Mini computers have been really popular and many people think that traditional desktop PCs are on the way out. Instead, people will buy mini computers, laptops and tablets.
This is mostly because of Apple, which has released some very powerful small devices. Mini computers often use laptop parts, and the 'M' in Apple's M-chip series stands for "Mobile". Apple uses the same powerful processors in laptops and tablets.
AMD claimed that their Ryzen 9 7940hs is an M-chip killer. I knew that I wanted something like this, and I waited four years to get the right chip. It has twice the processing power of the M2 chip, and unlike Apple, the computer I bought has upgradeable storage and memory which they don't charge you a fortune for.
However, mine failed after 15 months. I'm not sure if it is fixable. The motherboard is custom to this computer, and might not be replaceable. However, I could buy the cheaper "barebones" model that lacks memory and storage, and transfer those from the broken computer.
The processor uses up to 55 watts under a full load, which is almost as much as a 60-watt lightbulb. I could feel the heat coming off of the computer, and I was concerned about this. Maybe a regular desktop would be easier to cool. (By the way, a competing mini-computer company overclocks the same processor and it uses 65 watts.)
Apple often uses less power to keep their computers cooler.
Minisforum is a Chinese company apparently in Hong Kong. Some might claim that this is typical Chinese-made quality, although everything is made in China.
I sent a complaint to Minisforum...
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: John Coffey <john2001plus@gmail.com>
Date: Wed, Jan 8, 2025 at 2:09 PM
Subject: Failure of Minisforum UM790 Pro
To: <support@minisforum.com>
From: John Coffey <john2001plus@gmail.com>
Date: Wed, Jan 8, 2025 at 2:09 PM
Subject: Failure of Minisforum UM790 Pro
To: <support@minisforum.com>
Failure of Minisforum UM790 Pro.
I purchased a Minisforum UM790 Pro from Ali Express on August 22, 2023. It arrived in about five weeks. Because of circumstances in my life, I was not able to use it until late October 2023. The computer lasted less than 15 months.
I bought this computer because I wanted a powerful computer for chess analysis. It is five times faster than my other computer, and I often ran it at 100%.
I was a little concerned about the heat the computer produced. I could feel a steady stream of hot air coming from it. I thought that it would be okay because you have advertised it as having "Cold Wave 2.0". I assumed that the computer was capable of running at 100% for long periods.
This morning I was doing some intense chess analysis on the computer and it suddenly quit. I tried to power it back on, but it would not turn on. I disconnected and reconnected the power and it would not turn on. Five minutes after the initial failure I saw orange sparks like a tiny fire come from the left side. I could smell smoke. I disconnected the power.
To use an English expression, I assume that the computer is "fried." Other than doing intense chess analysis, I have not abused the computer in any way.
I am not sure if I can get this repaired. I don't know if the motherboard is replaceable or repairable.
I was hoping that you could advise me.
I am disappointed in the quality of the computer that it would fail this way. However, I am considering getting the less expensive barebones model and trying to transfer the memory and storage to the new computer.
