Minisforum introduces BD770i Motherboard: Ryzen 7 7745HX CPU at $399

Minisforum has recently launched the BD770i, a new Mini-ITX powered by AMD’s Zen4 Dragon Range CPUs. This platform combines the power-efficient Zen4 architecture with the dual-chiplet design found in the Raphael series, bringing the strengths of both worlds together. While initially known for its presence in top-tier gaming Laptops, the Dragon Range platform is now making its debut on desktops.

The BD770i is Minisforum’s first commercially available Mobile on Desktop (MoDT) platform, featuring the capable Ryzen 7 7745HX CPU with 8 cores and 16 threads. The company also hints at a forthcoming 16-core variant, the Ryzen 9 7945HX. The system comes bundled with an integrated cooling solution, with memory, storage, and a power supply being the only additional requirements.

One of the standout features of this platform is its support for PCIe Gen5x16 GPU and 2x Gen5x4 storage. This makes it the first mini-ITX board that can fully unleash the potential of these devices without any limitations, unlike its Intel counterparts with their 16-lane constraints. It’s important to note that while AMD and nVidia have yet to release Gen5 Graphics Cards, the platform’s future-proofing is worth considering.

This platform offers flexibility in terms of expanding storage options, potentially turning this compact machine into a capable storage server with the use of PCIe Gen5 adapters. Additionally, the Dragon Range processors come equipped with an integrated RDNA2 GPU, and the BD770i board includes essential display connectors such as HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB Type-C, supporting resolutions up to 8K.

Priced attractively at $399, the Dragon Range platform includes a CPU, motherboard, and cooling solution. Users only need to add SODIMM DDR5 memory modules and storage to complete their setup. However, it’s worth noting that the current price is labeled as an ‘early bird sales’ offer and may not remain at this level for long.

Overall, the MINISFORUM BD770i presents an intriguing option for those seeking a powerful and compact desktop solution. With its Zen4 architecture, dual-chiplet design, and support for PCIe Gen5, this Mini-ITX board offers a promising blend of performance and versatility.

Background Information

---

About AMD: AMD, a large player in the semiconductor industry is known for its powerful processors and graphic solutions, AMD has consistently pushed the boundaries of performance, efficiency, and user experience. With a customer-centric approach, the company has cultivated a reputation for delivering high-performance solutions that cater to the needs of gamers, professionals, and general users. AMD's Ryzen series of processors have redefined the landscape of desktop and laptop computing, offering impressive multi-core performance and competitive pricing that has challenged the dominance of its competitors. Complementing its processor expertise, AMD's Radeon graphics cards have also earned accolades for their efficiency and exceptional graphical capabilities, making them a favored choice among gamers and content creators. The company's commitment to innovation and technology continues to shape the client computing landscape, providing users with powerful tools to fuel their digital endeavors.

  

---

About Intel: Intel Corporation, a global technology leader, is for its semiconductor innovations that power computing and communication devices worldwide. As a pioneer in microprocessor technology, Intel has left an indelible mark on the evolution of computing with its processors that drive everything from PCs to data centers and beyond. With a history of advancements, Intel's relentless pursuit of innovation continues to shape the digital landscape, offering solutions that empower businesses and individuals to achieve new levels of productivity and connectivity.

  

---

About Minisforum: Based in Shenzhen, China, Minisforum is a leading manufacturer of innovative and affordable computer, IT and electronics products. Founded in 2010, Minisforum has grown to become a global leader in the industry, providing powerful and advanced solutions to customers around the world as well as technical services and support. Minisforum is dedicated to developing and delivering technology products that deliver intelligent, secure, reliable and efficient performance. Their comprehensive product portfolio includes desktop computers, all-in-one PCs, small form factor PCs, industrial single board computers, cloud servers, embedded systems and storage compatibility systems. With advanced capabilities in artificial intelligence, Minisforum’s products are helping to shape the future of the computer, IT and electronics industries.

  

---

About nVidia: NVIDIA has firmly established itself as a leader in the realm of client computing, continuously pushing the boundaries of innovation in graphics and AI technologies. With a deep commitment to enhancing user experiences, NVIDIA's client computing business focuses on delivering solutions that power everything from gaming and creative workloads to enterprise applications. for its GeForce graphics cards, the company has redefined high-performance gaming, setting industry standards for realistic visuals, fluid frame rates, and immersive experiences. Complementing its gaming expertise, NVIDIA's Quadro and NVIDIA RTX graphics cards cater to professionals in design, content creation, and scientific fields, enabling real-time ray tracing and AI-driven workflows that elevate productivity and creativity to unprecedented heights. By seamlessly integrating graphics, AI, and software, NVIDIA continues to shape the landscape of client computing, fostering innovation and immersive interactions in a rapidly evolving digital world.

  

Technology Explained

---

chiplet: Chiplets are a new type of technology that is revolutionizing the computer industry. They are small, modular components that can be used to build powerful computing systems. Chiplets are designed to be used in combination with other components, such as processors, memory, and storage, to create a complete system. This allows for more efficient and cost-effective production of computers, as well as more powerful and versatile systems. Chiplets can be used to create powerful gaming PCs, high-end workstations, and even supercomputers. They are also being used in the development of artificial intelligence and machine learning applications. Chiplets are an exciting new technology that is changing the way we build and use computers.

---

CPU: The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is the brain of a computer, responsible for executing instructions and performing calculations. It is the most important component of a computer system, as it is responsible for controlling all other components. CPUs are used in a wide range of applications, from desktop computers to mobile devices, gaming consoles, and even supercomputers. CPUs are used to process data, execute instructions, and control the flow of information within a computer system. They are also used to control the input and output of data, as well as to store and retrieve data from memory. CPUs are essential for the functioning of any computer system, and their applications in the computer industry are vast.

---

DDR5: DDR5 (Double Data Rate 5) is the next generation of memory technology for the computer industry. It is a modern day improvement on earlier DDR technologies, with faster speeds, greater bandwidth and higher capacities. DDR5 enables higher resolution, seamless gaming experiences and faster data transfer rates, making it an ideal choice for high-performance computing and 4K gaming. With its greater RAM compatibility, DDR5 provides faster buffering times and raised clock speeds, giving users an improved overall work system. DDR5 is also optimized for multi-tasking, allowing users to multitask without experiencing a significant drop in performance, increasing the productivity of digital tasks. As an ever-evolving technology, DDR5 is paving the way for the computer industry into a new and powerful era.

---

DisplayPort: DisplayPort is a digital display interface developed by the Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA). It is primarily used to connect a computer to a monitor or other display device such as a television. DisplayPort is capable of delivering high-resolution video and audio, as well as providing power to connected devices. It is also capable of daisy-chaining multiple displays together, allowing for a single connection to multiple monitors. This makes DisplayPort a popular choice for gamers, video editors, and other users who require multiple displays. DisplayPort is also used in many laptops and tablets, allowing for a single connection to a monitor or other display device. It is also used in many modern TVs, allowing for a single connection to a computer or other device.

---

GPU: GPU stands for Graphics Processing Unit and is a specialized type of processor designed to handle graphics-intensive tasks. It is used in the computer industry to render images, videos, and 3D graphics. GPUs are used in gaming consoles, PCs, and mobile devices to provide a smooth and immersive gaming experience. They are also used in the medical field to create 3D models of organs and tissues, and in the automotive industry to create virtual prototypes of cars. GPUs are also used in the field of artificial intelligence to process large amounts of data and create complex models. GPUs are becoming increasingly important in the computer industry as they are able to process large amounts of data quickly and efficiently.

---

ITX: ITX (Information Technology eXtended) is a form factor for motherboards and other computer components. It is a small form factor that is designed to be more compact than traditional ATX motherboards. ITX motherboards are typically used in small form factor PCs, such as those used in home theater PCs, media centers, and other small form factor applications. ITX motherboards are also used in embedded systems, such as those used in industrial automation, medical equipment, and other embedded applications. ITX motherboards offer a number of advantages over traditional ATX motherboards, such as lower power consumption, smaller size, and improved cooling. Additionally, ITX motherboards are often more affordable than their ATX counterparts, making them a popular choice for budget-conscious consumers.

---

mini-ITX: The mini-ITX is a small form factor computer motherboard developed by VIA Technologies in 2001. It is designed to be a low-power, low-cost solution for embedded and small form factor applications. It is a 6.7-inch square motherboard that supports a wide range of processors, including Intel and AMD CPUs, as well as VIA's own C3 and C7 processors. The mini-ITX is used in a variety of applications, including home theater PCs, small form factor desktops, and embedded systems. It is also used in industrial applications, such as medical imaging, digital signage, and point-of-sale systems. The mini-ITX is a popular choice for computer enthusiasts who want to build their own small form factor PCs. It is also used in many commercial products, such as the Apple Mac mini and the Asus Eee PC.

---

PCIe: PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express) is a high-speed serial computer expansion bus standard for connecting components such as graphics cards, sound cards, and network cards to a motherboard. It is the most widely used interface in the computer industry today, and is used in both desktop and laptop computers. PCIe is capable of providing up to 16 times the bandwidth of the older PCI standard, allowing for faster data transfer speeds and improved performance. It is also used in a variety of other applications, such as storage, networking, and communications. PCIe is an essential component of modern computing, and its applications are only expected to grow in the future.

---

PCIe Gen5: PCIe Gen5, or PCI Express Generation 5, is the latest technology advancement in the computer industry. It is the first major upgrade to the current PCIe standard. Compared to PCIe Gen3, PCIe Gen5 increases bandwidth throughput that is almost double, resulting in faster data transfer speeds. This means that it can provide higher data transfer rates for output devices like graphics cards, network cards, RAID controllers, and sound cards. It also supports faster NVMe storage devices, allowing for a smoother gaming experience. PCIe Gen5 can also support multiple concurrent data streams and is backward compatible with older PCIe slots. In the computer industry, PCIe Gen5 allows for faster data transfer, improved graphics quality, faster memory access, and higher GPU performance, making the technology ideal for gaming and server builds.