computer for their living room, office, or bedroom.
