Mini PCs were usually noisy when they reached a certain level of performance. There were extreme examples and less massive ones. The Minisforum UM780 When it comes to working memory (RAM), there is enough provision at 32 GB. In the practical test, gaming was even possible with this system. The image is also consistent when it comes to processing.
Why should you buy the Minisforum UM780 XTX?
The Minisforum UM780 The computer is particularly ideal for gaming beginners and should be fun for many years to come thanks to the good memory. Since the system can handle even performance-hungry titles in Full HD smoothly, you reach the system’s limits surprisingly late.
Its high performance makes it suitable for a variety of uses, including photo and video editing, although dedicated graphics cards still have significant performance advantages here. Due to the low volume, it doesn’t disturb much in everyday life, and the many connections create a high level of flexibility. Given the features, the mini PC is with 634 Euro (with code: 2RHEKDWBWTRK) fairly priced in our opinion.
What are the features of the Minisforum UM780 XTX?
The concentrated power of the Minisforum UM780 XTX is delivered by a 7th generation Ryzen processor from AMD – the Ryzen 7 7840HS. With its eight cores and 16 threads, it clocks at a maximum of 5.1 GHz. Our test sample also has a powerful 32 GB of DDR5 RAM (5600 MHz) in the form of SODIMM bars. This means it can also be exchanged, with a maximum of 96 GB possible.
The integrated M.2 2280 SSD is connected via PCIe 4.0 protocol and is 1 TB in size. In the memory benchmark Crystaldiskmark It is extremely fast with speeds of almost 4800 MB/s (read) and 3884 MB/s (write). Comparable mini PCs like GMKtec Nucbox K6 (test report) have slower memories. The SSD can also be replaced, allowing the storage to be expanded up to 8 TB. A second M.2-2280 slot is also available.
A positive aspect of the connections are the two USB-C ports with USB 4 (8K at 60 Hertz), which in combination with HDMI 2.1 (8K at 60 Hertz) and Displayport can be used to connect a total of four screens. There are also two Ethernet ports (2.5G, RJ45), which means the system can also be used as a firewall appliance. The USB-A ports are up to date with USB 3.2 Gen2. What is exceptional is the ability to use Oculink, something we have not seen before. This is a fast connection for external graphics cards connected via the PCIe protocol. The corresponding adapter card from M.2 to Oculink is included, which you have to install. So there are no wishes left unfulfilled when it comes to connections.
What does the Minisforum UM780 XTX do?
Although the Minisforum UM780 XTX with its Ryzen 7 7840HS offers the same processor base as the GMKtec Nucbox K6 (test report), it sprints a lot faster in a direct comparison. In the benchmark PCmark 10 it achieved a score of 7605, whereas the Nucbox only achieved around 7400 points. The twice as large RAM, which Ryzen processors particularly appreciate, is also noticeable here. What’s interesting is that 29.8 GB of RAM can be used here, so the same graphics unit uses significantly less RAM than in the GMKtec Nucbox K6. There, 8 GB of 16 GB of RAM are blocked. Overall, the PCmark result is the best in our tests so far.
Keyword graphics, the iGPU Radeon 780M surprises us tremendously. We were really speechless about what you can now do with an integrated graphics unit from AMD. While the Nucbox’s graphics were suitable for gaming, the Minisforum is even more so – we were able to do so on the computer Anno 1800 enjoy problem-free viewing in ultra-high quality in Full HD. Also Cities Skylines can be enjoyed quickly and without stuttering at medium settings. The city building simulator is currently still very resource-demanding and its hardware requirements are comparable to many AAA games. Less demanding titles like Fortnite run on the system anyway.
Im Benchmark 3Dmark Time Spy The high performance is also reflected in the numbers, where the overall result is 3335 points. The graphics reach 2968 points, the CPU finishes at a strong 11206 points. Even our gaming PC with Ryzen 7 5800X3D “only” gets around 8000 points.
The virus test with Microsoft Defender, which has become common since abnormalities appeared in Far East mini PCs, ended without negative results.
Minisforum UM780 XTX – photo series
Minisforum UM780 XTX – photo series
How loud is the Minisforum UM780 XTX?
We can confirm the highly efficient heat dissipation promised by the manufacturer in the test. Especially in view of the previously described potential of the Minisforum UM780 XTX, the volume is even more remarkable. Because the system is loud at a maximum of 36 decibels when you hold the measuring smartphone against the housing. At a distance of one meter the value is 30 decibels. In comparison, the Nucbox K6 with similar hardware really roars your ears, easily over 50 decibels. The fan speed decreases and increases and increases in audible steps.
If you don’t load the UM780 to 100 percent, the volume on the case drops to 30 decibels or even less – excellent. This makes it the quietest, powerful Mini PC in our tests so far. Especially in view of the competition from Geekom and GMKtec, it is clear that low volume is not a given.
What else did we notice?
We were positively impressed by the good workmanship of the UM780 XTX; the black housing is partly made of aluminum. There is a special feature on the top that initially confused us: an integrated LED field. This cube-shaped field lights up in different colors when the system is switched on. But it only really makes sense after looking at the scope of delivery, where you will find a black sticker with a lion emblem. If you stick it on, the LED only illuminates the lion’s head and the edge around it remains black – a gimmick, but nice.
With dimensions of 130 × 126 × 52.3 millimeters, the Minisforum UM780 XTX is slightly larger than other models, and thanks to the included Vesa mount, it can be easily attached behind a monitor. Another nice feature is the stand, with which the PC floats above the table, so to speak.
How much does the Minisforum UM780 XTX cost?
The Minisforum UM780 XTX currently costs 32/1000 GB in our test configuration 634 Euro (Code: 2RHEKDWBWTRK) directly in the manufacturer’s shop. The larger version has 64 GB of RAM and 1 TB of storage 734 Euro (Code: 2RHEKDWBWTRK).
What alternatives are there?
The most obvious alternative is the GMKtec Nucbox K6 (test report), which also uses the Ryzen 7 7840HS. With a storage capacity of 16/1000 GB, this costs around 200 euros less and is available for 476 euros.
Conclusion
The Minisforum UM780 XTX is an absolute top mini PC given its concentrated performance at low volume. The hardware is even capable of bringing current, demanding game titles to the screen. We definitely wouldn’t have expected this without a dedicated graphics card. The fact that the system is significantly quieter than the competition and gets more out of the same hardware is impressive.
The system is also impressive in terms of workmanship and variety of connections. With Oculink there is also an exceptional connection for an external graphics card. Overall, we had a hard time finding any points of criticism – that’s how much we liked the system in practice. We would have liked to only be able to use a USB-C port for power supply, as this would create more flexibility. We find the price of 634 euros high at first glance, but extremely fair for the overall package. If you want just that little bit more power and a low volume, go for Minisforum. Everyone else is also in good hands with GMKtec.
Due to the good overall impression and the excellent test results, we give the Minisforum UM780 XTX five stars. We would like the others to be as quiet and sophisticated as well.