In the ever-evolving world of compact computing, mini PCs have been rapidly gaining popularity due to their space-saving design and remarkable performance. As a leading manufacturer in this domain, Minisforum has carved out a name for itself by offering cutting-edge technology that meets the demands of both consumers and professionals. With their launch in the summer of 2023, Minisforum introduced cutting-edge mini PCs utilizing AMD’s Phoenix APUs, which boasted of Zen 4 cores and RDNA 3 integrated GPUs (iGPUs).
Now, Minisforum is set to keep the momentum with an interim upgrade to their Phoenix-powered lineup, introducing the UM880 and UM890 Pro mini PCs. These latest models are poised to bring enhanced computing capabilities right to the desktops of tech enthusiasts and professionals.
The UM880 Pro model is now equipped with the AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS chip, while the UM890 Pro comes with the mightier Ryzen 9 8945HS processor. These Hawk Point APUs replace the previous Ryzen 7 7840HS and Ryzen 9 7940HS, promising an uptick in performance and efficiency. With these updates, users can expect speedier and more powerful machines that continue to maintain a compact footprint.
An especially notable improvement in these models is the introduction of a more robust cooling solution. The upgraded cooling mechanism, which features a dual-fan system, requires a slightly bigger casing compared to previous designs. Nevertheless, this design change is worthwhile as it enables the Hawk Point APUs to operate with a 70 W TDP—up from the typical 54 W found in laptops—allowing the processors to sustain maximum boost clocks for longer durations. This translates to more stable and improved performance during intensive tasks.
The architecture of the CPU cores and iGPUs closely mirrors that of the older Phoenix lineup, with enhancements including a faster Neural Processing Unit (NPU) for machine learning and AI-related tasks. The support for RAM and storage remains unaltered, with the models housing dual DDR5-5600 memory slots that can accommodate up to a whopping 96 GB, alongside dual M.2 2280 slots for PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSDs, ensuring ample space and swift read-write speeds.
The array of ports offered by the UM880 and UM890 Pro models remains extensive and versatile. The connectivity options include USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 ports, dual USB4 ports for high-speed data transfer and docking capabilities, DisplayPort and HDMI for video outputs, dual 2.5 GbE jacks for network connectivity, and an audio jack. These features cater to the diverse I/O needs of users and enhance the capability of these mini PCs to serve as powerful workstation hubs.
In terms of availability and pricing, these attractive models are currently up for pre-order in specific markets. Pricing details indicate that a barebones UM880 Pro model will sell for a competitive price, while a pre-configured unit that comes with 16 GB of RAM and 512 GB of storage is estimated to be slightly higher. The UM890 Pro, although not yet open for pre-orders, is expected to carry a price tag that aligns with its enhanced features.
