TechRadar Verdict
Geekom is well known for the company's range of mini PCs, and the XT12 is a perfect example of what a mini PC should be. Featuring a sleek metal casing with contrasting matte white top, the XT12 is powered by an Intel Core i9-12900H, 32GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD, making it a perfect option for office, multimedia, and creative tasks. Its distinctive feature is that unlike other office focused machines, it features USB 4 ports. Not only does this give you the option to connect ultrafast external SSDs, but it also supports eGPU connections.
Pros
- +
Powerful Intel CPU
- +
Efficient cooling system
- +
Expandable storage options
Cons
- -
Not DDR5 RAM
- -
Lacks USB 4.0
- -
Limited gaming performance
Why you can trust TechRadar
Geekom XT Series XT12 Pro: 30-second review
CPU: Intel Core i9-12900H
Graphics: Intel Iris Xe Graphics
RAM: Up to 64GB Dual-channel DDR4-3200MHz
Storage: Up to 2TB M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 SSD and up to 1TB M.2 2242 SSD SATA
Rear Ports: 2x HDMI 2.0, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, 1x USB 2.0 Type-A, 2x USB 4 Gen 3 Type-C (supports Power Delivery), 1x RJ45, 1x DC in
Front Ports: 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, 1x 3.5mm front stereo headset jack
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2
Audio: 3.5mm front stereo headset jack
Camera: N/A
Size: 117 x 111 x 38.5 mm
OS Installed: Windows 11 Pro
Accessories: VESA mount included
Geekom is one of the big players in the mini PC field, and the XT12 highlights exactly why. Firstly, the small machine features an understated design with a high-quality metal surround topped with a matte white plate. It's all incredibly small and neat and will suit any stylish office or home.
However, the internals are less discreet. They boast a powerful Intel Core 12th Gen Alder Lake i9-12900H CPU. Our review sample packs in 32GB of RAM and a 1TB ultra-fast SSD, with the option to boost this to a maximum of 64GB of RAM and 2TB of ultra-fast M.2 SSD storage. That's not all; there's also the option to install an additional M.2 2242 SSD SATA up to 1TB, which can be further complemented by external network or USB 4 storage options.
Out of the box, this compact machine can handle office software, multimedia, and creative apps without breaking a sweat, but where this small machine differs from some of the best mini PCs we've tested is the inclusion of USB 4 ports. This lets you expand on storage capacity as well as giving you the ability to link into a powerful eGPU. This means that if you are fully accessorized, you'll essentially have a very compact and powerful machine that is a fraction of the size of most desktop machines. However, that optional eGPU will challenge desktop space.
eGPU and expansion options aside, the base unit's overall performance is superb, even over extended periods of use when editing standard 4K video from the Sony A7 IV. The cooling system kicks in to keep things ticking over and running smoothly.
While as a standard mini PC, this machine is impressive, enabling Office, creative use, and moderate gaming, it's when it's plugged into an eGPU that you can really unlock its potential and extend its use.
As it stands, the XT12 Pro is without accessories and packs a great deal of power for its size and will suffice for all office applications, photo editing, and even running some of the best video editing software. If video editing gets more advanced, then the addition of an eGPU along with the ability to upgrade the RAM, main SSD, and a small additional 1TB M.2 2242 SSD SATA slot along with USB 4 expanded storage means that this Mini PC has serious potential and options for expansion.
TechRadar exclusive: Get 5% off the Geekom XT12 Pro mini PC
Save an extra 5% on the Geekom XT12 Pro mini PC. Head to the official Geekom US site or Amazon and use the code TechrXT12Pro
In the UK? Use the code on the official Geekom UK site.
Code expires on May 30.
Geekom XT Series XT12 Pro: Price & availability
The Geekom ST Series XT12 Pro is widely available in the standard configuration, which consists of a Mini PC with 32GB of RAM and a 1TB HD. The machine is available for $699 directly from the Geekom website, most electronics stores, and Amazon.com.
- Score: 4/5
Geekom XT Series XT12 Pro: Design & build
Despite the small size, you can instantly tell that the Geekom XT Series XT12 Pro sits in the mid to premium range of Mini PCs. Firstly, the look of the machine is understated, with a metal surround featuring honeycomb cut-outs to enable plenty of air to flow through the system. Then, the plastic top is finished in a high-quality matte white but moulded into the ergonomic design of the casing.
That casing, with the venting and high-quality detail, all helps to ensure that the inner workings remain as cool as possible during operation and keep on top of the power of the Intel Core i9-12900H. Thankfully, unlike some other high-powered Mini PCs, Geekom has opted to go for the Intel CPU coupled with the Intel Iris Xe Graphics, which offers decent but not outstanding performance, enough for moderate gaming but definitely not to be pushed.
On the front are two Type-A USB ports, a 3.5mm headphone socket, and a power button. Around the back are the main HDMI, USB 4, USB Type-A, and DC power socket. While the layout is neat, it is quite cramped due to this Mini PC's compact nature.
One of the big features of this small PC is the upgradability, and access to the inside is made by removing the four screws on the base of the machine. Once loosened, the bottom of the machine can be removed, and the top flipped over to reveal the RAM and SSD slots, adding a small M.2 2242 SSD up to 1TB in capacity.
The design of the XT12 Pro makes it a very powerful PC in its own right. Still, with the addition of the USB 4 ports, this also gives you the ability to make a lot more of this machine than many other Mini PCs as it firstly enables you to plug in high-speed and high-capacity external storage such as the OWC Thunderblade X8 or attach an eGPU to boost the graphics processing performance.
As a Mini PC, this is one of the smallest, but the build quality and weight highlight that this is something a little more than the usual compact computing solution.
- Design: 4.5/5
Geekom XT Series XT12 Pro: Features
The Geekom XT12 Pro is at the premium end of the Mini PC market and as such features a high performance 12th Gen Intel Core i9-12900H processor, with 14 cores and 20 threads, making it a great choice 4K video editing as well as 3D modeling software. The XT12 Pro comes with 32GB of RAM as standard and supports up to 64GB of dual-channel DDR4-3200MHz RAM. Although this is the older DDR4 rather than DDR5, it should still ensure a decent enough performance for multitasking and handling large files and applications. The XT12 Pro offers several storage expansion options beyond the 1TB M.2 PCIe 4.0 SSD that comes pre-installed. This slot can be upgraded to a 2TB M.2 PCIe 4.0 SSD and there's an additional M.2 SATA SSD slot so you can add an additional drive.
A feature that will appeal to many in the creative as well as an office enviroment is the ability to attach up to four 4K displays at once or a single 8K display. Connectivity options include USB 4 Gen3 ports that support power delivery and external GPU connections, enhancing its use in gaming and professional video and modelling applications. The XT12 Pro also includes dual HDMI 2.0 ports and 2.5G Ethernet for high-speed networking.
The compact unibody aluminium chassis helps ensure that the XT12 Pro is not only aesthetic but also durable and resistant to scratches and fingerprints. Although it is heavier than many mini PCs at 546 g, it's still a viable compact alternative to the best business computers (or even the best business laptops). To ensure that everything stays cool, the XT12 Pro features the innovative IceBlast 1.0 cooling system, which employs copper pipes and a large silent fan to ensure the unit operates coolly and quietly under load.
- Features: 4.5/5
Geekom XT Series XT12 Pro: Performance
Crystal Disk Read: 5095.80MB/s
Crystal Disk Write: 4406.81MB/s
GeekBench CPU Single: 9925
GeekBench CPU Multi: 2300
GeekBench Compute: 14235
PC Mark: 5692
CineBench CPU Multi: 10132
CineBench CPU Single: 1714
Fire Strike Overall: 5031
Fire Strike Graphics: 5513
Fire Strike Physics: 21822
Fire Strike Combined: 1791
Time Spy Overall: 1793
Time Spy Graphics: 1573
Time Spy CPU: 8732
Wild Life: N/A
Windows Experience: 8.3
Starting the performance tests of the Geekom XT12 Pro with running a few standard applications and tasks. Instantly, the small machine impressed with its initial performance, enabling Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite, multimedia, and some moderate gaming to run smoothly for the most part. Moving on to the benchmark tests and these reflected the experience of the real world tests and showed generally excellent results, with a PC Mark score of 5692.
Checking a few easy tasks to start, streaming 4K content through Netflix, Apple, and Amazon Prime is seamless and showcases the strength of its Wi-Fi connection. Checking the disk speed, the Crystal Disk Read and Write scores are 5095.80MB/s and 4406.81MB/s, respectively, more than enough for simple multimedia playback tasks. What this transfer rate highlights is the machine's ability to handle large files for creative applications. However, while the XT12 Pro handles Photoshop and Lightroom Classic with ease, Adobe Bridge did strain under the load with high-resolution image scrolling, showing some of the limitations of the integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics, this issue was reflected by the GeekBench Compute score of 14235.
Video editing in DaVinci Resolve is well handled for 1080p and basic 4K projects although anything more is pushing this machine's abilities. For more complex projects involving RAW video, the system reaches its limits, again checking the benchmark results and the Fire Strike Graphics score of 5513 and a Time Spy Overall score of 1793, show moderate graphical processing power - which was highlighted with the real world slowdown experience. Some moderate gaming is possible, although for the graphic intensive games such as Red Dead Redemption II and Cyberpunk 2077, you do need to reduce quality settings if you want smooth gameplay. For both video editing and gaming, connecting an eGPU can significantly boost the machines performance.
Overall, the XT12 Pro is versatile, handling a range of tasks from office work to creative projects and light to moderate gaming at lower resolutions. The benchmark scores from GeekBench, CineBench, and 3D Mark highlight its capacity to balance performance across various uses, making it a good choice for professionals and creatives who require a compact computing solution.
- Performance: 4/5
Should you buy the Geekom XT Series XT12 Pro?
The Geekom XT12 Pro Mini PC offers decent performance, plenty of connectivity options, and strong upgrade potential, making it a great choice for professionals and creatives. Its Intel Core i9-12900H processor and dual storage options cater to demanding tasks, while its compact design doesn't compromise on power. With USB 4 ports for expansion and eGPU compatibility, it delivers excellent value for its price and is a scalable solution.
Row 0 - Cell 0 | Row 0 - Cell 1 | Row 0 - Cell 2 |
Value | High performance and upgradability | 4 |
Design | Compact, stylish, and built to last | 4.5 |
Features | Rich in features with great expansion potential. | 4.5 |
Performance | Strong across various applications. | 4 |
Total | A well-rounded mini PC for multiple uses. | 4.5 |
Buy it if...
You need versatility
Ideal for users who need a mini PC that excels in both professional and creative contexts, thanks to its powerful CPU and RAM.
You want a space-saving PC
Perfect for setups with limited space but requiring powerful performance, including home offices or small workstations.
Don't buy it if...
You need a gaming PC
This machine won't be suitable if you're looking for a mini PC primarily for high-end gaming with additional investments like an eGPU.
You need the latest specs
It may not be the best fit if you require the latest technology, such as DDR5 RAM or more powerful built-in graphics.
We've tested the best laptops for photo editing - and these are our top picks
You can pick up the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 for as little at $89.99 this Black Friday
The ultimate steampunk machine? Toshiba glued an old-school dot matrix printer with a DVD drive, a touchscreen display and a PC with two SSDs — and it even runs Windows 10
This year's early Black Friday deals are better than ever – here's what I'm buying as a shopping expert