MINISFORUM UM680 and UM870 are AMD Ryzen-powered mini PCs designed for high-performance computing and gaming. The UM680 uses the Ryzen 7 6800H with 32GB DDR5 RAM and 1TB SSD, while the UM870 upgrades to the Ryzen 7 8745H. Both offer compact designs, advanced cooling, and versatile connectivity, making them ideal for multitasking, content creation, and 1080p/1440p gaming.
Ryzen 7 vs i5 Gaming Performance
What Are the Key Specifications of UM680 and UM870?
The UM680 features an AMD Ryzen 7 6800H (8-core, 16-thread) processor with Radeon 680M graphics, 32GB DDR5 RAM, and a 1TB NVMe SSD. The UM870 upgrades to the Ryzen 7 8745H (Zen 4 architecture) with Radeon 780M graphics, offering 15% faster CPU performance and 20% better GPU efficiency. Both support Wi-Fi 6E and dual 4K display outputs.
How Do These Mini PCs Handle Gaming Performance?
The UM680’s Radeon 680M GPU runs AAA titles like Cyberpunk 2077 at 1080p/30fps (Medium settings). The UM870’s Radeon 780M improves this to 1080p/45fps or 1440p/30fps, with AMD FSR 3.0 support enhancing frame rates by up to 50%. Both models handle eSports titles like Valorant at 144Hz+ for competitive gaming.
What Cooling Systems Prevent Thermal Throttling?
MINISFORUM uses dual-fan setups with vapor chambers. The UM870 adds phase-change thermal paste, reducing peak temperatures by 8°C compared to the UM680. Stress tests show sustained 45W TDP without throttling. Noise levels remain below 38dB under load, quieter than larger gaming desktops.
The advanced cooling architecture combines copper heat pipes with a stacked fin array that increases surface area by 40% compared to previous models. During extended gaming sessions, the UM870 maintains consistent clock speeds thanks to its dynamic fan control algorithm. Users can monitor thermal performance through the Control Center software, which provides real-time temperature readouts for CPU, GPU, and SSD components.
| Model | Idle Temp | Max Load Temp | Noise Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| UM680 | 38°C | 82°C | 36dB |
| UM870 | 34°C | 74°C | 33dB |
Which Ports and Connectivity Options Are Available?
Both models include:
– 2x USB4 (40Gbps, DP Alt Mode, 100W PD)
– 2x HDMI 2.1
– 6x USB 3.2 Gen2
– 2.5G Ethernet
The UM870 adds a dedicated OCuLink port for external GPU support, enabling desktop-grade graphics via devices like Razer Core X.
Can You Upgrade RAM and Storage Post-Purchase?
Yes. The UM680/UM870 have two DDR5 SO-DIMM slots (upgradable to 64GB) and two M.2 2280 slots (PCIe 4.0 x4). Users report successful installations of 4TB SSDs and 64GB RAM kits. The BIOS supports XMP profiles for memory overclocking up to 5200MHz.
Upgrading components is tool-free thanks to the magnetic access panel design. The systems recognize most consumer-grade DDR5 modules up to 5600MHz, though stability testing is recommended. For storage, the secondary M.2 slot supports PCIe 3.0 x4 speeds, making it ideal for mass storage expansion. Recent firmware updates have improved compatibility with 8TB NVMe drives from major manufacturers.
What Real-World Use Cases Maximize These Mini PCs?
1. Home Theater: 4K HDR playback via HDMI 2.1 with Dolby Atmos support.
2. Workstation: Blender renders 30% faster than Intel NUC 12 Extreme.
3. Edge Computing: 16-core Ryzen AI accelerates machine learning inference tasks by 3x.
How Does Software Optimization Enhance Performance?
MINISFORUM’s Control Center 3.0 allows:
– TDP adjustment (15W-54W)
– Fan curve customization
– RGB lighting control
– Driver auto-updates
Testing shows setting TDP to 54W boosts Cinebench R23 scores by 18%, while eco-mode (15W) reduces power consumption to 10W idle.
“The UM870’s OCuLink port is a game-changer. It delivers 63Gbps bandwidth compared to Thunderbolt 4’s 40Gbps, making external GPUs actually viable. For context, an RTX 4080 via OCuLink only loses 7% performance versus direct PCIe 4.0 x16 connection.”
“MINISFORUM’s thermal solutions now rival Intel NUCs. Their phase-change material melts at 58°C, filling microscopic gaps between die and heatsink. This innovation reduces hotspot temperatures by 12°C compared to traditional thermal paste.”
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are These Mini PCs Noisy Under Load?
- No. Both models operate below 38dB even at full load – quieter than most laptops. The three-stage fan algorithm prioritizes low noise during office tasks.
- Do They Support Linux Distributions?
- Yes. Ubuntu 22.04 LTS works out-of-box. Drivers for Wi-Fi 6E and Radeon graphics are included in kernel 5.19+. MINISFORUM provides detailed installation guides for Fedora and Arch Linux.
- What Warranty Options Exist?
- MINISFORUM offers 2-year limited warranties. Users can extend to 3 years for $59. The warranty covers fan replacements and motherboard repairs, excluding physical damage.