MINISFORUM Venus Series UM790 Pro

The MINISFORUM Venus Series UM790 Pro is a compact beast that delivers desktop-grade performance in a mini PC form. Equipped with an AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS processor, this device boasts eight cores and 16 threads, capable of reaching speeds up to 5.2GHz. The integrated AMD Radeon 780M graphics card supports high-resolution gaming and productivity tasks. With options for up to 64GB of DDR5 RAM and dual M.2 PCIe Gen 4 SSD slots, users can expect fast and responsive computing experiences. The UM790 Pro also features a range of modern connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, and various ports such as USB 4, HDMI 2.1, and 2.5G Ethernet, all housed within a sleek aluminum chassis.

Detailed Analysis of the MINISFORUM Venus Series UM790 Pro

The MINISFORUM Venus Series UM790 Pro stands out in the mini PC market with its impressive specifications and design. At its core, the AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS processor is a testament to the device's capability to handle intensive tasks, from content creation to gaming. While unsuitable for the most demanding games, the integrated AMD Radeon 780M graphics card still provides ample power for casual gaming and media consumption.

The inclusion of DDR5 RAM is a forward-thinking choice, offering users the benefits of increased bandwidth and speed, which is particularly advantageous for multitasking and memory-intensive applications. The expandability options are generous, with support for up to 64GB of RAM and the ability to install high-speed M.2 PCIe Gen 4 SSDs, ensuring that storage will not be a bottleneck.

Connectivity is another strong suit of the UM790 Pro, with its modern ports. The two USB 4 ports on the front panel support high-speed data transfer, video output, and power delivery, making it versatile for various peripherals, including external GPUs. However, the absence of a dedicated display port might be a drawback for some users. The HDMI 2.1 ports are a welcome feature, supporting high-resolution displays at refresh rates suitable for gaming and professional use.

The mini PC's wireless capabilities are up-to-date, with Wi-Fi 6E offering faster and more reliable internet connectivity and Bluetooth 5.2 ensuring compatibility with a wide range of wireless devices. The Ethernet port provides a stable wired connection, essential for uninterrupted internet access tasks.

Aesthetically, the UM790 Pro's aluminum body gives it a premium look and feel and contributes to its cooling efficiency. The new Cold Wave 2.0 cooling system, which includes liquid metal, is designed to keep the powerful components running at optimal temperatures. However, this advanced cooling solution might pose a challenge for users who wish to upgrade or maintain the device, as disassembly is not recommended due to the liquid metal application.

Reviewer Impressions: MINISFORUM Venus Series UM790 Pro

ServeTheHome's Perspective

Patrick from ServeTheHome provides a comprehensive review of the MINISFORUM Venus Series UM790 Pro, focusing on its robust performance and improved design over previous models. He is particularly impressed with the AMD Ryzen 9 processor and RDNA 3 graphics, which enable 4K eSports gaming without quality compromises. Patrick highlights the inclusion of fast DDR5 memory and the convenience of USB 4 ports on the front, which support up to 8K 60Hz displays and can connect to an eGPU chassis or a 10-gigabit ethernet adapter via Thunderbolt 3.

Despite the praise, Patrick points out some design flaws, such as the method for accessing the interior, which involves removing the rubber feet and may affect their adhesion over time. He also suggests that the 256GB SSD on his model is too small, recommending at least 512GB for modern usage. The system's power consumption and noise levels are deemed reasonable, and Patrick appreciates the compact size, improved cooling, and the option to purchase the unit as a bare-bones kit. He concludes that "Minisforum has done a great job with the hardware" and that the bare-bones option is a significant advantage over competitors.

Retro Game Corps' Take

Russ from Retro Game Corps reviews the UM790 Pro, emphasizing its top-tier hardware and performance. He notes the Ryzen 7940HS processor as the best CPU with integrated graphics available and the inclusion of DDR5 RAM and PCIe 4.0 slots for storage. The UM790 Pro's sleek aluminum body and various video outputs, including two HDMI 2.1 ports, are also commended.

Russ mentions the power profile options and the bare-bones pricing as attractive features. He finds the fan noise noticeable but not disruptive and is impressed with the device's gaming and emulation capabilities. The UM790 Pro's performance, compact size, and HDMI 2.1 support are highlighted as reasons it stands out in the high-end mini PC market. Russ prefers the UM790 Pro over similar models like the Beelink GTR 7, citing its smaller size and future-proofing features.

ETA Prime's First Look

ETA Prime first gives an in-depth look at the UM790 Pro on YouTube, praising the AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS APU's power. The new Cold Wave 2.0 cooling system is highlighted for keeping the APU cool and quiet even at 65 watts. The mini PC's design, I/O, and user-upgradable RAM and storage are also positive aspects.

Benchmark tests show impressive scores, and real-world gaming tests confirm the mini PC's ability to handle demanding games with reasonable frame rates. ETA Prime is pleased with the power consumption, considering the performance offered. He enjoys testing the UM790 Pro and anticipates further performance improvements through tweaking and tuning. The potential for installing Linux is also mentioned as a positive feature.

Level1Techs' Analysis

Level1Techs provides an in-depth review of the UM790 Pro, focusing on its mobile processor that delivers desktop-level performance. The review cautions against disassembling the unit due to a liquid metal sealing tightness warning but praises the user-upgradable SSDs and RAM. The robust I/O, including USB 4.0 ports and dual HDMI, and the metal case contributing to cooler and quieter operation are highlighted.

The built-in RDNA 3 graphics are noted as not suitable for demanding esports but adequate for light gaming or streaming. The potential for adding an eGPU through the USB-4 ports is discussed, although performance may still need to reach the full potential of a high-end external GPU. The system's BIOS settings, direct machine-to-machine networking support, and performance at a premium price are also mentioned. Level1Techs concludes by expressing admiration for the UM790 Pro's performance, low power consumption, and versatility for various applications.

Customer Reviews of the MINISFORUM Venus Series UM790 Pro

Customers who have purchased the MINISFORUM Venus Series UM790 Pro generally express satisfaction with their investment. The feedback from users underscores the Mini PC's robust performance, especially noting the powerful AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS processor and the integrated AMD Radeon 780M graphics. Users appreciate the ability to run demanding applications and games smoothly, which is quite impressive for a device of its size.

The inclusion of fast DDR5 memory is frequently mentioned as a positive aspect, with customers finding that it contributes to the overall snappy performance of the system. The option to buy a barebones kit and customize the configuration with preferred memory and SSDs is also well-received, as it allows for personalization and potential cost savings.

Connectivity options, including the front-facing USB 4 ports, capable of handling high-resolution displays and eGPU connections, receive particular praise. Users find this feature a significant advantage for a Mini PC, expanding its capabilities beyond what is typically expected from a compact device.

On the downside, some customers note that the base SSD capacity of 256GB is insufficient for their needs, suggesting that a minimum of 512GB is more appropriate for modern usage. Additionally, while the system is generally reported to be quiet, a few users mention that the fan noise can be noticeable under heavy loads, although it is not generally disruptive.

Overall, customer reviews strongly endorse the MINISFORUM Venus Series UM790 Pro as a high-performance, versatile Mini PC that punches above its weight class. Users who prioritize power, expandability, and cutting-edge features in a small form are likely to find this Mini PC fitting for their computing needs.

Conclusion

The MINISFORUM Venus Series UM790 Pro is a compact powerhouse, suitable for various users seeking a high-performance mini PC with a small footprint. With its AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS processor and integrated AMD Radeon 780M graphics, it caters to those who need a machine capable of performing tasks ranging from productivity to gaming and content creation. The support for DDR5 memory and PCIe Gen 4 SSDs further enhances its performance capabilities.

However, users who require extensive storage out of the box or prefer a machine with dedicated graphics may want to explore other options. The UM790 Pro's base configuration starts with a 256GB SSD, which might be limiting for some. While it supports eGPU connectivity via USB 4 ports, those looking for built-in high-end gaming performance might consider a mini PC with a dedicated GPU.

For enthusiasts and power users, the UM790 Pro offers the flexibility of a bare-bones configuration, allowing for customization of RAM and storage to fit specific needs. Its compact size and VESA mount compatibility make it an excellent choice for users with limited space or those looking to create a clean, minimalistic setup.

The MINISFORUM Venus Series UM790 Pro is a strong contender in the mini PC market, especially for users who prioritize performance and compactness. Those interested in comparing the UM790 Pro with other mini PCs can utilize Starry Hope's Mini PC Comparison Chart to make an informed decision.