Minisforum is pushing its lineup of high-performance mini PCs forward again, refreshing the AI X1 Pro with a newer AMD APU. The big change is the move from the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 to the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 470, a current-gen Strix Point platform chip designed to deliver strong CPU power, faster integrated graphics, and dedicated AI acceleration through an onboard NPU. The result is a compact desktop that still targets users who want serious performance without committing space to a full-size tower—whether that’s for productivity, content creation, or light gaming.
Even with the processor upgrade, the overall formula stays mostly the same, and that’s good news for anyone who liked the original idea behind the AI X1 Pro. Minisforum keeps the sturdy, premium-feeling metal chassis and continues to focus on wide-ranging connectivity that fits real workstation needs. Cooling remains a key part of the design as well, helping the mini PC sustain performance during longer, heavier workloads rather than only looking good on a spec sheet.
One of the most practical quality-of-life features also returns: an internal power supply unit. By building the PSU into the system, Minisforum eliminates the need for an external power brick, which makes cable management cleaner and keeps a desk setup looking more professional. It’s a small detail that can make a big difference if the AI X1 Pro is being used as a daily driver in a work environment.
Minisforum also continues to include integrated stereo speakers. While mini PCs aren’t typically known for audio, these built-in speakers are positioned as a surprisingly capable option for everyday use—useful for calls, videos, or casual listening without immediately reaching for external speakers.
Expansion is another area where the AI X1 Pro continues to stand out. The OCuLink port remains part of the package, opening the door to external GPU connections. For users who want to start with an efficient mini PC setup and later scale into heavier 3D workloads or more demanding gaming, pairing the system with a desktop-class external graphics card can significantly extend what this compact computer can do.
The centerpiece of the update, of course, is the Ryzen AI 9 HX 470. Compared to the previous chip, it brings extra performance headroom through improved clock speeds and a newer integrated GPU: the Radeon 890M based on AMD’s RDNA 3+ architecture. Alongside that is a powerful NPU that’s designed to speed up AI-assisted workloads, helping the AI X1 Pro fit into modern workflows that increasingly rely on on-device AI features.
In day-to-day use, though, raw specs are only part of the story. Real results depend on how well the system balances performance with cooling, noise levels, and power efficiency—especially in a small chassis where heat and airflow limitations can affect sustained speeds. Memory configuration also matters more than many people expect. With integrated graphics, RAM choice can noticeably influence overall responsiveness and graphics performance, meaning the right configuration can help unlock more of the chip’s potential.
Overall, this update keeps the AI X1 Pro positioned as a versatile, high-end mini PC: compact, upgrade-friendly, and designed for users who want strong computing power, modern connectivity, and AI-ready hardware in a space-saving form factor.
