An ultracompact desktop that works right out of the box
Think of it as a NUC from another name. We regularly see ultra-small desktops or mini PCs from Intel’s Next Unit of Computing (NUC) series. The NUCs are usually sold as bare-bones kits to which you add memory and storage before deploying the tiny system mounted behind an office monitor, in a customer kiosk, or as a media streamer in your home theater. The Geekom IT8 Mini PC (starts at $439.99; $549.99 as configured) is a bit different: it’s a complete system with RAM and an SSD preinstalled for a diminutive desktop that’s a snap to set up and start using. Even with an outdated CPU (one of Intel’s 8th rather than current 12th Generation CPUs), it’s a surprisingly capable sample with a useful array of ports, support for multiple monitors, and even a bit of room inside to expand. Add an affordable price and quiet operation, and the IT8 is a fine alternative to an Intel NUC for light work, display signage, and other mini PC applications. The Design: It’s a NUC-Alike
Geekom offers four configurations of the IT8 Mini PC, all built around an Intel Core i5-8259U mobile processor. This quad-core “Coffee Lake” chip is four years old and runs at 2.3GHz (3.8GHz turbo), with Intel Iris Plus 655 integrated graphics. The four IT8 versions have different combinations of 8GB or 16GB of memory and a 256GB or 512GB SSD; we tested the top model with 16GB of RAM and a 512GB drive, priced at $549.99 with Windows 11 Pro. (You were expecting Windows Vista?)
The Geekom is quite similar in size, shape, and appearance to the Intel NUC 11 Pro Kit we reviewed last year, with the same 4.6-by-4.4-inch footprint but standing slightly taller (1.8 inches versus 1.45 inches). Like the NUC, it includes a VESA mount for attaching the system to a wall, the back of your monitor, or the underside of your desk. The mount increases your placement options, but the IT8 Mini is so small that you should have no trouble finding a spot for it on your desk or home-theater shelf. For its size, the IT8 Mini has a generous allotment of ports on the front, rear, and one side. Up front, you’ll find a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A port, a data-only USB Type-C port, and a headphone jack as well as the power button. A data-and-display USB-C port and two more USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 ports are located on the back panel, along with a Gigabit Ethernet port, the power connector, and both HDMI 2.0 and mini DisplayPort video outputs. Geekom says the IT8 Mini supports up to four displays; I tried a dual-monitor setup without issue. Storage space can be tight with a mini PC, so I was pleased to see a full-size SD card slot on the Geekom’s left side. On the right is a Kensington lock slot to prevent someone from pocketing the pocket-size PC. The side panels are vented to let air pass through the system. The IT8 Mini also supports 802.11ac Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 4.2, which get the job done but are both behind the current standards of Wi-Fi 6 and 6E and Bluetooth 5.2. Room to Grow
Now that we’ve toured the outside of the IT8 Mini, let’s take a peek inside the case. The four rubber feet on the bottom double as screws to keep the panel in place. Loosen them and you gain easy access to memory and storage expansion.
