MinisForum AI X1 Pro Review: The Most Complete Mini PC on the Market in 2026?

In a market saturated with generic mini PCs, the MinisForum AI X1 Pro arrives with a different proposition: three processor options, four RAM/SSD configurations, OCuLink for eGPU, an integrated 135W power supply, and up to three M.2 slots.

In short, it's the most scalable and ambitious mini PC you can buy for under $1,000 right now.

Initial Verdict ⚖️

The AI ​​X1 Pro isn't just another mini PC—it's a platform that grows with you. From the budget-friendly version with a Ryzen 7 H 255 to the beast with a Ryzen AI 9 HX 470, all share the same premium aluminum chassis, integrated 135W power supply, WiFi 7, dual 2.5G LAN, and the revolutionary OCuLink port for connecting a desktop GPU. Notebookcheck describes it as having "no major weaknesses," highlighting its excellent thermals and premium build quality.

Pros ✅

• Three CPU options for every budget

• Integrated 135W power supply (no external brick)

• OCuLink PCIe 4.0 x4 for connecting an external eGPU with only a 10–15% penalty

• Three M.2 NVMe PCIe 4.0 slots

• Premium aluminum chassis, excellent thermal management, very quiet

• WiFi 7, BT 5.4, USB4, dual 2.5G LAN, fingerprint reader

• HX 370 / HX 470 versions with XDNA2 NPU (80 TOPS) for local AI

Contras ❌

• SD card reader with low speeds

• Without a dedicated integrated GPU: AAA gaming demands an eGPU for optimal performance

👉 View Prices MinisForum AI X1 Pro

📦 Unboxing and Box Contents

In the box you will find: the mini PC, a power supply integrated into the chassis (one of its great differences — there is no external brick), a power cable, an HDMI cable, a VESA mount for rear mounting on a monitor, screws, a user manual and a warranty card.

The NO RAM / NO SSD / NO OS versions include everything above without memory modules or SSD installed, intended for users who already have DDR5 and NVMe components.

Key Technical Specifications Table 🧾

🔄 Processor options available on AliExpress for some cases

⚙️ Specifications common to all versions

🛒 Shopping options on AliExpress

These are the four available configurations for each processor:

💡 Which configuration should I choose?

• Ryzen 7 H 255 + 16 GB: for office work, browsing and basic use at the best price

• HX 370 + 32 GB: the most balanced and recommended option for most users ✅

• HX 470 + 64 GB: If you use local AI, 4K/8K video editing, or want to connect a powerful eGPU

Design and Construction Quality 🧱

Minisforum AI X1 Pro-370 mini PC 

The MinisForum AI X1 Pro exudes quality right out of the box. The chassis is made of anodized aluminum in space gray or white, with a matte finish that resists fingerprints and a solid, seamless construction. Notebookcheck explicitly highlights the "high quality of the materials," something unusual in a Chinese-branded mini PC.

Ventilation grilles are strategically placed on the base and sides for efficient airflow. The design is understated and elegant, making it a perfect fit for a professional office setup or a living room PC next to your TV. The included VESA mount allows you to attach it behind your monitor, keeping your desk completely clear.

Multimedia (use with monitors/TV) 📺🔊

The AI ​​X1 Pro supports up to three simultaneous monitors: HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4, and USB4, with output up to 8K on USB4 and 4K 144Hz with HDR on HDMI and DP. Reviewers confirm smooth 8K video playback and functional 8K video editing in DaVinci Resolve.

Audio is handled via HDMI/DP to monitors or speakers, or through the 3.5 mm headphone jack. The quality of the integrated DAC is adequate for professional and everyday multimedia use.

Performance and Software ⚙️💻

🖥️ Ryzen 7 H 255 — Zen 5 accesible

The H 255 is the most affordable option, but it shouldn't be underestimated: it still features an 8-core Zen 5 architecture, far superior to the previous generation (Zen 4) and perfectly capable of handling intensive office tasks, web browsing, 4K streaming, video calls, and moderate multitasking. Its Radeon 860M iGPU (8 CUs) doesn't quite reach the gaming level of the 890M, but it handles light eSports without issue.

⚡ Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 — The perfect balance

The heart of the mid-range and the most highly recommended. Its 12 Zen 5 cores, up to 5.1 GHz, and powerful Radeon 890M graphics deliver performance that surpasses the Ryzen 9 7945HX and Intel Core i9-14900K in multi-core benchmarks. Hostbor.com confirms 4K video editing without frame drops in Adobe Premiere Pro with this configuration.

🔥 Ryzen AI 9 HX 470 — Maximum Power

The HX 470 represents a step up from the HX 370, with improvements in boost frequencies and power efficiency. Reddit users who tested the 470 with an eGPU confirm "excellent" results in both gaming and AI workloads. If you plan to connect a powerful eGPU (RTX 4090 or better) or run demanding LLM models, the 470 will better unlock the system's potential.

🤖 Local Artificial Intelligence (HX 370 / HX 470)

Both HX versions include the XDNA2 NPU with 50 dedicated TOPS (80 total platform TOPS), exceeding the 40 TOPS threshold required by Microsoft for Copilot+ on Windows 11. Users on Reddit confirm successful execution of LLaMA 3 and Mistral models locally without an internet connection.

💻 Operating system

The SSD versions include Windows 11 Pro activated. The NO OS version requires you to install your own operating system, which is also compatible with Linux (several users confirm good AMD driver support on modern distributions).

Energy Consumption and Cables 🔌

The integrated 135W power supply is one of the AI ​​X1 Pro's biggest differentiators compared to any competitor. There's no external power supply: just a thin power cable from the wall socket to the device. Approximate actual power consumption:

• 🟢 Standby: ~8–12 W

• 🟡 Office applications / Browsing: 20–45 W

• 🔴 Carga máxima CPU+GPU (sin eGPU): 65–100 W

• ⚡ With eGPU via OCuLink: depends on the connected external GPU

🌡️ Temperature and Noise (Actual Thermal)

Notebookcheck states that "the thermal aspect is implemented perfectly, with the chassis and processor remaining pleasantly cool under load." The system uses a vapor chamber combined with heatpipes and a low-RPM fan.

A YouTube reviewer measured the noise level below 45 dB under heavy use —equivalent to a quiet conversation, virtually inaudible under normal use. Under prolonged stress, the processor maintains high frequencies without severe throttling.

Connectivity and Extras 🔗

Minisforum AI X1 Pro rear ports 

• 🔌 OCuLink PCIe 4.0 x4: eGPU up to RTX 5090, only 10–15% penalty vs native PCIe

• ⚡ USB4 (40 Gbps): DisplayPort Alt Mode, compatible Thunderbolt, Power Delivery

• 📶 WiFi 7: Up to 5.8 Gbps on compatible networks, the latest generation

• 🔵 Bluetooth 5.4: Lower latency for wireless controllers and peripherals

• 🌐 Dual 2.5G LAN: Ideal for NAS, home servers, or virtual labs

• 🖥️ HDMI 2.1 + DisplayPort 1.4: hasta 4K 144 Hz con HDR

• 👆 Fingerprint reader: Windows Hello, instant unlock

• 📁 SD card reader: present but with slow speeds (weak point according to Notebookcheck)

• 🎧 3.5 mm CTIA jack for headphones and microphone

🔧 Expansion and Upgrades

The AI ​​X1 Pro is one of the most expandable mini PCs available:

• RAM: Up to 128 GB DDR5 5600 MT/s dual channel (2× 64 GB SO-DIMM)

• Storage:  3 M.2 NVMe PCIe 4.0 slots — install up to 3 independent SSDs (e.g., 3 x 2 TB = 6 TB total)

• No 2.5" SATA bay: all internal storage is NVMe. For SATA HDDs, use an external USB enclosure.

• eGPU via OCuLink: Connect any compatible desktop GPU using an OCuLink enclosure (e.g., MinisForum DEG1). Tested with up to the RTX 5090.

• eGPU via USB4: a slower but functional alternative with compatible Thunderbolt/USB4 docks

  ⭐ Tip: If you buy the NO RAM / NO SSD version, you can install your own DDR5 modules and PCIe 4.0 SSD and save considerably compared to the pre-configured versions.

🆚 Comparison with Direct Competitors

Reviews on Popular Pages ⭐

📰 Notebookcheck — Verdict: No major weaknesses

The most comprehensive review published to date of the AI ​​X1 Pro (HX 370 version, 64 GB + 1 TB). Its verdict is emphatic: a machine "without major weaknesses," boasting excellent thermal management, remarkable SSD speed, premium build quality, and the full performance of the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370. The only negative point noted: the slow SD card reader, deemed "suitable only for occasional transfers." They also tested the machine with an RTX 4090 via OCULink, confirming enthusiast-level gaming performance.

🌐 NASCompares — Gaming and Connectivity Perspective

They define the AI ​​X1 Pro as "a real option for modern gaming in a mini PC format." They particularly highlight the combination of OCuLink, USB4, dual 2.5G LAN, and WiFi 7 as "one of the most complete connectivity packages seen in a mini PC." The OCuLink performance penalty compared to native PCIe is measured at 9% at 4K gaming, which they consider "perfectly acceptable for a compact setup."

💻 Hostbor — In-depth independent review

They describe it as "an impressive balance of performance, upgradeability, and features." 4K video editing tests in Premiere Pro and DaVinci Resolve confirm smooth, frame-free performance. They note that OCuLink "turns the AI ​​X1 Pro into a scalable gaming workstation" by allowing the addition of a powerful GPU at any time.

🎬 YouTube — Reviewer Community

• Multiple channels rank it among the best mini PCs of 2025/2026 for advanced users

• A reviewer demonstrated working 8K video editing in real time.

• Another user tested an RTX 5090 connection  via OCuLink with excellent results in 4K gaming.

• Specialized channel: "It's literally a miniature desktop workstation"

👥 Reddit / Real Community

• Users with the HX 470 + eGPU report exceptional gaming performance and effective execution of local LLM models

• Some owners report  occasional stability issues (black screens, BIOS errors) after weeks of use on specific units.

• Criticism of  MinisForum's customer support, described as "inconsistent" in several threads

• Two-month review on Substack confirms reliable daily use with Linux

  ⚠️ Important note: MinisForum has a history of inconsistent support. For greater security, purchase from Amazon (with a money-back guarantee) or from the official store with coverage in your region.

11. Technical Tests 🔬

CPU (Cinebench R23 / Geekbench / PCMark)

The Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 and HX 470 (Zen 5, 12C/24T) outperform the AMD Ryzen 9 7945HX and the Intel Core i9-14900K in multi-core benchmarks—both high-end processors from the previous generation. In single-core performance, the 5.1 GHz boost clock ensures excellent responsiveness in everyday applications.

The Ryzen 7 H 255 (Zen 5, 8C/16T) offers solid performance for its price segment, easily outperforming any mid-range Intel processor in equivalent mini PCs.

Integrated GPU (3DMark / real games)

The Radeon 890M (HX 370 / HX 470) scores around 31,000 in 3DMark Time Spy, a result significantly higher than previous iGPUs. In Resident Evil 4 Remake at 1080p with low settings, the improvement over the Radeon 780M generation is substantial.

The Radeon 860M (H 255) offers fewer CUs (8 vs 16) and lower graphics performance, suitable for eSports but not for modern AAA games without very low settings.

OCuLink + eGPU

• With RTX 4070: only a 9% difference vs. native PCIe in 4K gaming

• With RTX 4090: Enthusiast workstation gaming performance confirmed by Notebookcheck

• With RTX 5090: YouTube reviewer confirms excellent results in 4K ultra gaming

NPU and local AI (HX 370 / HX 470)

With a total of 80 TOPS of platform, it exceeds the 40 TOPS threshold required by Microsoft for Copilot+. Users confirm successful local execution of LLM models (LLaMA 3, Mistral).

Storage

NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSDs achieve read speeds of up to 7,000 MB/s, guaranteeing ultra-fast loading times and instant response.

🎮 Gaming and Emulation

Without eGPU (integrated iGPU)

Con eGPU via OCuLink (RTX 4070 o superior) — Solo HX 370 / HX 470

• 🔥 AAA Gaming 1080p/1440p: Very high FPS, equivalent to desktop PC gaming

• 🏆 Smooth 4K gaming with RTX 4090/5090: Enthusiast-level experience confirmed

• 🕹️ Full emulation without limitations with the added power of the eGPU

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What's the difference between the HX 370 and the HX 470?
The HX 470 is the upgraded version with slightly higher boost clock speeds and improved power efficiency. Both have 12 Zen 5 cores and the same NPU. For most users, the HX 370 is sufficient; the HX 470 offers more if you plan to use a powerful eGPU or intensive local AI.

Is the NO RAM / NO SSD option worth it?
Yes, if you already have DDR5 5600 modules and an NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSD at home. You can save $100–$200 and customize the capacity to exactly meet your needs.

Does the Ryzen 7 H 255 have OCuLink?
Yes, all versions of the AI ​​X1 Pro include the OCuLink port, regardless of the processor chosen.

What is the maximum RAM capacity?
Up to 128 GB DDR5 5600 MT/s in dual channel (2× 64 GB SO-DIMM) in all versions.

Does it work with Linux?
Yes. Users confirm daily use with Linux for two months without any major issues. AMD drivers have excellent support on modern distributions.

Is it safe to buy on AliExpress?
Yes, from the official MinisForum store. For added peace of mind and an extended warranty, Amazon offers better return policies in many countries.

Final Conclusion 🎯

The MinisForum AI X1 Pro is the ultimate choice for anyone who wants a mini PC that won't become obsolete. Thanks to its three processor options and four RAM/SSD configurations, there's a version for every budget and usage profile:

• 💰 H 255 + 16 GB: Affordable entry with Zen 5 for office and general use

• ✅ HX 370 + 32 GB: the most balanced and recommended option for most users

• 🚀 HX 470 + 64 GB: Maximum power for professionals, creators, and local AI

The presence of OCuLink makes it especially interesting in the long term: if you need more graphics power in the future, you simply connect an eGPU without changing your computer.

Is it worth it compared to competitors? If you need OCuLink + Zen 5 + integrated power supply + 3x M.2, there's no direct alternative at this price. If you don't need those extras, the Geekom A9 Max offers the same HX 370 for less.

🛒 Where to buy the MinisForum AI X1 Pro?

• 🛒 AliExpress (MinisForum Official Store) — Best price, all configurations available, coupons:
  👉 MinisForum AI X1 Pro

• 🛒 Amazon — Solid warranty, easy returns, Prime shipping:
  👉 🛒 MinisForum AI X1 Pro