GEEKOM XT12 Pro review: The power of an i9 in a mini PC!

In today's ever-changing world, where performance and portability are essential, mini-PCs have seen tremendous growth. GEEKOM, a booming company in the IT field, stands out for its innovative and efficient products. The GEEKOM ​.

Having had the opportunity to test the GEEKOM XT12 Pro , I am delighted to share my experience and reveal the results of my test . Get ready to experience a mini-PC that has the potential to revolutionize your workspace or entertainment setup.

In this article, I will present my in-depth analysis of the Mini PC XT12 Pro , a compact and powerful central unit offered by the Geekom brand. Is all this excitement around such a device justified? To answer this question, I will review its technical characteristics, its performance, its connectivity, its construction quality and I will finish with a review.

Can not wait to be there ? Let's go !

Presentation of the GEEKOM XT12 Pro

The GEEKOM XT12 Pro is a mini PC that combines power, elegance and versatility. Featuring a 12th generation Intel Core™ i9-12900H processor, this technological gem delivers exceptional performance for creative and professional tasks. If this is the first time you are hearing about it, here is a detailed presentation of the product:  

Performance

The real asset of the GEEKOM XT12 Pro lies in its 12th generation Intel® Core™ i9-12900H processor . This powerful processor offers 14 cores (6 P-cores and 8 E-cores) with 20 threads, 24 MB of Intel Smart Cace and a clock speed of up to 5.00 GHz.

Memory and Storage

The GEEKOM XT12 Pro is equipped with 32 GB of high-performance DDR4 RAM . This generous configuration allows you to run multiple applications simultaneously, manage large files and enjoy a smooth and responsive user experience.

Important : If you need more RAM for resource-intensive tasks like video editing or software development, you can expand the RAM up to 64 GB .

The GEEKOM XT12 Pro also comes with a 1TB M.2 2242 SATA slot SSD for fast and responsive storage. This cutting-edge storage technology delivers significantly faster read and write speeds than traditional hard drives, meaning you'll be able to load applications, access files and save your data in the blink of an eye .

If you need more storage space, you can add a second NVMe SSD or use an external hard drive .

Graphics and Display

Intel Iris Xe graphics . This graphics card is capable of effortlessly handling everyday tasks such as word processing, web browsing, and watching videos.

For users who need more graphics power, the XT12 Pro supports 4K video output on up to four displays and 8K video output in ultra-HD. You can enjoy an immersive visual experience for your games , video editing or multimedia presentations.

Here are some more details about the graphics capabilities of the GEEKOM XT12 Pro:

  • Base graphics frequency: 1500 MHz
  • Maximum graphics frequency: 4800 MHz
  • DirectX 12 support
  • OpenGL 4.6 support
  • Vulkan 1.3 support

Connectivity

Faulty HDMI cable

The GEEKOM XT12 Pro doesn't compromise on connectivity. It has a wide range of ports to meet all your needs:

  • 2 Thunderbolt 4 ports for lightning-fast data transfers and connection to high-end external devices
  • 2 HDMI 2.0 ports for connecting high-resolution monitors
  • 3 USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports and 1 USB 2.0 port for connecting various peripherals
  • 1 Gigabit Ethernet port for reliable network connection
  • 1 SD card reader to play multimedia content
  • 1 3.5 mm jack for headphones or microphone

Operating System and Dimensions

The GEEKOM XT12 Pro comes with Windows 11 Pro preinstalled. Windows 11 Pro is the latest version of Microsoft's operating system, designed for professional users and businesses.

However, if you prefer to use another operating system, you can always easily install Linux or macOS on the GEEKOM XT12 Pro.

Furthermore, the GEEKOM XT12 Pro is incredibly compact, with dimensions of 117 x 111 x 38.5 mm. It's about the size of a paperback book , making it ideal for tight workspaces or for use on the go.

Having had an overview of the Mini XT12 pro, let's now turn our attention to unboxing and exploring this mini PC equipped with an Intel Core i9 processor, 32 GB of RAM and a 1 TB SSD. Wait you will be blown away!

Unboxing and first impression

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As was already the case when I tested the Geekom Mini IT13 , the excitement was palpable as I delicately slipped the GEEKOM Mini XT12 out of its cardboard case.

The first thing that strikes you is its size: it's not every day that you see a computer that could almost get lost on a spacious desk. With its dimensions of 117 x 111 x 38.5 mm and its featherweight of 450 g (less heavy than some phones), it is clear that this mini PC was designed to go unnoticed, while making an impact with its aesthetics.

When opened, the mini PC is revealed, nestled in a protective foam which fits its shape perfectly, demonstrating the care taken to protect it. The gray color of the finish catches the light and catches the eye, giving the Mini XT12 pro an air of modernity and elegance. It's an object that we can already imagine proudly sitting on a desk, without ever clashing with a contemporary interior.

Looking at the high-quality aluminum housing, one immediately senses the promise of durability. The ports, arranged with surgical precision, offer seamless accessibility, ready to accommodate the cables and peripherals that will bring this little technological marvel to life.

This first impression is a promising taste of what the GEEKOM XT12 Pro has to offer. Stay with me to discover the performance and features of this mini PC which does not lack character.

Analysis of the external part of the XT12 Pro

In the packaging of the Mini XT12 Pro, you will discover everything you need to start your experience:

1. The mini-computer itself, constituting the heart of this adventure.

2. A power adapter with its cable to power the device.

3. An HDMI cable to connect the mini-PC to a screen.

4. An start guide providing a clear overview of the device.

5. A VESA mounting kit with hardware, allowing discreet mounting behind a monitor.

Despite its compact size, it offers a variety of connection ports, demonstrating that functionality is not restricted by size. As an illustration, a detailed diagram, available on the manufacturer's website , highlights the clever arrangement of the ports:

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The Mini XT12 Pro case also reserves surprises with practical elements arranged on the sides:

Left side: a specific location for the 3.5mm front stereo headphone jack

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Right side: one port for Kingston security connector.

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Internal exploration of the Geekom Mini XT12 Pro

When we remove the four screws, we realize that we can directly remove the chassis , thus providing access to the interior of the computer. Once inside, we immediately notice the presence of two 16 GB DDR4 RAM sticks , with the possibility of easily replacing them if necessary.

For those looking for a larger capacity, it is possible to reach up to 64 GB by replacing the two 16 GB sticks with two 32 GB sticks available in stores . Exploring further inside, we also discover an M.2 SSD hard drive with a capacity of 1TB, as well as another slot for expanding the memory, offering the possibility of adding another terabyte for a total of 2 TB.

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An important observation is made on the sides of the computer: while examining the connectors, I wondered what this unusual connector was for. It actually turns out that it's not a weird connection, but an SD card reader. One might then wonder why an SD card reader was integrated without there being a corresponding opening on the side of the chassis. This question remains without a fixed answer, and we can legitimately think that a cut would have been appropriate.

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Initially, one might assume that this is a chassis manufacturing defect, a lack of synchronization between chassis design and component placement. However, it is possible that this decision was made for design or cost reasons. Sometimes computer manufacturers choose to maintain specific locations for components, even if they are not directly accessible from outside the chassis, in order to simplify the design or reduce production costs .

Installing Windows 11 Pro, customizing and exploring Geekom Mini XT12 Pro features

To launch my Geekom Mini XT12 Pro and install Windows 11 Pro, I followed these steps:

1. I connected my display, keyboard and mouse, then started the installation process after plugging in the HDMI cable and power supply .

2. I chose my Wi-Fi network, although the Ethernet option is also available.

3. Next, I created a user account via a Microsoft account, a standard procedure unless following specific handling to protect privacy.

Once I completed these initial steps, I accessed the Windows 11 Pro desktop . My first instinct was to run Windows Update to download the latest security updates and patches, ensuring the system was up to date with Microsoft's newest features.

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What impressed me was how clean the installation was: no software pre-installed by Geekom , just Windows 11 Pro in its purest form, without extraneous apps or editor customizations.

General use of the Mini XT12 Pro is smooth and efficient. Whether installing apps, browsing the web or watching videos, everything went smoothly. It's a real pleasure to work with such a responsive machine.

Launch of the benchmark

To evaluate the technical capabilities the Mini This approach provided me with precise and detailed information on the hardware capacity of this small computer.

As a technology enthusiast, the results really struck me.

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The Geekom XT12 Pro recorded the following scores in the 3DMark Time Spy test:

  • Total Time Spy score: 1870 points
  • Graphics score: 1641 points
  • CPU score: 9085 points

An overall score of 1870 points indicates decent performance for a mini PC, although it is not exceptional. It allows you to play recent games with some adjustments to the resolution and graphics settings.

This indicates that the mini PC can run most modern games at 1080p resolution , but users will likely need to lower graphical details to medium or low levels to get a smooth FPS (frames per second) experience.

Remarkable synergy between CPU and GPU

The XT12 Pro stands out for its perfectly balanced CPU and GPU performance, providing effective synergy between the two components.

At the heart of this device is a processor whose power is evident , with a remarkable score of 9085 points. This performance highlights its robustness in performing everyday tasks, such as word processing, Internet browsing and watching high-definition videos.

The XT12 Pro GPU, for its part, demonstrates its competence with a score of 1641 points . While it can't compete with the latest dedicated graphics cards, it provides a satisfying and smooth gaming experience on a wide variety of today's titles.

In-depth look at the performance graph

Analysis of the performance graph highlights a balanced distribution between CPU and GPU capabilities. It is notable that the processor plays a central role in the overall score, which matches the expectations of the 3DMark Time Spy test , designed to simulate realistic gaming situations.

Furthermore, the graph demonstrates the GPU's ability to maintain constant performance throughout the test. This stability is essential to ensure a smooth user experience, especially in the most demanding gaming environments.

Geekom XT12 Pro: In-game performance under scrutiny

Fortnite Battle Royale : a challenge met brilliantly

fortnite reinforcement 7

Want to relax after a day of work by launching Fortnite on your Geekom XT12 Pro ? No problem ! Configured in 1080p, Performance mode and with graphics settings between low and medium, this mini-PC proves capable of handling this popular game with fluidity.

Smooth frames per second

During my testing, the frames per second (FPS) generally hovered between 100 and 150, providing a pleasant gaming experience. In quiet moments, when the camera was aimed at the ground or sky, the FPS could even exceed 160, for an even smoother experience.

Busy scenes mastered

Even in intense action scenes where the screen is teeming with enemies and explosions, the Geekom XT12 Pro remained efficient, with an FPS rarely dropping below 70.

A mini-PC that does not lack resources

The conclusions drawn from my analysis with 3DMark Time Spy are validated by these results. Although the Geekom XT12 Pro is not specifically designed for high-end gaming , it offers enough power to support popular games like Fortnite, with reasonable graphical adjustments.

The noise and heat released by the XT 12 Pro

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During daily activities such as browsing the internet , word processing or watching videos , the Geekom XT12 Pro remains silent at a normal distance, demonstrating excellent acoustic management under light load. This characteristic is particularly appreciable in a domestic or office context where silence is often preferred.

On the other hand, when running performance tests that put heavy demands on the components, fan noise becomes noticeable but remains moderate.

Regarding temperature, the Geekom XT12 Pro reaches peaks of 105°C at the processor level as a whole and 100°C at the core level , corresponding to the maximum threshold tolerated by the CPU according to Intel specifications.

These temperatures resulted in thermal throttling, a protective mechanism that reduces the frequency of the processor to lower its temperature and prevent permanent damage, which directly translates into lower performance.

Few mini-PCs can boast of passing performance tests without being thermally limited. On this point, the Geekom XT12 Pro is no exception.

Power consumption of the Geekom XT 12 Pro

The evaluation of energy consumption took place under realistic conditions of use. I directly measured consumption at the outlet using a power meter, making sure to disconnect all external devices to ensure data integrity.

Consumption tests were carried out in three distinct scenarios:

1. In rest mode, Windows desktop display , power consumption was exceptionally low, at just 3.1 watts. This energy efficiency is remarkable, especially for daily use where the mini-PC could remain on without being requested for hours.

2. While playing 4K videos from YouTube, the mini-PC recorded moderate consumption, varying between 11 and 15 watts. This level remains low, taking into account the management of 4K decoding and video streaming in WiFi 6.

3. Maximum consumption, observed at 72 watts, occurred when running demanding benchmarks. Although this value is significantly higher than other measurements, it remains reasonable for a mini-PC capable of supporting demanding tasks such as 3D rendering or complex simulations.

GEEKOM MINI XT 12 PRO REVIEW

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Review and Review

The Geekom XT12 Pro is a powerful mini-PC, ideal for office automation, 4K viewing and content creation. Its quiet operation and low power consumption make it an attractive choice for a quiet, energy-efficient work environment. However, it is not suitable for demanding AAA games without graphics adjustments . For users looking for a compact, cost-effective device with limited gaming capabilities, the XT12 Pro is a wise option, especially as it offers the ability to add an external graphics solution via its USB-4 ports.

The +

  • Compact design
  • Beautiful finish
  • Excellent value
  • Solid performance
  • Large storage capacity with a 1TB SSD
  • Full connectivity
  • Fast and stable wireless connectivity thanks to Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0.
  • Pre-installed Windows 11 operating system
  • Energetic efficiency
  • Effective sound management

THE -

  • Limited thermoregulation
  • Slightly audible fan noise under heavy use
  • No SD card reader on the side

Overall rating: 8.5/10

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Hello :) So what's new? Still looking for the latest juicy tech news? In need of precise tests and sharp opinions? You are in the right place ! If you don't know me, I'm Adrien, an inveterate geek who spends his days tracking down the craziest tech news. Laptop screwed to the wrist, smartphone grafted to the hand and always on the lookout for the slightest tech rumor, I am your sherpa in the merciless world of technology :)