I love compact devices that help save space while offering a high level of performance. That’s why, when I first heard about the MINIS Forum UM790 Pro, my curiosity immediately sparked.
You might also be looking for a small yet powerful computer that can handle various workloads. In this review, I’m sharing my experience and thoughts on what might surprise you about this mini PC.
Today, I’ll tell you about the design, hardware, connectivity options, and why this model could become your reliable helper. I hope you’ll learn something new from this overview and get a clear idea of whether you need exactly this kind of mini PC.
What’s New in Design and Build
When I pick up the MINIS Forum UM790 Pro, I immediately notice its sturdy metal chassis. It feels well-protected from accidental knocks. The top and bottom are made of plastic parts, which are not as hefty as metal, but still sufficient for everyday use.
I appreciate that the manufacturer has included everything you need to get started right in the box. You won’t have to run around looking for cables or adapters. If you, like me, value convenience, this detail will definitely please you.
Visually, the MINIS Forum UM790 Pro resembles its predecessor, the UM890 Pro model, keeping the overall style. I believe that this continuity in design underscores the brand’s reliability. The build quality as a whole leaves no doubt about its durability, so you can count on long-term use without annoying breakdowns.
Main Specs: What’s Inside?
It’s important for me that a mini PC be not only compact but also powerful. The MINIS Forum UM790 Pro features an AMD Ryzen 7 940HS processor. It has eight cores and sixteen threads, which gives me confidence when running heavy apps. You’re probably looking for a device that can handle video editors or game emulators too, right?
Graphics are handled by Radeon 780M, and from my experience, it can comfortably run many modern games on moderate settings. Of course, if you want to run something extremely demanding in 4K, you’ll have to lower settings or use upscaling technologies. But for everyday gaming and work, this combo looks more than decent.
As for RAM, there are several configurations. I recommend going for the 32GB DDR5 option, as it allows you to feel the full potential of the device.
If you need to save money, you can get the bare-bone version for 400 dollars and install your own memory and storage. But personally, I prefer a ready-made build where everything is already set up.
Reliable SSD and Expansion Options
If you, like me, use your computer not only for office tasks but also for file storage or video editing, having two M.2 slots can be a decisive factor.
I love having room for upgrades. In the UM790 Pro, you can install a fast Gen 4 SSD, which speeds up boot times and project loading. However, bear in mind that not all drives offer the same speed, and the included Kingston drive might be slower than some Gen 3 models.
Connectivity and Ports: Did They Think of Everything?
A key point when choosing a mini PC is the convenience of ports. I like that the MINIS Forum UM790 Pro has two USB4 ports on the front. I often connect peripherals on the fly, and having them in the front lets me quickly plug in a flash drive or external hard drive. Though, if you love a tidy desk, you might prefer these ports on the back.
Next to those ports, there is an audio jack and a CMOS reset button. This adds flexibility if you suddenly need to restore the default BIOS settings.
On the back, there are two HDMI 2.1 ports, perfect for outputting high-resolution images at higher refresh rates. I’m a 4K fan and enjoy testing different games on a big screen, so having HDMI 2.1 was a pleasant bonus for me.
In addition, the MINIS Forum UM790 Pro boasts a 2.5 Gigabit LAN port. If you have fast internet or a home NAS, you’ll appreciate this speed. I use a wired connection at home and can say that the difference between 1G and 2.5G is quite noticeable when transferring large files.
Also on the back are four USB Type-A ports, all supporting 10 Gigabit speeds. For connecting a keyboard, mouse, and other devices, in my opinion, that’s more than enough. There’s also a Killer WiFi 6 module, which provides decent wireless performance, although some people note that it can drop at longer distances.
Energy Efficiency and Quiet Operation
If you, like me, value silence and low power consumption, you’ll be interested to know that this mini PC can operate in different power modes. In the BIOS, you can raise or lower the power limit, reducing fan noise and saving electricity.
I love tuning the system to my needs, so I consider this flexibility a big plus.
Performance: Tests and Impressions
It’s always important for me to test a device in real-life tasks. I tried video encoding, ran games, and checked how the MINIS Forum UM790 Pro handles daily work.
Overall, I saw confident performance and fast interface response. Below are some details that might help you decide.
Cinebench and Geekbench
In Cinebench tests, this mini PC delivers single-threaded performance almost on par with other modern solutions. Multithreading is strong thanks to the powerful AMD Ryzen 7 940HS processor.
I noticed that with the right BIOS settings, the UM790 Pro can sometimes outperform its competitors in certain scenarios, though the difference may not be huge.
Geekbench confirms these figures: single-core results are almost identical, while multi-core performance depends on the power limits you set. I think that if you’re not chasing top benchmark scores, the MINIS Forum UM790 Pro will be an excellent all-around option.
Graphics and Gaming: Radeon 780M in Action
One of the reasons I was interested in this mini PC is the built-in Radeon 780M graphics. I already mentioned I like to occasionally play modern titles.
Of course, you shouldn’t expect ultra settings with the highest frame rates, but in most esports games like Dota 2 or CS:GO, the performance is quite decent. Competitive games run great at 1080p, and you can experiment with higher resolutions if you want.
Some resource-intensive games, such as Cyberpunk, will only run comfortably using technologies like FSR. I had to lower settings to maintain a decent FPS. But if you’re mainly interested in the story and don’t chase graphical extremes, the Radeon 780M does a fine job.
AV1 Tests and Hardware Acceleration
The question of video encoding is quite important to me because I enjoy recording clips in high quality. With hardware acceleration through the Radeon 780M, encoding speeds are at the level of modern solutions.
In extended AV1 tests, I noticed that the UM790 Pro can match more expensive models and sometimes even surpass them under certain BIOS settings. If you also dabble in content creation, this can be a serious plus.
Everyday Use
The MINIS Forum UM790 Pro performs well not only in gaming but also in day-to-day tasks. I use it for office work, browsing, and light Photoshop tasks. Everything runs without a hitch. You’ll probably appreciate how quickly programs and browser tabs open, especially if you have fast RAM and a quality SSD.
For video editing, this mini PC is a decent solution. It won’t replace top-tier workstations, but if you, like me, enjoy editing something for a personal project, you’ll be satisfied. I often work with 4K content, and while editing is a bit slower compared to powerful desktops, the performance is enough to finish a project without issues.
Audio and Studio Work
Some users worry about latency and dropouts when recording audio on compact PCs. But the MINIS Forum UM790 Pro passed the latencymon test, so I don’t encounter issues when working with audio editors. If you handle audio post-production or music, this device can satisfy key needs.
BIOS Settings and Power Management
I know not everyone delves into BIOS settings, but I enjoy exploring them. The UM790 Pro offers the option to change power modes. You can raise the TDP for maximum performance or lower it to make the system quieter and cooler. This flexibility lets you tailor the device to your specific tasks. For example, if you rarely game but do a lot of daily work, it makes sense to pick a more moderate mode.
Pros and Cons
Moving on to the verdict, let’s quickly check the main advantages and disadvantages. I always try to be honest: no device is perfect, but some do well for 90% of tasks.
Key Pros
- eGPU support. Thanks to the USB4 port, you can connect an external graphics card if you want.
- Stable performance with emulators. I’m thrilled if you also love retro games. Many of them run well even in 4K, though more complex ones might have slowdowns.
- Excellent performance for music and video. The latencymon test confirms that the device can handle audio projects without serious latency.
- Decent 4K video work. Ideal for typical creative tasks like editing clips.
- Good Bluetooth module. The range with wireless headphones or a gamepad is better than some competitors.
- Energy efficient. With the right BIOS settings, the device consumes less electricity and is almost silent.
Drawbacks to Keep in Mind
- Fan noise. At full load, the fan becomes audible. If you’re sensitive to sound, this could be annoying.
- Wireless signal not always perfect. At long ranges, Wi-Fi speed can drop noticeably. I prefer a wired connection, but that might not suit everyone.
- Average Kingston SSD speed. The bundled SSD might be slower than other models. If you need top performance, consider using a different drive.
Comparison with Other Options
The mini PC market is expanding, and the UM790 Pro faces serious competition. Some offer a more powerful processor, others offer better cooling. However, the price and capabilities of this device often strike a good balance.
If you’re looking for AMD Ryzen-level performance, decent Radeon 780M graphics, and a versatile set of ports, the MINIS Forum UM790 Pro stands shoulder to shoulder with some of the most interesting options in its class.
Upgrade and Service: How They Stack Up
It’s always important to me that a device can be upgraded if the desire arises. It’s not too hard to remove the cover on the MINIS Forum UM790 Pro, though the rubber feet are firmly attached. Inside, you’ll find access to the memory slots as well as two M.2 slots. Updating or adding a drive takes just a few minutes.
Regarding service support: the manufacturer offers a standard warranty. In my experience, if something happens, you can reach out via the official website. But generally, mini PCs run reliably if you don’t exceed thermal norms or overclock everything in sight.
Optimization Tips: From Me to You
- Install the latest AMD drivers. They often improve performance and stability, especially in gaming.
- Experiment with TDP modes in the BIOS. If you need maximum power, increase the limit a bit, but keep an eye on temperatures.
- Use high-speed DDR5 RAM. Fast RAM positively affects the built-in Radeon 780M graphics.
- If your wireless signal is weak, consider placing the router closer or switching to a wired connection.
- When editing 4K video, enable hardware acceleration in your editors. It offloads the CPU and speeds up rendering.
Personal Experience and Recommendations
I spent a lot of time with the MINIS Forum UM790 Pro, trying different usage scenarios. I enjoy its blend of performance and compactness. I can place this mini PC on my desk next to my monitor without sacrificing speed.
If you’re tired of bulky desktop towers, you should definitely consider this form factor.
Yes, there are some limitations. Sometimes I hear the fan when the load is high, and I’m not always thrilled with the wireless connection.
But overall, the pros outweigh the cons: you get a workhorse for gaming, creativity, and multitasking. All of this is in a compact case that you can easily tuck away in a corner of your room or office.
Who Is the MINIS Forum UM790 Pro For?
If you need a versatile mini PC that can handle gaming, work, and multimedia tasks, this is a good choice. I recommend it for anyone who wants to replace a bulky desktop but doesn’t want to lose performance.
Thanks to the AMD Ryzen processor and Radeon 780M graphics, you can do rendering, edit photos and videos, or run emulators of older consoles.
If you care about a super-quiet mode, you’ll have to tweak BIOS settings or limit the power draw. But personally, I think a bit of noise is a fair trade-off for the speed you get.
For gamers who value compactness, this device offers the possibility of external peripherals, including an eGPU. That really opens up your options.
Conclusion
I’m satisfied with what the MINIS Forum UM790 Pro offers for its price. For 400 dollars, you can get a bare-bone model and add your own RAM and SSD, or go for the 32GB/1TB option. The fan sometimes becomes noticeable, but it’s not too bothersome during everyday tasks. Just keep in mind that wireless performance isn’t perfect, and for intensive workloads, a wired connection is better.
If you’re into the latest developments, you can also check out other models from the manufacturer, such as the HX370. However, with so many models on the market, the MINIS Forum UM790 Pro still stands out for its price and functionality.
For me, it’s a well-rounded choice: I get a powerful mini PC in a stylish case that I can use both for daily tasks and gaming.
I hope my review helped you learn something new about this compact yet potent device. I personally recommend the MINIS Forum UM790 Pro if you need a reliable computer that won’t take up much desk space yet gives you plenty of room for creativity and fun.
