MINISFORUM Mercury Series EM780
 32GB/512GB/AMD Ryzen 7 7840U | 32GB/1TB/AMD Ryzen 7 7840U |
The MINISFORUM Mercury Series EM780 is a game-changing mini PC combining ultra-compact portability and impressive performance. Powered by an AMD Ryzen 7 7840U processor and AMD Radeon 780M graphics, this palm-sized powerhouse is designed for users who demand both mobility and capability in their computing devices.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Ultra-compact and highly portable | Limited upgrade options (RAM soldered, M.2 2230 SSD) |
| Powerful AMD Ryzen 7 7840U processor | Higher price compared to larger mini PCs |
| Integrated AMD Radeon 780M GPU | No built-in Ethernet port (comes with adapter) |
| Up to 32GB LPDDR5 RAM | Fan noise may be noticeable under heavy load |
| Versatile port selection (USB4, HDMI 2.1, microSD) | - |
| Efficient liquid metal cooling solution | - |
Key Features and Specifications
The EM780's compact dimensions of just 3.15 x 3.15 x 1.69 inches make it one of the smallest mini PCs on the market, roughly 1/4 the size of standard mini PCs and an astonishing 1/120th the size of a typical desktop tower. Despite its diminutive form factor, the EM780 packs a serious punch with its AMD Ryzen 7 7840U processor, featuring eight cores, 16 threads, and a max boost clock of 5.1GHz. The integrated AMD Radeon 780M graphics enable impressive performance for both work and play.
The EM780 comes equipped with 32GB of LPDDR5 RAM soldered onto the motherboard, ensuring snappy multitasking and smooth operation even with demanding workloads. Storage options include 512GB or 1TB M.2 NVMe SSDs, with the ability to upgrade to up to 2TB for ample space to store your files, media, and applications.
Connectivity is another strong suit of the EM780, with a versatile array of ports including 2 USB4 ports with DisplayPort and power delivery, 3 USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, full-size HDMI 2.1, a microSD card reader, and a 3.5mm combo audio jack. Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 support enable fast and reliable wireless connectivity, while an included USB-C to Ethernet adapter provides the option for wired networking.
To keep this compact powerhouse running cool and quiet, Minisforum implemented their COLD WAVE 2.0 liquid metal cooling solution along with an SSD heatsink. This efficient thermal design allows the EM780 to maintain optimal performance while minimizing fan noise, even under heavy workloads.
Performance and Real-World Usage
The MINISFORUM Mercury Series EM780 delivers impressive performance across a wide range of tasks, from productivity and content creation to gaming and entertainment. Its powerful AMD Ryzen 7 7840U processor and fast LPDDR5 RAM make short work of demanding applications like video editing, 3D modeling, and coding.
Reviewers were consistently amazed by the EM780's capabilities, with ETA PRIME noting, "This could very well turn out to be my favorite mini PC of 2024" and "This thing is awesome." He was "very surprised by what this little thing can do," highlighting its ability to run demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077 at playable frame rates.
The EM780 also excels as a portable workstation, simultaneously driving up to three displays via its HDMI and USB4 video outputs. This makes it an excellent choice for professionals who need a compact, multi-monitor setup for productivity on the go.
While the EM780's cooling system is efficient, some reviewers like Tek Syndicate noted that the fan noise can be noticeable under heavy load, stating, "I do wish they were bigger so they had bigger fans because the high-pitched noise that the fans make is not pleasant." However, most agreed that the noise levels were acceptable, given the device's impressive performance.
Reviewer Impressions
Across the board, reviewers were impressed by the MINISFORUM Mercury Series EM780's combination of ultra-compact form factor and powerful performance. Gardiner Bryant exclaimed, "holy crap, this thing is small dude" and "I cannot believe how small this is," while Russ from Retro Game Corps echoed this sentiment, stating, "First impressions right off the bat is just how small this thing is" and comparing it to the Miu Mini Plus.
Reviewers also praised the EM780's efficient cooling system, with Russ noting, "Mini's Forum took a lot of care and attention into making sure that it kept cool and quiet." ETA PRIME concurred, stating, "One of the most impressive things that I saw here were the temperatures. Our average temps are around 72 degrees Celsius."
The EM780's versatility was another common point of praise, with Tek Syndicate suggesting it could be "really, really easy to take with you from home to the office" and "good for people who want to do video editing." Level1Techs noted its suitability for "internet kiosks" and praised Minisforum's reputation for stable and reliable mini PCs.
While the EM780's performance impressed reviewers, some did point out its limitations. Russ from Retro Game Corps mentioned the soldered RAM and limited upgrade options, stating, "bear in mind this RAM is going to be soldered right onto the board, so you're not going to be able to upgrade it."
Customer Impressions
Customer reviews of the MINISFORUM Mercury Series EM780 have been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising its compact size, powerful performance, and versatile connectivity options. Users appreciate the EM780's ability to handle demanding workloads like video editing and gaming while remaining highly portable and easily transported.
Some customers have noted that the fan noise can be noticeable under heavy load, but most agree it's a reasonable trade-off for the device's impressive performance in such a compact form factor. Many users have also complimented the EM780's build quality and the inclusion of useful accessories like the USB-C to Ethernet adapter and GaN charger.
Conclusion
The MINISFORUM Mercury Series EM780 is a remarkable mini PC that pushes the boundaries of what's possible in an ultra-compact form factor. Its powerful AMD Ryzen 7 7840U processor, AMD Radeon 780M graphics, and 32GB of LPDDR5 RAM deliver exceptional performance for a wide range of tasks, from productivity and content creation to gaming and entertainment.
For users who prioritize portability without compromising on performance, the EM780 is an excellent choice. Its palm-sized dimensions and lightweight design make it incredibly easy to take on the go, while its versatile port selection and efficient cooling system ensure that it can handle demanding workloads wherever you need it.
However, the EM780's compact size has some trade-offs, such as soldered RAM and limited upgrade options. Its higher price point than larger mini PCs may also be a consideration for some buyers.
If you don't require the EM780's ultra-portable form factor or if you prioritize upgradability and expandability, you may find better value in larger mini PCs or traditional desktop systems. Check out Starry Hope's Mini PC Comparison Chart to explore alternative options that better suit your needs and budget.
Overall, the MINISFORUM Mercury Series EM780 is a truly impressive device that showcases the cutting edge of ultra-compact computing. Its powerful performance, efficient cooling, and versatile connectivity make it a standout choice for anyone seeking a highly capable and portable mini PC.