We kick off the week with a review of the GEEKOM Mini IT12, an ultra-compact computer ideal for office work and designers. Equipped with the Intel Core i7-12650H processor with integrated graphics, it can be installed behind the screen to save space, with its mere 0.6 liters of volume.
Technical Specifications of the GEEKOM Mini IT12:
GEEKOM Mini IT12
Format:
Mini-PC desktop compatible with VESA mount
Dimensions:
117 x 112 x 45.6 mm (length, width, height)
Weight:
652 grams
Processor:
Intel Core i7-12650H (16 threads)
6 P cores @ 4.7 GHz + 4 E cores @ 3.5 GHz
24 MB Intel Smart Cache
TDP: 35W-115W
Memory:
2 SO-DIMM DDR4 slots – Max. 64 GB
* 16/32 GB SO-DIMM DDR4 @ 3200 MHz
Graphics:
Intel UHD Graphics
64 execution units at 1.4 GHz
Storage:
M.2 NVMe 2280 slot – SSD
* 512 GB / 1 TB Lexar M.2 PCIe 4.0 SSD
M.2 SATA 2242 slot
2.5-inch SATA bay
Networks:
Intel 2.5 GbE (RJ-45)
Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX211
Bluetooth 5.2
Other connections:
Front:
2 x USB 3.2 Gen2
TRRS jack (headphones and microphone) Sides:
Kensington lock
SD card reader Rear:
2 x USB4-C (40 Gbps, DisplayPort)
USB 3.2 Gen2
USB 2.0
2 x HDMI 2.0 video outputs
Power supply:
19V / 120W transformer
Operating System:
Windows 11 Pro
Packaging and Accessories:
We start the GEEKOM Mini IT12 review by placing the small cardboard box that houses it on our work table. There is little information on the box, but at least a sticker on the back indicates the processor, memory, and SSD included in this specific unit.
Inside, we find the device well protected by a foam frame, with the complete accessory pack on a second level.
In addition to the user manual, the mini-PC includes a VESA 100 mount for placing it behind the monitor, an HDMI 2.0 cable for connection to the monitor, and a 120W power transformer (19V / 6.3A).
Design and Connectivity of the GEEKOM Mini IT12:
We continue the GEEKOM Mini IT12 review after unpacking it and placing it on our work table. Before us is an ultra-compact computer with a gray plastic chassis, offering an excellent design and simple yet quality finishes. The device has dimensions of 117 x 112 x 45.6 mm (length, width, height), resulting in only 0.6 liters of volume and a weight of 465 grams, making it truly compact and easy to handle given the power it offers.
On its front face, we find a pair of USB 3.2 Gen2 ports and a TRRS jack connector for headphones and microphone, as well as the power button with a status LED.
On the sides, we find a Kensington lock connector for added security and a handy SD card reader.
The rear is where most of the connectivity is found, in addition to a glimpse of the heatsink grille. The GEEKOM Mini IT12 offers a pair of USB4-C ports capable of reaching up to 40 Gbps data transfer and providing DisplayPort video output, as well as an additional USB 3.2 Gen2 and USB 2.0 port. It also has two HDMI 2.0 video outputs and an RJ-45 connector for 2.5 GbE connectivity, while inside it features an Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX211 wireless network card with Bluetooth 5.2.
On the base of the GEEKOM Mini IT12, we see 4 screws that, when removed, allow access to the interior or change this cover for the VESA mount to install the computer behind a monitor. Meanwhile, the top cover can be opened by pulling on it, although with few possibilities beyond glimpsing the fan that cools the system.
Once we open the chassis, we see a 2.5-inch SATA bay on the cover itself. Inside, we find an M.2 slot in 2242 format for expanding storage, with the M.2 22110 slot and the two slots for DDR4 SO-DIMM format RAM being occupied.
Hardware of the GEEKOM Mini IT12:
Now in the GEEKOM Mini IT12 review, we analyze the hardware that powers it, section by section.
Intel Core i7-12650H Processor:
Firstly, we have the Intel Core i7-12650H processor, a mid-to-high-end model with 6 Performance cores + 4 Efficient cores, which combined offer a total of 16 threads, thanks to the Hyper Threading technology of the former. The high-performance Performance cores reach a maximum frequency of 4.7 GHz, while the more efficient Efficient cores reach a maximum frequency of 3.5 GHz. This way, the processor manages to control the TDP between its minimum 35W and maximum 115W.
32 GB of DDR4 memory:
In the reviewed version, the processor is accompanied by 32 GB of 3200 MHz DDR4 RAM, distributed across two 16 GB modules. Thus, they choose not to upgrade to DDR5 memory to keep the price down, although the real-life performance differences are not significant.
Integrated Intel UHD Graphics:
On the other hand, we find the basic Intel UHD Graphics, consisting of 64 execution units at 1.4 GHz.
M.2 PCIe 4.0 SSD storage:
For data storage, the GEEKOM Mini IT12 features a 1 TB Lexar SSD in M.2 PCIe 4.0 format, offering excellent performance, but not the maximum possible for its compatibility with version 3.0 of the protocol. We can also choose a 1 TB unit when purchasing, as well as expand the storage capacity as we saw when opening the computer.
Performance Tests:
It’s finally time in the GEEKOM Mini IT12 review to analyze its performance and see what it can offer. To do this, we must connect the device to the power supply, connect a keyboard and mouse, and of course, a monitor on which to display the image. We must also complete the installation of the Windows 11 Pro operating system, which is somewhat cumbersome due to the myriad of parameters to configure but straightforward overall.
After running our test suite on the GEEKOM Mini IT12, we have found that it offers perfect performance for office and multimedia use, even for graphic design or basic content creation. It does not have the performance level required for gaming or rendering complex content, but it is suitable for everything else. In reality, we can play some older titles or those with low graphic demands, but not modern, heavy games.
On the other hand, we must highlight the good temperatures it achieves when managing the processor, peaking at 85°C but maintaining an average of around 75°C. The noise level reaches around 43.5 dB, which is quite audible and somewhat annoying, but during conventional use, we will hardly notice it.
GEEKOM Mini IT12 Conclusions:
We conclude the GEEKOM Mini IT12 review by highlighting that this is a very compact device offering sufficient performance for office and multimedia tasks, even for designers looking to minimize their computer size. Obviously, we cannot expect much more than that from it, so we should forget about playing anything more than classic titles. We must also commend its excellent connectivity, including two USB4-C ports and three USB 3.2 Gen2 ports, as well as the combination of 2.5 GbE and Wi-Fi 6E networks.
The GEEKOM Mini IT12 can be purchased on their official website for 599 euros for the version analyzed here, with the i7-12650H processor, 32 GB of RAM, and 1 TB SSD. We also have the option to halve both memories for 50 euros less and change the processor to an i5-12450H for 100 euros less, options that I personally find much less interesting. Another option is to choose the GEEKOM Mini IT13, with even more power but understandably higher prices.
Main advantages:
+
Ultra-compact design, only 0.6 liters
+
Perfect power for multimedia, office work, and graphic design
+
Free M.2 slot and 2.5″ bay to expand storage
+
2 USB4-C ports and 3 USB 3.2 Gen2 ports
+
Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX211 + Intel 2.5 GbE
+
Can be mounted to a monitor with its VESA mount
+
Windows 11 Pro
Negative aspects:
– High price for its performance
From El Chapuzas Informático, we grant the Silver Award to the mini-PC GEEKOM Mini IT12.
The original post, GEEKOM Mini IT12 (i7-12650H), mini-PC with Windows 11 in just 0.6 liters, first appears on El Chapuzas Informático.
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