Mini PC specialist, Minisforum adds to its range the Venus UN1265, an affordable and well-balanced model that benefits from a 12th generation Intel processor and a rather elegant design. A small computer designed for the office or the home.
Even if Intel recently decided to abandon it by entrusting its famous NUCs to Asus (see our article), the mini PC market seems more dynamic than ever under the impetus of Asian manufacturers such as Geekom, Beelink, NiPoGi or Bmax which do not keep adding new models to their catalog. This is also the case of Minisforum, a leading specialist in the field, which has just further enriched its offer with several miniature computers equipped with the latest technologies, such as the NPB7 powered by an Intel Core processor of 13e generation (in this case, a Core i7-13700H) or the UM790 Pro which embeds an impressive AMD 7000 series chip (namely, a Ryzen 9 7940HS integrating a Radeon 780M graphics circuit): overpowered models which aim first place app-hungry users like creators.
Minisforum Venus UN1265: an Intel chip of 12e generation
But the manufacturer does not neglect its mid-range by also marketing the Venus UN1265, a wiser and more affordable mini PC, which targets more traditional uses by promising a good compromise between performance, connectivity, scalability and price. For this, Minisforum bet on an Intel platform of 12e generation: an approach similar to those of competitors like Beelink and Geekom who are also revisiting this segment with these hybrid chips, much better optimized than 11e generation used on many models. For its part, Minisforum opted for a 10-core Intel Core i7-12650H (6 Performance cores and 4 Efficient cores) and 16 threads operating at frequencies ranging from 3.5 to 4.7 GHz with 24 MB of internal cache and integrating an Intel UHD 12 graphics sectione Gen running at 1.4 GHz with 64 compute units. A wise choice insofar as this chip offers solid performance (close to a Ryzen 7 6800H or a Core i7-13705H) while being relatively energy efficient, thanks to the mix of core types. And even if the environments are not directly comparable, the Core i7-12650H is ranked higher on the Passmark charts than the very powerful Apple M1 Max, a 10-core chip that already delights many Mac enthusiasts…
Depending on the configurations chosen, the processor is accompanied by a DDR4-3200 type RAM of up to 64 GB and an M.2 2280 PCIe4.0 type SSD storage. Like the Ram, entrusted to two easily removable bars, the storage is expandable and scalable, because in addition to the NVMe connector, the Venus UN1265 houses a slot and a Sata 3 connector to accommodate a disk (SSD or HD) in 2.5 format inches, which is always appreciated.
Venus Minisforum UN1265: great connectivity
This scalability is not the only quality of the Venus UN1265 which is also well equipped in terms of connectivity with two USB 3.2 Gen2 ports in USB-A, two USB 2.0 ports in USB-A, a USB-C socket compatible with USB 3.2 Gen2 for data, DisplayPort for display and PowerDelivery for powering external devices, two video outputs, one HDMI 2.0, the other DisplayPort, one 5.5 Gbit/s Ethernet port, and one – audio output in stereo mini-jack. all completed wirelessly with Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2. A generous range, therefore, even if an additional USB-C pore would not have been too much. But no reason to be choosy, this set of connectors is more than enough in most cases.
Above all, like other models of the Venus family, the UN1265 offers all this in a really tiny case (12.78 cm wide by 12.96 cm deep and 5.43 cm thick) which allows it to be place it easily on a desk and even take it away without cluttering up, like other mini PCs of this format. A case that is more elegant, with its rounded corners that give it a little Mac Studio look, but much more compact. And which is available in two refined colors: silver or pale green.
The only question that remains unanswered is precisely related to this compactness which forced Minisforum to opt for a compact cooling system. In addition to the essential vents on the sides, the manufacturer has placed a single copper heat pipe surmounted by a fan to evacuate the heat produced by the processor. However, the Core i7-12650H can quickly heat up when it is called upon, dissipating up to 115 W to the extreme in turbo mode, which is a lot (compared to 45 W in normal mode). We will have to wait for tests in situation to see if the system is both efficient and discreet…
This detail in no way detracts from the attractiveness of the Venus UN1265, which has the good taste to be marketed at a very reasonable price, from its launch: at the end of August 2023, Minisform is offering it from offered from 249 euros in the barebone version (without memory, storage or system) and 429 euros in the 16 GB version of Ram and 512 GB in SSD with Windows 11 Pro. A very wise addition when you consider all the technologies embedded in such a small computer, especially compared to an Apple model. And it’s not the only one in this case when you look at the competition. Proof that the mini PC market is livelier and more interesting than ever!