Discover the Power and Versatility of MinisForum UM690 Mini PC

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Table of Contents

Discover the Power and Versatility of MinisForum UM690 Mini PC

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Unboxing and Setup
  3. Specs and Features
  4. Ports and Connectivity Options
  5. Initial Performance testing
  6. Gaming Experience
  7. Thermals and Noise Level
  8. Software and User Experience
  9. Price and Value for Money
  10. Conclusion

Introduction

In recent years, mini PCs have gained significant popularity due to their increased power and versatility. As someone who has been eyeing a mini PC for a while now, I finally decided to go for the MinisForum UM690, which is powered by AMD's Ryzen 9 6900HX chipset. In this article, I will guide you through the unboxing and setup process, discuss the device's specifications and features, explore its performance in various scenarios, delve into the gaming experience it offers, and provide an overall assessment of its value for money. So, let's dive in and explore what the MinisForum UM690 has to offer.

Unboxing and Setup

The unboxing experience of the MinisForum UM690 was quite pleasant. The box itself showcased the device's specifications, highlighting its 8-core/16-thread Ryzen 9 6900HX chipset. Upon opening the box, I found the mini PC neatly secured by protective foam and plastic wrap. The accessories, including a detachable power cable, a short HDMI cable, a power brick with up to 120W output, a SATA cable for connecting a 3.5-inch hard drive, a stand for vertical placement, a VESA mount for attaching it behind a monitor, and spare Rubber feet, were carefully stowed underneath. The overall packaging and presentation were commendable, and it gave me a positive first impression of the MinisForum UM690.

Setting up the device was a breeze. I connected the power cable to the power brick and plugged it into an outlet. For input devices, I used my Logitech mouse and keyboard receiver, although Bluetooth or a USB cable could also be used. I connected the device to a monitor using an HDMI cable I already had. Once everything was connected, I switched on the mini PC and initiated the setup process. It involved selecting the desired language, region, keyboard layout, and secondary keyboard layout. I opted for a personal device setup and logged into my Microsoft account for added convenience. After configuring a Pin for security, I customized the privacy settings according to my preferences. Overall, the setup process was straightforward and user-friendly, allowing me to quickly get started with the MinisForum UM690.

Note: Mention the potential pros and cons of the unboxing and setup process if necessary.

Specs and Features

The MinisForum UM690 is equipped with the AMD Ryzen 9 6900HX, one of the most powerful mobile chipsets available. This octa-core CPU excels in computational tasks and offers impressive performance. The device also features the Radeon 680M integrated graphics card, which is known for its exceptional power among built-in graphics cards. To ensure optimal thermal performance, the MinisForum UM690 incorporates a smart fan, a dual heat sink, and liquid metal on the CPU. While the device is not completely noiseless, the noise level is tolerable, especially considering its high-performance capabilities. With its sleek black square case and diagonal line pattern, the MinisForum UM690 exudes elegance and simplicity. The front of the device boasts a large grill, a factory reset button, a power button with a blue LED light, a courage port for headphones or microphones, and two USB-C ports. Notably, one of the USB-C ports supports up to 8K video output and the Thunderbolt interface, allowing for the connection of an external GPU. The back of the device hosts a Kensington Lock, a power input, a 2.5-gigabit Ethernet port, four USB 3.2 Gen-2 ports, and two HDMI ports with up to 4K 60Hz image quality. Additionally, the MinisForum UM690 offers versatile mounting options, including a detachable stand for vertical placement and a VESA mount for attaching it behind a monitor. Overall, the MinisForum UM690 boasts impressive specifications and features that make it a compelling choice for power users in need of a compact yet high-performance PC.

Note: Mention any pros and cons of the device's specifications and features if necessary.

Ports and Connectivity Options

With a generous array of ports, the MinisForum UM690 excels in terms of connectivity options. The device offers a Kensington lock for added security, a power input for reliable energy supply, a 2.5-gigabit Ethernet port for fast and stable wired internet connections, and four USB 3.2 Gen-2 ports for seamlessly connecting peripherals. The two HDMI ports support up to 4K 60Hz image quality, ensuring smooth video playback and display. On the front, the device provides two USB-C ports, one of which supports Thunderbolt and 8K video output, enabling users to connect an external GPU or high-resolution displays. Additionally, the MinisForum UM690 features a courage port (3.5mm jack) for conveniently connecting headphones or microphones, as well as a DMIC interface for digital microphone input. These extensive connectivity options make the MinisForum UM690 versatile and adaptable to a wide range of usage scenarios.

Note: Mention the potential pros and cons of the device's ports and connectivity options if necessary.

Initial Performance Testing

Upon setting up the MinisForum UM690, I proceeded to test its initial performance in various scenarios. The device lived up to its high-performance reputation, delivering smooth and efficient multitasking capabilities. Everyday tasks, such as web browsing and media consumption, were handled with ease, without any noticeable slowdowns. The MiniPC proved capable of handling 4K video playback flawlessly, providing a seamless viewing experience. The inclusion of the Ryzen 9 6900HX chipset ensured swift and responsive performance, even when dealing with resource-intensive applications. Furthermore, the Radeon 680M integrated graphics card delivered impressive graphics rendering capabilities, allowing for enjoyable multimedia experiences. These initial performance tests showcased the MinisForum UM690's ability to handle demanding tasks with efficiency, making it a promising option for users seeking a powerful mini PC solution.

Note: Mention any pros and cons observed during the initial performance testing if necessary.

Gaming Experience

For gaming enthusiasts, the MinisForum UM690 offers a compelling gaming experience. To put its gaming capabilities to the test, I tried out various games, including Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Forza Horizon 5, THPS 1 & 2, and Dirt Rally 2.0. While 2D games like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles ran flawlessly without any issues, more graphically demanding titles required some tweaking. With the right adjustments, I managed to achieve a smooth 60fps experience in medium details and full HD resolution while playing Forza Horizon 5. The game felt immersive and enjoyable at this quality level. THPS 1 & 2, classic skateboarding games, ran smoothly in 1080p resolution, allowing me to relive the nostalgic experience with a favorite soundtrack. However, when it came to Dirt Rally 2.0, I noticed a slight dip in performance, with frame rates dropping to 40-50 frames per Second after extended gameplay Sessions. Lowering the resolution to 720p improved the frame rates, although sacrificing image quality. Additionally, running the game on low-quality presets resulted in a significantly degraded image quality, making lower resolution preferable. Overall, the MinisForum UM690 performs admirably in gaming scenarios, making it a viable option for casual gamers looking for a compact and powerful gaming machine.

Note: Mention any pros and cons of the gaming experience offered by the MinisForum UM690 if necessary.

Thermals and Noise Level

When it comes to thermals, the MinisForum UM690 incorporates effective cooling mechanisms to ensure optimal performance. With the inclusion of a smart fan, a dual heat sink, and liquid metal on the CPU, the device manages to maintain acceptable temperature levels during operation. While the fan noise can be audible, particularly during startup, it is generally not disruptive and remains within acceptable limits, especially considering the device's high-performance capabilities. The cooling system effectively dissipates heat, enabling the device to run at optimal performance levels without major thermal throttling concerns. Overall, the MinisForum UM690 strikes a good balance between thermal management and noise levels, ensuring a satisfactory user experience without compromising on performance.

Note: Mention any pros and cons related to the thermals and noise level if necessary.

Software and User Experience

The MinisForum UM690 comes pre-installed with Windows 11, offering users access to the latest features and improvements. Setting up the device was straightforward, with the Windows 11 setup process guiding users through language selection, region settings, and personalized customization options. The user interface of Windows 11 on the MinisForum UM690 is smooth and responsive, making for an enjoyable user experience. The inclusion of essential applications like Google Chrome and Total Commander further enhances the device's usability. Navigating through different applications and multitasking was smooth, without any noticeable lag or slowdowns. The device's hardware specifications, including the Ryzen 9 6900HX chipset and the Radeon 680M graphics card, contribute to the overall Snappy and efficient performance. Whether it's browsing the web, working on productivity tasks, or streaming media, the MinisForum UM690 offers a pleasant and seamless user experience.

Note: Mention any pros and cons related to the software and user experience if necessary.

Price and Value for Money

Price is an essential factor to consider when evaluating the value proposition of any device. The MinisForum UM690, priced at £769 (after a discount), falls within the higher-end price range compared to other mini PCs on the market. However, the device's powerful specifications, including the AMD Ryzen 9 6900HX chipset and the Radeon 680M graphics card, justify its premium price tag. In terms of performance, versatility, and build quality, the MinisForum UM690 offers excellent value for money. The device's compact form factor, combined with its impressive power, makes it an appealing option for power users and gamers seeking a capable mini PC solution. While it may not be the most budget-friendly choice, the MinisForum UM690 delivers a superior performance that justifies its price point.

Note: Mention any pros and cons related to the price and value for money if necessary.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the MinisForum UM690 proves to be a powerful and versatile mini PC option. With its AMD Ryzen 9 6900HX chipset, Radeon 680M graphics card, and efficient cooling mechanisms, the device offers impressive performance in various scenarios. From everyday productivity tasks to gaming experiences, the MinisForum UM690 delivers a seamless user experience. Additionally, the device's extensive connectivity options, sleek design, and user-friendly software further enhance its appeal. While its premium price tag may deter budget-conscious users, the MinisForum UM690 offers excellent value for money to those seeking a compact yet high-performance PC solution. If you're in the market for a mini PC with exceptional power and versatility, the MinisForum UM690 is definitely worth considering.

Note: Generate a few FAQs with Q&A at the end and provide a highlights section.

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