Final Words & Conclusion
Final Words & Conclusion
The Minisforum UN305 is a Mini PC with a nice design and compact form. The dimensions are W x L x H (13.6 cm x 12.1 cm x 3.9 cm). The weight is 440 g. It comes only in one color option – gray, but it’s not an issue and should make it fit most rooms. One of the most notable features is the CPU has 15 W TDP, which makes it very power efficient. The multitasking is rather effortless, thanks to the 16 GB 4800 MHz DDR5 memory (unfortunately, it can’t be expanded more, and it’s a single-channel mode; dual-channel is impossible). Pre-installed Windows 11 is free from bloatware and other applications and runs smoothly. The results are good (thanks to using 8 cores/8 threads Intel Core i3 UN305 - even for more complex tasks than daily surfing, Office, etc. You get two 1 Gb ethernet ports. The WIFI5 is OK (but at least WIFI6 would be much better for that segment). The 16 GB of RAM probably won’t limit most tasks you’d like to perform on the UN305. Using a 512 GB M.2 SSD is a decent (but not great) feature. You can always install a SATA drive if you need more storage (or you can swap the M.2 SATA drive for a faster one). If you want a versatile mini PC to serve as your daily driver for the typical office stuff, you can’t go wrong with the UN305.
Performance
The Intel Core i3 UN305 is enough for usage as an Internet PC, even with Windows 11. It handles everyday tasks such as using office applications, browsing the web, and streaming 4K video content. You can do the daily activities without a hassle, making it a versatile performer. Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 4.2 ensure (rather) fast, reliable wireless connectivity for seamless performance. The eight cores/threads processor offers enough power for daily activities. The NVMe SSD further enhances the device’s capabilities, operating at a speed of 5(read)/3.5(write)GB/sec. The embedded GPU has a decent video processor (Intel UHD Graphics) that can accelerate high-definition content; 1080P and Ultra HD are not an issue. For gaming – we wouldn’t advise it, at least for the modern games. As for acoustics - the product stays rather silent, even under moderate load (it's a bit loud at high load). Although it’s actively cooled, its fan is rather quiet and unobtrusive, with no bearing whine or rattle in what noise it could make.
Concluding
The Minisforum UN305 offers good quality, nice CPU/GPU performance, and 512 GB M.2 SATA storage. You can add a SATA drive if you need more storage. You get a pre-installed Windows 11 (without any bloatware). It’s possible to mount the unit on the monitor/wall. You’ll find here the WIFI 5 (although it’s a bit disappointing that it’s not the Wi-Fi 6) and 16 GB RAM; it’s LPDDR5 with a frequency of 4800 MHz. Unfortunately, it can’t be expanded, and it’s only a single-channel mode (dual-channel is impossible). You get two 1 Gbps LAN ports. There are no USB 4 ports, but the USB 3.2 should be enough for this device segment. There’s no fingerprint reader (but it’s not a must), which typically enables better system security. Still, you get a Kensington lock and a TF card reader. It’s a nice pick for people mainly making typical office/internet activities, with some minor video/photo editing. There’s a possibility of connecting up to three 4K displays. We don’t recommend playing games, at least the modern ones. The cooler makes the operation quiet and cool (typically up to 80-85 degrees Celsius, under heavy load). We grant the Minisforum UN305 an “Approved” award for the whole package (what we miss is Wifi higher than WIFI 5 and the BT above the 4.2 available here, and a faster NVMe drive). The price is now 309 USD after 50 USD discount. For this, you get a nice, swift Mini PC with 8 cores/8 threads Intel Core i3 UN305, with an Intel UHD Graphics, 16 GB of single-channel LPDDR5 4800 MHz memory, pre-installed Windows 11 pro, and a 512 GB M.2 SATA drive “locked” in a CNC Metal chassis, that is flat and easy to place and carry (thanks to 440 g of weight and small size).
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