MINIS FORUM UM780 XTX Mini PC, AMD Ryzen 7

Test of the Minisforum UM780XTX an ambitious mini PC

The Minisforum UM780XTX stands out as one of the most ambitious mini PCs of the moment. With its AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS processor coupled with the integrated Radeon 780M GPU , it delivers performance close to that of a classic desktop PC, while maintaining an ultra-compact format designed to fit anywhere. But its real singularity lies in the integration of an OCuLink port , a rare connection that allows it to accommodate an external graphics card. Result: the UM780XTX is not only a champion of mini PCs with integrated GPU, it is also a scalable machine capable of competing with full gaming towers when coupled with a dedicated graphics card.

In terms of performance, the tests are clear: the UM780XTX is positioned among the best in its category, surpassing many direct competitors in benchmarks and offering a fluid experience, including in games. Admittedly, its price is in a premium , but this price is explained by the richness of its connectivity, the quality of its design and above all this unique scalability potential which guarantees a lasting investment.

MINIS FORUM UM780 XTX
MINIS FORUM UM780 XTX
Customer review: "I was looking for a compact, quiet, sufficiently powerful PC, of ​​recent generation and at a competitive price. I was not disappointed: this mini PC perfectly meets my expectations. From the first hours of use, I wondered if there was really a fan, it is so quiet. Even under heavy load, the noise remains very discreet. I installed Ubuntu without difficulty, all the components are immediately recognized, including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, often capricious on other competing models."
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Table of Contents

Characteristic MINISFORUM UM780 XTX
Brand MINIS FORUM
Model number UM780 XTX
Model year 2023
Processor AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS
Graphics processor manufacturer AMD
Box contents Mini PC, Wall Mount, Power Cable, US Power Adapter, HDMI Cable, User Manual

UM780XTX Processor and GPU

At the heart of the Minisforum UM780XTX beats the Ryzen™ 7 7840HS , a chip built for performance. With its 8 cores and 16 threads , it handles intensive workloads without batting an eyelid, whether it's demanding multitasking, rendering or heavy applications. Its architecture allows it to reach a base frequency of 3.8 GHz , with a boost up to 5.1 GHz , enough to offer immediate responsiveness. Its adjustable TDP of 35 to 54 W adds welcome flexibility: low consumption for everyday uses, full power when the situation requires it.

This raw power is accompanied by the integrated AMD Radeon™ 780M GPU , with 12 graphics cores clocked up to 2700 MHz . Renowned for its balance, this graphics solution is ideal for creatives: video editing, photo editing, light 3D rendering... everything runs smoothly. On the gaming side, it holds its own and allows you to enjoy a wide variety of titles in Full HD in good conditions, even if the UM780XTX reveals its full potential when combined with an external GPU via OCuLink.

This CPU-GPU combination gives the mini PC rare versatility : smooth productivity, accelerated creation and more than respectable gaming sessions in an ultra-compact format.

Strengths and weaknesses – UM780XTX
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Highlights
  • Excellent performance: Ryzen 7 7840HS + Radeon 780M for video editing, 3D and RAW processing.
  • OCuLink port: ability to connect an external graphics card for massive gain.
  • Scalable: Up to 96GB DDR5 RAM and two M.2 PCIe Gen4 SSDs.
  • Complete connectivity: USB4 and 2.5 Gbps Ethernet for fast connection.
  • Efficient cooling: liquid metal and quiet fan.
  • Versatile: office automation, creation, gaming and PS3 emulation.
👎
Weaknesses
  • High price: “premium” positioning.
  • Wi-Fi sometimes unstable due to the metal casing.
  • Direct purchase: long delivery time and return limited to 7 days.
  • RGB design criticized: customization deemed unnecessary by some.

Memory and storage architecture

The Minisforum UM780XTX makes no compromises on memory and storage, two key elements to meet the needs of demanding creators, professionals and gamers. On the RAM side, it supports up to 96 GB of DDR5 SO-DIMM at 5600 MT/s , a capacity usually reserved for high-end workstations. The available versions offer 16, 32 or 64 GB pre-installed , leaving plenty of room for upgrade for those who want to push the machine to its maximum.

For storage, the mini PC focuses on speed and flexibility with two M.2 2280 PCIe Gen 4.0 SSD slots . This makes it possible to achieve a total capacity of up to 4TB , with blazing speeds that translate into ultra-fast loading times and exemplary fluidity, whether for games or professional software. Advanced users will also appreciate RAID compatibility via the BIOS , allowing the system to be configured to prioritize either data security or maximum performance.

Productivity and creation

The Minisforum UM780XTX is a great choice for demanding professionals and creatives. Sure, it handles office work and everyday multitasking with ease, but it's in heavy-duty applications that it truly shines. Importing and editing high-resolution RAW files from cameras like the Canon EOS R5 C or Sony A7 IV in Adobe Photoshop is remarkably smooth, with no frustrating slowdowns.

When it comes to editing, this mini PC holds its own against much larger workstations. Complex video projects in Premiere Pro or DaVinci Resolve are rendered quickly and stably, while 3D modeling and rendering, often reserved for desktop towers, are handled with surprising ease .

Thanks to its CPU/GPU power and generous memory architecture, the UM780XTX positions itself as a true compact workstation . It combines the mobility of a mini PC with the computing power of a desktop machine, making it a credible solution for both creative freelancers and studios looking for a powerful but discreet workstation.

Gaming performance with integrated GPU

In the world of mini PCs with only an integrated GPU, the Minisforum UM780XTX stands out as a true benchmark. The benchmarks speak for themselves: 3209 points on 3DMark Time Spy , 7585 on Fire Strike and 29063 on Night Raid . On the application side, its score of 10838 on PCMark places it clearly ahead of several direct competitors, including the Beelink SER7 .

But beyond the numbers, its potential is measured in real-life conditions. The mini PC is capable of running recent titles like Shadow of the Tomb Raider or Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III at over 60 FPS in 720p and 1080p , provided you adjust the graphics settings. Clearly, it's still far from the performance of a gaming PC equipped with a dedicated graphics card, but for such a compact format, the result is more than respectable.

This hybrid positioning is also its strength: the UM780XTX is not only a productivity and creation tool, it is also a small, versatile gaming machine, capable of offering a fluid experience for those who agree to moderate their graphic ambitions.

Emulation and limits

The Minisforum UM780XTX doesn't just excel at PC gaming: it also proves formidable in emulation . Older consoles run without difficulty, but it's especially with newer systems that the mini PC impresses. Emulators like Yuzu or Ryujinx offer a smooth experience, to the point that one user reported playing Persona 5 Royal at a stable 60 FPS without the slightest hitch. This performance is a testament to the combined power of the Ryzen 7 and Radeon 780M.

However, not everything is perfect. Some more demanding compatibility titles, like God of War , don't support upscaling well and can cause crashes. A reminder that even with solid hardware, the experience also depends on software optimizations and the maturity of the emulators.

In summary, the UM780XTX clearly stands out from the majority of mini PCs by offering a high-level emulation experience , but it retains some limitations linked to the very nature of this field.

OCuLink: A connection for the future

One of the major advantages of the Minisforum UM780XTX is the integration of an OCuLink port , a rare feature on a mini PC. Supplied with an M.2 to OCuLink adapter , the device greatly simplifies the connection of an external graphics card (eGPU) , paving the way for a spectacular performance gain.

This capability literally transforms the mini PC: from an already powerful compact machine, it becomes a scalable platform capable of competing with full gaming towers . Experts and reviewers hail this choice as a true revolution in the mini PC segment , offering flexibility and power that few competitors can match.

The OCuLink port puts the UM780XTX far ahead of the majority of models on the market , making it a credible option for users looking to combine compactness and maximum expandability.

OCuLink vs USB4: The Bandwidth Debate

The OCuLink port integrated into the Minisforum UM780XTX is not just a gimmick: it is a strategic technical choice that solves a recurring limitation of eGPU solutions. Compared to USB4 /Thunderbolt , OCuLink stands out with a maximum bandwidth of 63 Gbps , compared to 40 Gbps for USB4.

This difference translates into superior performance in demanding scenarios , such as ray tracing or high frame rate gaming. Latency measurements also confirm the advantage: OCuLink ensures smoother frametimes , reducing stuttering and providing a much smoother experience than a conventional USB4 connection.

In practice, this translates into minimal performance impact : one user reports a loss of less than 10% with OCuLink, compared to around 20% via USB-C , a significant gap for gaming and demanding graphics rendering enthusiasts. The integration of OCuLink therefore makes the UM780XTX a platform prepared for high-performance eGPUs , capable of competing with much larger configurations.

Compatibility and evolution with an eGPU

Tests confirm that the Minisforum UM780XTX can transform into a true high-end gaming machine when paired with an eGPU. In tests with the GPD G1 , equipped with a Radeon RX 7600M XT , the mini PC was able to run titles in 4K with smooth performance exceeding 60 FPS .

This configuration perfectly illustrates the flexibility of the UM780XTX : the user can initially invest in the mini PC for their professional or creative needs, then improve its graphics performance by adding an external card, without having to replace their entire system with a full desktop PC.

In practice, this eGPU compatibility offers unprecedented scalability for a mini PC, allowing you to move from productivity to a high-flying gaming experience with an investment that can be adjusted according to your needs.

Design, cooling and noise

Design and build quality

The Minisforum UM780XTX stands out for its award-winning design , having won a Red Dot Design Award . Its sleek aesthetic, with rounded corners customization options , gives it a modern and elegant look.

The case is all-metal , which is not just an aesthetic choice: it actively contributes to heat dissipation , improving the stability of the internal components. The magnetic top cover provides easy access for upgrades and maintenance, making servicing quick and easy.

The UM780XTX also features customizable RGB lighting via the BIOS . While some observers may consider it an "accessory," it allows those who wish to give their mini PC personal visual touch

Innovative cooling system

The Minisforum UM780XTX also shines with its advanced cooling system , a key element of its performance. The CPU benefits from a liquid metal thermal interface , a high-end solution that significantly reduces temperatures compared to conventional thermal pastes.

This liquid metal is combined with a large, quiet fan and three copper heat pipes , ensuring efficient heat dissipation even under heavy loads. The system isn't limited to the processor: memory and SSDs are also actively cooled, with a temperature reduction of up to 25% , which helps extend their lifespan.

This powerful thermal design allows the Ryzen 7 7840HS to sustain a high TDP of 70W with complete stability, ensuring maximum performance in benchmarks and demanding applications, while maintaining a contained noise level .

Sound level

The UM780XTX mini PC takes full advantage of its oversized cooling system to remain relatively quiet . In standard office or multimedia use, the mini PC is barely noticeable , a real plus for a quiet working environment.

Only when the unit is switched to performance mode does the fan become audible, but the noise remains moderate compared to some competitors that can generate significant noise pollution under load. This acoustic control is a testament to the effectiveness of its thermal design , capable of keeping components warm but stable without compromising user comfort.

In practice, the UM780XTX combines power and discretion , offering a pleasant user experience even during intensive computing or gaming sessions.

Connectivity and scalability

The Minisforum UM780XTX is a true interface champion in the mini PC segment. Its connectivity is particularly comprehensive , offering rare flexibility for such a compact format.

It notably offers two USB4 ports (one at the front and one at the back) and four USB Type-A 3.2 Gen 2 ports , covering all needs for peripherals, storage and accessories. On the video side, the mini PC does not disappoint: HDMI 2.1 , DisplayPort 1.4 and the two USB4 allow you to connect up to four displays simultaneously , an ideal capacity for multitasking, creation or multi-screen gaming.

This wealth of interfaces makes the UM780XTX a versatile platform , capable of adapting to demanding professional environments while offering the flexibility needed to evolve towards more gaming or multimedia creation-oriented uses.

Network connectivity

The Minisforum UM780XTX also stands out for its high-end network connectivity . It is equipped with two 2.5 Gbps Ethernet ports , a rare asset that ensures stable speeds well above the usual Gigabit standards. WiFi is not left out, with support for WiFi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2 , providing flexibility and compatibility with modern devices.

However, some users report variations in WiFi stability , probably related to the all-metal casing , which can act as a Faraday cage and affect the wireless signal. In this context, for uses where network reliability is crucial, the Ethernet cable remains the safest solution, ensuring consistent performance for work, streaming or online gaming.

This complete network configuration reinforces the versatility of the UM780XTX, capable of meeting professional requirements while remaining suitable for multimedia or gaming use.

Upgrades and scalability

Upgradeability is at the heart of the Minisforum UM780XTX . The magnetic cover provides easy access to internal components, making upgrades quick and easy.

Users can expand RAM up to 96GB and install a second PCIe 4.0 SSD , providing remarkable flexibility to support evolving needs . Whether for professional projects, multimedia creation, or an upgrade to gaming via eGPU, the UM780XTX remains capable of adapting over the long term.

This modular approach confirms that the mini PC is not only efficient from the outset, but that it can grow with its user , a rare asset in the compact mini PC segment.

Competitive Analysis: The UM780XTX on the Market

Minisforum UM780XTX vs Beelink SER7
While both models share the same AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS processor and Radeon 780M GPU , their performance remains close for gaming with the integrated GPU. However, the UM780XTX clearly takes the lead in system benchmarks , with a PCMark score of 10838 versus 7489 for the SER7 , reflecting better fluidity in professional and multitasking applications.

On the connectivity side, the UM780XTX stands out with two 2.5G Ethernet ports and OCuLink , a feature missing from the SER7, thus offering superior scalability and network options . The SER7, however, retains some strong points: a slightly lower noise level and a slightly more compact format , which may appeal to those who prioritize discretion or reduced space requirements.

In summary, the choice between the two mini PCs depends on the user's priorities : for power, connectivity and scalability, the Minisforum UM780XTX is the obvious choice; for compactness and silence, the Beelink SER7 remains an interesting alternative.

Minisforum UM780XTX vs Geekom A9

The GEEKOM 2025 AI Mini PC A9 Max focuses on innovation with its AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 , designed for artificial intelligence and the most demanding creations. , attractive arguments for users attached to aesthetics and peace of mind.

However, the UM780XTX takes the lead in build quality and overall design . User feedback on the Geekom A9 sometimes reports overheating issues and poor thermal paste , points that the Minisforum's advanced cooling system manages to avoid, ensuring stable performance even under heavy load.

Ultimately, the choice comes down to a compromise between style and warranty (A7) and long-lasting performance and superior build quality (UM780XTX). For those looking for a compact yet robust and reliable mini PC over the long term, the UM780XTX remains the benchmark.

Prices, configurations and purchase

The Minisforum UM780XTX is available in several configurations, suitable for various needs and budgets. Prices start around €375 , and can reach €495 , for models with the most memory and storage.

For users wishing to fully customize their machine, a barebone model is also available, allowing them to install their own RAM and SSDs , and thus optimize the configuration according to their specific needs.

This configuration flexibility, combined with the scalability offered by OCuLink, RAM and storage , makes the UM780XTX a suitable solution for professionals as well as gamers or creatives looking for a powerful and modular mini PC .

Detailed recommendations

For the demanding gamer
If you're looking for a mini PC that can run most games smoothly in 1080p , with the ability to upgrade to a high-performance 4K experience thanks to an eGPU , the UM780XTX is one of the best choices on the market. Its OCuLink offers rare expandability that transforms the mini PC into a true compact but powerful gaming machine.

For the creative or professional
The Minisforum UM780XTX is positioned as a compact and powerful workstation . Its CPU power, expandable memory up to 96 GB , and two 2.5G Ethernet ports make it an ideal solution for video editing, 3D rendering and intensive professional applications . It combines compactness and robustness for demanding tasks without compromise.

For the advanced user
If your priority is connectivity, expandability and performance , and you are willing to accept a slight compromise on size or noise , the UM780XTX is a lasting investment . Its robust design and modular options ensure that the machine will remain efficient and current for many years.

Conclusion of the test on the Minisforum UM780XTX mini PC

The Minisforum UM780XTX is a technological achievement that redefines what a high-end mini PC can offer. It combines computing power and impressive graphics capabilities in such a compact device. Its careful design , its powerful cooling system and its complete connectivity make it a versatile machine, perfectly suited to professionals, creatives and gamers .

Its real strength lies in the inclusion of the OCuLink port , which allows you to add an external GPU and transform the mini PC into a scalable platform capable of competing with desktop towers . This combination of power, modularity and compactness positions the UM780XTX as an essential reference in the premium mini PC segment.

In summary: for productivity , multimedia creation or modular gaming , the UM780XTX represents a durable and high-performance investment , capable of meeting the most demanding needs over the long term.

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