Geekom IT13 Max mini PC serves as a capable home server for photo and video management

The Geekom IT13 Max mini PC, powered by an Intel Core Ultra 9 185H processor, functions as an effective, power-efficient home server for self-hosted applications like Immich. The device features 24GB of soldered LPDDR5 RAM at 5600MHz and offers a power-efficient profile with a 45W PL1 and 70W PL2 limit. While the stock BIOS is restrictive, users can unlock advanced settings using a specific tool from the manufacturer’s website to optimize performance. The unit includes two 2.5Gb Ethernet ports, making it suitable for dedicated network storage or virtual machine hosting. However, the included Kingston SSD is a QLC-based drive with limited durability, which may impact performance during heavy, continuous write operations. The system supports power delivery via USB-C, allowing for potential operation with high-capacity power banks or monitor-integrated power adapters, though this is not the most reliable configuration for a server. Overall, the IT13 Max provides a compact, low-power solution for users looking to replace cloud-based services with a private, self-hosted infrastructure.

Tech4K StaffVideo report

The Geekom IT13 Max mini PC, powered by an Intel Core Ultra 9 185H processor, functions as an effective, power-efficient home server for self-hosted applications like Immich. The device features 24GB of soldered LPDDR5 RAM at 5600MHz and offers a power-efficient profile with a 45W PL1 and 70W PL2 limit. While the stock BIOS is restrictive, users can unlock advanced settings using a specific tool from the manufacturer’s website to optimize performance. The unit includes two 2.5Gb Ethernet ports, making it suitable for dedicated network storage or virtual machine hosting. However, the included Kingston SSD is a QLC-based drive with limited durability, which may impact performance during heavy, continuous write operations. The system supports power delivery via USB-C, allowing for potential operation with high-capacity power banks or monitor-integrated power adapters, though this is not the most reliable configuration for a server. Overall, the IT13 Max provides a compact, low-power solution for users looking to replace cloud-based services with a private, self-hosted infrastructure.

The Geekom IT13 Max utilizes an Intel Core Ultra 9 185H processor with 16 cores and 22 threads. Users can unlock advanced BIOS settings to adjust power limits and improve thermal performance.

The device features two 2.5Gb Ethernet ports, providing flexibility for network-attached storage and virtualization. The included Kingston SSD uses QLC flash, which can lead to performance degradation during sustained write tasks.

The system is highly power-efficient, with idle power consumption as low as 5 watts in certain configurations. The 24GB of soldered LPDDR5 RAM is sufficient for running multiple virtual machines and containers.

Chapter guide

IntroductionOverview of the Geekom IT13 Max and its intended use as a photo and video server.Hardware overviewAnalysis of the internal components, including the Intel Core Ultra 9 185H processor.Power and thermal testingEvaluation of power consumption, thermal performance, and the impact of replacing thermal paste.BIOS unlockingDemonstration of how to access and use the BIOS unlock tool to adjust system settings.Connectivity and storageReview of the device's networking capabilities and the performance of the included SSD.Setting up the serverStep-by-step guide to installing Proxmox and configuring an Immich container.

Worth noting

  • The reviewer notes that the included Kingston SSD has poor durability and performance characteristics.
  • The BIOS unlock process requires a specific tool from the manufacturer and involves multiple reboots.
  • Powering the device via USB-C power banks or monitor adapters is described as an unconventional and potentially unreliable use case.

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