New Minisforum BD790i board brings mobile AMD X3D chips to desktop

The Minisforum MoDT range has seen a new addition: the BD790i X3D. As the name gives away, it's introducing mobile AMD X3D APU to desktop, and the first option that's available is the Ryzen 9 7945HX3D. In case you're not familiar with this platform, it's basically a desktop board that's powered by mobile processors.

However, unlike a traditional mobile motherboard that's found in a mini PC or laptop, Minisforum's MoDT range comes without the integrated heat spreader. Instead, Minisforum pairs the mobile chip with a more capable heatsink. The cooling setup that's available on the new  BD790i X3D is even compatible with a 12 cm active fan, but there's no confirmation on whether third-party coolers will be compatible with the motherboard.

Nonetheless, the installed cooler also takes care of the heat generated by the VRM and memory slots, and there's a dedicated fan and heatsink for the two M.2 slots. This makes the motherboard an ideal pick for a NAS system that can take proper advantage of PCIe 5.0 SSDs.

Getting back to the Ryzen 9 7945HX3D that's soldered to the board, it's one of the fastest mobile gaming processors available in the market, thanks to the 3D V-Cache. It also brings the Radeon 610M, but as this RDNA 2 iGPU features only 2 CUs, it's only good enough for basic renders.

On the bright side, the Minsiforum BD790i X3D has a full-sized PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, allowing users to pair a dGPU for better gaming performance (PowerColor Fighter AMD Radeon RX 7600 curr. $249.99 on Amazon). There is a decent selection of connectivity ports on the motherboard as well, including one HDMI 2.1, one DP 1.4, one USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, one 2.5G Ethernet, and two USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A ports. For wireless connectivity, there is built-in Bluetooth 5.3 and WiFi 6E.

Minsiforum is now taking pre-orders for its new BD790i X3D motherboard, with early pricing set at $599, rendering a $50 discount from the regular price tag. The pre-ordered units are expected to begin shipping in mid-March.