MINISFORUM UM560 XT
The MINISFORUM UM560 XT represents an outstanding value proposition in the budget mini PC market, part of MINISFORUM’s popular Venus series. Powered by the AMD Ryzen 5 5600H processor with 6 cores and 12 threads, this compact machine delivers performance that professional reviewers describe as “leading the pack” in its price category. The Venus series chassis measures just over 5 inches square and under 2 inches thick, featuring premium aluminum construction with liquid metal thermal interface for excellent sustained performance. Whether you need a capable home office workstation, a media center PC, or a compact system for light gaming, the UM560 XT offers impressive versatility at an affordable price point.
Pros and Cons of the MINISFORUM UM560 XT
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent price-to-performance ratio | No USB4 or Thunderbolt support |
| Premium aluminum construction | Limited to PCIe Gen 3 speeds |
| Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5G Ethernet connectivity | Vega 7 GPU underwhelming for high-end gaming |
| Exceptional thermal stability in stress tests | PCIe Gen 4 drives run at Gen 3 speeds |
| Easy RAM and storage upgrades | No USB-C Power Delivery |
| Includes VESA mount and 24-month warranty | Single M.2 slot only |
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MINISFORUM UM560 XT Comparison Chart
 MINISFORUM UM560 XT | |
| Price | List Price: $319 Amazon Prices: Loading prices... |
| Version | 16GB/512GB |
| Perfomance Rating | 6.8 |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Pro |
| Processor | Hexa-core 3.30 Ghz (max 4.20 Ghz) AMD Ryzen 5 5600H |
| GPU | Integrated Intel UHD Graphics |
| RAM | 16 GB |
| Internal Storage | 512 GB |
| Dimensions width x length x thickness | 5.07 x 4.96 x 1.89 inches (128.78 x 125.98 x 48.01 mm) |
| Weight | 1.44 lbs (0.65 kg) |
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Ethernet | 1 Ethernet port at 2 Gbps |
| HDMI | 2 HDMI 2.1 Ports |
| DisplayPort | 1 DisplayPort (DisplayPort via USB-C) |
| VGA | No VGA Ports |
| USB Ports | 2 USB 2.0, 4 USB 3, 1 USB-C |
| Thunderbolt Ports | No |
| Internal SATA Ports | 1 SATA port, includes 2.5" drive bay (2.5-inch SATA bay with included cable) |
| Card Reader | No Card Reader |
| Headphone Jack | combo |
| Fanless | No |
| VESA Mount | Yes |
| In the Box | Power supply with cable, HDMI cable, VESA mount bracket with screws, user manual, 24-month warranty card |
| Expandability | RAM upgradable via 2x SO-DIMM DDR4-3200 slots (max 32GB), 1x M.2 2280 NVMe slot, 1x 2.5-inch SATA bay with included cable |
Detailed Insights into the MINISFORUM UM560 XT
The MINISFORUM UM560 XT features a refined design that exemplifies the Venus series’ commitment to quality construction. The chassis combines premium aluminum exterior panels with a compact footprint of 129 x 126 x 48mm (approximately 5.07 x 4.96 x 1.89 inches), creating a desktop presence that looks more expensive than its price suggests. Weighing just 652 grams (1.44 lbs), it is highly portable and includes a VESA mounting bracket for behind-the-monitor installation. The front panel houses a USB-C port with DisplayPort Alt Mode, a USB 3.2 Type-A port, and a 3.5mm combo audio jack, while the rear panel provides dual HDMI 2.1 outputs, four USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports, two USB 2.0 ports, and 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet.
The AMD Ryzen 5 5600H processor is a compelling choice for this price segment, offering 6 cores and 12 threads with base clocks of 3.3 GHz and boost up to 4.2 GHz. In professional testing by NotebookCheck, the UM560 XT demonstrated exceptional thermal stability, with Cinebench R15 continuous loop testing showing “very stable results across all 50 runs with next to no significant drop in performance.” The integrated Radeon Vega 7 graphics handles 4K video playback effortlessly and provides playable frame rates in esports titles. WCCFtech benchmarks showed approximately 70 FPS in Fortnite, 117 FPS in CS:GO, and 92 FPS in Dota 2 at 1080p, making it viable for competitive gaming.
Connectivity is a strong suit of the UM560 XT, with Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) via a MediaTek RZ608 adapter providing the latest wireless networking standard, along with Bluetooth 5.2 for peripherals. The 2.5 Gigabit Intel I225-V Ethernet controller offers fast wired connectivity that many budget mini PCs lack. For displays, the combination of dual HDMI 2.1 ports and USB-C with DisplayPort Alt Mode enables triple 4K monitor setups. Storage expansion includes one M.2 2280 NVMe slot (PCIe Gen 3) plus a 2.5-inch SATA bay with included cable, and the dual SO-DIMM slots support DDR4-3200 RAM upgrades up to 32GB total.
Reviewer Insights on the MINISFORUM UM560 XT
Level1Techs’ Perspective
Level1Techs reviewed the UM560 XT with particular interest in its value proposition, titling their video “A Ryzen 5K Mini PC For Under $300?” The reviewer was impressed by the build quality and thermal solution, noting the liquid metal TIM and dual heatsink design. They highlighted the generous port selection including 2.5G Ethernet and Wi-Fi 6E as standout features for the price point. The UM560 XT was recommended for users seeking a capable productivity machine without the premium of higher-tier Venus models like the UM690.
ETA PRIME’s Perspective
ETA PRIME provided a hands-on review focusing on the gaming and general performance capabilities. While his video covered the UM560 variant, he praised the compact form factor and USB-C Alt Mode support for display output. The review demonstrated solid gaming performance in indie titles and emulation, with the Ryzen 5 5600H handling GameCube and PS2 emulation smoothly. He concluded it was an excellent choice for users wanting a fast, compact Ryzen mini PC.
NotebookCheck Review
According to NotebookCheck, the UM560 XT earned an overall score of 81.7%, with the headline declaring it “A mini PC with an AMD Cezanne SoC at an affordable price.” Their professional testing praised the exceptional thermal stability, noting that “in the Cinebench R15 continuous loop, the UM560 XT mastered the test wonderfully” with no other system coming close to its sustained performance. They concluded that “In terms of price and performance, the Minisforum Venus Series UM560 XT leads the pack.”
WCCFtech Review
WCCFtech gave the UM560 XT a “Recommended” verdict, describing it as “another great option for budget builders within the Venus family.” Their review highlighted the “premium metallic black look” and praised the low power consumption of just 42W under load and 10W at idle. The easily accessible internals via four screws under the rubber feet received particular mention, making the UM560 XT user-friendly for upgrades.
Customer Reviews of the MINISFORUM UM560 XT
Amazon customers have given the MINISFORUM UM560 XT an overall rating of 4.5 stars based on 261 reviews, indicating strong satisfaction among buyers. Customers frequently praise the excellent build quality and the value for money, noting that the aluminum construction and included accessories feel premium for the price point. The quiet operation and effective cooling are recurring highlights, with many users appreciating how it handles sustained workloads without becoming noisy or throttling.
Positive themes include the reliable performance for everyday computing tasks, the clean Windows 11 Pro installation, and the generous connectivity options. Many reviewers specifically mention the 2.5G Ethernet and Wi-Fi 6E as features that set it apart from competitors. The included VESA mount and HDMI cable are appreciated additions that make setup straightforward.
On the critical side, some users note that the Vega integrated graphics cannot handle demanding modern games at high settings, though most acknowledge this is expected for a productivity-focused mini PC. A few reviews mention wishing for USB4 or faster storage options, but the consensus is that the UM560 XT delivers exceptional value at its price point for office work, media consumption, and light gaming.
Conclusion
The MINISFORUM UM560 XT stands out as one of the best values in the budget mini PC market, delivering premium build quality and excellent performance at an accessible price. The AMD Ryzen 5 5600H processor provides more than enough power for productivity, multimedia, and casual gaming, while the Venus series chassis with liquid metal cooling ensures sustained performance without thermal throttling. The combination of Wi-Fi 6E, 2.5G Ethernet, and triple display support makes it remarkably capable for its segment.
This mini PC is ideal for home office workers, students, content consumers, and casual gamers who want a compact, reliable system without paying a premium. If you need USB4 connectivity, PCIe Gen 4 storage speeds, or stronger gaming performance, consider the higher-tier UM690 or UM790 models with newer AMD processors. For everyone else seeking excellent price-to-performance in a small package, the UM560 XT represents outstanding value with its 24-month warranty providing peace of mind.
For those looking to compare options, Starry Hope’s Mini PC Comparison Chart provides a valuable resource for evaluating the UM560 XT against other compact systems in its class.
Frequently Asked Questions
What processor does the MINISFORUM UM560 XT use?
The MINISFORUM UM560 XT is powered by the AMD Ryzen 5 5600H processor, which features 6 cores and 12 threads with base clocks of 3.3 GHz and boost up to 4.2 GHz. This chip is based on AMD’s Zen 3 Cezanne architecture and includes integrated Radeon Vega 7 graphics.
Can I upgrade the RAM and storage on the MINISFORUM UM560 XT?
Yes, the UM560 XT offers excellent upgradeability. It has dual SO-DIMM DDR4-3200 slots supporting up to 32GB of RAM total. For storage, there is one M.2 2280 NVMe slot (PCIe Gen 3) and one 2.5-inch SATA bay with the cable included. The internals are easily accessible by removing four screws under the rubber feet.
Is the MINISFORUM UM560 XT good for gaming?
The UM560 XT handles esports and casual gaming well. WCCFtech benchmarks showed approximately 70 FPS in Fortnite, 117 FPS in CS:GO, and 92 FPS in Dota 2 at 1080p. However, demanding AAA titles will require reduced settings or resolution. The integrated Vega 7 graphics are best suited for competitive multiplayer games and older titles.
How many monitors can the MINISFORUM UM560 XT support?
The UM560 XT supports up to three 4K displays simultaneously. It has two HDMI 2.1 ports on the rear panel and one USB-C port with DisplayPort Alt Mode on the front. All three outputs support 4K resolution, making it ideal for multi-monitor productivity setups.
What wireless connectivity does the MINISFORUM UM560 XT have?
The UM560 XT features Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) via a MediaTek RZ608 adapter, providing access to the 6 GHz band for faster and less congested wireless networking. It also includes Bluetooth 5.2 for connecting peripherals like keyboards, mice, and headphones.
What comes in the box with the MINISFORUM UM560 XT?
The UM560 XT includes the mini PC with Windows 11 Pro pre-installed, a power supply with cable, an HDMI cable, a VESA mounting bracket with screws for behind-monitor installation, a user manual, and a 24-month warranty card.
How does the MINISFORUM UM560 XT compare to the UM690?
The UM560 XT is the more affordable option in the Venus series, while the UM690 offers a newer AMD Ryzen 9 6900HX processor with USB4 connectivity and PCIe Gen 4 support. The UM560 XT is approximately half the price of the UM690, making it ideal for users who prioritize value over cutting-edge performance.
Is the MINISFORUM UM560 XT quiet during operation?
Yes, the UM560 XT features dual heatsink active cooling with liquid metal thermal interface material (TIM) for efficient heat dissipation. Reviewers note it remains quiet during normal use. Under sustained heavy loads, the fan increases speed but remains unobtrusive compared to many competing mini PCs.