MINISFORUM UM880 Plus
The MINISFORUM UM880 Plus represents a compelling balance of power, portability, and future-proofing in the competitive mini PC market. Powered by the AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS processor with its 8 cores and 16 threads boosting up to 5.1GHz, this compact machine delivers genuine desktop-class performance that reviewers consistently praise. What sets it apart from the crowd is its OCuLink port, a rare feature in this price segment that opens the door to external GPU expansion without the bandwidth limitations of USB4 or Thunderbolt. The integrated Radeon 780M graphics handle everyday tasks and light gaming admirably, while the comprehensive connectivity suite including USB4, HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4, and 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet ensures it plays nicely with modern peripherals and networks.
Pros and Cons of the MINISFORUM UM880 Plus
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| OCuLink port provides rare upgrade pathway for external GPUs | Using OCuLink consumes one of two M.2 storage slots |
| Exceptionally quiet operation at 34dB under load | MediaTek WiFi card lacks native Linux driver support |
| Sustained 65W TDP performance without thermal throttling | Plastic construction may feel less premium |
| Supports up to 96GB DDR5 RAM and 8TB total storage | Single 2.5G Ethernet port (some competitors offer dual) |
| USB4 with Alt DisplayPort and bidirectional Power Delivery | No barebones configuration available |
| 67% power savings compared to traditional desktop systems | Bottom rubber feet must be removed to access upgrade screws |
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MINISFORUM UM880 Plus Comparison Chart
 MINISFORUM UM880 Plus | |
| Price | List Price: $695.00 Amazon Prices: Loading prices... |
| Version | 32GB/1TB |
| Perfomance Rating | 9.0 |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Pro |
| Processor | Octa-core 3.80 Ghz (max 5.10 Ghz) AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS |
| GPU | Integrated AMD Radeon 780M |
| RAM | 32 GB |
| Internal Storage | 1 TB |
| Dimensions width x length x thickness | 5 x 5 x 2.17 inches (127 x 127 x 55.12 mm) |
| Weight | 1.32 lbs (0.6 kg) |
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Ethernet | 1 Ethernet port at 2.5 Gbps |
| HDMI | 1 HDMI Port |
| DisplayPort | 1 DisplayPort |
| VGA | No VGA Ports |
| USB Ports | 2 USB 2.0, 2 USB 3, 1 USB 4 |
| Thunderbolt Ports | No |
| Internal SATA Ports | No SATA ports |
| Card Reader | No Card Reader |
| Headphone Jack | combo |
| Fanless | No |
| VESA Mount | Yes |
| In the Box | Mini PC, power adapter, HDMI cable, VESA mounting bracket, OCuLink adapter board, user manual, spare bottom feet |
| Expandability | RAM upgradable to 96GB DDR5 via 2x SO-DIMM slots. Storage expandable to 8TB total via 2x M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 NVMe slots. OCuLink port enables external GPU expansion but uses one M.2 slot. WiFi card is user-replaceable. |
Detailed Insights into the MINISFORUM UM880 Plus
The UM880 Plus measures just 5 inches square and barely over 2 inches thick, making it shorter than an iPhone according to reviewer COOLTOY’s hands-on testing. Despite its compact 1.32-pound frame, the build quality is thoughtfully engineered with aluminum top and bottom panels sandwiching plastic sides that house the extensive port array. The rear panel accommodates the HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4, USB4, dual USB 3.2 ports, 2.5G Ethernet jack, and power input, while the front provides quick access to dual USB 2.0 ports, a 3.5mm combo audio jack, and a power button. VESA mounting hardware comes included in the box, allowing clean installation behind a monitor for a truly minimal desk setup.
Performance testing across multiple professional reviews tells a consistent story of sustained power. The Ryzen 7 8845HS achieves Cinebench R23 scores of approximately 1,787 single-core and 17,070 multi-core, maintaining these levels across 10 consecutive runs without throttling according to NGXP Tech’s torture testing. Idle power consumption hovers around 15 watts, gaming draws roughly 45 watts, and full stress testing maxes out at the configured 65W TDP. Peak thermals reach 81.4 degrees Celsius under load, which the dual-fan cooling system manages effectively while maintaining sub-35dB noise levels that reviewers universally praise as among the quietest in its class.
The connectivity and expansion options demonstrate MINISFORUM’s understanding of power user needs. Two DDR5 SO-DIMM slots support up to 96GB of RAM using 48GB modules, while the dual M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 slots can accommodate up to 8TB of storage combined. The included OCuLink adapter board installs into one M.2 slot to enable the external GPU port, giving users a meaningful choice between maximum internal storage or external graphics capability. Networking flexibility comes from WiFi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 wireless connectivity, though Linux users should note the MediaTek MT7902 wireless card can be swapped for an Intel AX210 for better compatibility.
Reviewer Insights on the MINISFORUM UM880 Plus
James Montemagno’s Perspective
James Montemagno approaches the UM880 Plus from a software developer’s viewpoint, putting it through its paces with Visual Studio Code, .NET compilation, and productivity workloads. His benchmarks confirm the exceptional value proposition, noting the expandability to 96GB RAM and 4TB storage per M.2 slot makes this a serious development machine. He highlights the teardown process and internal component quality, finding Kingston SSDs and Crucial RAM inside the review unit. The USB4 and OCuLink connectivity particularly impressed him as forward-thinking features that transform this from a capable compact desktop into a genuinely future-proof platform.
COOLTOY’s Gaming and Emulation Testing
COOLTOY focuses on the gaming and emulation potential of the UM880 Plus, testing everything from retro platforms to modern titles like Forza Horizon 5 and Modern Warfare 2. The Radeon 780M integrated graphics deliver consistent 1080p gaming at 60fps in many titles, though he recommends the OCuLink eGPU route for those wanting to push into higher resolutions or more demanding games. His physical examination reveals just how compact this system truly is, fitting comfortably in one hand and weighing only 3.1 pounds with its power adapter. He considers it one of the most powerful portable options available outside of HX370 or 395+ based systems.
Written Review Consensus
According to Hostbor, the UM880 Plus earns an 8.7 out of 10 rating and represents “one of the best values in the mini PC market” when priced under $550. Their comprehensive testing highlighted the 67% power savings versus traditional desktops, with annual electricity savings potentially exceeding $150. Retro Handhelds tested the system extensively over several weeks and reported it was “easily the quietest of the bunch” compared to Beelink and GMKTec mini PCs with older Ryzen 7 processors. They also confirmed excellent Linux compatibility, with ZorinOS working out of the box with all necessary drivers. NGXP Tech positioned the UM880 Plus as a compelling compact workstation that “fits in your hand but rivals full-sized desktops,” praising the excellent thermal management and DIY-friendly chassis design.
Customer Reviews of the MINISFORUM UM880 Plus
Amazon customers have responded positively to the UM880 Plus, awarding it a 4.5-star rating across 113 reviews at the time of research. Buyers frequently praise the exceptional performance-per-dollar ratio and the whisper-quiet operation that makes it suitable for living room or office environments where noise is a concern. The compact form factor and included VESA mount receive particular appreciation from users transitioning from bulky tower desktops to cleaner setups.
Common concerns among customers center on the price volatility, with reports of pricing ranging anywhere from $349 to $695 across different sellers and sales periods. Some users wish for additional configuration options, particularly a barebones model for those who prefer to supply their own RAM and storage. The plastic construction, while lightweight and functional, doesn’t feel as premium as all-metal alternatives in the eyes of some buyers.
Conclusion
The MINISFORUM UM880 Plus carves out a distinct position in the mini PC market by combining genuine desktop-class performance with forward-thinking expandability that most competitors lack. The OCuLink port alone sets it apart, offering a genuine upgrade path to external graphics without the compromise of USB4’s more limited bandwidth. Paired with the Ryzen 7 8845HS’s sustained 65W performance, up to 96GB RAM support, and exceptionally quiet thermal management, this system delivers serious value for its asking price.
This mini PC is ideal for software developers who need compilation performance in a compact footprint, content creators who want expandability for future GPU upgrades, remote workers who value a silent desktop environment, and gamers willing to start with capable integrated graphics while keeping eGPU options open. Users who need native Linux wireless support should budget for a WiFi card swap to Intel AX210, and those requiring maximum internal storage should consider that using the OCuLink port sacrifices one M.2 slot.
For those looking to compare options, Starry Hope’s Mini PC Comparison Chart provides a valuable resource for evaluating the UM880 Plus against alternatives in its class.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the OCuLink port and why does it matter?
OCuLink is a PCIe 4.0 x4 connection offering 64Gbps bandwidth, significantly faster than USB4 or Thunderbolt 4 for connecting external GPUs. This allows the UM880 Plus to support desktop graphics cards with minimal performance loss, transforming it from a compact productivity machine into a gaming or creative workstation when needed.
How much RAM and storage can the UM880 Plus support?
The UM880 Plus supports up to 96GB of DDR5 RAM using two 48GB SO-DIMM modules. For storage, it has two M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 NVMe slots supporting up to 4TB each, for a maximum of 8TB total internal storage. Note that using the OCuLink port requires installing an adapter that occupies one M.2 slot.
How quiet is the MINISFORUM UM880 Plus during operation?
Multiple reviewers measured noise levels at 34dB or below under load, which is exceptionally quiet for a performance-oriented mini PC. Retro Handhelds specifically noted it was “easily the quietest” compared to Beelink and GMKTec units with similar Ryzen processors. In normal daily use, the dual-fan cooling system is rarely audible.
Can the UM880 Plus run Linux?
Yes, the UM880 Plus runs Linux well. Retro Handhelds confirmed that ZorinOS works out of the box with all necessary drivers. However, the included MediaTek MT7902 WiFi card lacks proper Linux driver support. Users can swap it for an Intel AX210 WiFi card (around $20) for full wireless compatibility.
How many displays can the UM880 Plus support simultaneously?
The UM880 Plus supports triple 4K displays simultaneously using its HDMI 2.1 port (8K at 60Hz capable), DisplayPort 1.4 (4K at 120Hz), and USB4 with Alt DisplayPort mode. This makes it suitable for multi-monitor productivity setups or even mixed-use configurations combining work displays with a gaming monitor.
What gaming performance can I expect from the integrated graphics?
The AMD Radeon 780M integrated graphics can handle 1080p gaming at 60fps in many modern titles including Forza Horizon 5 and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2. Esports titles like League of Legends run at 170 FPS and Valorant at over 200 FPS. For 4K gaming or the most demanding AAA titles, connecting an external GPU via OCuLink is recommended.
What comes in the box with the UM880 Plus?
The UM880 Plus includes the mini PC itself, power adapter, HDMI cable, VESA mounting bracket with screws, OCuLink adapter board for M.2 to OCuLink connection, user manual, and spare bottom rubber feet. The OCuLink adapter requires user installation inside the chassis.