GEEKOM Mini IT13 Review: Core i9-13900H in a 4x4 Package
by Ganesh T S on October 16, 2023 8:00 AM ESTSetup Notes and Platform Analysis
Our review sample of the GEEKOM Mini IT13 came with all necessary components pre-installed - including the OS. Prior to setting up the OS on first boot, we took some time to look into the BIOS interface. Unlike the GUI-based UEFI interface offered by tier-one vendors, the BIOS here is a vanilla one with keyboard-only navigation. There are plenty of configurable options, and the video below presents an overview of the features.
Most of the options available are standard in the Aptio BIOS interface. In addition to the processor and memory speeds information, the main screen has a 'FAN Mode' option that can be set to one of 'Normal', 'Performance', or 'Quiet'. A quick check was made for each setting after booting into the OS and the following power limits were recorded.
| PL1 / PL2 Variation with BIOS Setting | |||
While the normal and performance modes were configured similarly with PL1 / PL2 settings of 35W / 80W, the quiet mode involved setting these parameters to 28W / 40W and the PL1 duration to less than half of the normal mode's.
Intel's platform diagram for Raptor Lake P/H/U processor lines shows a large number of connectivity options. However, the RPL-H configuration in the Mini IT13 doesn't make use of the x8 discrete graphics lanes. Two Thunderbolt 4 lanes are used for the Type-C ports, but the use of the Hayden Bridge retimer precludes the possibility of USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20 Gbps) support.
The overall high-speed I/O distribution in the GEEKOM Mini IT13 board design is brought out in the bus layout diagram below.
Despite the large number of connectivity options, the system's form-factor prevent them from getting utilized. The USB4 ports do provide some flexibility. It is highly probable that a few more of those to utilize the wasted graphics PCIe lanes would have made the product even more attractive.
In today's review, we compare the GEEKOM Mini IT13 and a host of other systems based on processors with TDPs ranging from 28W to 65W. The systems do not target the same market segments, but a few key aspects lie in common, making the comparisons relevant.
| Comparative PC Configurations | ||
| Aspect | GEEKOM Mini IT13 | |
| CPU | Intel Core i9-13900H Raptor Lake (6P + 8E)/20T, up to 5.4 GHz Intel 7, 24MB L2, 45W (PL1 = 35W, PL2 = 80W) |
Intel Core i9-13900H Raptor Lake (6P + 8E)/20T, up to 5.4 GHz Intel 7, 24MB L2, 45W (PL1 = 35W, PL2 = 80W) |
| GPU | Intel Iris Xe Graphics (80 EUs @ 300 - 1500 MHz) |
Intel Iris Xe Graphics (80 EUs @ 300 - 1500 MHz) |
| RAM | Lexar LD4AS016G-3200ST DDR4-3200 SODIMM 22-22-22-52 @ 3200 MHz 2x16 GB |
Lexar LD4AS016G-3200ST DDR4-3200 SODIMM 22-22-22-52 @ 3200 MHz 2x16 GB |
| Storage | Lexar SSD NM7A1 (2000 GB; M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe;) (176L Micron 3D TLC?; Maxio MAP1602 Controller) |
Lexar SSD NM7A1 (2000 GB; M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe;) (176L Micron 3D TLC?; Maxio MAP1602 Controller) |
| Wi-Fi | 1x 2.5 GbE RJ-45 (Intel I225-V) Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX211 (2x2 802.11ax ~ 2.4 Gbps) |
1x 2.5 GbE RJ-45 (Intel I225-V) Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX211 (2x2 802.11ax ~ 2.4 Gbps) |
| Price (in USD, when built) | (Street Pricing on Sep 29th, 2023) US $899 (as configured, w/OS) (USD 859 with $40 off coupon code D9ZAYQNX) US $789 (as configured, w/OS, GEEKOM web store) (USD 749 with $40 off coupon code anandtech40) |
(Street Pricing on Sep 29th, 2023) US $899 (as configured, w/OS) (USD 859 with $40 off coupon code D9ZAYQNX) US $789 (as configured, w/OS, GEEKOM web store) (USD 749 with $40 off coupon code anandtech40) |
The next few sections will deal with comparative benchmarks for the above systems.
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meacupla - Monday, October 16, 2023 - link
DDR4 in a i9-13900H is certainly a... choice.Does it at least support overclocked XMP profiles? Like 1.35V DDR4-3200 CAS16, or 1.35V DDR4-4000 CAS19.
The 2.5in drive bay is an crazy choice, considering it thermally throttles.
2242 SATA SSD? Really? It doesn't even have a second 2280 NVMe slot?
I guess on the plus side, someone will tinker and figure out how to slap on a cooler that can handle the i9.
eriri-el - Monday, October 16, 2023 - link
xmp is not designed to load by default. in that case there is no way xmp is supported at all.just watch the video too see how barebones that bios is.
meacupla - Monday, October 16, 2023 - link
oh man, that mini-PC is pure sadness. Can't even run fast DDR4 SODIMM, on top of being hamstrung by poor cooling.MishaalKhalid - Wednesday, October 25, 2023 - link
Featuring Core i9-13900H, this 4x4 package delivers outstanding performance. Ideal for <a href="https://edubirdie.ae/">essay writers in Dubai</a>, it ensures swift, efficient work in a compact design.Samus - Tuesday, October 17, 2023 - link
It's a good value all things considered but I can't help but think what a waste of silicon this is.PeachNCream - Tuesday, October 17, 2023 - link
So basically it should be using a far more power efficient CPU or a more substantial cooling solution or both. And it's limited to 16GB of DDR4. That's like Acer levels of corner cutting.ganeshts - Tuesday, October 17, 2023 - link
The CPU is good, just that it needs to be configured for a package power of at least 40W.As for memory support, I am sure nothing prevents installation of 2x 32GB DDR4-3200 SODIMMs. It is just that the pre-configured system available from GEEKOM comes with 2x 16GB DDR4-3200 SODIMMs.
eastcoast_pete - Wednesday, October 18, 2023 - link
Agree. This unit would benefit greatly from better airflow, similar to what the Beelink GTR/GTR Pro now has. As it is, not really that convincing, and there are better mini PCs for the money.desierto - Monday, October 23, 2023 - link
pues lo compre hace unos días, di premiera día tengo problema con la problema que cada 15-30 minutos la pantalla del monitor se pone negra por un segundo, y este me molesta y me preocupa, que no puedo resolverlo, he probado todos los consejos de internet y no me ayudo nada. El Atención de clientes de GEEKOM es una mierda en todo sentido. La verdad que me arrepiento mucho en conseguirlo. Mejor pagaría un poco mas y compraría de una marca seria y profesional como seria Lenovo, Asus o Dell.