Core i9-13900H in a 4×4 Bundle

The efficiency of ultra-compact form-factor (UCFF) desktops has improved considerably for the reason that introduction of the Intel NUC within the early 2010s. Along with developments in semiconductor fabrication and processor structure, thermal options appropriate for these 4in. x 4in. machines have additionally been evolving concurrently. Because of this, distributors have been in a position to configure larger sustained energy limits for the processors in these methods. From the 17W TDP processor used within the first-generation 4×4 NUC, the form-factor moved on to 28W within the late 2010s. The processors within the newest flagship 4×4 NUCs are configured with a 40W sustained energy restrict.

Intel and AMD have been formally permitting configurable TDPs for his or her pocket book phase choices for just a few years now. This has prompted some distributors to introduce UCFF methods with common 45W TDP processors (albeit, in cTDP-down mode). GEEKOM turned one of many first distributors to launch a Core i9-based UCFF machines with the launch of the Mini IT13. Primarily based on paper specs, this high-end Raptor Lake-H (RPL-H) UCFF desktop is supposed to offer the mainstream RPL-P NUCs stiff competitors in each efficiency and value.

GEEKOM despatched over the flagship configuration – a Mini IT13 outfitted with a Core i9-13900H, a 2TB SSD and 32GB of DRAM – to place by way of our analysis routine for small form-factor computing methods. This evaluation explores the efficiency profile and worth proposition of the system, together with evaluation of the tradeoffs concerned in cramming a 45W TDP processor right into a 4×4 machine.

Introduction and Product Impressions

The times of cumbersome desktops are getting numbered for a lot of use-cases, with small form-factor (SFF) methods changing them. The fast development on this phase has led to the rise of many Asian distributors specializing in these methods. GEEKOM is a non-public label model of Shenzhen Jiteng Community Expertise Co., Ltd. – an OEM / ODM for small form-factor computing methods. The corporate manufactures each Intel and AMD-based methods. The personal label began off with just a few entry-level methods (such because the MiniAir 11) , however has since branched out to introduce machines with modern processors. The corporate had introduced the Raptor Lake-H-based Mini IT13 inside just a few days of the launch of the SimplyNUC Onyx. Whereas the Onyx continues to be within the pre-order stage, GEEKOM has been promoting the Mini IT13 for just a few weeks now.

GEEKOM despatched over the flagship Mini IT13 configuration for evaluation. The Intel Core i8-13900H processor within the Mini IT13 evaluation system has a six efficiency cores and eight effectivity cores for a complete of 20 threads. In comparison with the RPL-P processors used within the flagship mainstream 4×4 NUCs, this RPL-H processor has two additional efficiency cores and the next most turbo frequency (as much as 5.4 GHz, in opposition to RPL-P’s most 5.0 GHz). The processor is fabricated within the Intel 7 course of.

GEEKOM’s package deal for the Mini IT13 is spartan – the principle unit is accompanied by a welcome card, VESA mount with related screws, an set up information, HDMI cable, and a 120W (19V @ 6.32A) AC adapter with a geo-specific energy twine.

The principle unit clocks in at 117mm x 112mm x 49.2mm, with a weight of 652g. The system is sized to just accept a 2.5″ drive, and that makes it corresponding to the full-height mainstream NUCs such because the NUC13ANHi7 Enviornment Canyon SKU measuring 117mm x 112mm x 54mm. The bigger dimensions enable for a greater variety of ports within the methods in comparison with common NUCs.

GEEKOM doesn’t promote barebones variations of the Mini IT13. A SSD, DRAM, and a pre-installed copy of Home windows 11 Professional are additionally supplied. In line with the premium nature of the Core i8-13900H, the configuration with that CPU features a 2TB SSD and 32GB of RAM.

Not like the GEEKOM AS6, the board and chassis design are pretty easy and much like the NUCs.

The DDR4 SODIMM slots and the Gen4 x4 M.2 SSD slots on the motherboard are pre-populated within the GEEKOM configurations. The WLAN / BT module interfaces with the CPU over CNVi and is underneath the NVMe SSD slot (much like the mainstream NUCs). There’s a steel body that’s constructed across the 2.5″ drive slot, and a thermal pad is affixed to it to supply warmth switch help from the M.2 2280 NVMe SSD. Our evaluation configuration was outfitted with 2x Lexar LD4AS016G-3200ST DDR4-3200 SODIMMs and a Lexar SSD NM7A1 Gen4 x4 M.2 2280 NVMe SSD. Home windows 11 Skilled got here pre-installed.

The total specs of the evaluation pattern (as examined) are summarized within the desk under. The Core i9-13900H has a TDP of 45W, and a minimal energy (cTDP-down) of 35W. As we will see in our BIOS choices evaluation and detailed investigation into the thermal traits in a later part, the form-factor of the system and the notebook-style thermal answer restricts the operation of the processor in a 35W cTDP mode.

The subsequent part particulars the the varied BIOS choices and follows it up with an in depth platform evaluation.