Notebook Review

GEEKOM MiniAir 11 review: a mini PC for home with good performance and price

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  • Features of GEEKOM MiniAir 11
  • Features and equipment
  • Design and construction
  • Connectors and ports
  • Connection and upgrade
  • Setup and software
  • Component performance
  • Gaming performance
  • GEEKOM MiniAir 11 noise and heating
  • Total
  • Should I buy
  • Mini PC GEEKOM MiniAir 11 – video
  • GEEKOM MiniAir 11 is an affordable mini PC fromChinese manufacturer with excellent performance. The computer can be easily stowed in a bag to connect to either a monitor for work or play.

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    Products from China have long ceasedassociated with something low quality and cheap. Now high-quality equipment is produced in China. Mini PCs are a relatively new industry, and the main advantage of such devices is their compactness.

    Of course, the components of the MiniAir 11 are weaker than those oflarge desktop computers. But they were not designed to edit 4K video or run modern AAA games. What else is remarkable about the GEEKOM mini-PC, what it is suitable for and what nuances it has - we will tell further.

    See also: Intel NUC 12 Enthusiast review of a powerful book-sized gaming mini-PC

    Features of GEEKOM MiniAir 11

    CPU

    Intel Celeron N5095 Jasper Lake (4 cores up to 2.90 GHz, 4 threads, 4 MB cache)

    Graphics

    Intel UHD Graphics 605

    Inner memory

    256GB M.2 2280 PCIe (up to 1TB m.2 SSD)

    RAM

    8 GB DDR4 (up to 32 GB DDR4 SODIMM

    operating system

    Windows 11 Pro

    Connection and communication

    WiFi 5, Bluetooth 4.2

    Connectors and ports

    2×USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, 1×USB3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, 1×USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, 1×USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, 1×HDMI 1.4, 1×Mini DisplayPort , 1× universal audio jack, 1× SD card reader

    Nutrition

    19V/3.42A

    Dimensions and weight

    117×112×34.2mm, 500g

    Price

    From 10 thousand rubles

    Features and equipment

    The main question related to the purchase of a mini PC - Why do you need it? You can answer already by the size and weight of such systems.

    GEEKOM MiniAir 11 is smaller in sizeInternet router and weighs only half a kilogram. This is a very small device that can be carried even in a jacket pocket. The performance is superior to some older desktop PCs.

    But let's start with the packaging. There are no traditional accessories, such as a mouse and keyboard, included. However, peripherals for large desktop computers are usually purchased separately.

    The set includes many accessories:

    • HDMI cable
    • Power Supply
    • Documentation
    • VESA mount
    • Transport bag

    The last point is worth a closer look.Using the mount, you can fix the MiniAir 11 computer unit on the back of the TV or monitor to which the PC will be connected. So, it will not interfere on the table and take up space.

    It is also worth noting that my test device runs on the Windows 11 Pro operating system in a version without the Russian language.

    But, GEEKOM assured me that all computers purchased on their website, delivered to the Russian Federation or the CIS, ordered with the system, will be in Russian.

    Design and construction

    GEEKOM MiniAir 11 is a thin parallelepiped with a length of just over 10 centimeters. The size of the device resembles a medium-sized box that can fit in a pocket.

    The computer case is made of high quality plastic.quality, black color and has a glossy finish that shines and reflects light. The disadvantage of such a surface is that it is very easily soiled, fingerprints and other debris remain on it. Not the most pleasant feature for a "pocket" device.

    At the bottom of the MiniAir 11 housing arelegs. Thanks to them, the device stands steadily on any flat surface, even taking into account the many wires. This design feature compensates for the small weight of the mini-PC. Even if you jerk the keyboard connected to it sharply, the legs with a special texture will not let it fall off the table.

    You can also mount your computer on the back of the monitor, removing it from your desk and freeing up space.

    All sides of the computer except the frontfunctional. That is, they have any connectors. Behind - the power supply is connected, there is a USB port and HDMI. On the left is an SD card slot that allows you to expand the internal storage up to 1 TB. There is also a power button on the side that starts the device.

    Connectors and ports

    To connect GEEKOM MiniAir 11, it is providedmany different ports. Wherever you are, you can easily access your files by connecting the mini PC to a monitor, TV or other equipment.

    Here are the ports and connectors provided on the mini PC case:

  • The right side has Kensington lock.
  • The left side is equipped with only a slot for reading SD-cards.
  • The front panel contains a power button, a 3.5 mm combo audio jack, a USB-A2 and USB-C port.
  • And the back panel received a mini-DisplayPort port, Gigabit Ethernet input, HDMI output, power connector, two USB 3.2 ports and one USB-C.
  • The abundance of ports allows you to simultaneously connect peripheral devices, a keyboard and mouse, as well as output devices - a monitor or TV to MiniAir 11.

    Gigabit Ethernet allows you to connect to the Internet over a wire if you have direct access only to a digital cable. Otherwise, it is always possible to connect to the nearest Wi-Fi network.

    Connection and upgrade

    The process of connecting a GEEKOM MiniAir 11 mini PC to a monitor, TV or other display device is quite simple. To do this, you need to connect the appropriate ports, in my case HDMI.

    When connecting, you may need to select an appropriate signal source.

    For example, on a TV, you need to go to the menu withselect signal sources and click on HDMI. On some models of monitors and TVs, there are several HDMI connectors, so you need to choose the appropriate one. Immediately after changing the settings or connecting, the picture will appear on the screen.

    It is worth noting another important featureMiniAir 11 is upgradable. Some parameters of the mini-PC can be expanded by replacing components. For example, increase the amount of RAM from 8 GB to 32 GB if the initial capacity is not enough for you.

    The opportunity will be useful for those whoediting and processing content, where more RAM is required. You can also increase the amount of internal memory of the device here. The base 128GB or 256GB is easily expandable up to 1TB by replacing your existing M.2 SSD with a larger SSD.

    Setup and software

    Once you've connected your GEEKOM MiniAir 11 to your monitor or TV, it's time to move on to setup and start using it.

    Nothing unusual here - in terms of functionsmini computer is not inferior to large, desktop versions. Through it, it is convenient to access the Internet, create files, watch movies and videos, work with documents, play games, and so on.

    Initially, the MiniAir 11 may haveWindows 11 Pro operating system is preinstalled or absent if you order a version without an OS. The difference in cost here will be small, and you will agree that having the latest version of Windows on a mini PC is convenient and pleasant.

    Once the system is up and running, all you need to do isinitial Windows setup. You can customize the OS for yourself by adding useful utilities, specifying personal data, enabling / disabling certain functions, and more, which is done when you first start a clean Microsoft operating system.

    For many, the Windows system is not the best solution,because it automatically installs a lot of unnecessary programs and services out of the box. This is due to Microsoft policy, not the mini PC developer. All this garbage will initially take up space in the device’s memory and slow down the system.

    GEEKOM developers claim that their mini-PC is open for any operating systems, especially when ordering, you can choose the version - Without OS.

    On MiniAir 11 you can install any OS usingtaste. Not bad for working with this mini-PC are Linux distributions or a ready-made system from Google - ChromeOS Flex. After its release, this OS did not receive sufficient popularity, so little is known among users. However, for low-power devices, this is almost an ideal solution.

    In Geekbench tests, the ChromeOS Flex systemWindows 11 bypassed most of the parameters. And only unwillingness to understand the new OS can push away from such a decision. Most PC users are familiar with Windows, so there should be no problems here.

    Component performance

    The new 11th generation Intel Celeron N5095 processor, which is one of the fastest in its class, is responsible for the performance in the reviewed version of GEEKOM MiniAir 11.

    With 4 cores up to 2.9 GHz, you won'tyou have to deal with slow downloads and constant lags. DDR4 RAM from 8 to 32 GB also helps here. The system works quite quickly and smoothly, without creating discomfort and without making you wait for a long time.

    For surfing the Internet, working with documents, reading books, watching movies or videos, this device is great.

    There is enough performance margin here tocope with any simple daily tasks. Of course, if you plan to edit videos on it or mix music, then be prepared to wait. With the most complex and resource-intensive tasks, MiniAir 11 does not cope very quickly. But it was not created for them, so there are no complaints here.

    Test

    GEEKOM Mini Air 11

    Geekbench (single core/many cores)

    871/2049

    Handbrake (min:sec)

    25:58

    3D Mark Night Raid

    2674

    3D Mark Fire Strike

    611

    3D Mark Time Spy

    216

    256 GB (Mbps) file copy speed test

    153

    Gaming performance

    There is no need to talk about high performance in games when it comes to new AAA projects. To run them at maximum settings, powerful computers with the latest hardware are required.

    In GEEKOM MiniAir 11, we get Intel UHD Graphics 605 integrated graphics, not a real graphics card.

    It has a clock speed of 300 MHz with a maximum overclocking speed of 800 MHz. Compare that to a 1354MHz GeForce GTX 1050 with 2GB of VRAM. But, above clearly understand what we are dealing with.

    This is a multimedia home system, not a powerfulgaming PC. And even then, you can run games like Minecraft or Civilization V on the MiniAir 11. For older games, if you don't plan on playing them at ultra settings, the GEEKOM mini PC is fine. Its power is enough for classic games released at the beginning of the 2000s.

    The device is also suitable for game lovers fromindia segment. They are undemanding to the hardware of the computer, so they will work without problems without frame drawdown. If you need to play 4K video on two displays at the same time, you can do it here too.

    GEEKOM MiniAir 11 noise and heating

    When testing how well the MiniAir 11 handles temperature management, I found no problems during my tests.

    During critical performance testsiron did not reach the temperature marks. The maximum temperature was 89°C, which is not critical for this type of processor. The system does a good job of controlling the temperature without overheating.

    Even under the most serious loads, the noise is almost inaudible, this small device not only takes up almost no space, but also does not make noise.

    Total

    GEEKOM MiniAir 11 is a great home mini PC for all your everyday tasks. It is compact, looks nice, connects to all possible devices and shows good performance.

    At the same time, it almost does not make noise and does not overheat,even if you try to load the system. The ability to increase the amount of RAM and permanent memory provides more room for upgrades and increases the life of the computer.

    Should I buy

    If you want to use the MiniAir 11 likethe main PC for the home is a perfectly reasonable solution. It is relatively inexpensive and offers enough power for any household task, as long as you do not need to play heavy games or edit videos. Although its main advantage is compactness.

    And with a special promo code Air11zw Until March 31, you can get a discount of 1500 rubles.

    GEEKOM MiniAir 11 Off.site Mini PC GEEKOM MiniAir 11 – video

    Alexander Shaman Alexander has been writing foralmost two decades. Initially, he collected technology news for local media. His love of science fiction awakened a huge thirst for knowledge. Trying to understand how it works and if it could work better, he becomes so carried away, as if he is immersed in a trance. For this, among colleagues in TehnObzor, he received the nickname - Shaman. Excellent GEEKOM Value for Money Mini PC Design and construction 95/100 Connectivity and connectivity 95/100 Features and convenience 95/100 Performance 90/100 Additional options 95/100 Total 94 If you move frequently or are just looking for an inexpensive home computer to work with and study - GEEKOM MiniAir 11 will be an excellent choice. It has everything you need, and small dimensions and weight simplify transportation and placement as much as possible. Advantages and disadvantagesPriceAccessory setCompact sizeDesign and constructionLarge range of portsNo noise and no heatUpgradeableGood performanceOne M.2 PCIe slotNot for complex tasks and games 5/5 (1 review)