I tested the GTBox T1 - and while the designers did something different with this mini PC, I'm debating whether it was a good idea

The GTBox T1 is a curious mini PC. An interesting enclosure combined with a good Zen4 mobile platform should have been a winning combination. But the enclosure dictates no upgrades, and the system is too expensive for its specifications. Having generally good benchmarks doesn’t fix these issues.

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  Punchy processor

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  USB 4

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  Integrated speaker

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  Pricey

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  Zero upgrades

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  Only single USB4 and LAN ports

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  Gen 3 drive in a Gen 4 slot

GTBox T1: 30-second review

Since Intel stopped its NUC platform, and by its definition guidance, we’ve seen a significant number of mini PC designs that have stepped outside the norms of shape and size in mini systems.

GTBox makes a mix of conventional designs and more out-there options, and the T1 is distinctively different. This NUC-sized motherboard is vertically mounted in a cylindrical speaker case measuring 115mm in diameter and 165mm high.

Because of that ergonomic choice, there ...