AMD Mini PC MINISFORUM X1-255 Mini PC AMD Ryzen 7 255(8C/16T) Review

The MINISFORUM AI X1 Pro-370 mini PC is a compact powerhouse for tinkerers. Its standout feature is an OCuLink port for adding an external desktop GPU, a rarity in this size. With 32GB DDR5 RAM, a Ryzen AI 9 HX CPU, and great expandability, it's ideal for developers and power users who value a small footprint but want future upgrade options.

If you're hunting for a compact desktop that doesn't sacrifice ports or expansion, the MINISFORUM AI X1 Pro-370 is a serious contender. This mini PC packs AMD's Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor with 32GB of DDR5 RAM and a 1TB SSD into a chassis that's about the size of a thick paperback. It's built for people who want a powerful, space-saving machine for work, development, or media, and it's priced between $328 and $688 depending on the vendor. The real headline feature here is the OCuLink port, which lets you connect an external GPU at speeds that blow past Thunderbolt 4, making this one of the few mini PCs that can seriously flirt with gaming or heavy GPU workloads.

The AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 is a solid performer, landing in the 58th percentile for CPU power in our database. That means it's comfortably above average for a mini PC and can handle productivity, coding, and media editing without breaking a sweat. The integrated Radeon 780M graphics are decent for its class, scoring in the 45th percentile, so you can expect smooth 4K video playback and even some light gaming at lower settings. Where this machine truly shines is in its connectivity and expandability. With dual M.2 SSD slots, support for up to 96GB of RAM, and that OCuLink port, you're not stuck with what you buy. You can upgrade it over time, which is rare for a machine this small.

With prices swinging from $328 to $688, your perception of this mini PC's value depends entirely on which deal you snag. At the lower end, it's a steal for the specs. At the higher end, you're paying a premium for the OCuLink feature and the AI branding. Compared to a basic office mini PC, the X1 Pro-370 offers way more upgrade paths and a unique trick with that external GPU port. Just make sure you're buying from a vendor with a good return policy, given the mixed reliability signals.

This sits in a weird, cool spot. Compared to something like a GEEKOM A9 Max or a MINISFORUM UM870, the X1 Pro-370 offers that crucial OCuLink port they lack, which is a game-changer for anyone wanting to add a desktop GPU later. However, those competitors might have slightly better out-of-the-box GPU performance or better reliability scores. If you don't care about OCuLink, a UM870 with similar CPU and RAM might be a safer, cheaper bet. Against traditional towers like an HP Omen or Dell Alienware, you're giving up raw gaming power and easier cooling for a tiny footprint and unique expandability. It's not better, it's just different.

Skip this if you want a simple, plug-and-play experience or need maximum reliability for a critical work machine—our data shows reliability is a concern. Hardcore gamers who don't want to buy a separate GPU enclosure and card should just get a traditional gaming desktop. Also, if you have no interest in tinkering with hardware or using an external GPU, you're paying for a feature you won't use, and a more standard mini PC would serve you better.

Should you buy this? Yes, but only if its specific strengths match your needs. If you're a developer, tinkerer, or home office user who craves a tiny, clean desk setup but wants the option to hook up a powerful GPU later for rendering or gaming, this is one of the best tools for the job. The OCuLink port is its killer feature. But if you just want a simple, reliable mini PC for web browsing and office work, or if you need serious 3D performance right out of the box, there are less complicated and potentially more reliable options for your money.