GEEKOM Mini IT8, review: low power consumption miniPC with Intel Core i5-8259U

GEEKOM Mini IT8 is a new and powerful mini PC of the brand GEEKOM of which today we present its analysis or review. A complete mini PC valid for running demanding applications and some games.

This small computer offers us the powerful Intel Core i5-8259U processor with an Intel Iris Plus 655 GPU. We also have a module of 8/16 GB of RAM DDR4, a 256/512GB M.2 NVMe disk and we can expand with another SATA 2.5″ disk in an internal bay. The operating system installed as standard is Windows 11 Pro and we have a CIR receiver to control it with remote control.

This hardware allows us to use the mini PC for office, multimedia, browsing or using desktop apps without problems. Let’s see how this device behaves in our review.

Product details for GEEKOM Mini IT8

Unboxing

The new GEEKOM Mini IT8 comes in a blue cardboard box with the GEEKOM name. Inside we find the main computer, HDMI cable, 19V 4.74A (90 W) charger, manual, carrying bag and VESA bracket.

Description

This mini PC GEEKOM Mini IT8 has a neat design with the GEEKOM logo in the upper area. On the front we have a status LED on the power button, audio jack, USB 3.1 Type-A port, another USB 3.1 Type-C port and an IR receiver compatible with MCE IR6 controllers. Along with the mini PC we have a standard VESA bracket that fits perfectly with the computer case without the need for screws. On one side there is an SD card reader and on the other side there is a Kensington lock.

• The IR receiver is compatible with IMCE IR6 remote controls, we can buy one on Amazon or Aliexpress.

On the motherboard of this mini PC we find the Wifi 5 + BT 5.1 (Intel AC 9560) adapter with two internal antennas. When we open we observe a plate that supports a 2.5″ SATA disk, if we disassemble it we see that it is used as a heatsink for the M.2 2280 NVMe disk installed in a rather original way.

• Networking: Wifi 5 + BT 5.1 (Intel AC 9560) with two internal antennas / 2x Gigabit Ethernet.
• Expansions: 1x M.2 2280 NVMe or SATA / 1x SATA 2.5″ / 2x SODIMM 32GB Max.
• Extras: VESA support / IR Receiver compatible with MCE IR6 controllers

In the upper lower area we have a blower type fan that pass the heat exchange plate and radiators that serve as cooling system. This is a sufficient system to keep temperatures controlled in all scenarios, the fan has a low noise level on desktop and somewhat higher in games.

System and performance

System and user experience

We start the GEEKOM Mini IT8 by pressing the front power button that lights up blue, as the specifications indicate we have Windows 11 Pro 64bit properly activated and the device list has all its drivers installed correctly. The system moves smoothly thanks to its specifications, we can load a large number of browser tabs without loss of performance. A perfectly valid PC for office, multimedia and editing programs at medium level.

• OS Version installed: Windows 11 Pro 64bit.
• Software pre-installed: None.
• Tutorials mini PC: Control the mini PC with your Smartphone / Install Windows 10 / Migrate Windows to SSD

We start the BIOS that has multiple options, we recommend NOT TO TOUCH if we do not know what we are doing, some function that can hang the system.

Networks, Storage, RAM and Ports

In the network adapters section of the GEEKOM Mini IT8 mini PC we have an integrated Wifi 5 + BT 5.1 (Intel AC 9560) wireless adapter and a Gigabit Ethernet port for wired connections.

• Network performance: Two internal Wifi antennas / Range 39 dBm / Link 5G 650 Mbps / Bluetooth OK.

We tested the storage speed of the installed NVMe disk and observed that it behaves normally. We also tested the 8 GB DDR4 3200 MHz RAM that comes standard in Single Channel configuration, we recommend installing another module to have Dual Channel if we want to play.

• USB ports: 3x USB 3.1 Type-A / 2x USB 3.1 Type-C one with DP output.
• Tutorials mini PC:  Install Windows 10 / Migrate Windows to a SSD / Tutorial SAMBA on Android networks

Processor, performance and thermal

In the GEEKOM Mini IT8 mini PC we have an Intel Core i5-8259U processor manufactured in 14nm with four cores and four threads of execution that moves between 2.3 and 3.8 GHz and an Intel Iris Plus 655 GPU up to 1.05 MHz with 96 EU. This chip has a maximum power consumption of 20/28 W TDP, the results are correct within this generation and as we see is at the level of more modern models with similar consumption. A mini PC is perfectly suitable for browsing, multimedia playback with KODI, office use at user level and even with design applications at a good level.

• If you want to know some models in this comparative you can read their detailed reviews on this link.

Benchmarks on GEEKOM Mini IT8

As the performance tests of the GEEKOM Mini IT8 with the Intel Core i5-8259U processor show, it is quite equal in computing power with the AMD Ryzen 5 3550H found in other mini PCs, where we have less performance is in the integrated graphics. The installed Iris Plus 655 GPU, although it is one of the most powerful Intel integrated GPUs, does not reach the performance of AMD’s Vega.

Thermals and power consumption

In the thermal performance section the system keeps the temperature under control in a normal desktop use and the fan system is not annoying, the 14nm are efficient but are already exceeded. If we start playing demanding titles we do have a temperature increase and the fans are somewhat annoying if we have them close.

• Power consumption: Off 0.9W / Standby 12W / Basic use 35W / Max. 68W.
• Thermal: Idle 47ºC / Basic use 56ºC / Maximum 70ºC / CPU 3.4 GHz max / Performance up to 100%.
• Gaming performance: Fortnite 72ºC / CPU 2.9 GHz on average.
• Noise: 32dBA Min – 51dBA Max / Quiet enough, somewhat annoying in powerful games.
• Fans: NOT adjustable in BIOS.

Games

We ran several tests with the most popular games on this GEEKOM Mini IT8, the results are in line with this type of product and the Intel Iris Plus 655 GPU is perfectly valid for simple games and we can also run some demanding games at low settings. In the emulators section at most we are left with some simple Wii titles.  If we are going to play demanding titles, Dual Channel memory is a MUST.

• Setting: High quality / 1080p resolution / No VSync / Play emulators with RetoArch.
• On models with integrated Intel HD GPU on low and 720p resolution.

It is possible to play titles like LoL or Minecraft with a good frame rate, in more demanding games like Fornite with the graphics settings in performance mode we can play comfortably at about 50/60fps, as for Diablo immortal we have no performance problems. If we are mainly interested in the Gaming section it is better to go for a mini PC with a discrete GPU and we will have a much smoother experience.

Video and audio test

Playback test

In the video playback section the GEEKOM Mini IT8 mini PC has an integrated Intel Iris Plus 655 GPU which has a VPU with hardware support for the HEVC codec and basic VP9 and no support for the modern AV1 video codec. On this processor it has support for 10bit color, but it does not have native HDR support by default and reduces colors to SD level. This mini PC is perfectly valid as a multimedia system to use KODI, IPTV or to use it with PLEX.

• Video outputs: 1x HDMI 2.0  / 1x DP / 1x USB-C / No HDR / Adjust image quality in our TV.
• Audio outputs: HDMI up to 7.1 / Stereo Jack.
• Tutorials: 4K videos with HEVC, VP9 / Install KODI with add-ons / Auto refresh rate / Multichannel audio on Windows

Video test

• * The maximum bit rate depends on the internal storage, usb port, Ethernet  port or the limitations with our SAMBA setup.
• SW = does not have hardware acceleration and may have some frameskip in very heavy files.

• Native – Supports the format directly in our AV receiver or similar / More info.
• Core – Only the 5.1 core of the format is played so we go to the Dolby or DTS base system / More info.
• PCM – Only stereo downmixing from DD or DTS.

Streaming services

We tested the performance of streaming platforms using the GEEKOM Mini IT8, we tested Youtube, Netflix, HBO Max, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV+ with their native apps or using the most compatible browser. You can consult our guides where we explain in detail all the most popular streaming services, how to configure them and what requirements are necessary to watch content in FullHD quality or up to 4K resolutions.

• Performance: Has hardware acceleration for VP9 4K codec on Youtube.
• Tutorial: Install Addons in KODI in a simple way / LibreELEC for PC

Conclusions and buy links

Score

Opinion

After testing the GEEKOM Mini IT8 mini PC, it is possible to say that this is a powerful and quite complete solution. This is a small computer suitable for home use or light gaming thanks to its Intel Iris Plus 655 GPU. We also have several video output options and support for CIR remote control, something unusual. We also have VESA support to hang it behind a screen and make it almost invisible.

The GEEKOM Mini IT8 includes a M.2 2280 NVMe disk, we can increase the internal storage thanks to the internal bay of a SATA 3 2.5″ disk, a slower but economical storage. By default we count as 8 or 16GB of memory in one module, but we have two SODIMM DDR4 slots and it is advisable to install another module for better gaming performance.

As we have seen GEEKOM Mini IT8 can be the right computer for light gaming and apps at a good level. A small low power PC that surprises us with some extra features such as support for IR controllers.

Where to buy

GEEKOM Mini IT8

0.00

7.8

Hardware

8.0/10

Connectivity

7.5/10

Thermals

8.0/10

Design

8.0/10

Price

7.5/10

Pros

• Nice design
• Compact
• Expand options
• Integrated IR
• Multiple monitors

Cons

• 14nm processor