Are you in search of an affordable yet powerful computing solution? Look no further than the BD790i SE from Minisforum. This budget-friendly Mini-ITX motherboard comes with a preinstalled AMD Dragon Range CPU, making it a cost-effective option without compromising on core performance.
The BD790i SE is designed for users who want a compact yet capable system. Thanks to its preinstalled and non-replaceable AMD processor and cooler, it offers significant savings as long as upgradability isn’t a primary concern. While it may not match the peak performance of a full desktop platform due to power and frequency limitations, it delivers excellent value for money.
Minisforum’s latest release, the BD790i SE, features the Ryzen 9 7940HX processor. Despite its budget-friendly positioning, this CPU boasts an impressive 16-core Zen 4 configuration, mirroring the more high-end 7945HX. Popular among Chinese laptop manufacturers for gaming systems, this is the first instance of this powerful processor being available in a desktop format.
One of the standout features of the BD790i SE is its pricing. Priced at $359, it offers twice the cores of the older 8-core 7745HX model, which originally retailed at $399. This makes it an even more attractive option for consumers seeking high core counts at a lower cost.
In terms of specifications, while the BD790i SE maintains the 16-core setup of its pricier counterpart, it operates at a slightly reduced boost frequency of 5.2 GHz compared to the 5.4 GHz of the 7945HX. The rest of the technical specifications remain consistent, including the cache configuration and integrated Radeon 610M graphics. This Mini-ITX board is designed for use with discrete graphics cards, featuring a full PCIe 5.0×16 interface—a significant advantage over many other laptop-grade desktop boards, which often have limited PCIe capabilities.
However, an important change worth noting is the shift from PCIe 5.0 M.2 slots to dual PCIe 4.0 slots for SSDs. Given the current market conditions and pricing of PCIe 5.0 SSDs, this update is unlikely to be a major drawback. In fact, for a budget-oriented motherboard, PCIe 4.0 SSDs are typically more suitable and provide excellent performance within the available price range.
The BD790i SE has been thoughtfully priced to cater to cost-conscious consumers, showing great promise for those who want robust performance without breaking the bank. Although no official press release has been issued, this new product is now visible on Minisforum’s website.
For users comparing models, here’s a quick breakdown of the BD790i and BD790i SE specifications:
– **Processors**: Both utilize Ryzen™ 9 chips with 16 cores and 32 threads, differing slightly in maximum boost frequencies (5.4 GHz for the BD790i and 5.2 GHz for the BD790i SE).
– **GPU**: Both models feature the AMD Radeon™ 610M.
– **Memory**: Both support up to 64GB of DDR5 dual-channel memory.
– **Storage**: BD790i comes with two PCIe 5.0 SSD slots, whereas the BD790i SE includes dual PCIe 4.0 SSD slots.
– **Expansion**: Both motherboards have a PCIe 5.0 X16 connector.
– **Connectivity**: Both models include an M.2 2230 Key E Slot for wireless connectivity, and a range of video and audio outputs including HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort 1.4, USB-C, and Line Out.
– **Ethernet**: Both feature a 2.5G Ethernet Port.
– **USB Ports**: Both offer a mix of USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C, USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A, and USB 2.0 Type-A ports.
– **Form Factor**: Both adhere to the Mini-ITX (170x170x1.6mm) form factor.
For enthusiasts looking for affordability paired with solid performance, the BD790i SE from Minisforum is a noteworthy contender.
