MinisForum X7 Ti Review: On Life Support

The MinisForum (AtomMan) X7 Ti mini PC features the latest Intel Ultra 9 185H chip and some neat features, but is undercut by Intel's price threshold and some strange design choices. Let's do some deep-dive testing on this experience and see why this might be a computer worth skipping.

This was a review unit sent to me by the manufacturer. All opinions are my own, they did not see this review ahead of time, and no money was exchanged in any way.

Timestamps:
00:00 introduction
02:33 specs and pricing
04:41 unboxing and impressions
07:28 IO and functionality
09:15 teardown and cooling
12:27 size and touchscreen
15:50 PC game testing
19:27 eGPU and OCuLink testing
21:33 emulation testing
26:13 summary (likes and dislikes)
29:03 conclusion

Ways to support this channel:

Theme song written by Jim Gray of Our Ghosts:

^^ use code "RGC10" for 10% off your order

This video is for entertainment and educational purposes only.

#miniPC #minisforum #emulation #pcgaming

[CFG-qvhy]

Considering that the whole idea of mini PCs is they're supposed to be out of the way and not really noticeable, making one with a gimmick that requires it be front and center with all the cabling sticking out the sides is....a choice.

[soaddude]

Might seem odd to say, but I'm happy to see a more critical review that usual. It looks bad when reviewers give nothing but praise to products. And this one definitely deserved the criticism.

[softboilled]

Thank you for the thorough and critical review! Recently I've been disappointed by channels that pump out content with very little critique. Please keep up the hard work.

[logustrate]

Id love a video from you on mini pcs at different price points. Ive been in the market, and i cant decide what my budget should be. Kudos from Canada!

[nickoldschoolrules]

The price is out of the range I'm willing to pay. I would really like to see best value mini PC reviews.

[revaaron]

I got the 6900hx after you tested it. 1year 3 months so far. It's been my main desktop/editing machine/development machine and I love it. Looking to replace my 2016 9550 dell xps that I'm using as a server/backup machine with a new minisforum.

[scizfoshiz]

You have the best reviews Russ!!! Prime just posted an update video on the Legion Go a day ago, but I would like to see your thoughts and review on the new update they just released. Your videos are far more in depth and i really enjoy the quality and how well thought your reviews are!! Thanks for all you do!!

[andrewgold]

Love this, please do more of these mini pc reviews. Keep up the hard work!

[garou]

I'm a big fan of the mini-PC form factor and I appreciate your reviews being straightforward, honest, and thorough. I actually bought my HX99G after watching your review (it's how I ended up subscribing), I wanted to replace my desktop with a mini and watching your breakdown gave me the confidence to take the plunge. Extremely happy I did and I'm grateful that I had your review to reference. I feel like mini PCs don't get enough serious coverage and most of the information about them is through advertising and "fluff articles" that are basically just extended Amazon descriptions

[hardwarebudgeteer]

Would have been nice if the I/O ports were on the back so you could hide wires, especially since this is meant to be displayed on a desk.

[chadisnotachad]

Charging $600 and not even including ram or storage is an automatic non starter

[DEGO]

Great job with this review. Extremely well explained and communicated.

[Rawsavon]

Also, this Frankenstein setup reminded me of my Sega Genesis, CD, 32x tower of babel

[GaborCsergo]

😥 When You want to use the OCULINK port You cannot install any M.2 2230 SSD in the machine! You chose what you want to use second M2. drive OR OCULINK port. Unfortunately, the manufacturer doesn't say this issue! 😥
Anyway, good Mini PC.

[Rawsavon]

Will you make a 2024 mini PC video in a similar manner to your retro handheld rankings videos?
>best of, best value, best cheaper option, etc. factoring in everyday "office" style use, online use, video streaming, current gaming, and, of course, retro gaming

I am considering going this route (vs another laptop), and your breakdown/input would be greatly appreciated

[maddoggaming]

That new simplistic Oculink E-GPU dock looks interesting. I'll have to keep my eye out for your review when it releases.

[husky_]

Yes...Kerrygold butter size comparison is back baby. Now its retro.🇮🇪👏👍

[saltydad]

I want a Mini PC to create a Steam console/emulation machine but man it’s hard to know what to get for this project

[JohnStenborg]

…i like it…as a circuit bent electronic experimental artist…i like it…the visual look…to see the flow inns n outs…thats sculptural…i like it…more of this please…

[buddyfx]

you can get white card stock from a hobby supply store, put it to your right and it'll bounce back a lot of that nice soft window light so you're not as much in the shadows!