Skip to content
vsMars
Spec drill · TDP

NucBox K11 vs UM790 Pro

A side-by-side readout for tdp.

GMKtec · NucBox K11
70W
Minisforum · UM790 Pro
65W
▲ Lead
VerdictUM790 Pro wins on tdp.
Context

Understanding tdp

TDP is a thermal design specification. Coolers and chassis are designed to dissipate the TDP figure indefinitely without throttling.

Why it's not power consumption

Modern CPUs and GPUs can briefly exceed TDP during boost (Intel's PL2, AMD's PPT, NVIDIA's power limit). They also dip below TDP at idle. The TDP figure is the sustained-load expectation, not a constant draw.

Why it matters

  • Laptops. Lower-TDP chips fit in thinner chassis with longer battery; higher-TDP chips need beefier cooling.
  • Mini PCs. A 65 W chip in a 0.8 L chassis will throttle. A 35 W chip will not.
  • Desktops. Drives PSU sizing and case fan choice.

In comparisons

Two CPUs with the same TDP and similar specs will usually feel similar in real-world use. Big TDP gaps (35 W vs 125 W) reliably predict large performance gaps under sustained load.

This matchupNucBox K11's 70W is roughly 8% more than UM790 Pro's 65W (a 5W gap). Lower is better here, so UM790 Pro takes the lead in real use.

Glossary

What is tdp?

Thermal Design Power — the maximum sustained heat output a CPU or GPU is designed to dissipate, measured in watts. A guide for cooler sizing, not an absolute power consumption number.

Read the full TDP explainer →
Drill more

Other specs on this comparison

See the full Mini PCs category for all products ranked by Mars Score.