Le 7 août 2019, dans le Mississippi, des centaines d'enfants rentrent de leur premier jour d'école. Cartables sur le dos, ils s'attendent à retrouver leurs parents pour raconter leur journée.
Mais à la place, ils découvrent des maisons vides ou des usines encerclées par des agents fédéraux. Ce jour-là, l'ICE (les services d'immigration américains) mène la plus grande opération de l'histoire du pays en un seul État : 680 personnes sont arrêtées, menottées et embarquées dans des camionnettes blanches.
L'enquête qui a mené à ces rafles n'a pas été montée "à l’ancienne" sur un tableau en liège avec des punaises et de la ficelle rouge. Dans des affidavits et les documents obtenus via des demandes FOIA, on voit apparaître un nom de module qui revient comme un sortilège : FALCON Tipline. Un outil Palantir vendu à la branche Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) et utilisé pour centraliser, recouper et exploiter des signalements, des identités, des liens, des infos de terrain… jusqu’à planifier des actions coordonnées comme celle du Mississippi.
Le plus "magique" (façon Mordor), c'est que tout ça s'appuie sur un contrat très concret, très administratif, qui décrit FALCON comme une plateforme de recherche fédérée et d’analyse, capable de faire parler ensemble des bases de données qui n'étaient pas censées se rencontrer. Voilà. Rien de secret... Juste le genre de PDF qui sent la paperasse… mais qui peut briser des vies.
Mais si cette logistique monstrueuse a pu être déployée avec une telle précision chirurgicale, c'est grâce à une technologie dont vous n'avez peut-être jamais entendu parler, mais qui sait déjà probablement tout de vous.
Son nom ? Palantir.
Pour comprendre comment une startup de la Silicon Valley est devenue l'œil de Sauron qui surveille le monde, il faut remonter au début des années 2000. On est juste après le 11 septembre. L'Amérique est en état de choc et ses agences de renseignement cherchent désespérément un moyen de "connecter les points" (connect the dots comme ils disent...) pour prévenir la prochaine attaque.
Le Pentagone essaie bien de lancer un programme de surveillance totale appelé Total Information Awareness, mais le projet est jugé trop orwellien et se fait descendre par l'opinion publique en 2003. C'est exactement à ce moment-là que Peter Thiel décide de fonder Palantir Technologies avec Stephen Cohen, Joe Lonsdale, Nathan Gettings et Alex Karp.
Ce qui est "marrant", c’est qu’on a enterré le programme (trop visible, trop caricatural), mais pas l’idée. Palantir arrive pile au bon moment : la même promesse, mais emballée dans un joli paquet cadeau d'outil d’analyse, vendue par une boîte privée, et surtout, développée directement avec les gens qui allaient s’en servir.
La surveillance version startup, avec des NDA, des badges et des salles sans fenêtre était née...
Peter Thiel, c'est un personnage à part dans la tech. Co-fondateur de PayPal, premier investisseur de Facebook, libertarien pur jus et fan absolu de J.R.R. Tolkien. Le nom "Palantir" vient d'ailleurs du Seigneur des Anneaux puisque ce sont ces pierres de vision qui permettent de voir à travers le temps et l'espace.
Le truc, c'est que chez PayPal, Thiel et son équipe avaient déjà développé des algorithmes de détection de fraude super performants baptisés "Igor". C'est pour cela que Thiel s'est dit "Hé, et si on appliquait ces mêmes méthodes de traque financière à la lutte antiterroriste ?"
Le problème, c'est qu'en 2004, personne à la Silicon Valley ne veut toucher à la défense. Les investisseurs flippent, du coup, Thiel et son fonds d'investissement posent environ 30 millions de dollars pour couvrir les premiers coûts et vont chercher un allié improbable : In-Q-Tel, le fonds de capital-risque à but non lucratif soutenu par la CIA.
In-Q-Tel injecte environ 2 millions de dollars et au delà de l'argent, c'est une surtout une validation capitale pour la société. Et c'est ainsi que durant trois ans, les ingénieurs de Palantir vont bosser main dans la main avec les analystes du renseignement pour construire leur premier logiciel : Gotham.
Et quand je dis "bosser main dans la main", c’est pas une image. Leur délire, c’était d’envoyer des ingénieurs directement chez les clients, dans les agences, parfois sur site sensible, pour modeler l’outil à la demande. Pas une ESN, hein… plutôt une greffe. Tu poses le logiciel, tu poses les devs, et tu laisses la créature grandir dans l’ombre.
Pour diriger cette boîte de surveillance, Thiel choisit Alex Karp. Un mec encore plus atypique que lui. Karp est un philosophe, titulaire d'un doctorat en théorie sociale de l'université de Francfort, dyslexique, qui ne sait pas conduire et qui passe cinq heures par jour à faire du ski de fond ou du Qigong. Il vit dans une baraque perdue dans le New Hampshire et se décrit comme un "gauchiste fou", alors que Thiel est un "dingue de droite". Ce duo improbable va pourtant créer l'entreprise la plus puissante et la plus secrète de la planète.
Le fonctionnement de Gotham est simple sur le papier, mais terrifiant en pratique. Pensez à un aspirateur géant capable d'ingérer n'importe quel type de donnée : Imagerie satellite, rapports d'interrogatoires, conversations sur les réseaux sociaux, fichiers fiscaux, plaques d'immatriculation, relevés bancaires. Le logiciel fusionne tout ça pour créer un "jumeau numérique" du monde réel. Si vous avez un compte chez
Ladar Levison
(le fondateur de Lavabit qui a hébergé Snowden) ou que vous avez été mentionné dans une écoute de la NSA, Palantir peut recréer tout votre réseau social en quelques clics.
C'est d'ailleurs avec les révélations d'Edward Snowden que le monde a commencé à entrevoir l'ampleur du truc. En 2017, des documents montrent que Palantir proposait des outils comme "XKEYSCORE Helper" pour faciliter l'analyse des données capturées par la NSA. Le logiciel permettait aux agents de naviguer dans des masses de données privées avec une fluidité déconcertante. Même si Alex Karp jure sur tous les tons qu'il protège les libertés civiles, la réalité des contrats raconte une autre histoire.
Et ce n’est pas qu’un délire "NSA / USA". Dans la même veine, des docs évoquent aussi Kite, un système custom pour le GCHQ (les espions britanniques), avec des champs et des imports extensibles pour avaler des formats de données bien tordus. Palantir, évidemment, a tenté de calmer le jeu ensuite en expliquant que "XKEYSCORE helper" n’était qu’un module périphérique et limité, pas un accès à la matrice complète…
Mais l’histoire "secrète" de Palantir a aussi un épisode qui sent la naphtaline et le scandale. En effet, en 2010-2011, des emails fuités (merci Anonymous) ont montré qu'une dream team HBGary / Berico / Palantir avait participé à la préparation d’un plan de riposte contre WikiLeaks et ses soutiens. Dans le package, on parlait de méthodes sales, de pression, et même d’idées de désinformation. Résultat, Palantir a publiquement présenté ses excuses et a coupé les ponts avec HBGary.
Je vous parle quand même d'une boîte qui a récupéré le contrat Maven Smart System (le fameux Project Maven) quand Google l'a lâché suite à la révolte de ses employés. Maven utilise l'IA pour aider les analystes militaires à identifier des cibles au milieu d'un déluge de données de surveillance.
Et aujourd'hui, Palantir est partout.
En Ukraine, Alex Karp a été le premier PDG occidental à rencontrer Zelensky après l'invasion russe de 2022. Leurs logiciels servent à faire de la fusion de données à grande vitesse (drones, satellites, sources ouvertes) pour accélérer la décision militaire. Et ça ne s'arrête pas là puisqu'en juillet 2025, l'armée américaine a signé un accord-cadre monumental jusqu'à 10 milliards de dollars sur 10 ans pour consolider et simplifier l'achat des logiciels Palantir.
Mais Palantir ne s'arrête pas aux zones de guerre. L'entreprise s'infiltre dans nos services publics. Au Royaume-Uni, un consortium mené par Palantir a décroché un contrat de 330 millions de livres pour gérer la Federated Data Platform du NHS (le système de santé national). En septembre 2025, ils ont même remis ça avec un partenariat défense annoncé par le gouvernement britannique, censé débloquer jusqu'à 1,5 milliard de livres d'investissements et faire du Royaume-Uni leur QG européen défense. En France, la DGSI a longtemps utilisé Palantir avant d'essayer de construire sa propre alternative pour retrouver sa souveraineté numérique… sauf que fin 2025, le contrat a encore été prolongé "temporairement", en attendant que l’outil souverain arrive vraiment.
Et ce qui est vraiment inquiétant avec Palantir, c'est ce qu'ils proposent en matière de "police prédictive". Par exemple, à Los Angeles ou à la Nouvelle-Orléans, leurs algorithmes ont été utilisés pour tenter d'identifier des zones ou des individus à risque. En gros, le logiciel décide si vous avez le profil d'un futur délinquant en analysant vos liens sociaux et vos antécédents. À la Nouvelle-Orléans, le programme a même tourné pendant des années dans une discrétion quasi totale, sans que le conseil municipal ne soit vraiment au courant, jusqu'à ce que la presse sorte l'affaire. Des audits ont d'ailleurs montré que ces systèmes pouvaient renforcer les préjugés et cibler injustement certaines communautés. Tu m'étonnes...
Exemple de dashboard de police prédictive (
source
)
Aujourd'hui, Palantir est cotée en bourse et sa valorisation explose littéralement (on parle d'environ 430 milliards de dollars début 2026). Alex Karp a réussi son pari à savoir rendre la surveillance de masse extrêmement rentable. L'entreprise vise d'ailleurs un chiffre d'affaires annuel autour de 4,4 milliards de dollars sur 2025, porté par sa nouvelle plateforme d'IA (AIP) et ses "agents" autonomes capables de structurer n'importe quelle base de données en un clin d'œil. Mais comme dans Tolkien, les palantír sont des outils dangereux. Celui qui les utilise peut être lui-même observé et corrompu.
Alors, faut-il avoir peur de Palantir ? Clairement oui !
Quand on voit comment
Snowden explique la surveillance
aujourd'hui, on comprend que Palantir est l'outil qui rend l'espionnage d'État accessible à n'importe quel analyste, sans qu'il ait besoin d'être un génie du code. C'est la démocratisation d'Orwell à grande échelle.
Bref, la prochaine fois que vous entendrez parler d'une startup qui veut "aider les gouvernements à mieux gérer leurs données", rappelez-vous de l'histoire du Mississippi en 2019 et de Palantir car derrière les beaux discours sur la sécurité, il y a souvent des algorithmes invisibles et des pierres de vision qui ne dorment jamais.
Microsoft Copilot Studio is a low-code platform that lets you build, customize, and manage AI agents without extensive programming knowledge. The platform provides a graphical interface for creating intelligent agents in natural language that handle conversations and automate tasks across Microsoft Teams, Microsoft 365 Copilot, websites, mobile apps, and third-party platforms such as Facebook or Slack. To ground agents, you can integrate your organization's data sources. Recent updates have introduced enhanced AI models, improved authoring experiences, and new governance capabilities, making the platform more accessible and secure.
Un peu plus de trois mois après la fuite de données de la Fédération Française de Tir, la préfecture de police de Paris a annoncé l’interpellation d’un suspect majeur. Né en 2007, il est soupçonné d’avoir pris part à la fuite puis à la revente de ces informations particulièrement sensibles.
Un peu plus de trois mois après la fuite de données de la Fédération Française de Tir, la préfecture de police de Paris a annoncé l’interpellation d’un suspect majeur. Né en 2007, il est soupçonné d’avoir pris part à la fuite puis à la revente de ces informations particulièrement sensibles.
Pourra-t-on revoir Sissi et François-Joseph dans une saison 3 de L'Impératrice ? Voici tout ce que l'on sait déjà sur la suite très attendue de la série historique de Netflix.
A year-old Microsoft 365 Copilot rebrand is suddenly trending as new posts spread outdated information, revealing growing frustration with Microsoft’s AI push.
Pour une fois dans votre vie, soyez honnêtes !! Je le sais, vous le savez, PERSONNE ne lit les conditions d'utilisation. On clique sur "J'accepte" comme des automates, et on file nos données personnelles sans même savoir ce qu'on signe. Perso, la dernière fois que j'ai lu des CGU en entier, c'était... celles de hotmail.com en 1996.
Et c'est exactement pour ça que TermsTooLong existe. Ce site analyse et note les politiques de confidentialité et les termes de service de plus de 200 plateformes, de Mozilla à TikTok en passant par Discord et Blizzard. Du coup, au lieu de vous farcir 47 pages de jargon juridique, vous avez une note claire de A- à F.
Et les résultats sont assez révélateurs. Dans le camp des bons élèves, on retrouve Mozilla avec 8.8/10 (note A-), Signal au même niveau, et DuckDuckGo avec 8.5/10. Ces services collectent un minimum de données et sont plutôt transparents sur leur utilisation.
Et puis y'a les cancres. Ubisoft se tape un magnifique 1.8/10 (note F), Blizzard n'est pas loin avec 2.0/10, et TikTok récolte un joli 2.8/10. Si vous vous demandiez pourquoi ces services sont gratuits, vous avez maintenant une partie de la réponse.
Le truc cool, c'est la méthodologie car le site utilise une analyse assistée par IA pour décortiquer chaque document. Il cherche les clauses problématiques telles que la collecte excessive de données, le partage avec des tiers, l'absence de suppression sur demande, ce genre de joyeusetés. Le tout est ensuite vérifié et noté sur des critères précis par des humains.
Y'a même une fonction de comparaison côte à côte. Vous hésitez entre deux services de cloud ? Hop, vous comparez leurs politiques de confidentialité en un clic. Pratique pour faire des choix éclairés sans perdre trois heures à décrypter du juridique.
Voilà, si le sujet de la
protection des données personnelles
vous intéresse, ce site est une vraie mine d'or. Au moins maintenant, vous saurez exactement ce que vous acceptez quand vous cliquez sur ce fichu bouton.
C’est la fin d’une option historique. Pour activer Windows ou Office, le passage par Internet et par un compte Microsoft devient inévitable. Une décision prise en toute discrétion par le géant des logiciels.
After the surprising hit that was the Beelink ME Mini NAS in 2025, a lot of users were looking forward to seeing what the brand would do next in the NAS space. In January 2026, the brand responded with the launch of the Beelink ME Pro: an Intel N95/N150 powered system with DDR5 memory, 5GbE plus 2.5GbE connectivity, 2 SATA HDD bays, 3 M.2 NVMe bays, and one of the smallest physical footprints in this device class that I have seen. I have a full detailed review in progress on the ME Pro, but even after several days of use, several pros and cons have already emerged that may influence whether this is the right purchase for a homelab. While the review comes together, this article will outline the good, the bad, and the weird aspects of the Beelink ME Pro NAS.
This is a minor point, but it is worth noting how the ME Pro arrives. The chassis box is unusually small for a 2-bay NAS, and at first glance it can look like the packaging contains little more than the unit itself. In practice, the accessory items are stored inside the drive bracket area in small internal boxes, which helps avoid loose parts moving around in transit and reduces wasted packaging volume.
The device also arrives with the M.2 thermal pads already positioned in place, so the initial storage installation process is more direct. It is not a major buying factor, but it is a practical packaging decision that avoids the excessive empty space and material waste that is common in this product category.
Reasons you Should Buy the Beelink ME Pro NAS
The ME Pro is positioned as a compact, high-connectivity 2-bay NAS that also provides NVMe expansion and local display capability, with hardware aimed at users who want more than basic file serving in a small footprint. It combines dual-port networking, integrated wireless connectivity, and multiple internal storage options in a chassis designed for straightforward access and cleaning, while also introducing a motherboard drawer concept that Beelink claims will support future platform upgrades. If those priorities match your setup goals, the ME Pro has several practical advantages that can justify its price and design choices.
#1 Man alive – this 2 Bay NAS is TINY!
The ME Pro’s most immediate differentiator is its physical footprint. The chassis measures 166 x 121 x 112mm and uses an all metal unibody design, which is notably smaller than most 2-bay NAS boxes that also include NVMe storage and dual network ports. In person it reads closer to a compact mini PC enclosure than a traditional NAS, and that difference matters if you are placing it on a crowded desk, a media shelf, or anywhere you are trying to keep cabling and hardware out of the way.
That compactness is not just cosmetic, it directly shapes how the hardware is arranged and how it feels to work with. Storage bays, the NVMe area, networking, and the cooling hardware are densely packed, so clearances are tight and the device is designed around precision fit rather than roomy access. The upside is that it is easy to place in small spaces without needing the usual NAS sized footprint. The tradeoff is that installations and maintenance are likely to feel more constrained than they would on a larger, more conventional 2-bay enclosure.
#2 Arrives with 5GbE and WiFi6, when everyone else is still on 2.5GbE
On networking, the ME Pro ships with 2 wired Ethernet ports and integrated wireless. The wired setup is a 5GbE Realtek RTL8126 port alongside a 2.5GbE Intel i226-V port, and the unit also includes WiFi 6 plus Bluetooth 5.4. For a compact 2-bay NAS, that is a broader mix of connectivity than the many systems that still top out at dual 2.5GbE, and it gives you more options for how the device fits into an existing home or small office network.
In practical terms, this provides flexibility rather than guaranteeing a specific performance outcome. A 5GbE port can be useful for faster transfers if you already have compatible switching or direct attach options, while the 2.5GbE port can serve as a secondary link for a different subnet, failover, or a separate device path depending on the OS and network configuration you choose. WiFi 6 is not a replacement for wired networking in a NAS role, but it can be relevant for temporary placement, initial setup, or use cases where running a cable is not straightforward, and the manual indicates the antenna is integrated into the front panel design rather than using an external antenna.
#3 Maintenance and Internal Access is a work of art!
The ME Pro is built around user access rather than treating the internals as a sealed appliance. The manual’s process is simple: remove the magnetic cooling mesh cover, unscrew and pull out the hard drive bracket, and use the bottom access panel to reach the M.2 slots. A screwdriver is stored in the base under a silicone pad, so the tool required for basic access is physically included with the device. The ports and recovery related features also acknowledge user servicing, with items like a reset hole and a CLR CMOS function shown in the manual.
In day to day handling, the layout is designed to slide out and reassemble in a specific order, and it generally supports the idea of quick cleaning and drive installation without full disassembly. At the same time, access relies on small screws and tight tolerances, so it is not a tool-less experience. In your first impressions, the mechanism for sliding the internal assembly out felt solid and precisely aligned, but you also noted that the included tool is very small and can be fiddly to use. The result is a design that prioritizes compact service access, but still expects careful handling during installation and maintenance.
#4 Great Base Memory Quantity at a time when RAM costs are BONKERS
From the start, the ME Pro is configured with either 12GB LPDDR5 4800MHz on the N95 models or 16GB LPDDR5 4800MHz on the N150 models, rather than shipping with a minimal memory pool that immediately pushes users toward an upgrade. In practical NAS use, that baseline capacity is relevant because it can influence how comfortably the system handles common add-ons such as containers, light virtualization, background indexing, and multiple concurrent services, depending on the operating system and workload. It also reduces the likelihood that memory becomes the first immediate bottleneck for typical home and small office setups.
The tradeoff is that this approach is linked to the way the memory is implemented. In your inspection of the unit, you noted there is no SO-DIMM slot and the RAM appears soldered to the board, which means users are effectively choosing their memory tier at purchase rather than treating it as a later upgrade (more on that in a bit). This makes the initial configuration choice more important, especially for buyers who already know they will run heavier applications or multiple VMs over time.
#5 Genuinely unique modularisation and upgradability in a pre-built solution, which I have ever seen
The ME Pro’s most unusual design claim is the swappable modular motherboard. Beelink markets the system as supporting interchangeable boards across Intel, AMD, and ARM options, using a drawer style layout intended to let the main compute board slide out rather than being permanently fixed inside the chassis. The product page frames this as a way to avoid replacing the entire enclosure when you want a different CPU platform, and instead treat the chassis, drive housing, and general structure as the long-term part of the purchase.
In practical terms, this concept will only matter if Beelink actually sells the alternative boards at sensible pricing and maintains availability over time, but the physical architecture appears to be built around the idea. Your first look showed a clear internal separation between the board assembly and the rest of the enclosure, and you also observed hints of planned scale-up hardware, such as layout markings that suggest different future storage or platform variants. For buyers who like the idea of extending a system’s usable life without a full rebuild, the ME Pro is one of the few pre-built NAS style devices currently trying to formalize that upgrade path rather than leaving it to a full case swap.
Reasons You Might Want to Skip the Beelink ME Pro NAS
The ME Pro’s compact design and connectivity focused feature set come with tradeoffs that will matter to some buyers more than others. Several of the core choices are linked together, meaning you get the small chassis, the storage density, and the modular drawer approach, but you also accept limits around upgrades, physical handling, and how the platform is configured from the factory. This is not a device where every part is meant to be user replaceable or easily swapped in the way a DIY small form factor build would be.
It is also worth treating the launch configuration and roadmap as part of the buying decision. The product is being introduced with very similar Intel CPU options and fixed memory tiers, while the company is already pointing toward future AMD and ARM variants and possible expanded layouts. For some buyers, that is a reason to wait until the wider range exists and the upgrade parts are actually available. For others, the current design constraints are enough to prefer a more conventional 2-bay NAS that is larger, simpler to work on, and has clearer long-term upgrade paths.
The RAM is FIXED (i.e cannot be upgraded or changed)!!!
The ME Pro uses LPDDR5 memory (12GB on the N95 models, 16GB on the N150 models), and based on the internal layout you inspected, there is no SO-DIMM slot for user upgrades. In other words, the memory appears to be soldered to the motherboard rather than installed as a replaceable module. That makes the initial purchase configuration more important than on many small NAS builds where memory can be upgraded later as needs change.
The practical impact shows up when your usage grows beyond basic file storage. If you plan to run multiple containers, heavier indexing tasks, or virtual machines, memory headroom can become a limiting factor long before CPU or network does, depending on the OS and services you deploy. With this platform, there is no simple path to increase RAM after purchase, so anyone unsure about future requirements may prefer a system with upgradeable memory, or may want to treat the 16GB model as the safer long-term option by default.
The design is so, so very tight!
The ME Pro’s small enclosure is achieved through very tight internal tolerances. That is visible in how the drive bracket, motherboard drawer area, and storage zones are packed together, and it influences the overall experience during installation and servicing. The system relies on screw mounting for drives rather than a click-in tray approach, and while the manual provides clear steps, the process assumes careful alignment rather than quick, tool-less handling. This level of precision fit is likely part of how Beelink is trying to control airflow and improve thermal transfer in a compact space, and it also aligns with their noise and vibration messaging around tightened mounting and silicone dampening.
In the first impressions, that tightness showed up most clearly when inserting and removing components. Slotting the hard drive bracket and drives could feel rough at times, with very little clearance to work with, and the internal assembly can require a firmer push to seat correctly. Even if the compact fit is helping with heat dissipation and vibration control, it remains a very tight build, and it is less forgiving if you are frequently swapping drives, testing different storage combinations, or repeatedly opening the chassis. The end result is a device that looks clean and flush when assembled, but can feel constrained during hands-on work compared with a larger enclosure with more physical margin.
Launching the N95 version and N150 version was an odd choice (i.e very similar processors)
At launch, the ME Pro is offered in N95 and N150 variants, and on paper these CPUs sit very close to each other. Both are 4-core, 4-thread Intel N-series parts with 6MB cache, and the headline frequency difference is modest: up to 3.4GHz on the N95 and up to 3.6GHz on the N150. For many NAS workloads that are constrained by storage or network throughput rather than CPU, this kind of gap may not translate into a clearly different experience, especially once real world thermal and power limits are applied.
This tight spacing makes the product stack less clear than it could be, because the pricing difference between the entry and higher tier configurations is not simply paying for a meaningfully different platform. In practice, buyers are also paying for the memory and SSD tier attached to each CPU option, and in your case the non-upgradeable memory makes that choice more permanent. If the goal is to segment the lineup, the N95 and N150 pairing may feel like a small step that leaves some users waiting for a more distinct higher performance option rather than choosing between two closely related CPUs. Given the noise that Beelink has made about this expanding range, that only further encourages some users who think these CPUs a little timid, to remain on the fence a bit longer….
There are other CPU/Architecture versions coming
As mentioned, Beelink is already signalling that the ME Pro chassis is intended to outlive the initial Intel configurations. The official product messaging highlights a swappable modular motherboard concept and explicitly references future boards beyond the current Intel N-series options, including AMD and ARM. In your first look, you also noted visible hints inside the unit that suggest the internal layout has been planned with other variants in mind, rather than being a one-off design limited to the launch hardware.
For buyers, this creates a timing question. If those alternative boards and models arrive soon, they may offer clearer performance separation, different feature priorities, or a better match for specific workloads. At the same time, the current purchase decision depends on what is available today, not what is promised, and the value of the modular approach only becomes real once the upgrade boards can actually be bought at reasonable pricing. Until the roadmap becomes a shipping product line, some users may prefer to wait, while others will simply evaluate the current N95 and N150 models on their own merits.
Mixed M.2 Speeds at PCIe 3.0 x2 and PCIe 3.0 x1? Was 10GbE and uniform lanes discussed instead?
The ME Pro’s 3 M.2 NVMe slots are not equal. Slot 1 is PCIe 3.0 x2, while slots 2 and 3 are PCIe 3.0 x1, and the manual specifically recommends using slot 1 for the system drive because it is the fastest slot. In practical terms, this creates a tiered NVMe layout where one drive has higher potential bandwidth than the other 2, which can influence how you plan cache, containers, VM storage, or scratch workloads. It also means peak NVMe performance depends heavily on which slot you choose, not just the SSD you buy.
That design choice raises an obvious tradeoff question: whether the platform would have been better served by a different allocation, such as keeping all 3 M.2 slots at PCIe 3.0 x1 in exchange for other connectivity, or prioritizing a different network tier such as 10GbE (though arguably, it might well have to sit at 3×1 and potentially be bottlenecked to 800-900MB/s, unless that lowered the m.2 to x2 bays). The ME Pro already includes 5GbE plus 2.5GbE, so the networking is not low end, but the mixed NVMe lane widths still make the storage side feel uneven by design. For a NAS focused build, the practical impact will depend on real testing: whether the internal topology causes contention under mixed loads, and whether the faster slot meaningfully benefits common tasks once network and SATA throughput are considered.
Conclusion & Verdict – Should You Buy the Beelink ME Pro NAS?
The Beelink ME Pro is a compact 2-bay NAS platform that combines SATA storage with 3 M.2 NVMe slots, dual wired networking, and integrated wireless in an enclosure that prioritizes density and internal access. It also introduces a modular motherboard drawer concept that, if supported with real upgrade boards over time, could change how long the chassis remains useful compared with typical pre-built NAS systems. As a hardware package, it is aimed at users who want high connectivity and mixed storage options without moving to a larger box.
At the same time, several of its main limitations are set at purchase and cannot be easily changed later. The memory appears fixed, the internal fit is very tight during drive and bracket handling, and the launch CPU options are closely spaced rather than clearly separated performance tiers. The NVMe layout is also mixed speed by design, which affects how you should plan drive placement and workloads. Whether these tradeoffs are acceptable depends largely on how much you value the enclosure size, the network ports, and the promised modular roadmap versus the more conventional upgrade flexibility of larger or more established NAS designs.
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New UnifyDrive UP6 INSANE NAS + UC450 Pro and UC250 NAS Revealed
UnifyDrive has expanded its NAS portfolio with three new systems designed to cover mobile, desktop, and entry-level deployment scenarios while maintaining a consistent software experience across all models. The flagship UP6 continues the company’s focus on portable NVMe-based hardware by adding a touchscreen interface, six PCIe Gen4 M.2 slots, Intel Ultra 125H processing, dual Thunderbolt connectivity, and integrated 10GbE networking, making it a more capable successor to the original UT2 mobile NAS. The UC450 and UC450 Pro shift toward fixed desktop installations with four SATA bays, additional M.2 and U.2 expansion, and a choice between an N355-based platform or a significantly more capable Intel Ultra 225H configuration with professional-tier AI acceleration. The UC250 sits at the base of the range, offering a compact two-bay Twin Lake N150 design intended for cost-effective local storage or paired remote backup when used alongside the mobile or desktop units. Together, these systems illustrate UnifyDrive’s broader transition from a niche mobile NAS provider into a more complete ecosystem with multiple hardware tiers and shared software integration.
UnifyDrive UP6 NAS – 6x M.2, Intel 125H, 10GbE, Battery and More
The UP6 represents the most advanced portable NAS in the UnifyDrive lineup and is built around a mobile form factor that is intended for field use rather than stationary deployment. It uses the Intel Ultra 125H processor, which provides significantly higher compute capability than the earlier UT2 mobile unit and enables the use of six PCIe Gen4 M dot 2 NVMe slots. Three of these operate at Gen4 x4 speed and the remaining three at Gen4 x2, giving the UP6 a storage profile that exceeds that of most fixed desktop NAS units. The system also includes an integrated battery that supports short operational sessions without external power, although the power draw of the CPU and storage means the runtime is intended for intermittent activity rather than sustained workloads.
A key distinction of the UP6 is the inclusion of a six inch touchscreen that replaces the need for a separate client device for configuration and basic data access. Users can view files, manage wireless settings, create access points, and operate the unit in a fully headless manner directly from the display. The system also supports viewing documents such as PDFs and browsing local folders without requiring a companion app. This places the UP6 closer to a self contained workstation that can function in environments where a laptop or separate console may not be available.
Connectivity on the UP6 is more advanced than is typically seen on portable servers. The unit includes 10 gigabit Ethernet, Wi Fi 6, dual Thunderbolt 4 or USB4 ports, and the ability to use high speed external devices for backup or direct data transfer. This makes the system suitable for on site content ingestion from cameras, drones, or other equipment that rely on fast solid state storage workflows. Although the battery is not designed for long sessions, the combination of high bandwidth storage, high speed network access, and direct touch control allows the UP6 to support temporary production tasks that previously required full desktop hardware.
Processor
Intel Ultra 125H
Memory
Up to 96 GB DDR5
Storage
Six M dot 2 NVMe slots, Gen4 x4 and Gen4 x2
Touchscreen
Six inch display with file viewer and controls
Network
10GbE Ethernet, Wi Fi 6
Connectivity
Two Thunderbolt 4 or USB4 ports
Battery
Integrated unit for short runtime sessions
OS Storage
Dedicated eMMC module
UnifyDrive UC450 Pro and UC450 NAS – Desktop NAS Solutions with Optional UPS
The UC450 series introduces UnifyDrive’s shift toward fixed desktop storage, with two models that share the same four bay chassis but differ substantially in internal hardware and intended workload. The UC450 uses the Intel N355 processor, which is an eight core Twin Lake architecture aimed at low power operation and predictable performance for general file serving. It includes four standard SATA bays and two M.2 PCIe three times one slots, allowing a mixed storage setup that prioritises cost efficiency. The system also provides 16GB of memory through a single SODIMM module, which matches the upper limit of the processor and positions the UC450 as a straightforward desktop NAS for small teams or home environments.
The UC450 Pro is a more advanced version of the same platform and moves into a higher performance category by adopting the Intel Ultra 225H processor. This brings significantly stronger compute capability, dedicated AI acceleration, and support for dual channel DDR5 memory up to 128GB. Storage options are also substantially expanded, with two U.2 PCIe 4×1 bays for high capacity enterprise SSDs, four M.2 PCIe four slots that include three times four and one times two lanes, and two standard SATA bays for conventional drives. This gives the Pro model a much broader range of storage configurations, including high throughput NVMe arrays and mixed media deployments suited to heavy workloads.
Both systems share the same software environment and include the UDOS operating system, which supports multi device access and Docker based services for lightweight virtualization. They each provide 10GbE alongside one gigabit connectivity, and the Pro model adds dual Thunderbolt 4 or USB 4 ports that allow faster external drives, direct high speed links to compatible workstations, and more flexible data ingest workflows. UnifyDrive has also added an optional UPS module that attaches directly to the rear of the chassis and provides short term power protection without requiring a separate external unit. This accessory uses a dedicated connector and allows the system to complete writes safely during interruptions, which is a feature not commonly found in desktop NAS hardware and is intended to supplement the capabilities of both UC450 models.
UC450 standard USB, UC450 Pro includes dual Thunderbolt 4 or USB 4
OS Storage
Dedicated 32GB eMMC module
UnifyDrive UC250 NAS – Budget-Friendly Option
The UC250 is the smallest and most cost-focused NAS in the new UnifyDrive range and is designed for users who want a straightforward two bay desktop system without the higher performance requirements found in the larger models. It is built on the Intel N150 processor, a low power Twin Lake architecture intended for basic file serving and simple background tasks. The unit includes 8 GB of memory with support for expansion up to 16 GB, and the operating system is stored on a separate 32 GB eMMC module, ensuring that all SATA and M.2 storage is available exclusively for user data.
Alongside its two SATA drive bays, the UC250 provides two M.2 2280 slots and supports configurations up to 76 TB of total capacity. Networking is handled by a single 2.5 GbE port, which matches the modest performance envelope of the N150 processor and keeps power and thermal requirements low. Although it does not attempt to match the capabilities of the UP6 or UC450 Pro, the UC250 benefits from running the same UDOS software platform, giving it the same interface, remote access tools, and backup features as the higher tier systems. The UC250 is positioned as an accessible entry point for users who want a secondary backup target for either the UP6 or UC450 series. Its compact size, lower price point, and simple hardware make it suitable for off site or home office deployment, where it can serve as a reliable remote backup location without requiring additional platforms or complex configuration. This allows users to build a multi tier UnifyDrive ecosystem that includes mobile, desktop, and backup nodes with minimal setup effort.
Processor
Intel N150
Memory
8 GB, upgradable to 16 GB
OS Storage
32 GB eMMC V5.1 HS400
SATA Bays
2 x 2.5 inch or 3.5 inch
M.2 Slots
2 x M.2 2280 NVMe
Maximum Capacity
Up to 76 TB
Network
1 x 2.5 GbE
Connectivity
USB 3.2 Gen2 Type A, USB 3.2 Gen2 Type C
Software
UDOS with multi device access and isolation
The new UnifyDrive lineup marks a clear expansion of the company’s hardware strategy, moving from a single mobile NAS concept toward a broader ecosystem with portable, desktop, and entry level systems that share a unified software platform. The UP6 targets users who need high speed NVMe storage and direct touchscreen access in mobile environments, while the UC450 and UC450 Pro introduce more traditional four bay designs with a choice between modest or high performance processing and a wider range of storage configurations. The UC250 sits at the opposite end of the spectrum as a compact two bay system intended for simple local storage or remote backup roles. Together, these models provide a tiered structure that allows users to match hardware to workload without leaving the UnifyDrive environment.
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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 checkHEREIf you need to fix or configure a NAS, check FiverHave 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.
La Cour suprême de Pennsylvanie vient de valider une pratique qui va faire polémique : les policiers peuvent désormais demander à Google de leur filer la liste de toutes les personnes ayant recherché un terme spécifique. C'est ce qu'ils appellent un "reverse keyword search warrant".
L'affaire remonte à 2016. Une femme est enlevée chez elle par un inconnu, puis violée. L'enquête piétine pendant plus d'un an, jusqu'à ce que les enquêteurs obtiennent un mandat demandant à Google qui avait recherché le nom ou l'adresse de la victime la semaine précédant l'agression. Un certain John Kurtz avait tapé cette adresse deux fois dans la même journée.
ADN prélevé sur un mégot de cigarette, correspondance confirmée, et le type finit par avouer cinq agressions. Il écope de 59 à 270 ans de prison. Oui moi aussi ça m'a fait bugger cette histoire de fourchette d'années de prison mais c'est comme ça qu'ils font là-bas... 59 ans minimum et jusqu'à 270 ans max.
Alors la première réaction c'est de se dire que le système a fonctionné puisque le violeur en série s'est retrouvé derrière les barreaux grâce à ses propres recherches Google. Sauf que la défense a contesté la légalité de ce mandat de recherche inversé, arguant que ça violait le 4ème amendement sur les perquisitions abusives.
Et la Cour a tranché : non, y'a pas de violation d'amendement. Pourquoi ? À cause de ce qu'on appelle la "third-party doctrine". En gros, dès que vous partagez une info avec un tiers (ici Google), vous perdez toute attente raisonnable de confidentialité dessus. Vos recherches appartiennent à Google, pas à vous. Point barre.
Après petite subtilité, le juge Wecht a aussi suggéré que le résultat aurait pu être différent si l'utilisateur avait pris des mesures de protection, tel qu'utiliser un VPN. Techniquement, si Kurtz avait fait ses recherches via un VPN, le mandat aurait pu ne pas tenir car là il y avait une volonté de conserver une certaine confidentialité... On marche sur la tête.
Mais ce qui chafouine la défense ici, ce sont les effets de bord car comme l'a souligné la juge Christine Donohue, ce type de mandat met en danger la vie privée de toute personne ayant recherché le nom ou l'adresse de la victime durant cette semaine-là. Des voisins curieux, un livreur qui voulait vérifier l'itinéraire, un journaliste local.... Tout le monde se retrouve potentiellement dans le viseur...
Et c'est là que ça devient vraiment préoccupant car qu'est-ce qui empêche d'appliquer la même logique à des recherches plus génériques ? "Avortement clinique" dans un État qui l'interdit ? "Comment traverser la frontière" pour les personnes en situation irrégulière ? Avec ce qui se passe actuellement aux États-Unis concernant les
rafles d'immigration par ICE
, on voit bien le potentiel de dérive.
Car le problème n'est pas la technique en soi mais l'absence de garde-fous. Rien n'empêche aujourd'hui une administration zélée de demander à Google la liste de tous ceux qui ont recherché tel ou tel terme politiquement sensible et avec cette décision de la Cour de Pennsylvanie, c'est maintenant parfaitement légal.
Google, de son côté, affirme avoir des "protections rigoureuses" en place et s'opposer aux demandes trop larges... On aimerait les croire mais l'entreprise traite des milliers de mandats chaque année, et la tentation de coopérer plutôt que de se battre devant les tribunaux doit être forte.
Alors combien de temps avant que cette jurisprudence fasse tache d'huile dans d'autres États ?
Disney a accepté de payer une amende de 10 millions de dollars pour régler des accusations selon lesquelles le groupe aurait illégalement collecté des données personnelles d’enfants via des vidéos diffusées sur YouTube, en violation de la loi américaine sur la protection de la vie privée des enfants en ligne (COPPA).
Disney a accepté de payer une amende de 10 millions de dollars pour régler des accusations selon lesquelles le groupe aurait illégalement collecté des données personnelles d’enfants via des vidéos diffusées sur YouTube, en violation de la loi américaine sur la protection de la vie privée des enfants en ligne (COPPA).
Did Minisforum FINALLY Go Too Far with the MS-02 Ultra?
The Minisforum MS-02 Ultra is positioned as a compact workstation that deliberately blurs the line between a high-end mini PC and a small server platform. While its physical footprint remains relatively small at 4.8 L, the design choices made across CPU selection, PCIe expansion, storage layout, and networking place it well beyond the scope of conventional desktop minis. During extended hands-on testing, it becomes clear that this system is not designed around a single use case. Instead, it targets users who expect to adapt the hardware over time, whether for professional content creation, software development, virtualization, NAS deployment, or mixed workloads that benefit from high I/O density. This flexibility comes with complexity, and the MS-02 Ultra expects a certain level of user familiarity with BIOS tuning, PCIe lane allocation, and thermal tradeoffs that are rarely encountered in this form factor. A key point that emerged during testing is how sharply the experience changes depending on which CPU configuration is selected. The Ultra 9 285HX variant is not simply faster than the lower-tier models. It fundamentally alters what the system can do by unlocking ECC memory support, enabling dual 25GbE SFP+ networking, and adding a PCIe combo card that expands total M.2 capacity to 4 slots. The Ultra 9 275HX and Ultra 5 235HX versions retain the same chassis and core platform, but they operate closer to a traditional high-end mini PC, with fewer storage options and reduced network throughput. As a result, the MS-02 Ultra range should be viewed less as a single product and more as a tiered platform, where hardware capability and intended role scale directly with price.
From a value perspective, pricing spans a wide range and reflects both component availability and Minisforum’s attempt to offer barebones and fully populated options. The entry barebones Ultra 9 285HX configuration sits at $1,199, while fully populated ECC-based builds can reach $2,999. During testing, it became apparent that much of the system’s long-term value is tied to its scalability rather than its out-of-the-box configuration. Users who intend to keep the system static may find better value in smaller Minisforum models, while those planning to expand storage, networking, or PCIe devices over time are more likely to benefit from the MS-02 Ultra’s architecture. This distinction frames the rest of the review, which focuses less on raw specifications and more on how those design choices behave in real-world use.
The Minisforum MS-02 Ultra is best understood as a compact but highly modular platform rather than a conventional mini PC, and its design clearly reflects that intent. It delivers strong CPU performance, extensive connectivity, and an uncommon level of internal expansion for a system of this size, but it also expects the user to engage actively with its configuration, cooling behavior, and upgrade planning. The system’s real strength lies in how well it can scale over time through additional storage, PCIe expansion, or higher-speed networking, rather than in any single out-of-the-box performance metric. Its pricing and hardware complexity place it firmly in enthusiast and professional territory, making it ill-suited for users who want a simple or inexpensive desktop replacement, but a compelling option for those seeking a compact system that can grow into demanding roles such as a workstation, NAS, or virtualization host as their needs evolve.
BUILD QUALITY - 10/10
HARDWARE - 9/10
PERFORMANCE - 9/10
PRICE - 6/10
VALUE - 8/10
8.4
PROS
Strong multi-core CPU performance that approaches compact desktop-class systems Unusually high internal expandability for a 4.8 L chassis PCIe 5.0 x16 slot available for future expansion Dual 25GbE SFP+ networking on the 285HX model Support for ECC DDR5 memory on the 285HX configuration Four M.2 NVMe slots available on the top-tier model Internal 350 W PSU with auxiliary power for PCIe devices USB4 v2 ports capable of very high external storage and docking throughput Suitable for multiple roles including workstation, NAS, and virtualization host
CONS
High pricing for a area of the market where buyers are getting used to low, low prices, even for ECC-equipped or fully populated configurations Limited physical space restricts larger GPU and PCIe card choices Fan control largely confined to BIOS with limited OS-level adjustment (TBC) Complexity and tuning requirements may deter less experienced users who want to maximize their investment in this system
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Minisforum MS-02 Ultra Review – Design & Storage
The MS-02 Ultra immediately distinguishes itself from earlier Minisforum workstation designs by abandoning the lighter, more modular internal layout used in systems like the MS-01 and MS-S1 Max. Instead, the chassis adopts a far denser internal structure that resembles a compressed micro-tower, with components stacked tightly around a central airflow channel. While the system still uses a slide-out internal frame, the motion is more deliberate and less fluid than previous designs due to the weight and density of the installed hardware. This approach prioritizes structural rigidity and thermal containment over ease of access, signaling that the MS-02 Ultra is designed to be configured carefully rather than frequently opened.
Storage implementation is one of the defining aspects of the MS-02 Ultra, particularly on the Ultra 9 285HX configuration. In this model, storage is split across the motherboard and a dedicated PCIe combo card. Two M.2 NVMe slots are mounted directly on the board and are positioned close to the CPU and memory area, which places them inside an active airflow path but also imposes strict height limitations. SSDs with tall, pre-attached heatsinks are not practical here, and Minisforum instead supplies low-profile heatsinks intended to work within the confined space. During testing, this design proved functional, though it requires more planning than a conventional desktop layout.
The additional two M.2 slots are integrated into the PCIe card that also houses the dual 25GbE controllers. This card is exclusive to the Ultra 9 285HX version and is responsible for expanding total NVMe capacity from 2 drives to 4. Unlike typical expansion cards, this unit combines networking and storage on a single PCB and includes its own active cooling solution. In use, the card introduces noticeable power draw even when the network interfaces are idle, but it also centralizes high-speed I/O in a way that simplifies cabling and internal layout. This design choice is unusual, but it aligns with the system’s goal of maximizing capability within a small enclosure.
There are also important performance considerations tied to how storage bandwidth is allocated. The motherboard-mounted M.2 slots are specified as PCIe 4.0 x4, but during testing, lane sharing and PCIe crossover behavior resulted in scenarios where one slot operated at PCIe 5.0 x4 while others were reduced to PCIe 3.0 x4. This was not immediately obvious from the documentation and required closer inspection of the PCIe lane map and BIOS configuration to fully understand. While overall throughput remained strong across all drives, the behavior highlights that the MS-02 Ultra expects users to pay attention to lane allocation if they intend to fully populate all storage bays.
From a practical standpoint, the storage design reflects the broader philosophy of the MS-02 Ultra. It offers unusually high capacity and flexibility for a system of this size, but it does so by imposing constraints related to drive selection, thermal clearance, and PCIe bandwidth sharing. For users planning a fixed configuration, these limitations are manageable once understood. For those intending to experiment with different storage combinations over time, the layout rewards careful planning rather than casual swapping. This reinforces the idea that the MS-02 Ultra is engineered for deliberate, long-term deployment rather than frequent hardware iteration.
Minisforum MS-02 Ultra Review – Internal Hardware
At the core of the MS-02 Ultra is Intel’s Core Ultra HX platform, with the Ultra 9 285HX representing the most complete implementation of what this chassis can support. This processor combines 8 P-cores and 16 E-cores, allowing the system to scale from low-load background tasks to sustained multi-threaded workloads without the immediate thermal collapse often seen in compact systems. In practice, the CPU feels closer to a desktop-class part than a mobile processor, particularly when sustained power limits are raised in the BIOS. That capability comes with tradeoffs in power draw and cooling demand, but it also defines the MS-02 Ultra’s positioning as something far more ambitious than a conventional mini PC.
Memory support further reinforces that distinction. The system includes 4 DDR5 SODIMM slots, but only the Ultra 9 285HX variant enables ECC functionality. During testing, ECC was supported at 4800 MT/s, and while that frequency is lower than some non-ECC DDR5 kits, the stability benefits are clearly aligned with the system’s server-adjacent ambitions. The physical layout of the memory slots is unconventional, with 2 slots positioned close to the CPU cooling path and the remaining 2 mounted on the opposite side of the board.
Minisforum has added a custom heatsink over part of the memory and nearby controllers, suggesting thermal behaviour around the DIMMs was significant enough during development to warrant dedicated mitigation.
PCIe lane availability is one of the most critical aspects of the MS-02 Ultra’s internal design. The system exposes 3 PCIe slots: 1 PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, 1 PCIe 4.0 x16 slot, and 1 PCIe 4.0 x4 slot. Notably, the PCIe 5.0 x16 slot is not occupied by the bundled 25GbE combo card, leaving it available for future expansion. This is an unusual design choice in a system of this size and points to forward-looking intent rather than immediate necessity. However, physical space limits the practicality of using this slot to low-profile, short-length cards, which significantly narrows the pool of compatible GPUs and accelerators.
Power delivery inside the chassis is handled by an internal 350 W PSU, which is uncommon for systems in this size class. During teardown and testing, it became clear that Minisforum opted for an internal unit to support higher transient loads and to provide direct power connectors for PCIe devices. While an external PSU would have simplified thermals and internal space management, the internal design enables a cleaner external setup and removes a common bottleneck seen in expandable mini PCs. The tradeoff is increased internal heat density, which places more responsibility on the cooling system to manage both CPU and power delivery components simultaneously.
Overall, the internal hardware configuration of the MS-02 Ultra reflects a deliberate shift away from simplicity and toward flexibility and scalability. Each major subsystem, CPU, memory, PCIe, and power delivery, is implemented in a way that assumes the user will actively engage with BIOS settings, lane allocation, and hardware planning.
This makes the system less forgiving for casual users but far more capable for those who intend to push it beyond default configurations. Rather than hiding complexity, the MS-02 Ultra exposes it, which is both its defining strength and a potential barrier depending on the user’s expectations.
Minisforum MS-02 Ultra Review – Ports and Connections
The MS-02 Ultra offers a port layout that reflects its hybrid workstation and infrastructure-focused design rather than a consumer desktop orientation. On the front panel, Minisforum has placed 2 USB4 v2 Type-C ports operating at up to 80 Gbps, alongside a single USB 10 Gbps Type-A port, a 3.5 mm audio jack, and the power button. In practical use, the front USB4 v2 ports proved capable of sustained high-throughput operation, including external NVMe enclosures where transfer speeds in the 6 to 7 GB/s range were observed. This makes the front panel suitable not just for peripherals, but for temporary high-speed storage, capture devices, or docking solutions without needing to access the rear of the system.
The rear I/O panel expands connectivity significantly and is where the system’s infrastructure focus becomes clearer. It includes 1 USB4 Type-C port at 40 Gbps, 3 USB-A ports at 10 Gbps, and a full-size HDMI 2.1 port supporting high-resolution and high-refresh output. The HDMI port provides a straightforward display option for setups that do not rely on DisplayPort over USB4, which is useful in environments where compatibility or cable length is a concern. Together, these ports support multi-display configurations without requiring a discrete GPU, though display bandwidth sharing across USB4 ports should still be considered when attaching multiple high-resolution monitors.
Networking is one of the defining characteristics of the MS-02 Ultra, particularly on the Ultra 9 285HX model. This version includes the previously mentioned 2 25GbE SFP+ ports delivered via the internal PCIe combo card, in addition to a 10GbE RJ45 port and a 2.5GbE RJ45 port. Each wired interface uses a separate controller, allowing simultaneous multi-tier networking without shared bandwidth bottlenecks.
In testing, the presence of multiple active network controllers contributed to higher idle power draw, but it also enables complex routing, storage, or virtualization scenarios that would normally require a much larger system. The 2.5GbE interface also supports Intel vPro, allowing remote management and BIOS-level access in supported environments.
Wireless connectivity is handled by an onboard WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 module, with external antenna connectors located at the rear. In close-range testing, WiFi 7 throughput exceeded 5 Gbps when paired with a compatible router, making it a viable option for high-speed wireless workflows when cabling is impractical.
While wireless connectivity is unlikely to replace the wired interfaces for sustained workloads, its inclusion rounds out the system’s connectivity and reinforces the idea that the MS-02 Ultra is designed to function in a wide range of deployment scenarios, from desk-based workstations to lab or rack-adjacent environments.
Minisforum MS-02 Ultra Review – Speed, Noise, Heat and Power Tests
In day-to-day operation, the MS-02 Ultra behaves closer to a compact desktop workstation than a typical mini PC, particularly when configured with the Core Ultra 9 285HX. General responsiveness under Windows 11 Pro was consistently strong, even with multiple background tasks running, and the system showed no signs of instability during extended uptime.
Light workloads such as desktop productivity, media playback, and development tools rarely pushed power draw beyond moderate levels, although the presence of the 25GbE combo card does raise baseline consumption compared to smaller Minisforum systems.
CPU-focused testing highlighted the platform’s ability to sustain high loads, but also underscored how aggressively the system can scale power. In Cinebench, single-core workloads typically drew around 65 to 70 W, while full multi-core runs pushed total system power beyond 200 W at peak. These figures are unusually high for a system of this size, but they align with what would be expected from a high-core-count HX processor running with elevated power limits. Despite this, the cooling system maintained control, with external chassis temperatures remaining within reasonable limits even during prolonged stress periods.
Integrated graphics performance was evaluated using a mix of synthetic benchmarks and real-world gaming tests. Cinebench GPU and PCMark scores placed the system solidly ahead of most integrated-graphics mini PCs, but well below even mid-range discrete GPUs. In practice, games such as Sons of the Forest and Street Fighter 6 were playable at 60 FPS using medium settings, confirming that casual and light gaming is viable without additional hardware.
However, more demanding benchmarks like Steel Nomad and Solar Bay Extreme demonstrated clear limitations, reinforcing that users seeking higher graphical fidelity or advanced rendering will need a discrete GPU or external GPU solution.
Where the MS-02 Ultra differentiates itself is in scalability rather than raw out-of-the-box performance. USB4 ports supported external GPUs and high-speed storage without issue, and internal PCIe expansion allowed for measurable gains when discrete graphics were introduced. Storage benchmarks showed expected scaling across PCIe generations, with PCIe 5.0 NVMe drives exceeding 12 GB/s, PCIe 4.0 drives reaching around 6 GB/s, and PCIe 3.0 drives performing in line with their specifications. Overall, performance testing confirmed that the system’s architecture prioritizes flexibility and sustained throughput over specialization in any single workload.
Disclaimer on 25GbE and NAS Testing
This review does not include full performance validation of the dual 25GbE SFP+ interfaces or in-depth NAS and virtualization benchmarking. At the time of testing, a complete 25GbE network environment was not yet in place, which prevented meaningful throughput, latency, and sustained load testing of those ports. As a result, the networking discussion in this article is limited to hardware behavior, configuration, and early observations rather than verified performance metrics. A dedicated follow-up video and article are planned that will focus specifically on deploying the MS-02 Ultra as a NAS and Proxmox host, including detailed 25GbE testing, storage performance under RAID and VM workloads, and long-term stability analysis.
After extended testing, the Minisforum MS-02 Ultra stands out as one of the most ambitious small-form-factor systems Minisforum has produced to date. It is not designed to be a simple plug-and-play mini PC, and it does not try to hide that fact. Almost every aspect of the system, from PCIe lane allocation to storage layout and cooling behavior, assumes the user will be willing to spend time understanding how the hardware fits together. In return, it offers a level of flexibility that is uncommon at this size, combining workstation-class CPU performance with expansion options that normally require a much larger chassis. The result is a system that feels closer to a modular platform than a fixed appliance.
In practical use, the MS-02 Ultra proves capable across a wide range of workloads, but its real value lies in how well it scales beyond its default configuration. CPU performance is strong enough for sustained professional tasks, integrated graphics are sufficient for light gaming and creative work, and the internal and external expansion options open the door to far more demanding roles over time. At the same time, the pricing, particularly for ECC-equipped or fully populated configurations, places it firmly in enthusiast and professional territory. Users who want something quiet, simple, and inexpensive will likely be better served by smaller Minisforum systems. For those who are comfortable tinkering, planning future upgrades, and investing in a platform that can evolve alongside their needs, the MS-02 Ultra delivers a rare combination of compact size, connectivity, and long-term adaptability that few systems currently match.
PROs of the Minisforum MS-02 Ultra
CONs of the Minisforum MS-02 Ultra
Strong multi-core CPU performance that approaches compact desktop-class systems
Unusually high internal expandability for a 4.8 L chassis
PCIe 5.0 x16 slot available for future expansion
Dual 25GbE SFP+ networking on the 285HX model
Support for ECC DDR5 memory on the 285HX configuration
Four M.2 NVMe slots available on the top-tier model
Internal 350 W PSU with auxiliary power for PCIe devices
USB4 v2 ports capable of very high external storage and docking throughput
Suitable for multiple roles including workstation, NAS, and virtualization host
High pricing for a area of the market where buyers are getting used to low, low prices, even for ECC-equipped or fully populated configurations
Limited physical space restricts larger GPU and PCIe card choices
Fan control largely confined to BIOS with limited OS-level adjustment (TBC)
Complexity and tuning requirements may deter less experienced users who want to maximize their investment in this system
Check Amazon in Your Region for the Minisforum MS-02 Ultra ($999-1499)
Check AliExpress or the Minisforum MS-02 Ultra
Check the Official Site for the Minisforum MS-02 Ultra
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