The Minisforum AI X1 is a compact Windows mini PC that manages to pack serious performance into a body weighing just 0.6 kg. 
Built around AMD’s latest Ryzen AI 9 365 processor with up to 64 GB or even 96 GB of DDR5 RAM, it feels less like a secondary box for light tasks and more like a genuine desktop replacement – priced below $900/€1,000 in most configurations.
Unboxing feels premium yet simple: power supply, HDMI cable, mounting bracket with screws, and an optional OCuLink adapter that opens the door to external GPUs or extra storage
. That flexibility alone sets it apart from many competitors.
Design and Ports
At 12.8 x 12.6 x 5.2 cm, the AI X1 almost mirrors the Mac Mini M4 in dimensions. It’s mostly metal, with good airflow design and a sturdy feel. Up front, you’ll find dual USB-A 3.2 Gen2 ports, a USB4 Type-C, microphones, and a headphone jack. The back adds a 2.5G Ethernet port, DisplayPort 2.0, another USB4, HDMI 2.1, OCuLink, and a basic USB 2.0. With three USB-As total, keyboard-mouse setups are covered, though some users might prefer more.
Performance and Cooling
Inside, the Ryzen AI 9 365 based on Zen 5 architecture brings 10 cores, 20 threads, and boost speeds up to 5GHz, paired with Radeon 880M integrated graphics. Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 support come standard. In stress tests, the CPU held 3.4GHz averages under 53W while staying just above 70°C. The fan is audible but not disruptive, and the exterior gets warm but never uncomfortably hot.
Benchmarks confirm it: slightly weaker single-core numbers than Apple’s M4, but stronger in multi-core and with a faster integrated GPU. 
The Radeon 880M roughly equals an RTX 3050, making casual and mid-range gaming surprisingly smooth. Expect 60fps in most esports titles and older AAA games at 1080p, while Cyberpunk 2077 at high settings hovers in the 45fps range.
Upgradability
Minisforum deserves credit for accessibility. Four screws grant access to RAM and storage slots, with room for upgrades or cleaning. The OCuLink port is a rare but welcome touch, letting you push the machine beyond its integrated limits.
Conclusion
The AI X1 is not a gimmick – it’s a small box that handles real work, everyday gaming, and AI tasks. The pricing hits a sweet spot, especially with discounts, and the configurability (from barebones kits to maxed-out builds) makes it appealing across different needs. It’s not portable in the laptop sense – still needs a monitor and power – but for those who want power in a small footprint, Minisforum has delivered one of the best mini PCs on the market right now.