In this GEEKOM IT15 review, we’ll explore whether this compact powerhouse truly lives up to its billing as the “Mac Mini Killer” in 2025. As an SEO content writer with over a decade of experience testing and reviewing mini PCs, I’ve put the IT15 through rigorous benchmarks, real-world tasks, and side-by-side comparisons. Powered by Intel’s latest Arrow Lake processors, this mini PC promises desktop-level performance in a tiny form factor, making it ideal for creators, remote workers, and even light gamers. Let’s break down its specs, performance, and value to see if it delivers.
Design and Build Quality
The GEEKOM IT15 boasts a remarkably compact design, measuring just 117 x 112 x 45.5 mm and weighing under 1 kg, making it smaller than Apple’s Mac Mini while offering similar portability. Its aerospace-grade PC+ABS top cover, combined with a metal frame, provides durability, capable of withstanding up to 200 kg of pressure and passing over 339 quality tests, including extreme temperature cycles from -20°C to 55°C. This build quality ensures it’s crushproof and reliable for at least 5 years of stable use, as certified by GEEKOM’s CE, FCC, and RoHS certifications.
Port selection is a standout feature for a mini PC of this size. On the front, you’ll find a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A port and a 3.5mm headphone jack for quick access. The rear houses two HDMI 2.0 ports, two USB4 ports (one with Power Delivery), a 2.5G RJ45 LAN, and additional USB ports, including USB 3.2 Gen 2 and USB 2.0. This setup supports up to four 4K displays, eGPU connectivity via USB4, and ultra-fast data transfers at 40 Gbps. Compared to the Mac Mini’s more limited ports, the IT15 offers greater flexibility for multi-monitor setups or peripherals.
Inside, upgradability shines through with dual-channel DDR5 SODIMM slots (up to 64GB) and two M.2 SSD slots—one PCIe Gen4 x4 slot (up to 2TB) and another SATA III slot (up to 2 TB). Tool-free access makes upgrades straightforward, a key advantage over the soldered components in Apple’s ecosystem. The anti-skid rubber pads and included VESA mount add practicality for desk or behind-monitor mounting.
Performance and Benchmarks
At the heart of the GEEKOM IT15 is the Intel Core Ultra 9 285H processor, a 16-core (6P + 8E + 2LP) chip with up to 5.4GHz turbo speeds and a 45W TDP. Paired with Intel Arc 140T graphics (Xe-LPG+ architecture with Ray Tracing and XeSS support), 32GB DDR5-5600 RAM, and a 2TB NVMe SSD, it delivers impressive multi-threaded performance. In PCMark 10, it scored around 8,341 points, placing it in the top tier for productivity tasks like office work, web browsing, and content creation.
For creative workflows, the integrated NPU (up to 13 TOPS) accelerates AI tasks, such as text-to-image generation (71% faster) and 4K real-time rendering. In Cinebench R23 multi-core, it hits 15,524 points, outperforming older Intel generations like the Core Ultra 7 155H. Graphics benchmarks show solid results too: 3DMark Time Spy at 4,244 points and Steel Nomad Light at 3,393, making it suitable for 1080p gaming with XeSS enabled for up to 22% FPS boosts in titles like F1 24.
Real-world testing confirms its prowess. Editing 4K videos in Adobe Premiere Pro was smooth, with no throttling thanks to the IceBlast 2.0 cooling system featuring dual copper heat pipes and a large heatsink for 52% better thermal efficiency. However, under sustained loads, fan noise can reach audible levels, though it remains quieter than many laptops. For coding or AI development, users on Reddit report seamless performance with tools like Claude, handling multiple VMs without issues.
Storage speeds are blazing, with sequential reads/writes at 5,211MB/s and 4,409MB/s on the Crucial SSD. Networking is future-proof with Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, and 2.5Gbps Ethernet, ensuring low-latency connections for streaming or file transfers. Overall, the GEEKOM IT15 excels in demanding tasks, rivalling full desktops in a fraction of the space.
Comparison to Mac Mini: Is It Really a Killer?
The title poses a bold question: Is the GEEKOM IT15 the ultimate Mac Mini killer? Based on hands-on experience and benchmarks, it’s a strong contender for Windows users seeking alternatives. The Mac Mini M4 offers superior energy efficiency and seamless integration with Apple’s ecosystem, but the IT15 counters with expandability—up to 64GB RAM and 4TB storage versus the Mac’s soldered limits.
In performance, the IT15’s Core Ultra 9 edges out in multi-core tasks for Windows apps, while the M4 shines in optimized macOS software. Graphics-wise, Intel’s Arc provides better gaming support than Apple’s integrated GPU, though neither is for hardcore gamers. Ports give the IT15 an edge with USB4 and more USB options, plus eGPU compatibility for future upgrades.
Cost is another win: Starting at around $1,099 (with discounts to $999), it’s competitive against the Mac Mini’s $500 base, but offers double the RAM and storage out of the box. For cross-platform users, the IT15 runs Windows 11 Pro pre-installed, with Linux compatibility like Ubuntu or Manjaro. If you’re locked into macOS, stick with Apple; otherwise, this mini PC offers more bang for your buck in versatility and upgradability.
Pros and Cons
To help you decide, here’s a balanced look at the GEEKOM IT15:
Pros
- Exceptional performance for its size, handling AI, editing, and light gaming.
- Highly upgradable with dual RAM and SSD slots.
- Robust connectivity, including Wi-Fi 7 and USB4.
- Durable build with a 3-year warranty.
- Competitive pricing with frequent discounts.
Cons
- Fan noise under heavy loads.
- No discrete GPU for intensive gaming.
- A power adapter may require geo-specific cords.
- Slightly higher power draw than ultra-efficient rivals like the Mac Mini.
Pricing and Availability
As of November 2025, the GEEKOM IT15 with Core Ultra 9, 32GB RAM, and 2TB SSD retails for $1,099 on the official site, down from $1,699, with promo codes like BKCME10 offering an extra 10% off. A lower-spec version with Core Ultra 5 starts cheaper. It’s available on GEEKOM’s website, Amazon, and select retailers. For the best deals, check for Prime Day sales or bundle options.
Conclusion
Wrapping up this GEEKOM IT15 review, it’s clear this mini PC is a formidable player in 2025’s compact computing landscape. With its blend of power, portability, and price, it genuinely challenges the Mac Mini for users prioritizing Windows flexibility and upgrades. If you’re in the market for a versatile mini workstation, I recommend giving it a try—it’s transformed my setup for remote editing tasks.
Ready to upgrade? Head to the official GEEKOM site to grab yours today and experience the future of mini PCs. What are your thoughts on the IT15? Share in the comments below!
FAQs
The IT15 offers expandable RAM and storage, more ports, and strong Windows performance, making it ideal for users outside Apple's ecosystem.
Yes, for 1080p titles with XeSS, it performs well in games like F1 24, but it's not suited for AAA gaming at high settings.
The IceBlast 2.0 uses dual heat pipes and efficient airflow to prevent throttling, though fans can get noisy under load.
Absolutely—upgrade RAM to 64GB and add a second SSD easily via accessible slots.
It ships with Windows 11 Pro, but supports Linux distributions for dual-booting.
With its NPU, it accelerates AI workflows like image generation and supports over 3,500 plugins in tools like Adobe Suite. What makes the GEEKOM IT15 a good Mac Mini alternative?
Can the GEEKOM IT15 handle gaming?
How does the cooling system work on the IT15?
Is the GEEKOM IT15 upgradable?
What OS does the IT15 come with?
How does the IT15 perform for AI tasks?
