An in-depth comparison of the Minis Forum X1 AI and Apple Mac Mini, examining design, performance, and value for money.
Table of Contents
Introducing the Minis Forum X1 AI
The world of compact computing has a new contender in the form of the Minis Forum X1 AI. This small form factor PC aims to challenge the dominance of Apple’s Mac Mini in the realm of powerful yet space-saving desktop solutions. Let’s dive into an extensive comparison between these two compact powerhouses.
Design and Form Factor
The Minis Forum X1 AI bears a striking resemblance to older Mac Mini models. Its square design with rounded corners evokes a sense of nostalgia for long-time Apple users. However, the X1 AI sets itself apart with a few key design elements:
- A thin plastic base
- Front-facing ports for easy access
- Slightly larger overall dimensions compared to the current Mac Mini
Despite its larger size, the X1 AI impresses by incorporating an internal power supply, eliminating the need for an external power brick. This integration is a significant advantage over many other mini PCs in the market.
Port Selection and Connectivity
The Minis Forum X1 AI offers a generous array of ports, surpassing the Mac Mini in terms of variety and quantity:
Front Ports:
- Multiple USB-A ports
- USB-C port
- Audio jack
- Power button
Side Port:
- Full-size SD card slot
Rear Ports:
- 2 x 2.5 Gb Ethernet ports
- USB 3.2 port
- USB 4 port
- Oculink port (for external GPU connectivity)
- HDMI port
- DisplayPort
The inclusion of an Oculink port is particularly noteworthy, as it allows users to connect an external GPU, significantly boosting graphics performance when needed.
In comparison, the Mac Mini offers a more streamlined but limited selection of ports, focusing on Thunderbolt/USB 4 connectivity.
Internal Specifications
The Minis Forum X1 AI packs impressive hardware into its compact frame:
- AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor
- 12 cores / 24 threads
- Base clock: 2 GHz
- Boost clock: Up to 5.1 GHz
- Radeon 890M integrated GPU
- RDNA 3.5 architecture
- 2,900 MHz clock speed
- Up to 96 GB DDR5 RAM (5,600 MHz)
- Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4
- Storage: 3 x PCIe 4.0 M.2 SSD slots
The ability to upgrade both RAM and storage is a significant advantage over the Mac Mini, which has all components soldered to the motherboard.
Performance Benchmarks
To gauge the real-world performance of both machines, a series of benchmarks were conducted:
Storage Speed Test (Blackmagic Disk Speed Test)
The Minis Forum X1 AI demonstrated significantly faster storage performance:
- X1 AI (1TB): Nearly double the read and write speeds of the Mac Mini
- Mac Mini (256GB): Lower performance, likely due to Apple’s cost-saving measures on lower-capacity drives
CPU Performance
Geekbench 6
- Mac Mini (M4, 10-core):
- Single-core: 3,987
- Multi-core: 14,786
- Minis Forum X1 AI (AMD AI7 370, 12-core):
- Single-core: 2,914
- Multi-core: 15,437
The Mac Mini excels in single-core performance, while the X1 AI takes a slight lead in multi-core tasks.
Cinebench 2024
- Mac Mini:
- Single-core: 178
- Multi-core: 962
- Minis Forum X1 AI:
- Single-core: 119
- Multi-core: 1,238
Again, we see the Mac Mini’s single-core strength, but the X1 AI pulls ahead in multi-core performance.
Graphics Performance
Geekbench 6 OpenCL
- Mac Mini: 37,055
- Minis Forum X1 AI: 52,763
The X1 AI shows a significant advantage in OpenCL compute performance.
3DMark (Time Spy)
- Mac Mini: 29 FPS average
- Minis Forum X1 AI: 42 FPS average
The X1 AI demonstrates superior graphics capabilities in this synthetic benchmark.
Video Editing Performance
Using DaVinci Resolve, a 10-minute 10-bit HEVC video was processed:
Rendering (25% speed)
- Mac Mini: 119 seconds
- Minis Forum X1 AI: 121 seconds
Exporting (100% speed)
- Mac Mini: 132 seconds
- Minis Forum X1 AI: 137 seconds
The results are remarkably close, with the Mac Mini’s dedicated media encoder giving it a slight edge.
Gaming Performance
Cyberpunk 2077 (1080p, Ultra settings, no ray tracing or upscaling)
- Mac Mini: 24 FPS
- Minis Forum X1 AI: 46 FPS
- X1 AI with FSR and frame generation: 97 FPS
The X1 AI shows a clear advantage in gaming performance, especially when utilizing AMD’s upscaling technologies.
Shadow of the Tomb Raider (1080p, High settings)
- Mac Mini: 36 FPS
- Minis Forum X1 AI: 44 FPS
Resident Evil 4 (1080p, no ray tracing or upscaling)
- Mac Mini: 46 FPS
- Minis Forum X1 AI: 58 FPS
Across all gaming tests, the X1 AI consistently outperforms the Mac Mini.
Also Check: Minisforum XA1 Pro: The Ultimate Mini PC Powerhouse
Pricing and Value Proposition
The Minis Forum X1 AI starts at $929 in the US, which may initially seem high compared to the Mac Mini’s $599 starting price. However, it’s important to consider the specifications:
- X1 AI base model: 32GB RAM, 1TB storage
- Mac Mini base model: 16GB RAM, 256GB storage
When configuring a Mac Mini with comparable specs (32GB RAM, 1TB storage), the price difference narrows significantly, often favoring the X1 AI.
Upgradability and Flexibility
One of the X1 AI’s strongest selling points is its upgradability:
- User-replaceable RAM (up to 96GB)
- Three M.2 SSD slots for storage expansion
- Oculink port for external GPU support
These features provide long-term value and flexibility that the Mac Mini simply cannot match.
Connectivity Advantages
The X1 AI boasts some forward-looking connectivity options:
- Wi-Fi 7 support
- Dual 2.5 Gb Ethernet ports
- USB 4 and multiple USB 3.2 ports
These features ensure the X1 AI is well-equipped for future networking and peripheral needs.
Operating System Considerations
While the Mac Mini runs macOS, providing access to the Apple ecosystem and exclusive software, the X1 AI comes with Windows 11. This difference is crucial for users who rely on specific software or prefer a particular operating system environment.
Use Case Scenarios
Content Creation
Both machines perform admirably in video editing tasks. The Mac Mini’s dedicated media encoder gives it a slight edge in some workflows, but the X1 AI’s superior multi-core performance and upgradability make it a strong contender for content creators.
Gaming
The X1 AI clearly outperforms the Mac Mini in gaming scenarios. Its stronger integrated graphics and the option to connect an external GPU make it a much more versatile choice for gamers.
General Productivity
For everyday tasks and productivity applications, both machines offer more than enough power. The choice here may come down to ecosystem preference and specific software requirements.
Specialized Workloads
The X1 AI’s upgradability and external GPU support make it more suitable for specialized tasks that may require additional resources in the future.
Thermal Performance and Power Consumption
While specific data on thermal performance and power consumption wasn’t provided, it’s worth noting that the X1 AI’s larger chassis likely allows for better cooling, potentially enabling sustained performance under heavy loads. However, the Mac Mini’s Apple Silicon chip is known for its energy efficiency, which could result in lower power consumption during everyday tasks.
Long-term Value and Future-proofing
The Minis Forum X1 AI’s upgradability gives it an edge in terms of future-proofing. Users can extend the life of their investment by upgrading RAM, storage, or even adding an external GPU as their needs evolve. The Mac Mini, while powerful, is limited to its original configuration.
Ecosystem Considerations
Choosing between these two machines isn’t just about raw performance. The Mac Mini is deeply integrated into the Apple ecosystem, offering seamless interaction with other Apple devices and exclusive software like Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro. The X1 AI, running Windows, provides access to a broader range of software and hardware compatibility but lacks the tight integration of Apple’s ecosystem.
Conclusion
The Minis Forum X1 AI presents itself as a compelling alternative to the Mac Mini, especially for users who prioritize:
- Upgradability and long-term flexibility
- Superior gaming performance
- Extensive port selection
- Windows operating system
On the other hand, the Mac Mini remains an excellent choice for those who:
- Prefer macOS and the Apple ecosystem
- Prioritize energy efficiency
- Need top-tier single-core performance
- Value a more compact form factor
Ultimately, the choice between these two compact powerhouses will depend on individual needs, workflow requirements, and ecosystem preferences. Both machines offer impressive performance in a small package, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the mini PC form factor.
The Minis Forum X1 AI’s entry into the market is a welcome addition, providing strong competition and giving consumers more options in the compact desktop space. As technology continues to advance, we can expect even more powerful and versatile mini PCs in the future, further blurring the lines between compact form factors and high-performance computing.
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