GEEKOM IT8 Mini-PC Review – A turbulent history and hidden features

1 - Einführung und technische Daten 2 - Optik und Haptik 3 - Innenaufbau 4 - BIOS 5 - Benchmarks: CPU, SSD, Cache 6 - Benchmarks: GPU, Spiele 7 - Stresstests und Lautstärke 8 - Zusammenfassung und Fazit

Optics and haptics

Externally, the GEEKOM IT8 is kept quite simple. A case made of matte plastic is complemented by a lid made of slightly reflective plastic, so far so unspectacular. But not bad either, such a system is often supposed to simply disappear on the desk or not be particularly noticeable on the back of a monitor.

Front

Back

The underside is similarly unadorned, with a sticker from the manufacturer, four holes for the VESA mount and the combination of access screws and stand feet.

On the front, we then have two USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, once as Type-C and once the normal Type-A. They are joined by a headphone/microphone combo port and of course the power button. By the way, there is an integrated microphone behind the four small holes. Somewhat surprising, since this is not mentioned anywhere by the manufacturer. When asked, the following response came: “Due to the functional stability of the product, we decided to remove this feature.” – But still works. 

The back then houses the rest of the I/O. From left to right, we have the port for the power supply, mini display port, Gigabit LAN, two more USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports. An HDMI 2.0 and USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C then round out the whole thing.

Both sides have as their main task to bring as much air as possible into the small system. Of course, such a large surface cannot be left completely without additional functions, so there is an SD card reader on the left and the anchor point for a Kensington lock on the right. Convenient for a computer that almost fits in your pocket.

Left

Right

Even though the case is completely made of plastic apart from the metal grilles, it does not make a bad impression haptically. However, the slightly glossy upper side is of course perfect for quickly visible fingerprints and dust, so the matte material should have been used consistently. Apart from that, there is nothing else to complain about at this point.