Unboxing and Setup of the Powerful MinisForum UM690 Mini PC

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Home Hardware Unboxing and Setup of the Powerful MinisForum UM690 Mini PC

Unboxing and Setup of the Powerful MinisForum UM690 Mini PC

🎁 Highlights:

Mini PCs are gaining popularity due to their powerful performance.
The MinisForum UM690, powered by AMD Ryzen 9 6900HX, is a high-end option.
Unboxing reveals accessories like power cable, HDMI cable, and VESA mount.
The device features a sleek and basic design with ample ports.
Setting up Windows 11 is a simple process with customization options.
Performance testing demonstrates smooth multimedia playback and gaming experience.
The UM690 performs well in games like Forza Horizon 5 and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
Pros include powerful chipset, integrated Radeon graphics, and efficient thermals.
Cons may include limited storage and noise during startup.
The MinisForum UM690 is an excellent option for those seeking a high-performance mini PC.

🖥️ Article:

Unboxing and Initial Setup

Mini PCs have become increasingly popular due to their impressive performance capabilities, and I've been eager to get my hands on one. Recently, I purchased the MinisForum UM690, equipped with AMD's Ryzen 9 6900HX chipset. In this article, I will walk you through the unboxing and initial setup process of this sleek and powerful mini PC.

Upon receiving the UM690, I quickly noticed its elegant packaging. The box listed the specifications, highlighting its 8 cores/16 Threads configuration. Inside the box, I found some instructions and notes, as well as the mini PC itself. It was securely padded with protective foam and wrapped in plastic. Beneath the device, I discovered neatly stowed accessories, including a detachable power cable, a short HDMI cable, a power brick with 120W output, a SATA cable for a 3.5-inch hard drive, a stand for vertical placement, a VESA mount for attaching it behind a monitor, and spare Rubber feet.

Specs and Features

The MinisForum UM690 boasts impressive specifications. Powered by the AMD Ryzen 9 6900HX chipset, an octa-core CPU, it excels at computational tasks. Additionally, it features the Radeon 680M graphics card, offering powerful integrated graphics performance. The device ensures efficient thermals with a smart fan, dual heat sinks, and liquid metal on the CPU. While not entirely noiseless, the UM690's noise level is tolerable, especially during startup.

Design and Ports

In terms of design, the MinisForum UM690 Sports a black square case with a diagonal line pattern at the top, along with the MINIS FORUM badge. The front panel features a large grill, a "Clear CMS" or factory reset button, a power button with a blue LED light, a courage port, 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 device also includes a DMIC interface for a digital microphone input. With a grill on the side for better ventilation and ample I/O options at the back – including a Kensington Lock, a power input, a 2.5-gigabit Ethernet port, 4 USB 3.2 Gen-2 ports, and two HDMI ports with up to 4K60 image – the UM690 offers convenience and versatility.

Setting Up Windows 11

Setting up the MinisForum UM690 with Windows 11 is a breeze. Simply connect the power cable to the power brick, attach it to the PC, and plug it into an outlet. Next, connect an HDMI or DisplayPort cable to your monitor. During the setup process, choose your preferred language, region, and keyboard layout. You can also connect to Wi-Fi or opt for an Ethernet cable for internet connectivity. After checking for software updates and restarting if necessary, customize privacy settings according to your preferences. Finally, personalize your device by selecting a name, setting security options like a Pin, and deciding whether to sync with OneDrive or back up files.

Performance Testing

The MinisForum UM690 impresses with its performance capabilities. It effortlessly handles multimedia playback, delivering seamless 4K video experiences. Everyday tasks run smoothly with no noticeable slowdowns. To put its power to test, I tried out various games on the UM690. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, a 2D game, ran flawlessly without any issues. Forza Horizon 5 required some adjustments, such as closing background applications. However, once optimized, I achieved a solid 60fps in medium details and full HD resolution. The UM690 also handled THPS 1 & 2 exceptionally well, providing nostalgic fun with smooth 1080p gameplay. While Dirt Rally 2.0 experienced a slight slowdown after extended playtime, reducing the resolution to 720p resolved the issue. Although the low-quality preset yielded poor image quality, adjusting the resolution proved to be an effective solution.

Gaming Experience

The MinisForum UM690 offers an immersive gaming experience, making it ideal for both casual and avid gamers. With its powerful Ryzen 9 mobile chipset and integrated Radeon graphics, it delivers impressive performance in various games. Whether you're playing the latest titles like Forza Horizon 5 or indulging in classic games like THPS 1 & 2, the UM690 provides smooth gameplay and enjoyable visuals. Its versatility allows you to explore a wide range of games and even experiment with emulators. Whether you're utilizing it as a gaming machine or a daily driver, the UM690 is a dependable choice.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Powerful AMD Ryzen 9 6900HX chipset
Integrated Radeon 680M graphics for impressive performance
Efficient thermals with smart fan, dual heat sinks, and liquid metal
Sleek and elegant design with ample ports

Cons:

Limited storage capacity (512GB might not be sufficient for everyone)
Some noise during startup

Conclusion

In conclusion, the MinisForum UM690 is a high-performance mini PC that excels in both gaming and everyday tasks. Its powerful AMD Ryzen 9 6900HX chipset, integrated Radeon graphics, and efficient thermals make it a worthy investment for gamers and tech enthusiasts alike. While the limited storage capacity and slight noise during startup may be minor drawbacks, they do not overshadow the UM690's overall performance and features. If you're in the market for a powerful and versatile mini PC, the MinisForum UM690 is definitely one to consider.

FAQs

Q: Is the MinisForum UM690 suitable for gaming? A: Yes, the MinisForum UM690 offers impressive gaming performance, thanks to its powerful Ryzen 9 6900HX chipset and integrated Radeon graphics.

Q: Can I upgrade the storage capacity of the UM690? A: Yes, you can connect a 3.5-inch hard drive to the UM690 using the included SATA cable for additional storage capacity.

Q: Does the UM690 support external GPUs? A: Yes, one of the USB-C ports on the UM690 supports Thunderbolt interface, allowing you to connect an external GPU for enhanced gaming performance.

Q: How is the noise level of the UM690? A: While the UM690 is not entirely noiseless, the noise level is tolerable, especially during startup.

Q: Can I connect the UM690 to multiple monitors? A: Yes, the UM690 features two HDMI ports with up to 4K60 image, allowing you to connect multiple monitors for an extended display setup.

Q: Is the UM690 compatible with Windows 11? A: Yes, the UM690 comes with Windows 11 pre-installed, providing a streamlined and modern user experience.