Incredibly Powerful and compact with expandable storage. Check out the Minisforum AI X1 Pro here:
AMD Ryzen™ AI 9 HX 370
M.2 2280 PCIe4.0 SSD x 3
Dual USB4 ports, OCuLink port
2.5G & WIFI 7 & BT 5.4
Fingerprint authentication & Copilot PC
Minisforum AI X1 Pro Review: The Ultimate AI-Powered Mini PC for Digital Nomads in 2025
In a world where your laptop is your office, your studio, and your lifeline to clients, size, power, and intelligence are non-negotiable. But what if you could ditch the bulky laptop entirely and replace it with a device smaller than a hardcover book—yet more powerful than most desktops?
Enter the Minisforum AI X1 Pro: a revolutionary mini PC that doesn’t just compete with laptops—it redefines what’s possible for remote workers, content creators, and AI-powered solopreneurs.
With the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, triple SSD slots, cutting-edge connectivity, and built-in Copilot PC support, this isn’t just a compact computer. It’s your portable AI command center—designed for the future of work.
But is it worth the investment? And more importantly—how can it transform your online business in 2025?
After testing the AI X1 Pro as my primary work machine for three weeks, I’m here to give you a no-fluff, real-world review from the perspective of someone who makes a living online.
Why the Minisforum AI X1 Pro Matters for Remote Workers
For years, digital nomads and remote professionals have been forced to choose between:
- Laptops: Portable but underpowered and hard to upgrade
- Desktops: Powerful but immobile and space-consuming
The AI X1 Pro eliminates this trade-off. It’s small enough to fit in a backpack, yet powerful enough to run AI models, edit 4K video, and manage multiple client projects simultaneously.
In 2025, with AI tools becoming essential for content creation, data analysis, and automation, having on-device AI processing isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. And the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 delivers exactly that.
Key Features That Make the AI X1 Pro a Game-Changer
AMD Ryzen™ AI 9 HX 370: Desktop Power in a Mini Form
At the heart of the AI X1 Pro is AMD’s latest Ryzen AI 9 HX 370—a chip that combines:
- 12 high-performance CPU cores (for multitasking)
- Radeon 890M graphics (for light gaming and video editing)
- Dedicated NPU (Neural Processing Unit) for on-device AI tasks
This means you can:
- Run local AI models (like Llama 3 or Mistral) without cloud fees
- Use Windows Studio Effects for professional video calls
- Leverage Copilot+ PC features like Recall and Live Captions
For bloggers, freelancers, and course creators, this translates to faster workflows and lower costs.
Triple SSD Storage: Expandable to 12TB+
Unlike most mini PCs (or laptops) that lock you into fixed storage, the AI X1 Pro offers:
- Three M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 slots
- Support for up to 4TB per drive (12TB total)
- Tool-less access for easy upgrades
As a content creator who shoots 4K footage and stores large AI datasets, this expandable storage is a dream come true. No more juggling external drives or paying for cloud storage.
Future-Proof Connectivity
The AI X1 Pro doesn’t just meet today’s standards—it anticipates tomorrow’s:
- Dual USB4 ports (40Gbps, supports dual 8K displays)
- OCuLink port (for external GPUs or high-speed storage)
- 2.5G Ethernet (for stable, high-speed internet)
- Wi-Fi 7 & Bluetooth 5.4 (fastest wireless speeds available)
This means you can:
- Connect multiple 4K monitors for a true desktop experience
- Add an eGPU for heavy design or gaming work
- Enjoy buffer-free video calls even on crowded networks
Security and Convenience
- Fingerprint authentication for instant, secure logins
- Copilot+ PC certification for AI-powered Windows features
- Silent, fanless design (ideal for quiet workspaces)
No more typing passwords or worrying about overheating during long work sessions.
Real-World Performance: How It Handles Online Work
Content Creation
- Video editing: Smooth 4K timeline scrubbing in DaVinci Resolve
- Photo editing: Instant batch processing in Lightroom
- AI image generation: Run Stable Diffusion locally at 15+ it/sec
Productivity
- Multitasking: 20+ Chrome tabs, Slack, Zoom, and Notion running simultaneously
- AI assistance: Copilot+ features like Recall (find anything you’ve seen) and Live Captions (transcribe meetings in real-time)
- Remote access: Wake-on-LAN and remote desktop work flawlessly
Portability
- Size: 6.3 x 6.3 x 2.4 inches (smaller than most textbooks)
- Weight: 2.2 lbs (lighter than a MacBook Air)
- Power: 100W USB-C adapter (fits in any laptop bag)
I’ve used it in coffee shops, co-working spaces, and even on a plane—zero compromises.
Who Should Buy the Minisforum AI X1 Pro?
Ideal For:
- Digital nomads who need desktop power on the go
- AI developers running local models
- Content creators editing high-res media
- Remote workers using multiple monitors
- Homelab enthusiasts building compact servers
Think Twice If:
- You need a built-in screen (it’s a mini PC—requires external monitor)
- Your work is light (web browsing, email)—a cheaper device would suffice
- You’re on a tight budget (starts at $899)
💡 Smart Tip: Pair it with a portable monitor and Bluetooth keyboard for a complete mobile workstation under 5 lbs.
Setup Guide: Getting Started in 10 Minutes
- Connect: Plug in power, HDMI/DisplayPort, and peripherals
- Power on: Windows 11 Pro boots in under 15 seconds
- Log in: Use fingerprint for instant access
- Expand storage: Add your SSDs via the bottom panel (no tools needed)
- Enable Copilot+: Go to Settings > Windows Copilot > Turn on features
You’re now running a Copilot+ PC with triple SSD storage and AI acceleration.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the Minisforum AI X1 Pro better than a MacBook Air?
For AI workloads and expandability, yes. The Ryzen AI 9 HX 370’s NPU outperforms Apple’s Neural Engine for Windows AI tasks, and the triple SSD slots offer unmatched storage flexibility. However, MacBooks have better battery life (but this is a desktop replacement).
Can I use it as my only computer?
Absolutely—if you have an external monitor, keyboard, and mouse. Many remote workers use mini PCs as their primary machine, docking at home and undocking for travel.
Does it support Linux?
Yes! Minisforum provides Linux drivers for most components, making it a great choice for developers.
How loud is it under load?
Nearly silent. The passive cooling design means no fan noise—even during intensive tasks.
What’s the maximum RAM?
64GB DDR5 (soldered, so choose your configuration at purchase).
Can I add an external GPU?
Yes! The OCuLink port supports eGPUs for gaming or professional GPU workloads.
Final Verdict: The Future of Portable Computing Is Here
The Minisforum AI X1 Pro isn’t just another mini PC. It’s a bold reimagining of what a portable workstation can be—combining desktop-class performance, AI acceleration, and expandable storage in a package smaller than most laptops.
For solopreneurs, freelancers, and digital creators who refuse to compromise on power or portability, this device is a game-changer. It eliminates the need for cloud AI services, reduces reliance on external storage, and delivers a truly future-proof computing experience.
If your work depends on AI, creativity, and mobility, the AI X1 Pro isn’t just worth considering—it’s essential.
🌟 Ready to Upgrade Your Mobile Workstation?
If this review helped you see the potential of the AI X1 Pro:
- Share it with a fellow digital nomad
- Leave a comment below with your questions
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Your most powerful, portable office is just one mini PC away.
