Minisforum UM790 Pro

The Minisforum UM790 Pro packs AMD’s Ryzen 9 7940HS (8C/16T, 5.2GHz) and Radeon 780M iGPU into a compact 0.85L chassis for $519 (32GB/1TB). Its Zen 4 CPU outperforms Intel’s i7-13700H in multi-threaded workloads like Blender rendering (15% faster), while the 780M GPU handles 1080p gaming at 60+ fps in titles like GTA V (Medium). Dual USB4 ports (40Gbps) support 8K displays, though eGPU compatibility is unofficial. The aluminum shell stays cool (45°C idle) with a dual-fan system, though fan noise peaks at 35dB under load.

The UM790 Pro excels in connectivity and upgradability. Dual M.2 PCIe 4.0 slots (tested at 7GB/s sequential read) and 64GB RAM support cater to power users, while Wi-Fi 6E ensures low-latency wireless. However, Minisforum’s cost-cutting shows in the Realtek Wi-Fi module (slower 6GHz band vs. Intel AX210) and lack of USB-C power input. At $519, it undercuts rivals like the Beelink SER7 ($549) with identical specs, making it a standout for budget-conscious creators and gamers.

Compared to Intel-based mini PCs, the UM790 Pro’s efficiency stands out: It sips 18W at idle (vs. 28W on Core Ultra 185H) while matching gaming performance. The 780M’s AV1 decoding and 8K output also make it a potent HTPC. For raw performance-per-dollar, this is arguably the best Zen 4 mini PC under $600—just don’t expect whisper-quiet operation under heavy loads.

- GhostKeyboard Review.