$799 Meteor Lake mini PC review

The world of mini PCs has long been a battle between performance and price. For years, the strategy of squeezing last-generation laptop parts into these compact boxes meant exceptional value. But as the technology landscape shifts—especially with the recent RAMpocalypse—defining what constitutes a smart buy has become infinitely more complex.

Enter Geekom, pushing this philosophy further with their IT13 Max 2026. They are arguing that value doesn’t have to compromise quality, positioning their latest model as a serious contender for mid-2026, especially when packed with cutting-edge components.

At the heart of this machine is the Intel Core Ultra 9 185H processor, boasting 16 cores and 22 threads. This powerful silicon is paired with integrated Intel Arc graphics featuring eight Xe cores, providing a potent blend of compute power and visual capability in a remarkably compact package.

The final configuration, priced at $799, delivers impressive memory capacity: 24GB of LPDDR5 RAM is soldered directly onto the board. This focus on integrated memory means the system integrates its graphics and memory pools seamlessly, offering substantial bandwidth for demanding multitasking.

Aesthetically, the IT13 Max adheres to a traditional NUC design. It’s understated and business-like, utilizing a matte plastic shell contrasted by metal perforated venting and a sturdy internal chassis. Despite its minimalist exterior, it packs a generous array of ports, including multiple USB 4, USB 2.0, Ethernet, and HDMI connections, making it surprisingly well-connected.

While the system is built for efficiency, Geekom has kept upgradeability streamlined. RAM is fixed in place, but users do have access to expand the storage via M.2 slots. This flexibility allows users to fine-tune their configuration based on their specific needs without compromising the core structure.

When it comes to performance, the IT13 Max proves itself to be a competent performer. In heavy rendering tasks like Cinebench 2026, it manages to compete closely with rivals, demonstrating strong multicore capability despite using silicon from a previous generation. While pushing the absolute limits of multi-core benchmarks, it remains a solid option for professional and daily productivity.

For gamers, the machine is certainly capable, though its graphical performance sits in the middle ground. It handles older titles smoothly, offering playable frame rates in games like Borderlands GOTY Enhanced. However, tackling modern AAA titles like Cyberpunk 2077 at high settings requires some compromise, falling slightly behind more specialized rivals when pushing demanding visual presets.

Under practical stress testing, the mini PC manages its heat admirably. It operates quietly during light use, idling around 29.8 decibels. Even under sustained load, temperatures remain stable around 70 degrees Celsius, demonstrating good thermal management. While fans do spin up under intense CPU or GPU tasks, they stay remarkably controlled, keeping the noise level manageable.

Ultimately, the Geekom IT13 Max 2026 offers