Minisforum Venus Series UM560 XT Desktop PC reviewed: A mini PC with an AMD Cezanne SoC at an affordable price!
Earlier this year, we took a look at the Minisforum Venus Series UM690. In addition to the top model which is based on the AMD Ryzen 9 6900HX, the Chinese mini PC manufacturer offers additional configurations. Based on the AMD Ryzen 5 5600H, the UM560 XT is available in the same case and at a significantly lower price. Of course, it's not fair to compare the performance of the native six-core machine with the top model but at $419 with 16 GB of RAM and a 512 GB SSD, it's an interesting proposition. In the barebones version, it's possible to save a further $90. However, it's up to the user to take care of the RAM and SSD.
The Minisforum Venus Series UM560 XT comes well-kitted out. All the necessary items are included in order to get the device up and running. The device also comes with a plate allowing the device to be fixed to a monitor (Vesa mount). In this review, we take a close look at how the review model compares to the top model, performance-wise, a device which costs almost $400 more. Is this price difference justified or is the entry-level model sufficient? And what are the changes in detail? Additionally, the Minisforum Venus Series UM560 XT not only has to compete with its own in-house challengers but also strong competition from Geekom, Morefine and Intel in this price category. A list thereof can be found in the following table.
Possible competitors compared
Rating | Date | Model | Weight | Height | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 81.7 % v7 (old) | 05 / 2023 | Minisforum Venus Series UM560 XT R5 5600H, Vega 7 | 652 g | 48 mm | |
v (old) | 09 / 2022 | Minipc Union Ace Magician AMR5 R5 5600U, Vega 7 | 628 g | 72 mm | |
| 79.5 % v7 (old) | 02 / 2023 | Minisforum Mars Series MC560 R5 5600U, Vega 7 | 562 g | 66 mm | |
| 81.9 % v7 (old) | 05 / 2023 | Minisforum Venus Series NAB6 i7-12650H, UHD Graphics 64EUs | 616 g | 55 mm | |
| 85.5 % v7 (old) | 03 / 2023 | Morefine M600, 6900HX R9 6900HX, Radeon 680M | 779 g | 40.6 mm | |
| 86.1 % v7 (old) | 02 / 2023 | Minisforum Venus Series UM690 R9 6900HX, Radeon 680M | 621 g | 48 mm | |
| 82.3 % v7 (old) | 05 / 2023 | Geekom Mini IT12 i7-1260P, Iris Xe G7 96EUs | 572 g | 45.6 mm | |
| 85.1 % v7 (old) | 01 / 2023 | Minisforum Neptune Series NAD9 i9-12900H, Iris Xe G7 96EUs | 1.2 kg | 66 mm | |
| 83.7 % v7 (old) | 05 / 2023 | Morefine M600, 6600U R5 6600U, Radeon 660M | 768 g | 40.6 mm |
Minisforum Venus Series UM560 XT in detail
Case
The Minisforum UM560 XT is similar in build to the Minisforum UM690 with an AMD Ryzen 9 6900HX. Further details regarding the case, can be found here in our review of the top model.
Features
At first glance, the Minisforum Venus Series UM560 XT offers the same features as the UM690 model. However, USB4 support is not on board. This means the type of expansions that would be possible via Thunderbolt are not possible here. Nevertheless, six USB ports are, thankfully, at hand. On top of that, three monitors can be used simultaneously if the USB-C port on the front of the device is also used.
Communication
Minisforum has fitted the UM560 XT with the same Wi-Fi 6E module as the one found in the UM690. In practical tests, the Mediatek module performed well. For testing purposes, we used the Asus ROG Rapture GT-AXE11000. Alternatively, for faster data connections, the LAN port can be used, allowing data transfers of up to a maximum of 2.5 GBit/s.
Performance - AMD based on the Cezanne generation
In the Minisforum Venus Series UM560 XT, an AMD Ryzen 5 5600H with six cores and twelve threads does its job in helping the device be well-equipped for every day, work-based tasks. Office, multimedia and streaming are the main focus of this mini PC. With the AMD Radeon RX Vega 7, we have a good iGPU which ably supports the SoC.
Test conditions
When conducting all of the performance tests, we selected the High Performance energy profile. Deviations from this were only made concerning energy and volume measurements, in accordance with our test criteria. The CPU's performance was not changed in the BIOS and we also didn't undertake any changes to the fan curve regarding the cooling either.
Processor
The AMD Ryzen 5 5600H belongs to the AMD's Cezanne series and offers six cores with a total of twelve threads. Compared to the top model with an AMD Ryzen 9 6900HX, the Minisforum Venus Series UM560 XT loses 13 percent in our performance rating with this being around the middle value of all CPU benchmarks in this comparison. However, in comparison to the competition, our review sample holds up wonderfully. Basically, the Minisforum Venus Series UM560 XT offers similar performance to that found in the Geekom Mini IT12 with an Intel Core i7-1260P. Additionally, the Morefine M600 6600U is kept in check. Nevertheless, our review device delivered only marginally better performance which can only really be detected here, under test conditions.
Additional processor benchmarks can be found here.
* ... smaller is better
AIDA64: FP32 Ray-Trace | FPU Julia | CPU SHA3 | CPU Queen | FPU SinJulia | FPU Mandel | CPU AES | CPU ZLib | FP64 Ray-Trace | CPU PhotoWorxx
Minisforum Venus Series UM560 XT in the Cinebench R15 multi-loop test
In the Cinebench R15 continuous loop, it's possible to get a good impression of how well the system works under load. The Minisforum Venus Series UM560 XT mastered the test wonderfully. The AMD Ryzen 5 5600H's results in every one of the 50 runs were very stable and there was next to no significant drop in performance. In this comparison area, no other system comes close.
System performance
In the area of system benchmarks, the Minisforum Venus Series UM560 XT fared very well, managing third place in the PCMark 10 comparison. However, things look somewhat different in the Crossmark comparison. However, it's in this area where all AMD-equipped devices have to give way to Intel ones. Possessing DDR4 RAM means the Minisforum Venus Series UM560 XT is only able to compete with rather blunt weapons. The first three places go here to devices with faster DDR5 RAM. Nevertheless, our review sample"s performance is decent and can be compared to a UM560 XT. This is reflected subjectively in terms of performance.
* ... smaller is better
DPC latencies
We didn't encounter any problematic latencies with the Minisforum Venus Series UM560 XT. Our review device dealt with both the opening of multiple tabs in Edge and the playback of a 4K test video perfectly. Using Prime95, we were unable to detect any increased latency.
* ... smaller is better
Mass storage
Minisforum equipped our Venus Series UM560 XT review model with a 512 GB SSD, without specifying its details. The installed model's transfer rates reflect its PCIe 3.0 interface. The competition, with faster PCIe 4.0 SSDs, enjoys an unattainable lead. Under continuous load, the Minisforum Venus Series UM560 XT had no problems maintaining its SSD performance. It's in this area that it paid off to have fitted the SSD with a relatively large heat sink. The device can house a total of two mass storage devices. In addition to the M.2 interface, there is also a SATA connector for a 2.5-inch storage medium. The device comes complete with the appropriate connection cables.
Additional comparisons and benchmarks can be found in our comparison chart.
* ... smaller is better
Continuous performance Read: DiskSpd Read Loop, Queue Depth 8
Graphics card
The Minisforum Venus Series UM560 XT has an integrated graphics card in the form of the AMD Radeon RX Vega 7. In a direct comparison, this iGPU is on a similar performance level to the Intel Iris Xe Graphics G7 or the AMD Radeon 660M. The AMD Radeon 680M possesses tangibly more power and can also be found, amongst other devices, in the Minisforum Venus Series UM690.
Additional comparisons and benchmarks can be found in our GPU comparison table.
| 3DMark 05 Standard | 41219 points | |
| 3DMark 06 Standard Score | 27686 points | |
| 3DMark Vantage P Result | 19568 points | |
| 3DMark 11 Performance | 6495 points | |
| 3DMark Ice Storm Standard Score | 130670 points | |
| 3DMark Cloud Gate Standard Score | 23474 points | |
| 3DMark Fire Strike Score | 3632 points | |
| 3DMark Fire Strike Extreme Score | 1639 points | |
| 3DMark Time Spy Score | 1420 points | |
Help | ||
Gaming performance
The Minisforum Venus Series UM560 XT cannot be said to be suitable for gaming due to the iGPU's limited 3D performance. However, our review device showed that some games are playable at low details thanks to its AMD Radeon RX Vega 7 but mostly not at 1080p resolution. Anyone placing great importance on pure gaming performance should take a look at a mini PC with a dedicated graphics card. Two good examples are also Minisforum devices: the HX99G as well as the NUCXi7.
| The Witcher 3 | |
| 1024x768 Low Graphics & Postprocessing | |
| Minisforum Venus Series UM690 | |
| Morefine M600, 6900HX | |
| Intel NUC 13 Pro Kit NUC13ANK | |
| Minisforum Neptune Series NAD9 | |
| Geekom Mini IT12 | |
| Minisforum Venus Series UM560 XT | |
| Minipc Union Ace Magician AMR5 | |
| 1920x1080 High Graphics & Postprocessing (Nvidia HairWorks Off) | |
| Minisforum Venus Series UM690 | |
| Morefine M600, 6900HX | |
| Minisforum Neptune Series NAD9 | |
| Intel NUC 13 Pro Kit NUC13ANK | |
| Geekom Mini IT12 | |
| Minisforum Venus Series UM560 XT | |
| Minipc Union Ace Magician AMR5 | |
| GTA V | |
| 1024x768 Lowest Settings possible | |
| Morefine M600, 6900HX | |
| Minisforum Venus Series UM690 | |
| Minisforum Venus Series UM560 XT | |
| Minisforum Neptune Series NAD9 | |
| Intel NUC 13 Pro Kit NUC13ANK | |
| Geekom Mini IT12 | |
| Minipc Union Ace Magician AMR5 | |
| 1920x1080 High/On (Advanced Graphics Off) AA:2xMSAA + FX AF:8x | |
| Morefine M600, 6900HX | |
| Minisforum Venus Series UM690 | |
| Minisforum Venus Series UM560 XT | |
| Minipc Union Ace Magician AMR5 | |
| Minisforum Neptune Series NAD9 | |
| Intel NUC 13 Pro Kit NUC13ANK | |
| Geekom Mini IT12 | |
| low | med. | high | ultra | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GTA V (2015) | 140.7 | 123 | 31.7 | 15 |
| The Witcher 3 (2015) | 75.4 | 45.4 | 23 | 14.8 |
| Dota 2 Reborn (2015) | 137.7 | 107.8 | 62.1 | 58.2 |
| Final Fantasy XV Benchmark (2018) | 40.8 | 20.2 | 14.3 | |
| X-Plane 11.11 (2018) | 49.5 | 37 | 31.9 | |
| Far Cry 5 (2018) | 57 | 27 | 25 | 23 |
| Strange Brigade (2018) | 94.4 | 36.1 | 30.1 | 25.4 |
| Far Cry New Dawn (2019) | 52 | 26 | 24 | 22 |
| Metro Exodus (2019) | 44 | 19.1 | 14.1 | 11.8 |
| Borderlands 3 (2019) | 66.4 | 25.2 | 15.6 | 11.9 |
| F1 2020 (2020) | 102.7 | 45.3 | 35.3 | 24.7 |
| F1 2021 (2021) | 107.9 | 45.8 | 35.6 | 23.7 |
| Far Cry 6 (2021) | 47 | 21.9 | 18.1 | 15.3 |
| Tiny Tina's Wonderlands (2022) | 33.1 | 25.1 | 15.7 | 11.5 |
| F1 22 (2022) | 42.3 | 38 | 28.2 | 19.7 |
Emissions - Very quiet despite good performance
Sound emissions
In the area of sound measurements, the Minisforum Venus Series UM560 XT performs wonderfully and belongs to the quietest machines compared here. When running either idle or under low load, the device runs almost silently. Our measuring devices only registered a volume level of 33.2 dB(A) under high load.
Noise Level
| Idle |
| 30.3 / 30.5 / 30.6 dB(A) |
| Load |
| 32.5 / 33.2 dB(A) |
 | ||
30 dB silent 40 dB(A) audible 50 dB(A) loud |
||
min:  , med:  , max:  Earthworks M23R, Arta (15 cm distance) environment noise: 30 dB(A) | ||
| Minisforum Venus Series UM560 XT R5 5600H, Vega 7 | Minipc Union Ace Magician AMR5 R5 5600U, Vega 7 | Minisforum Mars Series MC560 R5 5600U, Vega 7 | Minisforum Venus Series NAB6 i7-12650H, UHD Graphics 64EUs | Morefine M600, 6900HX R9 6900HX, Radeon 680M | Minisforum Venus Series UM690 R9 6900HX, Radeon 680M | Geekom Mini IT12 i7-1260P, Iris Xe G7 96EUs | Minisforum Neptune Series NAD9 i9-12900H, Iris Xe G7 96EUs | Morefine M600, 6600U R5 6600U, Radeon 660M | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Noise | -21% | 0% | -1% | -5% | -4% | 1% | 2% | 6% | |
| off / environment * | 30 | 30.5 -2% | 30.2 -1% | 29.4 2% | 30.4 -1% | 30.5 -2% | 29.8 1% | 30.2 -1% | 29.4 2% |
| Idle Minimum * | 30.3 | 31.5 -4% | 30.4 -0% | 29.4 3% | 30.9 -2% | 31.6 -4% | 29.9 1% | 30.5 -1% | 29.4 3% |
| Idle Average * | 30.5 | 32.6 -7% | 30.4 -0% | 29.5 3% | 31.5 -3% | 31.6 -4% | 30.1 1% | 30.5 -0% | 29.4 4% |
| Idle Maximum * | 30.6 | 33.8 -10% | 30.4 1% | 29.7 3% | 31.5 -3% | 31.6 -3% | 30.2 1% | 30.5 -0% | 29.5 4% |
| Load Average * | 32.5 | 49.3 -52% | 31.8 2% | 34.6 -6% | 37.5 -15% | 33.9 -4% | 32.1 1% | 30.5 6% | 29.6 9% |
| Load Maximum * | 33.2 | 50.9 -53% | 33.4 -1% | 36.1 -9% | 34.1 -3% | 34.4 -4% | 32.5 2% | 30.5 8% | 29.6 11% |
* ... smaller is better
Temperature
The Minisforum Venus Series UM560 XT's case only heated up slightly when running idle. But even under load, the case's temperature remained mostly in the green zone. Noticeable warming can be felt in the area of the fan outlets and this can be observed perfectly in our thermal imaging camera images.
In the stress test, we also took a look at the built-in components. The conservatively set SoC (max. 40 watts) was kept well in check, even in the stress test. We didn't observe any temperatures over 77.6 °C in our review device. Since the maximum Package Power
is only available for a short time, maximum temperatures are only reached for a short period. In the stress test, the SoC operated at 67 °C.
Power consumption
In our comparison, our Minisforum Venus Series UM560 XT is the most economical device after the Minisforum Mars Series MC560 and this helps it secure second place. The lead over the competition is sometimes considerable. Running idle, the Minisforum usually has the UM560 XT's power consumption under control and it is in this area where our review device differentiates itself from its peers. At 73.4 watts during the stress test, we briefly saw the highest value which, however, was not permanent. At 45.1 watts the power requirements levelled off to that of the competition possessing similar SoC power. The power supply unit can supply up to 120 watts and it reliably and consistently provided our test unit with power. This means there is enough scope for the optional second storage medium.
| Off / Standby | 0.7 / 1 Watt |
| Idle | 6.6 / 6.8 / 7.2 Watt |
| Load |
45.1 / 73.4 Watt |
   
| |
Key:
min: ,
med: ,
max: Metrahit Energy | |
| Minisforum Venus Series UM560 XT R5 5600H, Vega 7 | Minipc Union Ace Magician AMR5 R5 5600U, Vega 7 | Minisforum Mars Series MC560 R5 5600U, Vega 7 | Minisforum Venus Series NAB6 i7-12650H, UHD Graphics 64EUs | Morefine M600, 6900HX R9 6900HX, Radeon 680M | Minisforum Venus Series UM690 R9 6900HX, Radeon 680M | Geekom Mini IT12 i7-1260P, Iris Xe G7 96EUs | Minisforum Neptune Series NAD9 i9-12900H, Iris Xe G7 96EUs | Morefine M600, 6600U R5 6600U, Radeon 660M | Average AMD Radeon RX Vega 7 | Average of class Mini PC | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power Consumption | -12% | 10% | -62% | -55% | -39% | -10% | -88% | -21% | 7% | -59% | |
| Idle Minimum * | 6.6 | 8.4 -27% | 6.2 6% | 10.4 -58% | 9.9 -50% | 8.7 -32% | 5 24% | 12.1 -83% | 8 -21% | 4.66 ? 29% | 9.56 ? -45% |
| Idle Average * | 6.8 | 8.7 -28% | 6.3 7% | 12.3 -81% | 11 -62% | 9.6 -41% | 7 -3% | 13 -91% | 8.7 -28% | 7.56 ? -11% | 11.7 ? -72% |
| Idle Maximum * | 7.2 | 9.3 -29% | 7.5 -4% | 12.4 -72% | 11.2 -56% | 10.5 -46% | 10.7 -49% | 18.2 -153% | 8.8 -22% | 8.95 ? -24% | 15.1 ? -110% |
| Load Average * | 45.1 | 46.4 -3% | 41.3 8% | 72.9 -62% | 74.2 -65% | 65.8 -46% | 50.3 -12% | 70.6 -57% | 54.6 -21% | 38.7 ? 14% | 59.2 ? -31% |
| Load Maximum * | 73.4 | 52 29% | 49 33% | 101.2 -38% | 103.2 -41% | 94.5 -29% | 82 -12% | 113 -54% | 83.2 -13% | 51.9 ? 29% | 100.5 ? -37% |
* ... smaller is better
Power consumption with an external monitor
Pros
Cons
Verdict - A budget mini PC with good performance
When it came to our Minisforum Venus Series UM560 XT review, we knew we weren't dealing with an unknown competitor as we were already convinced and impressed by the top model's performance. Based on the AMD Ryzen 5 5600H, the manufacturer has equipped this model with an older SoC that can currently still cut it, in terms of performance. However, on the connection side, you have to do without USB4. Nevertheless, numbers-wise, the many available external ports quickly dispel any worries regarding compromised connectivity. In terms of build quality, we found no flaws, although opening the device via the covered screws gave us something to complain about. But, at least the Minisforum Venus Series UM560 XT can also be purchased as a barebones version. This makes opening the case necessary. If, as a result, the glued-on feet lose their stability, this inevitably results in a somewhat pre-programmed visual defect.
The Minisforum Venus Series UM560 XT impressed us with its wonderful performance and relatively low price. However, the device lacks the most up-to-date ports such as Thunderbolt.
We liked the large, passively-cooled SSD and the solid build quality as well as the stable stand. The machine's low emissions are worth mentioning as the mini PC's power consumption and noise emissions can both be regarded as strengths. In doing so, the system scores well where it matters. For everyday office use, the Minisforum Venus Series UM560 XT is also suitable as a streaming client as low latencies allow for the playback of high-resolution videos without problems. However, the manufacturer has also wasted the device's potential due to throttled power consumption. Instead, greater value has been placed on having a more balanced system which is quiet when undertaking everyday tasks but still manages to deliver enough performance without requiring too much power. In our opinion, this goal has been achieved. An additional selling point can probably be found in the form of the price. At only $419, our Minisforum Venus Series UM560 XT review model with 16 GB of RAM and 512 GB storage, won't leave a huge hole in the household budget. In this area, all of the current competitors compared here in our review, struggle to keep up. Anyone for whom Thunderbolt is currently not an absolute must-have and also won't have any future use for it can confidently pull the trigger on this machine.
Price and availability
The Minisforum Venus Series UM560 XT can be purchased directly on Minisforum. Currently, attractive discounts are on offer with taxes already included. This means our test device can be had for $419. Without any discount, the price sits at around $549. At the moment, the cheaper barebones model is discounted to $329.
Transparency
The selection of devices to be reviewed is made by our editorial team. The test sample was given to the author by the manufacturer free of charge for the purposes of review. There was no third-party influence on this review, nor did the manufacturer receive a copy of this review before publication. There was no obligation to publish this review. We never accept compensation or payment in return for our reviews. As an independent media company, Notebookcheck is not subjected to the authority of manufacturers, retailers or publishers.
This is how Notebookcheck is testing
Every year, Notebookcheck independently reviews hundreds of laptops and smartphones using standardized procedures to ensure that all results are comparable. We have continuously developed our test methods for around 20 years and set industry standards in the process. In our test labs, high-quality measuring equipment is utilized by experienced technicians and editors. These tests involve a multi-stage validation process. Our complex rating system is based on hundreds of well-founded measurements and benchmarks, which maintains objectivity. Further information on our test methods can be found here.
Minisforum Venus Series UM560 XT
- 05/22/2023 v7 (old)
Sebastian Bade
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