The MINISFORUM AI X1 Pro Mini PC is a standout in the best performing mini gaming PCs under $1,000 category for 2025, delivering exceptional power in a compact form factor. Equipped with the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX370 processor, AMD Radeon 890M graphics, 32GB DDR5 RAM, 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, OCuLink, and support for 8K quad displays, this mini PC is a beast for gaming, productivity, and creative workloads. It offers unmatched value for budget-conscious gamers and professionals seeking desktop-class performance in a small package.
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Overview of the MINISFORUM AI X1 Pro
The MINISFORUM AI X1 Pro redefines compact computing with its AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX370 (12 cores, 24 threads, up to 5.1 GHz) and AMD Radeon 890M graphics, optimized for light to medium gaming and AI-enhanced tasks. The 32GB DDR5 RAM (upgradable to 128GB) and 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD (expandable to 12TB via three M.2 slots) ensure blazing-fast load times and multitasking. With Wi-Fi 7, dual 2.5Gbps LAN, and an OCuLink port for external GPU support, it’s future-proofed for gamers and creators. Its sleek, Mac Mini-inspired design, efficient cooling, and versatile connectivity make it ideal for small desks, dorms, or professional setups, earning praise for its price-performance ratio in 2025.
Key Specifications
- Processor: AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX370 (12 cores, 24 threads, up to 5.1 GHz, 80 TOPS NPU, Zen 5 architecture)
- Graphics: AMD Radeon 890M (16 cores, up to 2.9 GHz, 2–48GB VRAM allocation)
- Memory: 32GB DDR5-5600 (dual-channel, upgradable to 128GB)
- Storage: 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD (up to 7,000 MB/s read, three M.2 2280 slots, max 12TB)
- Connectivity: 2x USB4 (40Gbps, Power Delivery, DisplayPort), 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x DP 2.0, 2x USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps), 1x USB-A 2.0, 2x 2.5Gbps RJ45 Ethernet, 1x 3.5mm audio jack, 1x SD card reader, 1x OCuLink (PCIe 4.0 x4)
- Wireless: Wi-Fi 7 (2×2), Bluetooth 5.4
- Operating System: Windows 11 Pro (Copilot+ certified)
- Dimensions: 5.7 x 5.7 x 1.4 inches (145 x 145 x 35 mm)
- Weight: ~1.5 lbs (0.68 kg)
- Power: 135W built-in adapter, max 65W consumption
- Additional Features: Fingerprint reader, Copilot button, dual digital microphones, intelligent cooling with phase-change materials, Kensington lock
Performance: Compact Powerhouse for Gaming and More
Processor and Graphics
The AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX370, built on Zen 5 architecture, delivers exceptional single- and multi-core performance, scoring ~2,200 single-core and ~12,500 multi-core in Geekbench 6, surpassing many laptops and mini PCs in its class. Its 80 TOPS NPU accelerates AI workloads like local LLM processing or video editing, making it a Copilot+ PC for productivity. The AMD Radeon 890M (up to 48GB VRAM allocation) handles light to medium gaming, achieving 50–60 FPS in Assassin’s Creed Mirage at 1080p high settings and 80–100 FPS in Overwatch 2 at 1440p medium settings, as noted in user reviews. For AAA titles like Cyberpunk 2077, expect 30–40 FPS at 1080p medium with FSR 3.
With the OCuLink port, users can connect an external GPU (e.g., RTX 5060 Ti) for a 10–15% performance hit compared to desktop PCIe slots, delivering ~125 FPS in Shadow of the Tomb Raider at 1440p with ray tracing, per benchmarks. This makes the AI X1 Pro one of the best mini gaming PCs under $1,000 for upgradability and future-proofing.
Gaming Performance
The Radeon 890M shines in esports titles, hitting 90–120 FPS in Valorant and Apex Legends at 1080p high settings, and 60–70 FPS in Fortnite at 1440p medium. For heavier titles, The Witcher 3 runs at 45–55 FPS at 1080p high with FSR, while Red Dead Redemption 2 achieves 35–45 FPS at 1080p medium. The 8K quad display support (via 2x USB4, HDMI 2.1, DP 2.0) allows immersive multi-monitor setups, though 1080p–1440p is optimal for gaming. The OCuLink port unlocks high-end gaming with an eGPU, making it versatile for 4K gaming or VR, unlike competitors like the Beelink SER9 (no OCuLink).
Benchmarks highlight its prowess:
- 3DMark Time Spy: ~7,800, competitive with entry-level discrete GPUs like the RTX 3050.
- Cinebench R23: Strong multi-core scores for rendering and streaming.
- PCMark 10: Excels in productivity and creative workloads, rivaling larger systems.
The Balanced power profile ensures stable performance, with Auto mode boosting FPS by ~5–10% in demanding games. The cooling system keeps the CPU below 70°C and GPU at ~65°C under load, with noise levels at 45 dB, quieter than many mini PCs.
Multitasking and Productivity
The 32GB DDR5 RAM at 5600MHz (upgradable to 128GB) handles heavy multitasking, such as gaming, streaming, and running virtual machines, without lag. The 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD (7,000 MB/s read) ensures ~6-second load times for games like GTA V. Two additional M.2 slots (one PCIe 4.0 x1) support up to 12TB, ideal for large game libraries or 4K video editing. The NPU enhances AI-driven tasks, such as Adobe Premiere Pro’s auto-refine or local AI model processing, making it a top pick for creators and developers on a budget.
Display and Connectivity: Future-Proof Versatility
The AI X1 Pro supports 8K quad displays via HDMI 2.1, DP 2.0, and 2x USB4, ideal for multitasking or immersive setups. The Radeon 890M delivers vibrant visuals at 4K (60Hz) or 1440p (120Hz), with Wi-Fi 7 (up to 2.4 Gbps) ensuring low-latency online gaming. Dual 2.5Gbps Ethernet ports support aggregated 5Gbps connections, perfect for NAS or high-speed networks. The OCuLink port (PCIe 4.0 x4, ~7.2 GB/s) enables eGPU docks like the MINISFORUM DEG1, boosting graphics for 4K gaming or professional workloads. Additional ports include 2x USB-A 3.2 Gen 2, 1x USB-A 2.0, and an SD card reader, though a single extra USB-C would enhance connectivity.
Cooling and Design: Compact and Quiet
The intelligent cooling design uses dual fans, phase-change materials, and efficient heat dissipation, maintaining ~45 dB noise and 65W max power consumption under load. The 135W built-in adapter eliminates external bricks, keeping desks tidy. At 5.7 x 5.7 x 1.4 inches and 1.5 lbs, its aluminum chassis is sleek, durable, and portable, with a fingerprint reader and Copilot button for security and AI integration. The stand design allows vertical or horizontal placement, fitting small spaces. Compared to the GEEKOM GT1 Mega (Intel-based, louder fans), the AI X1 Pro is quieter and more efficient, earning praise for its compact yet powerful build.
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Pros and Cons
Pros
- High Performance: Ryzen AI 9 HX370 and Radeon 890M deliver 50–100 FPS in 1080p–1440p gaming.
- Upgradability: Supports 128GB RAM, 12TB storage, and OCuLink for eGPU.
- Affordable: Priced at a affordable tag, offering desktop-class power under $1,000.
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7, dual 2.5Gbps LAN, and 8K quad display support.
- Quiet Cooling: 45 dB under load, with efficient thermal design.
- Compact Design: Sleek, lightweight, and space-saving.
Cons
- Integrated Graphics Limit: Radeon 890M struggles with 4K AAA gaming without an eGPU.
- RAM Speed: 5600MHz DDR5 is slower than LPDDR5X-7500 in some competitors.
- Single USB4 Power Delivery: Limited to 65–100W input, may require hubs.
- BIOS Limitation: EFI-only boot, no legacy support.
- No RGB: Minimal aesthetic customization.
Who Should Buy the MINISFORUM AI X1 Pro?
The AI X1 Pro is perfect for:
- Budget Gamers: Seeking 1080p–1440p gaming with eGPU upgradability under $1,000.
- Content Creators: Needing AI-enhanced editing and multitasking in a compact form.
- Students/Professionals: Requiring portable, powerful PCs for dorms or small offices.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Wanting future-proof features like OCuLink and Wi-Fi 7.
It may not suit:
- Gamers needing native 4K ultra settings without external GPUs.
- Users requiring long battery life (not applicable for mini PCs).
- Those needing extensive USB-C ports or legacy boot support.
Verdict: The Best Mini Gaming PC Under $1,000 in 2025
The MINISFORUM AI X1 Pro is the best performing mini gaming PC under $1,000 in 2025, blending cutting-edge hardware with unmatched upgradability. Its Ryzen AI 9 HX370, Radeon 890M, 32GB DDR5, and 1TB SSD deliver 50–100 FPS in 1080p–1440p games, while OCuLink and 128GB RAM support ensure future-proofing. The 8K quad display capability, Wi-Fi 7, and dual 2.5Gbps LAN make it versatile for gaming, productivity, and creative tasks. Despite slower RAM compared to LPDDR5X competitors like the GMKtec EVO-X1, its expandability and price (~$850 with discounts like MINISFORUM10) outshine rivals like the Beelink SER9 or GEEKOM GT1 Mega.