Geekom GT1

The Geekom GT1 enters the AI mini PC arena with three Intel Meteor Lake configurations, headlined by the Ultra 9 185H ($989), Ultra 7 155H ($799), and Ultra 5 125H ($699). The flagship 185H pairs a 16-core/22-thread CPU (5.1GHz boost) with Intel Arc Graphics (2.35GHz) and a 34 TOPS NPU, delivering strong multi-threaded performance (Geekbench 6: 12,543 multi-core) and AI acceleration. The IceBlast 2.0 cooling system (dual heat pipes + 120mm fan) keeps noise at 32dB under load, though it trails vapor chamber designs like the Beelink GTi14 in sustained TDP (65W vs. 80W). Quad-display support via dual Thunderbolt 4 (8K) and HDMI 2.0 (4K) is a standout feature, but the GT1's pricing faces stiff competition from AMD-based rivals with superior integrated graphics.

Storage and networking are highlights: All models include dual M.2 slots (PCIe 4.0 + SATA III) and dual 2.5G Ethernet, with WiFi 7/Bluetooth 5.4 future-proofing connectivity. However, the GT1's Intel Arc GPU remains its weakest link—while capable of 60fps in esports titles (Valorant at 1080p High), it struggles with AAA games (Cyberpunk 2077: 28fps at 1080p Low), lagging behind AMD's Radeon 780M. The 185H's $989 price is particularly hard to justify when the Beelink SER8 (Ryzen 9 8945HS + Radeon 780M, $649) outperforms it in gaming and matches its productivity benchmarks. Even the mid-range 155H ($799) costs $150 more than the Minisforum UM890 Pro (Ryzen 9 8945HS, dual USB4 + Oculink), despite similar CPU performance.

Where the GT1 shines is in AI workloads—its triple-engine architecture (CPU+GPU+NPU) accelerates local AI models 20% faster than AMD's XDNA NPU in tasks like voice separation and image generation. The aluminum chassis and 3-year warranty add premium appeal, but thermal constraints limit the 185H's advantage over the 155H (only 8-10% faster in benchmarks). For most users, the Ultra 5 125H ($699) offers the best value, though it still trails the GMKtec K8 PLUS (Ryzen 7 8845HS, $522) in price-performance. Unless you need Thunderbolt 4 or Intel's AI ecosystem, the GT1 struggles to justify its premium over AMD alternatives.

- GhostKeyboard Review.