The MINISFORUM UM890 Pro and Beelink EQi12 represent opposite ends of the mini PC performance spectrum — AMD's powerhouse Ryzen 9 chip versus Intel's efficient mainstream processor. The performance gap is real and significant. Here's exactly when each one is worth the money.
Bottom Line: Which Should You Buy?
Best High-Performance Mini PC
MINISFORUM UM890 Pro
Best Thunderbolt Intel Mini PC
Beelink EQi12
Best High-Performance Mini PC
MINISFORUM UM890 Pro
Ryzen 9 8945HS, Radeon 780M GPU, dual 2.5G Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6E, and up to 64 GB DDR5 — the most powerful mainstream mini PC available.
Check Price on Amazon →Best Thunderbolt Intel Mini PC
Beelink EQi12
Intel Core i5-1235U with Thunderbolt 4, quiet operation, and strong Windows compatibility at a more accessible price.
Check Price on Amazon →Spec Comparison
| Spec | MINISFORUM UM890 Pro | Beelink EQi12 | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS | Intel Core i5-1235U | A |
| CPU Cores | 8P cores (16 threads) | 2P + 8E = 10 cores | A |
| Integrated GPU | AMD Radeon 780M (12 CU) | Intel Iris Xe (80 EU) | A |
| Max RAM | 64 GB DDR5 | 32 GB DDR4 | A |
| Thunderbolt 4 | No (USB4 Gen 3) | Yes (select configs) | B |
| Dual 2.5G Ethernet | Yes | No (single 2.5G) | A |
| Display Outputs | 3 (HDMI 2.1 + USB4 + DP) | 2 (HDMI + DP/TB4) | A |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 6 | A |
| Price | Higher | Lower | B |
| Noise Under Load | Audible fan at peak | Quieter | B |
MINISFORUM UM890 Pro — Pros & Cons
The MINISFORUM UM890 Pro is one of the most powerful mini PCs you can buy without a discrete GPU. The Ryzen 9 8945HS is a full-power laptop chip with 8 performance cores — considerably faster than mobile-optimized Intel counterparts. The Radeon 780M GPU is a genuine breakthrough for integrated graphics: it runs modern games at 1080p, accelerates 4K video timelines in DaVinci Resolve, and handles 3D rendering tasks that would stall lesser machines. Dual 2.5G Ethernet ports make it exceptionally capable as a home lab server, router replacement, or NAS companion.
Pros
- AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS — one of the most powerful mobile processors available in a mini PC form factor
- AMD Radeon 780M integrated graphics delivers near-discrete GPU performance for light gaming and creative work
- Dual 2.5G Ethernet ports — perfect for networking tasks, NAS, or home lab setups
- Supports up to 64 GB DDR5 RAM for power-user workloads
- Triple-display support via HDMI 2.1, USB4, and DisplayPort
Cons
- Higher price than the Beelink EQi12
- Higher TDP means more active cooling noise under sustained load
- Overkill for basic office tasks — you pay for performance you may not need
Beelink EQi12 — Pros & Cons
The Beelink EQi12 is an efficient, well-priced Intel mini PC that handles everyday computing tasks with ease. Its Intel Core i5-1235U delivers reliable, mature performance for office work, web browsing, video calls, and media consumption. The standout feature is Thunderbolt 4 on select configurations — enabling high-bandwidth external storage, certified docking stations, and eGPU enclosures that the UM890 Pro cannot access with full TB4 certification. For users who don't need GPU performance but do need Thunderbolt 4 connectivity, the EQi12 makes a compelling case.
Pros
- Intel Core i5-1235U provides excellent efficiency and Windows compatibility
- Thunderbolt 4 for eGPU, ultra-fast external storage, and daisy-chain displays
- Quieter and cooler under typical office workloads
- More affordable entry price
- Proven Intel driver ecosystem for enterprise software
Cons
- Significantly outperformed by UM890 Pro in CPU and GPU benchmarks
- Maximum 32 GB DDR4 RAM vs 64 GB DDR5 on UM890 Pro
- Intel Iris Xe graphics substantially weaker than AMD Radeon 780M
- No dual Ethernet — single 2.5G LAN port
Which Should You Buy?
Buy MINISFORUM UM890 Pro if you…
- Edit video, run 3D applications, or want the best integrated GPU in a mini PC
- Need dual Ethernet for home lab, network routing, or NAS use
- Want Wi-Fi 6E and up to 64 GB DDR5 memory
- Play light PC games and want the strongest integrated graphics possible
Buy Beelink EQi12 if you…
- Only need office, productivity, or media playback performance
- Need Thunderbolt 4 for a certified docking station or professional peripheral
- Want a quieter machine under typical loads
- Are on a tighter budget and don't need GPU performance
How We Chose These Products
- Cinebench R23 multi-core and single-core benchmarks for CPU comparison
- 3DMark Time Spy and gaming frame rate tests at 1080p medium settings for GPU comparison
- Sustained load testing: 30-minute Blender BMW benchmark to assess thermal throttling
- Power consumption measured at idle, light load, and full CPU+GPU load
- Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 transfer speeds benchmarked with NVMe enclosure over 10 GB file transfer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the MINISFORUM UM890 Pro significantly faster than the Beelink EQi12?
Yes — significantly. The Ryzen 9 8945HS in the UM890 Pro scores roughly 2.5x higher in multi-core CPU benchmarks compared to the i5-1235U in the EQi12. The GPU difference is even more pronounced: the Radeon 780M delivers approximately 3x the graphics performance of Intel Iris Xe. For demanding workloads, the gap is substantial.
Is the Beelink EQi12 better value if I only do office work?
Yes — for document editing, web browsing, video calls, and Microsoft 365, the EQi12 is more than sufficient and costs significantly less. The UM890 Pro's performance advantage only becomes relevant for video editing, 3D rendering, light gaming, virtualization, or running multiple demanding applications simultaneously.
Can the MINISFORUM UM890 Pro run games?
The Radeon 780M in the UM890 Pro can run many games at 1080p medium settings — titles like Fortnite, Valorant, GTA V, and older AAA games run comfortably. It is not a replacement for a dedicated GPU, but it is one of the strongest integrated graphics solutions available in a mini PC at this price point.
Does the UM890 Pro support external GPU (eGPU)?
The UM890 Pro supports USB4 Gen 3 which can work with some eGPU enclosures, but it lacks official Thunderbolt 4 certification. For confirmed eGPU compatibility, the Beelink EQi12 with Thunderbolt 4 is the more reliable choice — though eGPU setups have largely been superseded by more powerful mini PCs like the UM890 Pro itself.
What is the difference between USB4 and Thunderbolt 4?
Thunderbolt 4 is Intel's proprietary standard built on USB4 specification, but with stricter certification requirements. Both support 40 Gbps transfer speeds, 4K display output, and power delivery. The practical difference: Thunderbolt 4 devices are certified to work with each other, while USB4 compatibility can vary. For most users the difference is negligible; it matters mainly for professional docking stations and certified eGPU enclosures.