MINISFORUM UM870 Slim Review: Is This the Best Mini PC for $560?

The MINISFORUM UM870 Slim is shaking things up in the market of mini PCs. It’s a compact computer with a well-rounded package that brings power, and affordability to the table. What makes the UM870 Slim so intriguing is how much it manages to offer in such a small and portable form factor. Packed with an AMD Ryzen 7 8745H processor and Radeon 780M integrated graphics, this mini PC is designed to handle a variety of tasks, from gaming and video editing to handling office workloads effortlessly. That is rare in a device that’s priced as competitively as this one.

This isn’t your run-of-the-mill budget PC. The UM870 Slim is all about smart design choices, offering features that matter most. From its quiet cooling system to the extensive upgrade options for RAM and storage. But is this compact powerhouse the right choice for you?

Design and Build Quality

The design of the MINISFORUM UM870 Slim is one of its standout features, and it’s clear that the folks at MINISFORUM have put some thought into making it look and feel a little different from the crowd. Unlike the typical black or dark gray mini PCs we see everywhere, the UM870 Slim comes dressed in a sleek silver finish that immediately catches the eye.

The compact form factor is one of the biggest selling points here. Measuring just a few inches on each side, this mini PC doesn’t take up much space. The name “Slim” might make you think it’s razor-thin, but it’s more in line with the standard size of other mini PCs. Still, its footprint is small enough to make it ideal for tight spaces or setups where space is at a premium.

Now, let’s talk about the build quality. The outer casing is made primarily of plastic, which might be a bit of a letdown for those hoping for a metal body. That said, it doesn’t feel cheap or flimsy. The plastic is sturdy, and the silver finish does a good job of mimicking a metallic look, giving it a premium appearance from a distance. It’s also lightweight, which makes it easy to carry around if you need a portable PC solution.

The front of the UM870 Slim is clean and functional. You get a power button, two USB 3.2 Type-A ports, and a 3.5mm audio jack. The layout is simple, and everything is easy to access. Moving to the sides, you’ll find ventilation grilles that play a big role in keeping this little machine cool. The back is where most of the action happens in terms of connectivity. It’s loaded with ports, including a USB 4 port, an HDMI port, a DisplayPort, and two USB 2.0 ports. There’s also a 2.5Gb Ethernet port for those who need faster and more reliable wired internet.

One thoughtful inclusion is the mounting bracket that comes in the box. This makes it easy to mount the UM870 Slim on the back of a monitor or under a desk, keeping it out of sight and freeing up even more space. It’s a small addition, but it goes a long way in making this PC flexible for different setups.

While the plastic build and lightweight design contribute to affordability, they might not appeal to everyone. Some may wish for a more premium feel, especially when compared to higher-end mini PCs with aluminum casings. But for the price point, the build quality is solid, and the overall design is clean and functional.

Performance

Now, time for performance, the MINISFORUM UM870 Slim truly holds its own. Powered by the AMD Ryzen 7 8745H processor. This CPU is a powerhouse for its size, boasting 8 cores and 16 threads with a boost clock speed of up to 4.9GHz. It’s based on AMD’s latest architecture, which means you’re getting modern performance and energy efficiency. Paired with this is the Radeon 780M integrated GPU, built on AMD’s RDNA3 architecture. This iGPU delivers surprisingly capable graphics performance for a mini PC, handling casual gaming and video playback with ease.

When it comes to memory, the UM870 Slim is no slouch. It supports up to a staggering 96GB of DDR5 RAM running at 5600MHz, making it ideal for multitasking, heavy workloads, and even some light content creation. Out of the box, configurations might vary, but the expandability here is a huge plus for those who want to future-proof their setup. Storage options are equally impressive, with dual M.2 slots supporting up to 4TB of fast NVMe SSD storage.

The UM870 Slim offers plenty of power for light to moderate video editing. Exporting a one-minute 1080p video took just a few seconds during testing, making this a practical choice for creators on a budget or those who need a portable editing setup. The Radeon 780M iGPU also supports smooth playback of high-resolution videos, so previewing edits or streaming 4K content is hassle-free.

In the gaming department, the UM870 Slim punches above its weight, delivering surprisingly playable performance for a device in this category. Popular titles like Overwatch 2 and Fortnite run comfortably at 1080p with medium settings, delivering frame rates well above 60 FPS. More demanding games, such as Red Dead Redemption, require some compromise on graphical settings, but they’re still playable with the help of AMD’s FSR technology for upscaling. Casual gamers will be delighted to know that lighter titles and esports games can run smoothly without the need for a dedicated GPU.

Benchmark results reflect the UM870 Slim’s strong performance. In Geekbench 6, it scores an impressive 2,639 for single-core and 13,153 for multi-core performance. For GPU-intensive tasks, the Radeon 78M achieves respectable scores in 3DMark Time Spy, showing it’s no slouch in handling graphics-heavy workloads. While it may not rival dedicated gaming rigs, this mini PC performs exceptionally well for its price point and size.

MINISFORUM has also included a thoughtful touch with its BIOS, allowing to you tweak settings such as GPU memory allocation and system performance modes. This level of customization is rare in mini PCs at this price range and gives you more control over your experience.

Connectivity

Connectivity is another area where the UM870 Slim shines. The back of the device features a versatile array of ports, including a USB 4 port capable of 40Gbps data transfer, full-function support for external displays, and even power delivery. There’s also a full-sized HDMI port, a DisplayPort, and two USB 2.0 ports for peripherals. The 2.5Gb Ethernet port ensures fast and stable wired internet, which is great for gamers and professionals. On the wireless side, you’re looking at Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth support, ensuring a smooth and reliable connection for modern devices.

Cooling and Noise Levels

Cooling is a critical factor for any compact device, and the MINISFORUM UM870 Slim doesn’t disappoint. Despite its small size and powerful internals, this mini PC manages to stay cool and quiet, even under demanding workloads. MINISFORUM has clearly put thought into the thermal management of this device, and it shows in both design and performance.

The UM870 Slim uses a phase-change cooling system paired with a large-diameter fan and a copper heatsink. This setup is designed to maximize airflow while minimizing noise. The larger fan doesn’t need to spin as fast as smaller ones to move the same amount of air, which is why the noise level stays impressively low. During regular use, such as web browsing or document editing, the fan is barely audible. Even when you’re pushing the system with tasks like video editing or gaming, it remains one of the quietest mini PCs in its class.

Noise levels hover around 35 dB during intense usage, which is quieter than a typical conversation. For most of us, this translates to a virtually silent experience, even when the system is working hard.

Thermal performance is equally impressive. During gaming and heavy multitasking, the CPU temperatures average around 72°C, peaking briefly at 81°C under extreme load. These temperatures are well within safe operating limits, ensuring that the device can sustain its performance over long sessions without thermal throttling. The heat dissipation system is effective enough that even when the system is pushed to its 65W TDP limit, it stays cool.

The ventilation design plays a key role in keeping the UM870 Slim’s temperatures in check. The sides of the unit feature mesh grilles that allow for efficient airflow, and the cooling fan works quietly but effectively to expel heat. Additionally, the device comes with rubber feet that elevate it slightly off the surface, further improving airflow underneath.

Power Efficiency

Power efficiency is often overlooked in PCs, but it’s a crucial factor, especially for mini PCs like the MINISFORUM UM870 Slim. At idle, the UM870 Slim consumes just 13 watts of power, which is an excellent choice for tasks that require the system to stay on for extended periods, such as downloading, file hosting, or remote access.

When pushed harder, such as during gaming or multitasking with demanding applications, the power consumption averages around 72 watts. This includes everything—the CPU, GPU, RAM, storage, and even peripherals. At peak load, the system draws up to 87 watts from the wall, which is still remarkably efficient compared to traditional desktop PCs. For comparison, many standard gaming PCs can easily consume several hundred watts under load.

The efficient power management doesn’t come at the cost of performance. The AMD Ryzen 7 8745H processor, with its 65W TDP, strikes a perfect balance between power and performance. It delivers enough horsepower for demanding tasks while keeping power consumption and heat generation under control. This power efficiency also extends to cooling. Because the system doesn’t overconsume power, the cooling system doesn’t need to work as hard, further contributing to the UM870 Slim’s quiet operation.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Powerful AMD Ryzen 7 8745H processor with Radeon 780M iGPU.
• Compact and lightweight design with a sleek silver finish.
• Quiet cooling system with noise levels under 35 dB.
• Expandable up to 96GB DDR5 RAM and 4TB storage.
• Affordable starting price at $344 for the barebones model.
• Excellent connectivity: USB 4, Wi-Fi 6E, and 2.5Gb Ethernet.
• Flexible mounting options with included brackets.

Cons:

• Plastic build may lack a premium feel.
• Limited USB 4 ports (only one).
• No fan curve adjustments directly in the BIOS.
• Not ideal for heavy AI workloads or AAA gaming at high settings.

Conclusion

The MINISFORUM UM870 Slim delivers exceptional value for money, making it a standout option in the mini PC market. With its combination of powerful hardware, versatile features, and affordability, it’s hard to find a better alternative for the same price range. Starting at just $560 for the barebones version, this mini PC is competitively priced, especially when you consider the performance it delivers. The AMD Ryzen 7 8745H processor alone is impressive for a device in this price bracket, combined with the Radeon 780M GPU, it’s powerful enough to handle everything from productivity tasks to casual gaming and video editing.

For those who need a ready-to-use setup, fully configured models with RAM and storage are also available, and they still come in at a price that feels like a bargain. Even if you choose the barebones model and add your own RAM and storage, the cost remains significantly lower than most competitors offering similar specs. For instance, mini PCs with the latest Ryzen HX series processors can easily cost $900 to $1,200, making the UM870 Slim an attractive choice.

While it doesn’t have the all-metal build of higher-end models, the sturdy plastic casing doesn’t feel like a compromise when you consider the performance and features on offer. Also, it’s not built for extreme gaming or AI-intensive workloads, it excels in multitasking, casual gaming, and content creation. The only real drawback might be the limited number of USB 4 ports, but that’s a minor trade-off given everything else this mini PC brings to the table.

In the end, the MINISFORUM UM870 Slim offers outstanding value for those who need a compact yet capable PC. It’s not just about the low price—it’s about how much you get for what you pay.