MINISFORUM launches AMD Ryzen-powered mini desktop PC running Manjaro Linux
When it comes to computers, there are two things that really get my motor running -- AMD processors and Linux-based operating systems. So when I learned MINISFORUM had begun selling a diminutive AMD Ryzen-powered desktop that comes with Manjaro Linux pre-installed, my heart skipped a beat. It is very exciting to see yet another computer being offered with Linux rather than Windows.
Called "DeskMini UM700," the mini Linux desktop PC is being offered in three configurations -- all powered by the very capable Ryzen 7 3750H APU -- with pricing starting at less than $500. In other words, the tiny computer isn't just capable, but affordable too.
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"Just 128 x 127 x 46 mm small and weighing only 500 grams it is at the same time a versatile powerhouse with its AMD Ryzen 7 3750H CPU with 4 cores / 8 threads and a base clock of 2.3 GHz that can be boosted up to 4.0 GHz. It has 4 MB of L3 cache, comes with a Radeon RX Vega 10 1400 MHz GPU and an onboard Wi-Fi 4.2 AC7265 module. Up to three monitors can be connected and also the variety of remaining interfaces is plentiful," says MINISFORUM.
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The manufacturer adds, "On the front we have a power button, 3.5mm headphone jack, 2 USB Type-A ports and 1 USB Type-C port, a digital mic and a reset hole. On the back we have 2 more USB 3.1 Gen2 ports, 1 HDMI port, 1 DisplayPort, a power port and a Kensington Lock And an Ethernet port. The top plate can very easily be opened by pressing down at the front corners. You will find a 2.5-inch SATA 3.0 slot to add an SSD or mechanical disk, dual-channel DDR4 slots to add up to 64GB of RAM and a M.2 2280 PCIE NVMe port for SSD."
MINISFORUM shares specifications below.
| Processor | AMD Ryzen 7 3750H , 4 Cores/8 Threads |
| GPU | Radeon RX Vega 10 Graphics (Graphics Frequency 1400 MHz) |
| Memory | 2×DDR4 2400MHz 8 Dual channel (SODIMM Slots×2) |
| Storage | M.2 2280 256GB/512GB PCle SSD |
| Storage Expansion | 1×2.5 inch SATA HDD Slot (SATA 3.0 6.0Gb/s), maximum thickness 7mm |
| Wireless Connectivity | M.2 2230 WIFI Support (Intel® BlueTooth pre-install) |
| Video Output | ① HDMI 2.0 (4K@60Hz) ② DisplayPort (4K@60Hz) ③ USB-C Port (4K@60Hz) |
| Audio Output | HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort, 3.5mm Audio Jack |
| Operating System | Manjaro OS Plasma Gamer Edition |
| Pre-installed Programs | Firefox, Vivaldi Browser, Okular PDF, VLC media player, Elisa Audioplayer, Gwenview Imageviewer, LibreOffice, Steam, Skype, Crossover One |
| Ports & Buttons | 1 * RJ45 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet Port 1 * USB3.0 Port×1(Gen1 , 2.0A Max output , shutdown charging , Yellow) 3 * SB3.1 Port(Gen2 , Blue) 1 * USB-C Port(Gen2) 1 * HDMI 2.0 1 * Display Port 1 * Audio Jack 1 * Clear CMOS Power |
| Product Dimension | 128×127×46mm |
The DeskMini UM700 running Manjaro OS Plasma Gamer Edition can be ordered from MINISFORUM immediately here. The base model is currently priced at $499 and comes with 8GB RAM and a 256GB PCIe SSD. You can choose to increase the RAM to 16GB and the storage to 512GB -- for an added cost, of course.