The Minisforum AI X1 Review: A Compact Powerhouse for Work, Play, and Everything In Between

Minisforum AI X1 with AMD Ryzen 7 255

The mini PC market is exploding, offering a compelling alternative to bulky traditional desktops. Leading the charge is the new Minisforum AI X1, a device that proves you don’t need a massive tower to harness serious computing power. Designed for users who refuse to compromise, this compact machine packs a surprising punch, making it a top contender for savvy professionals, multimedia enthusiasts, and casual gamers alike.

At the heart of this little beast lies the new AMD Ryzen 7 255 processor. This chip is the key to the AI X1's versatility, providing the muscle for demanding work applications, smooth 4K media playback, and even some light gaming. Minisforum has smartly paired this CPU with a speedy DDR5 memory configuration and a PCIe 4.0 SSD, ensuring blisteringly fast boot times, quick file transfers, and snappy application loading. The integrated AMD Radeon graphics round out the package, offering more than enough graphical reserves for everyday tasks and then some.

Built for Demanding Days: Cooling, Connectivity, and Surprising Features

One of the biggest concerns with small form-factor PCs is thermal performance. Minisforum has clearly prioritized this, engineering a cooling system that keeps its composure. Even under sustained load, our testing showed the AI X1 remains remarkably stable, managing temperatures effectively while staying impressively quiet. You can push it through hours of work or media streaming without the distracting fan noise common in compact systems.

Where the AI X1 truly shines is in its extensive connectivity options. It’s a port powerhouse, featuring USB4 (with Thunderbolt 3/4 compatibility), dual LAN ports for network flexibility, and optional OCuLink support. This last feature is a game-changer, opening the door to high-speed external GPU connections. Furthermore, the ability to drive up to four displays simultaneously transforms this mini PC into a central hub for intense productivity setups and multi-monitor workstations.

In a thoughtful touch often overlooked, Minisforum even includes two built-in speakers. While audiophiles will still opt for dedicated speakers or headphones, this addition makes the AI X1 a truly self-contained, well-rounded package right out of the box.

Real-World Performance: Speed, Graphics, and Expansion

In daily use, the AI X1 is a responsive and reliable partner. It launches programs in a blink and handles multitasking between numerous applications without breaking a sweat. For a deep dive into its benchmarks and capabilities, our colleagues at Notebookcheck published a comprehensive analysis. You can read their full, hands-on Minisforum AI X1 review here, which details its performance for creatives, office users, and gamers.

The integrated graphics are capable for everyday use and esports titles, but the real magic happens with the OCuLink port. By connecting an external graphics card, the system's 3D performance can be significantly boosted, as our own tests confirmed. For those looking to explore this upgrade path, Minisforum offers a seamless solution with its DEG1 eGPU Dock.

You can check the current price and availability of the Minisforum DEG1 eGPU Dock on Amazon.
Interested in the AI X1 itself? Find the latest deals for the Minisforum AI X1 mini PC on Amazon.

The Verdict: A Near-Flawless Compact Champion

With the AI X1, Minisforum has crafted a remarkably versatile mini PC that successfully crams cutting-edge technology into a sleek, space-saving chassis. It impresses most with its excellent efficiency, future-proof features, and practical, day-to-day performance. It’s hard to find any serious flaws, and when you factor in its competitive pricing, the AI X1 stands out as one of the most compelling all-in-one compact computing solutions on the market today. Whether for a streamlined home office, a digital media center, or a flexible workspace, it delivers power without the footprint.