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Pour contrer les pénuries de RAM, une vieille carte graphique de Nvidia pourrait faire son grand retour

5 janvier 2026 à 17:57

Face à la pénurie de RAM, Nvidia s'apprêterait à relancer la production de la GeForce RTX 3060. Celle-ci repose sur de la mémoire GDDR6, une technologie plus ancienne, généralement moins sous tension que la GDDR7 en termes de disponibilité et de prix.

Koharu - Le traducteur de mangas IA qui fait tout le boulot à votre place

Par : Korben
8 décembre 2025 à 10:39

J’sais pas si vous lisez des mangas de temps en temps mais si vous êtes à jour, vous avez peut-être envie de lire la suite, mais malheureusement, souvent c’est pas encore traduit en français. Alors vous 3 solutions… soit vous patientez, soit vous apprenez le japonais… Soit, soit…

Soit vous installez Koharu, un logiciel de traduction de mangas propulsé par IA. C’est hyper bien foutu puisque ça détecte automatiquement les bulles de dialogue, ça lit le texte japonais via OCR, ça efface proprement le texte original avec de l’inpainting, ça traduit le tout avec un modèle de langage aux petits oignons et ça replaque le texte traduit dans la bubulle.

Tout ça en quelques clics, évidemment, sinon ce serait pas drôle !

Le projet est développé par mayocream et c’est du 100% Rust avec une interface Tauri. Pour ceux qui ne connaissent pas, Tauri c’est un peu l’équivalent d’Electron mais en plus léger et plus performant. Le moteur d’inférence utilisé, c’est Candle de HuggingFace, ce qui permet de faire tourner des modèles IA localement sans avoir besoin d’envoyer vos data dans le cloud.

Côté modèles, Koharu embarque plusieurs outils spécialisés. Pour la vision par ordinateur, on a comic-text-detector pour repérer les bulles (avec le petit modèle custom de mayocream ), manga-ocr pour la reconnaissance de caractères et AnimeMangaInpainting pour effacer proprement le texte original. Pour la traduction, c’est vntl-llama3-8b-v2 ou Sakura-GalTransl-7B-v3.7 qui s’y collent et c’est sans galère puisque ces modèles se téléchargent automatiquement au premier lancement.

Et Koharu supporte évidemment l’accélération GPU donc si vous avez une carte NVIDIA, vous pouvez profiter de CUDA et pour les fans d’Apple Silicon avec un M1 à M5, Metal est également supporté. Bref, ça dépote et le logiciel gère aussi la mise en page verticale pour les langues CJK (Chinois, Japonais, Coréen), ce qui est plutôt indispensable quand on traduit des mangas.

Les sources sont dispo sur Github et y’a des binaires pour Windows et macOS directement sur la page des releases. Pour les autres plateformes, faudra compiler vous-même avec Rust et Bun.

Voilà, si vous rêvez de traduire ce manga obscur qui dort au fond d’un forum japonais, Koharu va vous plaire. Et un grand merci à Lorenper pour l’info !

Minisforum MS-02 Ultra – Early Impressions (Quick Review)

Par : Rob Andrews
5 décembre 2025 à 16:00

The Minisforum MS-02 Ultra – The First 48 Hours

The MS-02 Ultra is the latest workstation from Minisforum, and is currently undergoing testing and review here at NASCompares. However, even after just 48 hours, a whole bunch of interesting design choices and unique qwerks to the arcitecture have emerged that I wanted to cover in the meantime before the full review is complete. The MS-02 Ultra essentially trying to recapture the magic and impact of the incredibly popular MS-01 – and it is attempting this by doubling, trippling and (in some cases) quadrupling the base specifications! The Minisforum MS-02 Ultra arrives as a compact workstation that incorporates a 24-core Intel Core Ultra 9 285HX processor, up to 256 GB of ECC DDR5 memory, internal 350 W power delivery, multiple PCIe expansion options, and a network configuration that includes dual 25GbE, 10GbE, and 2.5GbE. After 48 hours of initial testing, several hardware behaviors have emerged regarding thermals, acoustics, lane distribution, storage configuration, and chassis layout. The following sections outline these early observations, supported by confirmed specifications and hands-on inspection. Stay tuned for the full review, but at least for now, let’s discuss the early highlights and low lights!

Category Specification
CPU Intel Core Ultra 9 285HX, 24C/24T, up to 5.5 GHz
TDP 100 W PL1 and 140 W PL2 (without dGPU)
Memory 4x DDR5 SODIMM, up to 256 GB, ECC supported on 285HX
Storage 2x M.2 PCIe 4.0 x4 on board, 2x M.2 PCIe 3.0 x4 or 4.0 x4 on NIC combo card
Networking 2x 25GbE SFP+, 1x 10GbE RJ45, 1x 2.5GbE RJ45 (vPro)
Wireless WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4
PCIe Slots 1x PCIe 5.0 x16, 1x PCIe 4.0 x16, 1x PCIe 4.0 x4
USB Ports 2x USB4 v2 Type-C, 1x USB4 Type-C, 3x USB-A 10Gbps
Video Output HDMI 2.1 and USB4 DP Alt Mode
Cooling Six heatpipe radiator with PCM and dual-fan chamber
Power Internal 350 W PSU
Dimensions 221.5 x 225 x 97 mm
Weight 3.45 kg

Design of the MS-02 Ultra

The internal design of the MS-02 Ultra differs considerably from earlier Minisforum workstation models and moves away from the layout used in the MS-S1 Max. Although the system retains a slide-out internal frame, the mechanism is less streamlined than the earlier S-series implementation because of how densely the components are arranged.

The interior resembles a compressed micro-tower layout, with the CPU cooling assembly, PSU, PCIe risers, and storage positions layered closely together. A dual-fan ventilation chamber spans the frontal section of the chassis, pulling air through a vented intake and directing it across the primary cooling hardware before forcing it out the rear. This arrangement appears to be a necessary response to the higher thermal output of the Ultra 9 285HX and the inclusion of multiple expansion slots, both of which require more directed airflow than Minisforum’s previous compact workstation designs.

The placement of internal components reflects the limited spatial tolerance of the 4.8-liter enclosure. The internal 350 W PSU occupies a significant section of the lower frame and includes additional power leads intended for low-profile GPU or accelerator cards, something rarely present in machines of this size. The motherboard runs across most of the horizontal section and positions the CPU vapor-chamber cooler toward the middle, while memory slots, NVMe connectors, and the PCIe riser for the combo NIC occupy the remaining pockets of available space.

Because cooling pipes and the ventilation housing sit directly above the CPU-side memory slots, Minisforum added a custom angled heatsink to ensure airflow reaches these modules. This results in a serviceable layout but one that requires more deliberate disassembly, as the compact structure prioritizes component density and thermal guidance over ease of access or open internal spacing.

Early Heat, Noise and Power Use of the MS-02 Ultra

Initial thermal behavior suggests the MS-02 Ultra is managing its compact layout with a cooling strategy built around a dual-fan chamber and a six-heatpipe radiator assisted by phase-change material. During the first setup period, surface temperatures around the chassis varied, with readings near the side ventilation panels and case edges settling around the low-to-mid 40s, while the front intake area measured lower due to the direct airflow path.

Early internal temperature checks, taken before any sustained workloads were applied, showed values consistent with a system that is heavily packed but actively cooled across multiple zones. These readings align with Minisforum’s stated 5000 RPM maximum fan speed and the intention to maintain a 100 W to 140 W CPU power envelope depending on configuration. However, because these measurements were taken during routine preparation rather than stress testing, they provide only a preliminary indication of how the system will manage long-duration loads.

Noise levels during this early period ranged from the low 30s dBA while performing software installations and background operations, with no significant fluctuations unless brief bursts of activity occurred. This behavior suggests fan control may be tied primarily to BIOS-level thermal triggers rather than granular OS-side control, something that will require further testing.

Power consumption during light activity remained in the 50 to 60 W range, which is consistent with a workstation-class system running the Ultra 9 285HX while idle or handling moderate foreground tasks. Removing the dual-25GbE combo card or disabling its slot reduced power draw by roughly 10 to 11 W, highlighting the overhead associated with multi-lane NICs and onboard controllers. These early figures provide a baseline for comparison against heavier benchmarks that will be performed in the full review.

The 25GbE, 10GbE and WiFi 7 Network Card in the MS-02 Ultra

The MS-02 Ultra’s networking implementation is centered around a PCIe-based combo card that integrates dual 25GbE SFP+ ports with two additional M.2 NVMe slots. This card is installed in the PCIe 4.0 x16 position rather than the PCIe 5.0 slot, and it includes a dedicated controller with active cooling and heatsinks that cover both the networking and storage components.

Early inspection shows the card draws a notable amount of power, which corresponds with the increased thermal and electrical requirements of Intel’s E810-class 25GbE controllers. Because of this, Minisforum’s inclusion of dedicated airflow and structural reinforcement around the card is necessary within the constrained 4.8-liter chassis. The presence of this dual-purpose add-in card also means the MS-02 Ultra’s total NVMe count depends on whether the system is configured with the 285HX version, as the lower-tier CPUs remove the combo module entirely.

Beyond the 25GbE configuration, the system includes onboard 10GbE and 2.5GbE RJ45 ports, the latter supported by Intel’s i226-LM with vPro capabilities, allowing BIOS-level remote management. The combination of high-speed SFP+, copper-based multi-gigabit ports, and embedded management options positions the system for lab, server, or virtualization roles rather than conventional desktop use.

Wireless capability is supplied via a WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 module connected through an M.2 E-Key slot, providing high-throughput wireless performance alongside its wired interfaces. Together, these connectivity features expand the system’s potential use cases, particularly for users planning to deploy virtualized environments or bandwidth-intensive tasks such as shared storage testing or multi-system clustering.

How m.2 Storage on the MS-02 Ultra is Done

The MS-02 Ultra distributes its four NVMe slots across two different locations, with two mounted on the mainboard and two integrated into the dual-25GbE combo card. The pair located on the system board are positioned on the underside, near the memory and CPU assembly, and both are listed as PCIe 4.0 x4 according to Minisforum’s documentation.

Early inspection suggests that one of these may have a PCIe 5.0 lane path available at the hardware level, though software restrictions or lane bifurcation rules may currently limit it to Gen 4 behavior. This is an area that requires further validation using a Gen 5 SSD, as the lane layout on the 285HX platform allows various allocation possibilities depending on how Minisforum assigned bandwidth between CPU, chipset, and expansion slots. These internal slots have modest vertical clearance, meaning SSDs with tall heatsinks cannot be used without removing or replacing the pre-fitted cooling structures.

The remaining two NVMe slots reside on the network combo card alongside the 25GbE controllers. These operate under different bandwidth rules depending on SSD capacity: drives up to 4 TB operate at PCIe 4.0 x4, while larger 8 TB models shift down to PCIe 3.0 x4. This behavior appears to be related to the card’s onboard controller and how its internal bifurcation splits resources between the NIC and storage lanes.

Physical space is also restricted on the card, requiring low-profile SSDs in certain positions to avoid obstruction of the cooling shroud and airflow channel. Minisforum includes an additional heatsink in the package for users installing their own drives, but using SSDs with taller factory heatsinks may be impractical. Altogether, storage layout on the MS-02 Ultra is functional and high-capacity, but with lane behaviors and physical constraints that require attention during configuration.

Memory on the MS-02 Ultra

The MS-02 Ultra provides four DDR5 SODIMM slots, but their distribution within the chassis is unconventional due to the system’s compact thermal layout. Two slots sit on the mainboard near the CPU-side M.2 positions, placed directly in the airflow path of the vapor-chamber cooler and its dual-fan assembly. Because of this, Minisforum has added a custom angled heatsink that draws air from the primary cooling channel across the modules and nearby components.

This arrangement is intended to compensate for the thermal density around the CPU area, where heat buildup would otherwise be more likely. These two slots support both ECC and non-ECC memory, though ECC functionality is active only on the 285HX model. Their placement suggests Minisforum prioritized consistent airflow over ease of access, making upgrades possible but less straightforward than on more open workstation layouts.

The remaining pair of SODIMM slots is located on the opposite side of the board, positioned away from the CPU cooling assembly and closer to the chassis frame. These modules have more breathing room but rely on passive airflow from the system’s general ventilation rather than a focused cooling path. All four slots support speeds up to 4800 MHz, with XMP profiles unavailable due to Minisforum’s implementation and Intel’s platform limitations.

During early testing, memory installation worked as expected, though the arrangement of these slots means users planning maximum 256 GB configurations will need to work within the physical constraints of the layout. Overall, the memory design reflects a tradeoff between supporting high-capacity ECC configurations and fitting the necessary cooling infrastructure into a small volume.

PCIe Card Support on the MS-02 Ultra

The MS-02 Ultra incorporates three PCIe slots arranged to maximize flexibility within its compact chassis: a PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, a PCIe 4.0 x16 slot, and a PCIe 4.0 x4 slot. The PCIe 5.0 slot is left unoccupied by default, allowing users to install a low-profile GPU or accelerator card that fits within the airflow and power constraints of the 350 W internal PSU.

Minisforum includes auxiliary power cables within the system, which is uncommon for small-form-factor workstations and indicates that the chassis is intended to support cards that require supplemental power. Because of the chassis height and width, only dual-slot, low-profile cards with modest cooling requirements are viable, but this still introduces options for compute or media workloads that benefit from hardware acceleration.

The PCIe 4.0 x16 slot is occupied in the 285HX configuration by the dual-25GbE plus dual-M.2 combo card, which introduces additional thermal and power considerations. This leaves the PCIe 4.0 x4 slot available for further expansion, provided the card used meets the system’s spatial limitations. The layout demonstrates Minisforum’s approach to balancing lane allocation between CPU, storage, and networking, especially given the 24 available PCIe lanes on the Ultra 9 platform.

Although the physical presence of three slots in such a compact volume is unusual, the arrangement is functional, and power delivery from the internal PSU supports moderate add-in card configurations. Users will need to consider airflow direction, card length, and slot occupation carefully to avoid restricting internal ventilation.

Conclusion and Verdict on the Minisforum MS-02 Ultra (So Far…)

The MS-02 Ultra presents a compact workstation design that integrates a high-core-count CPU, multiple NVMe storage options, high-speed networking, and an internal PSU within a tightly arranged chassis. Early testing indicates that the system’s thermal behavior, noise profile, and power draw are consistent with its component density, though the long-term performance of its cooling strategy requires extended benchmarking before reaching definitive conclusions. The design choices, such as the split placement of memory slots, the use of a large dual-fan cooling chamber, and the reliance on a densely packed internal layout, all reflect Minisforum’s effort to fit workstation-grade hardware into a constrained volume.

In terms of features, the dual-25GbE plus dual-M.2 combo card remains the most distinctive element, expanding the system’s potential for virtualized environments, NAS roles, and bandwidth-heavy workflows. PCIe allocation, memory configuration, and storage behavior introduce several considerations for users planning upgrades or specialized deployments. While these early observations indicate a capable and flexible platform, further testing is necessary to determine sustained thermal performance, PCIe stability under load, and real-world throughput of the networking and storage subsystems. The forthcoming full review will provide those extended results, but for now, the system presents a feature-rich design with several areas that merit deeper evaluation.

Where to Buy the Minisforum MS-02 Ultra?

Check Amazon in Your Region for the Minisforum MS-02 Ultra

Check AliExpress for the Minisforum MS-02 Ultra

Check the Official Site for the Minisforum MS-02 Ultra

 

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Gaming sous Linux - Et si AMD était devenu meilleur que Nvidia ?

Par : Korben
30 novembre 2025 à 07:56

La chaine youtube Gamers Nexus vient de publier ses premiers benchmarks GPU sous Linux, et pour leurs tests, ils ont choisi Bazzite . Pour ceux qui ne connaissent pas Bazzite, c’est une distro basée sur Fedora qui est conçue pour le gaming et qui se rapproche fortement de ce que propose SteamOS tout en restant utilisable comme OS de bureau classique.

C’est une distribution immuable, ce qui signifie que le système de base ne peut pas être modifié facilement. En effet, à chaque reboot, les modifications système sont annulées ce qui peut sembler contraignant mais en réalité c’est un avantage énorme pour les benchmarks car l’environnement reste stable et reproductible entre les tests.

L’équipe de GN a donc passé environ 5 semaines sur ce projet et ils ont évidemment eu le droit à leur lot de grosses galères du genre crashes, freezes, problèmes d’anti-cheat et j’en passe, mais d’après ce qu’ils expliquent dans leur vidéo, “Linux n’a jamais aussi bien fonctionné pour le gaming qu’aujourd’hui !

Par contre, truc important, ne cherchez pas à comparer directement les chiffres Linux avec leur équivalent benchmarks sous Windows car les environnements sont trop différents et les logiciels de capture de données mesurent différemment les choses. En plus, certains jeux tournent nativement tandis que d’autres passent par des couches de compatibilité comme Proton. Bref, les comparaisons directes Linux vs Windows ne sont pas pertinentes.

En tout cas, sous Linux, les rapports de force entre GPU changent complètement par rapport à Windows. En rasterization pure, AMD fait jeu égal voire mieux que Nvidia. La RX 9070 XT rivalise avec la RTX 5080 sur Dragon’s Dogma 2 et domine carrément sur Starfield où elle bat même la RTX 5090.

Le truc, c’est que les cartes Nvidia souffrent de gros problèmes de frame pacing sous Linux. Par exemple sur Black Myth Wukong, la 5090 affiche plus de FPS mais l’expérience est saccadée alors que la 9070 XT reste plus fluide. Baldur’s Gate 3 en build Linux natif est même complètement cassé côté Nvidia avec des résultats totalement incohérents.

Par contre en ray tracing , Nvidia reprend clairement l’avantage grâce à un hardware supérieur sur les RT. Par exemple, la 9070 XT se fait écraser et passe même sous la RTX 5060 sur certains titres. Et alors, la petite surprise de leurs tests c’est que la Intel Arc B580 offre souvent le meilleur frame pacing malgré des FPS plus modestes.

Bref, si vous jouez sous Linux sans ray tracing, AMD est maintenant devenue une option très sérieuse à considérer. Par contre, Nvidia a encore du boulot avec ses drivers. D’ailleurs, les dev de Bazzite ont abandonné les optimisations kernel orientées gaming depuis août dernier car ces tweaks causaient des pertes de performances de 2% à 30% selon les configs. Donc maintenant, les performances sur Bazzite sont censées être identiques à ce qu’on peut retrouver sous Fedora ou Arch, mais avec la stabilité en plus.

Voilà, pour ceux qui veulent tester, sachez que Bazzite existe en deux versions desktop : une pour les cartes Nvidia avec les drivers proprio préinstallés, et une pour AMD/Intel. Le système vient même tout équipé avec Steam, Lutris et les launchers gaming classiques, donc y’a quasiment rien à configurer après l’install. Et si une mise à jour casse quelque chose, vous pouvez toujours rollback sur l’image précédente au boot.

Bref, si vous en avez marre de Windows et de sa télémétrie, c’est peut-être le bon moment pour tester le gaming sous Linux. Ça ne coute rien, et avec Bazzite qui supporte maintenant les dernières puces AMD , y compris les Strix Halo que SteamOS ne boot même pas encore, y’a de quoi être optimiste !

Minsforum MS-02 Revealed – 25GbE, Intel i9, ECC, 4x M.2, Gen5 PCIe

Par : Rob Andrews
24 octobre 2025 à 16:00

The Minisforum MS-02 Workstation – FINALLY A MS-01 KILLER?

Note – Massive thanks to PCWatch for their coverage of the Japan IT Week 2025 Event. They made an excellent article on the Minisforum MS-02 HERE and was the source for today’s article. Check them out!

The Minisforum MS-02 Ultra is a compact 4.8-liter workstation revealed at Japan IT Week Autumn 2025, marking a major upgrade over the earlier MS-01 model. Built around Intel’s 24-core Core Ultra 9 285HX processor, it merges high-end mobile CPU performance with features traditionally reserved for full-size desktops. The system includes support for up to 256 GB of ECC DDR5 memory, four PCIe 4.0 NVMe slots, and three PCIe expansion slots, one of which supports PCIe 5.0 ×16. Network connectivity options extend up to dual 25 GbE SFP28 ports, alongside 10 GbE and 2.5 GbE (vPro) Ethernet. Designed to serve as a workstation or mini-server, the MS-02 Ultra incorporates an internal 350 W Flex PSU, a slide-out chassis for maintenance, and advanced front-to-rear cooling architecture.

Credit to Liu Yao @ PC Watch
Category Brief Specification
Processor Intel Core Ultra 9 285HX (24 cores 8P + 16E, 36 MB cache, up to 5.5 GHz)
Memory 4 × DDR5 SO-DIMM slots (up to 256 GB 4800 MHz, ECC supported)
Storage 4 × M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 ×4 slots (up to 16 TB total)
Expansion 1 × PCIe 5.0 ×16, 1 × PCIe 4.0 ×16 (25 GbE NIC installed by default), 1 × PCIe 4.0 ×4
Networking 2 × 25 GbE SFP28, 1 × 10 GbE RJ-45 (Realtek RTL8127), 1 × 2.5 GbE (vPro Intel i226-LM)
USB Ports 2 × USB4 v2 Type-C (80 Gbps), 1 × USB4 Type-C (40 Gbps), 3 × USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A (10 Gbps)
Display Output 1 × HDMI 2.1 (up to 8K 60 Hz / 4K 120 Hz support)
Audio 1 × 3.5 mm combo jack (TRRS)
Wireless M.2 2230 E-Key slot (Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 support)
Power Supply 350 W internal Flex PSU (100–240 V AC input)
Dimensions 221.5 × 225 × 97 mm (≈ 4.8 liters)
Credit to Liu Yao @ PC Watch

Minisforum MS-02 – Internal Hardware

The Minisforum MS-02 Ultra is built around Intel’s Arrow Lake-HX platform, with the Core Ultra 9 285HX serving as its central processor. This 24-core CPU combines eight performance cores and sixteen efficiency cores, reaching up to 5.5 GHz while maintaining a 140 W thermal design power. It incorporates an integrated Intel Arc GPU with four Xe cores and an NPU capable of up to 13 TOPS for AI acceleration. The CPU provides 24 PCIe lanes in total, which are distributed among the system’s multiple expansion and storage options.

Credit to Liu Yao @ PC Watch

Memory capacity is one of the most notable upgrades over its predecessor. The MS-02 Ultra offers four DDR5 SO-DIMM slots, supporting up to 256 GB of 4800 MHz memory, with full ECC functionality for stability in continuous workloads. Two modules are located on the CPU side of the board, and two on the reverse, optimizing thermal spacing and service access. This capacity places it closer to entry-level server configurations than typical mini PCs, reinforcing its suitability for virtualization or compute-heavy tasks.

Credit to Liu Yao @ PC Watch

Storage expansion is handled through four M.2 2280 NVMe slots, each supporting PCIe 4.0 ×4 bandwidth. Combined, these slots can accommodate up to 16 TB of SSD storage. The system’s slide-out chassis design allows quick installation or replacement of drives, simplifying maintenance. Minisforum has also introduced a small debug LED and clear CMOS button on the board, indicating that the model is targeted toward users familiar with system-level configuration and troubleshooting.

Expansion flexibility extends far beyond most small form factor workstations. The system includes three PCIe slots: one PCIe 5.0 ×16, one PCIe 4.0 ×16 (often occupied by a 25 GbE NIC in standard configurations), and one PCIe 4.0 ×4. The top slot can host dual-slot desktop graphics cards, drawing up to 140 W through an included 8-pin auxiliary connector. This allows for the addition of mid-range GPUs such as the NVIDIA RTX 4000 SFF Ada or workstation accelerators, while still retaining physical compactness.

Credit to Liu Yao @ PC Watch

Power delivery is managed through a built-in 350 W Flex PSU that eliminates the need for an external brick. This internal supply was a deliberate shift from the MS-01’s external adapter and helps sustain higher CPU and GPU draw without additional clutter. The unit supports 100–240 V AC input, giving it universal deployment flexibility for both workstation and light server scenarios.

 

Credit to Liu Yao @ PC Watch

Minisforum MS-02 – Ports and Connections

The Minisforum MS-02 Ultra includes a broad range of connectivity options intended to support both workstation and server workloads. Front access is optimized for frequent use, featuring two USB4 Version 2.0 Type-C ports offering 80 Gbps bandwidth each, a 10 Gbps USB Type-A port, a 3.5 mm audio combo jack, and the system power button. These front USB4 v2 ports also support DisplayPort Alternate Mode and Power Delivery up to 15 W per port, making them suitable for high-speed data transfer or direct monitor output without additional adapters.

Credit to Liu Yao @ PC Watch

The rear I/O layout is designed for permanent peripheral and network connections. It includes a third USB4 Type-C port rated at 40 Gbps, three USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports at 10 Gbps each, and a single HDMI 2.1 output supporting up to 8K at 60 Hz or 4K at 120 Hz. For network communication, the MS-02 Ultra integrates four ports in total: two 25 GbE SFP28, one 10 GbE RJ-45, and one 2.5 GbE RJ-45. The 2.5 GbE interface uses Intel’s i226-LM controller and supports vPro remote management for BIOS-level administration, which is beneficial for enterprise or headless operation.

Credit to Liu Yao @ PC Watch

Wireless connectivity is provided by an M.2 2230 E-Key slot supporting Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 modules, enabling flexible configuration for wireless networks or peripheral pairing. The combination of USB4 v2, multiple Ethernet options, and RDMA capability positions the MS-02 Ultra as a system ready for both high-performance workstation setups and compact server deployments. Its port layout, with both front and rear accessibility, ensures straightforward use in horizontal or vertical orientations.

Credit to Liu Yao @ PC Watch

Minisforum MS-02 – Cooling and Temperature Management

The cooling system of the Minisforum MS-02 Ultra is designed to manage sustained high thermal loads while maintaining compact dimensions. The chassis follows a front-intake and rear-exhaust airflow pattern, similar to rackmount servers. A six-heatpipe radiator combined with phase-change material (PCM) ensures efficient heat dissipation from both the CPU and expansion slots. This design enables the system to maintain stable operation at a 140 W CPU TDP, even when fully populated with PCIe cards and NVMe storage. Airflow direction also varies depending on the unit’s orientation, with side-mounted intakes feeding the expansion slots and rear vents handling exhaust when the unit is placed horizontally or vertically.

Credit to Liu Yao @ PC Watch

The internal layout is structured to prevent thermal overlap between major components. The CPU and memory modules are cooled through a direct-contact heat spreader, while GPU and add-in cards draw intake air from the left side and expel it from the right or top, depending on placement. The inclusion of an internal 350 W Flex PSU was balanced with this design, ensuring sufficient clearance and airflow. This approach allows the MS-02 Ultra to sustain continuous high-load performance without external cooling solutions or the noise levels typical of larger tower workstations.

Credit to Liu Yao @ PC Watch

Minisforum MS-02 Ultra Workstation – Worth waiting for?

The Minisforum MS-02 Ultra represents a substantial progression from the original MS-01 workstation, addressing nearly every limitation of its predecessor. The earlier model, released in 2023, gained attention for integrating desktop-class performance into a small form factor but was constrained by its single-slot PCIe design, limited memory capacity, and reliance on an external power brick. The MS-02 Ultra resolves these issues with four DDR5 SO-DIMM slots supporting up to 256 GB ECC memory, a dual-slot PCIe 5.0 ×16 slot for graphics or accelerator cards, and a fully internal 350 W Flex PSU. These refinements, along with the addition of 25 GbE networking and USB4 v2 connectivity, elevate the system into a new category that bridges high-end workstation and compact enterprise server design.

Credit to Liu Yao @ PC Watch

Performance and versatility are at the center of this system’s concept. The inclusion of a 24-core Intel Core Ultra 9 285HX CPU and up to four PCIe 4.0 NVMe drives positions it for continuous workloads such as virtualization, software development, or AI inference without the thermal or structural compromises typical of small PCs. Minisforum’s decision to adopt ECC memory and RDMA-capable networking also underlines a shift toward reliability and professional usage scenarios rather than enthusiast or gaming audiences.

Credit to Liu Yao @ PC Watch

In terms of market placement, pricing has yet to be confirmed, but early indications suggest the MS-02 Ultra will likely start around $1,500, with higher configurations approaching or exceeding $2,000 depending on memory, storage, and NIC options. This aligns it with compact workstations like the ASRock DeskMeet X600 and high-end mini servers from OEM integrators, though the Minisforum model’s density and component flexibility set it apart. Overall, the MS-02 Ultra shows how far the brand’s SFF engineering has advanced since the MS-01, turning a well-liked prototype concept into a fully realized professional-grade workstation built for sustained heavy use.

Note – Massive thanks to PCWatch for their coverage of the Japan IT Week 2025 Event. They made an excellent article on the Minisforum MS-02 HERE and was the source for today’s article. Check them out!

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Finally, for free advice about your setup, just leave a message in the comments below here at NASCompares.com and we will get back to you. Need Help? Where possible (and where appropriate) please provide as much information about your requirements, as then I can arrange the best answer and solution to your needs. Do not worry about your e-mail address being required, it will NOT be used in a mailing list and will NOT be used in any way other than to respond to your enquiry. [contact-form-7] TRY CHAT Terms and Conditions
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Synology désactive le transcodage matériel sur ses NAS

Par : Fx
29 septembre 2025 à 07:00
Synology enchaine 2025 - Synology désactive le transcodage matériel sur ses NAS

Encore une mauvaise nouvelle pour les utilisateurs de NAS Synology. Le fabricant, pourtant reconnu pour la qualité de ses produits, a discrètement désactivé une fonctionnalité essentielle à ceux qui utilisent leur NAS pour diffuser des vidéos : le transcodage matériel.

Synology enchaine 2025 - Synology désactive le transcodage matériel sur ses NAS

 

Synology tourne-t-il le dos aux particuliers ?

Avec la nouvelle série DSx25+, les utilisateurs ont découvert que Synology limitait désormais ses NAS à un programme de compatibilité très restreint. Aujourd’hui, seuls les disques et SSD de la marque apparaissent sur la liste de compatibilité. En clair, fini les WD Red et Seagate IronWolf, pourtant plébiscité par les utilisateurs… et Synology auparavant.

Mais le plus préoccupant reste ailleurs : la disparition du transcodage matériel. Ce n’est pas un bug ou une négligence, mais bien une décision volontaire. Synology choisit de brider les processeurs équipant ses NAS, privant ainsi les utilisateurs d’une fonctionnalité essentielle pour la lecture et la diffusion de vidéos.

Transcodage, licences et histoire de gros sous

Avec la mise à jour DSM 7.2.2 en 2024, Synology avait franchi une étape radicale : suppression de plusieurs fonctionnalités et arrêt pur et simple de son logiciel Video Station. Le transcodage vidéo n’était plus pris en charge, y compris dans le paquet Photos, Serveur multimédia et Surveillance Station. Fini les formats vidéos utilisant les codecs HEVC (H.265), AVC (H.264) et VC-1… ce sont pourtant les formats les plus utilisés aujourd’hui par nos smartphones, caméras, drones et autres appareils.

plex 2024 - Synology désactive le transcodage matériel sur ses NAS

Officiellement, Synology justifiait ce choix affirmant que la plupart des périphériques actuels savent lire directement ces formats et que le transcodage était devenu inutile. Dans les faits, l’argument ne tient pas. Et les utilisateurs ne s’y sont pas trompés. Beaucoup ont migré vers des solutions tierces, comme Jellyfin ou Plex. Côté Photos, beaucoup migrent déjà vers Immich.

immich screenshots - Synology désactive le transcodage matériel sur ses NAS
Image issue du site immich.app

Pourquoi l’iGPU est essentiel

Certains processeurs présents dans les NAS Synology intègrent une carte graphique intégrée (iGPU). Cette dernière permet d’alléger la charge du processeur lors du traitement vidéo : conversion, recadrage, ajout de filtres, diffusion simultanée de plusieurs flux…

L’iGPU est donc un vrai atout, surtout pour les utilisateurs qui exploitent leur NAS comme serveur multimédia. Désormais, même les modèles DSx25+ équipés d’un processeur Intel avec iGPU se voient privés de cette fonctionnalité. Synology l’a tout simplement désactivée.

C’est la première fois que l’on voit un fabricant de NAS bloquer volontairement une capacité matérielle native de ses produits.

Vers une restriction encore plus large ?

Ce qui semblait au départ être un simple bug est en réalité une stratégie assumée. Et la situation pourrait empirer…  Rien n’empêche Synology de désactiver l’iGPU sur des modèles plus anciens via une mise à jour logicielle.

Autrement dit, votre DS423+, parfaitement fonctionnel aujourd’hui, pourrait demain perdre une fonction matérielle clé après une mise à jour DSM. Pour rappel, certains payent un abonnement Plex pour profiter du transcodage matériel.

Une stratégie qui risque de coûter cher

Depuis plusieurs années, Synology multiplie les restrictions :

  • obligation d’utiliser ses propres disques et SSD,
  • limitations logicielles (voire disparition pure et simple),
  • et désormais, bridage des processeurs.

Selon plusieurs sources, cette politique de restriction iGPU (transcodage matériel) serait liée au refus de payer les licences nécessaires pour le codec H.265 (environ 0,20 € par an et par appareil). Une économie pour le fabricant, mais une perte majeure pour les utilisateurs.

Synology aurait pu communiquer sur cette problématique et proposer une solution, par exemple un paquet payant. Mais non, le fabricant a préféré se taire, désactiver cette capacité… pensant peut-être que cela ne se verrait pas.

Quelles alternatives pour les utilisateurs ?

Nous évitons habituellement de recommander de méthodes de contournements, mais cette fois Synology pousse ses clients à chercher des solutions ailleurs. le développeur Dave Russell, 007revad sur GitHub, avait déjà fait parlé de lui avec son code permettant d’ajouter vos disques durs et SSD à la base de données des disques compatibles de Synology.

Il a recommencé et vient de mettre en ligne un module permettant de réactiver le transcodage matériel. Manuellement, c’est faisable assez facilement… mais le paquet 007revad automatise le processus qui peut sembler complexe pour certains.

Le roi vacille, la concurrence en embuscade

En quelques mois, Synology a réussi un tour de force incroyable : se mettre à dos une large majorité de ses utilisateurs. Cette nouvelle stratégie controversée ouvre un boulevard à la concurrence. QNAP, Asustor, TerraMaster ou encore Ugreen ont une opportunité unique de séduire les utilisateurs déçus.

Synology, longtemps considéré comme le roi du NAS grand public, prend le risque de perdre la confiance de sa base. Et dans ce secteur, la confiance est difficile à regagner…

How to Get Hardware Transcoding BACK on Your Synology NAS

Par : Rob Andrews
24 septembre 2025 à 18:00

Get Graphics Drivers and Hardware Transcoding BACK for Plex/Jellyfin/Emby on your Synology NAS

Note – the video on this fix will be published soon and I will update this article with images ASAP.

Synology’s 2025 refresh brought the DS225+ and DS425+ with the familiar Intel Celeron J4125, but it also quietly removed the kernel graphics driver support that Plex, Jellyfin, and Emby use for hardware transcoding of H.264 and HEVC. This guide explains what changed, why it matters for real-world streaming, and how you can restore GPU-accelerated transcoding on these models using an unofficial SSH method shared by the community. If you rely on your NAS to reshape 4K or high bitrate files for phones, tablets, hotel TVs, or limited connections, this walkthrough will help you get that efficiency back.

IMPORTANT – Massive credit to RROrg group over on Github for ‘cracking the nut’ on this with their latest repo HERE 

Additionally, credit to Luka @ Blackvoid, who made this great article, covered this first and gave me permission to use his guide here and in my upcoming video. Read his article HERE

What Happened to Hardware Transcoding on the Synology 2025 NAS, and Why Is This a Problem

When Synology launched the 2025 “x25” lineup, users expected a minor refresh of familiar models like the DS225+ and DS425+. Instead, they discovered that Synology had removed the i915 graphics driver from DSM, effectively disabling hardware transcoding on the Intel Celeron J4125 CPU. This meant that Plex, Jellyfin, and Emby could no longer tap into the iGPU’s Quick Sync Video capabilities. Synology confirmed the change in support tickets, explaining that both H.264 (AVC) and H.265 (HEVC) transcoding had been deliberately blocked at the kernel driver level. The company cited licensing costs for HEVC, even though AVC is license-free, and argued that most client devices already support native playback. The earliest and longest discucssions on this topic are HERE on this Plex Forum thread.

The result is a significant downgrade for users who bought these models expecting the same multimedia performance as their predecessors. Instead of 10–20% CPU usage during hardware-accelerated transcoding, users now see 80–100% CPU utilization when reshaping video on the fly. For remote streaming, converting 4K to 1080p or 720p becomes slow, inefficient, and often unworkable. This change undermines the value proposition of the J4125 platform and leaves Plex and Jellyfin users with hardware that is technically capable but artificially restricted, creating frustration across the Synology community.

Disclaimer: This Is Unofficial – Know the Risks!

Before diving into the workaround, it is important to understand that this method is not supported by Synology and involves altering core system modules via SSH. These steps rely on community-compiled drivers and are provided “as is,” without warranty. Making changes at the kernel level can cause instability, break after DSM updates, or in the worst case, lead to data loss if mistakes are made. You should always keep verified backups of your data before proceeding, and only attempt this if you are comfortable working with the command line and root-level access. Proceed entirely at your own risk.

Step By Step Guide to Get J41225  Graphics Drivers Hardware Transcoding Back

  1. Download the Source Code

  2. Create a Folder on Your NAS

    • Log into DSM and create a new Shared Folder (e.g. scripts) on your main volume.

    • Make sure your DSM account has full access, since root privileges will be needed later.

  3. Upload the Archive

    • Use File Station or SMB to upload the .zip file into the new scripts shared folder.

    • Once uploaded, extract it on the NAS by right-clicking and selecting Extract Here.

    • If extraction creates subfolders, move the relevant script files (such as transcode_4_x25.sh) directly into the main scripts directory for easier referencing.

  4. Create a Scheduled Task

    • Open Control Panel > Task Scheduler.

    • Select Create > Triggered Task > User-defined Script.

    • Give the task a name (e.g. Synogfx).

    • Set the User to root.

    • Set the event to Boot-up so the script runs every time the NAS restarts.

  5. Point to the Script

    • In the task settings, paste the full path to the script file, for example:

      sh /volume1/scripts/transcode_4_x25.sh
    • If unsure, right-click the .sh file in File Station, select Properties, and copy the full directory path.

  6. Confirm and Save

    • DSM will warn you about using root and non-standard scripts. Acknowledge this and proceed.

    • Enter your DSM admin password when prompted.

    • The scheduled task will now appear in the list.

  7. Run the Script

    • Right-click the new task and select Run to execute it immediately.

    • Optionally, reboot your NAS to confirm that the driver loads automatically on startup.

  8. Verify Hardware Transcoding

    • Open Plex (or Jellyfin/Emby) and play a file requiring transcoding.

    • Check playback statistics: you should now see HW (hardware transcoding) instead of CPU-only usage.

Conclusion

Synology’s decision to remove iGPU drivers from the 2025 DS225+ and DS425+ left many users frustrated, especially those who rely on Plex or Jellyfin for remote streaming. While the company cites licensing costs and client-side decoding as justification, the hardware itself remains fully capable of transcoding. Thanks to community-driven efforts, it is possible to re-enable Quick Sync on these models with an SSH-based workaround. This fix restores the efficiency and functionality users expected, though it comes with risks and requires maintenance after reboots. For multimedia enthusiasts who value hardware transcoding, this unofficial solution may be the only way to unlock the true potential of these NAS systems.


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This description contains links to Amazon. These links will take you to some of the products mentioned in today's content. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Visit the NASCompares Deal Finder to find the best place to buy this device in your region, based on Service, Support and Reputation - Just Search for your NAS Drive in the Box Below

Need Advice on Data Storage from an Expert?

Finally, for free advice about your setup, just leave a message in the comments below here at NASCompares.com and we will get back to you. Need Help? Where possible (and where appropriate) please provide as much information about your requirements, as then I can arrange the best answer and solution to your needs. Do not worry about your e-mail address being required, it will NOT be used in a mailing list and will NOT be used in any way other than to respond to your enquiry. [contact-form-7] TRY CHAT Terms and Conditions
If you like this service, please consider supporting us. We use affiliate links on the blog allowing NAScompares information and advice service to be free of charge to you.Anything you purchase on the day you click on our links will generate a small commission which isused to run the website. Here is a link for Amazon and B&H.You can also get me a ☕ Ko-fi or old school Paypal. Thanks!To find out more about how to support this advice service check HEREIf you need to fix or configure a NAS, check Fiver Have you thought about helping others with your knowledge? Find Instructions Here  
 
Or support us by using our affiliate links on Amazon UK and Amazon US
    
 
Alternatively, why not ask me on the ASK NASCompares forum, by clicking the button below. This is a community hub that serves as a place that I can answer your question, chew the fat, share new release information and even get corrections posted. I will always get around to answering ALL queries, but as a one-man operation, I cannot promise speed! So by sharing your query in the ASK NASCompares section below, you can get a better range of solutions and suggestions, alongside my own.

☕ WE LOVE COFFEE ☕

 

Please Power Down And Connect The PCIe Power Cables: Fixed on Windows 11

12 février 2024 à 13:04

While using your computer, did you run into the message Please power down and connect the PCIe cables? Most times, this message indicates a power mismatch for your graphics card. You may experience a sudden crash before you get this error message.

This is a problem some of our readers have encountered, and we will help you walk through fixing it in this comprehensive guide.

1. Change the Power Connection for the Graphics Card

Changing the power connection that goes into your graphics card is essential when you change your graphics card. This is because a less powerful power cable may have powered the old graphics card, hence a mismatch for the new unit.

If you also purchased a new power supply, ensure it powers your graphics card directly. If you do not know how the internal workings of your PC are done, you may have to seek help from a technician.

2. Power the Graphics Card with a PCIe connector, not a CPU Connector

The problem with powering your graphics card is that the CPU connector looks very similar to the PCIe connector in most instances. In fact, it may fit properly and click, but it would not have enough power to run it.

3. Ensure all the Connectors are Making Contact

When you get the error message: Please power down and connect the PCIe power cables, you should check for contact. This is even more important if you use a spit connector.

Even though you have used the correct kind of connectors, there are chances that some pins have not made contact. You may need to reconnect them inverted. Once there is proper contact, the power problem should be solved.

4. Upgrade your Power Supply

In the past, you would have gotten away with 250 or 400 Watts, but more recent graphics cards require much more power, and you will keep experiencing the problem until you upgrade to a newer and more powerful power supply.

You should note that some graphics cards will now require as much as 1000 watts.

What Are PCIe Power Cables, and Why Are They Necessary?

We have discussed the video card problem, and most solutions refer to your connector or cables. You may be wondering what these PCIe cables are.

These cables supply power from the PSU (Power Supply Unit) to a PCIe device, such as graphics cards, sound cards, and expansion cards.

In most cases, these devices will have a higher requirement than the motherboard can supply through the PCIe slot. With PCIe cables, the needed devices get the required power and can function optimally.

You should know more about your Graphics card to know what connectors it may need.

Please Power Down And Connect The PCIe Power Cables: Fixed

You should have successfully fixed the power and video card problem with the solutions we have explored. All the solutions would require some technical knowledge, so you may also consider contacting a technician if you have no experience with opening up a computer.

FAQ

Is it safe to connect PCIe power cables while my computer is running?

No, while your computer is operating, connecting or unplugging PCIe power cords is unsafe. Always turn off your system entirely before performing any hardware modifications to protect your components and your safety.

How do I know if my device requires PCIe power cables?

To determine if your equipment needs PCIe power cords, look up the specs or consult the user manual. Furthermore, your device probably needs more power from PCIe cables if you experience performance problems or error warnings about low power.

The post Please Power Down And Connect The PCIe Power Cables: Fixed on Windows 11 appeared first on Next of Windows.

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