Vue normale

Il y a de nouveaux articles disponibles, cliquez pour rafraîchir la page.
À partir d’avant-hierFlux principal

A Look Around the Minisforum Stand at Computex 2026

Par : Rob Andrews
4 juin 2026 à 16:27

A First Look Around the Minisforum Stand at Computex 2026

Computex 2026 is now underway in Taipei, and I am at the Minisforum stand looking over what the company has brought to the show floor this year. There are several compact systems on display, including the S5 all-flash NAS, the MS-03 workstation mini PC, and the smaller M2 Pro mini PC, with more possibly being added to this article as I continue working through the stand. What I am seeing is not just a single type of compact PC repeated in different sizes, but a mix of storage, workstation, and AI-focused hardware, each aimed at a slightly different use case. The S5 is the one that ties back most closely to my recent NAS coverage from mid-May, while the MS-03 and M2 Pro sit more firmly in Minisforum’s mini PC and workstation range. There is also a clear focus here on faster networking, newer Intel platforms, local AI acceleration, and making higher-performance desktop systems fit into smaller spaces.

Minisforum S5: A Silent All-Flash NAS for Smaller Spaces

The first system I am looking at is the Minisforum S5, an all-flash NAS that I previously covered in more detail in mid-May. At Computex, Minisforum is showing it again as part of its wider compact hardware line-up, and the basic idea remains the same: this is a small NAS built around M.2 SSD storage rather than traditional 3.5-inch or 2.5-inch hard drives. That matters because it changes both the size and noise profile of the system. With no spinning drives inside, Minisforum has also removed the fan, so the S5 is designed to run silently.

The S5 is positioned between lower-cost all-flash NAS systems and more expensive high-end models. Minisforum is clearly trying to avoid the main compromises often seen in cheaper SSD NAS devices, where the storage may be flash-based but the networking and I/O are not fast enough to make full use of it. Here, the inclusion of 10GbE and USB4/TBT4 gives the S5 more room to actually benefit from SSD performance, whether that is for direct transfers, faster network access, or use in a small media and editing setup. It is not being shown as a large enterprise NAS, but more as a compact flash storage system for users who want more speed and less noise than a hard drive-based box.

The other part of the S5 story is the newer platform inside. Minisforum lists 5 M.2 slots, WiFi 7, AV1 hardware encoding and decoding, and an iGPU plus NPU combination rated at 24 to 33 TOPS for lightweight AI tasks. That does not make it a heavy AI workstation, but it does suggest the S5 is intended to do more than just basic file storage.

The target audience seems fairly clear: home theater users, HiFi setups, small studios, Apple users looking for a quieter storage box, and people who like the idea of a NAS but do not want the noise, power draw, or physical size that usually comes with mechanical hard drives.

Specification Minisforum S5 All-Flash NAS
Product type All-flash NAS
Launch timing Mid-September
Storage 5 x M.2 slots
Cooling Fanless
Noise level Silent operation, no fan and no spinning drives
Wired networking 10GbE
External connectivity USB4 / TBT4 ports
Wireless WiFi 7
AI hardware iGPU + NPU
AI performance 24 to 33 TOPS
Media support AV1 hardware encoding and decoding
Positioning Mid-range all-flash NAS with higher-end I/O features
Target users Home theater, HiFi, small studio, quiet desktop storage, lightweight AI NAS use

Minisforum MS-03: A Workstation Mini PC With Faster Networking and Newer Intel Hardware

The next system on the Minisforum stand is the MS-03, which follows on from the MS-01 rather than replacing something in the NAS range. This is important, because although it shares the same compact, high-I/O style that made the MS-01 interesting, the MS-03 is being presented as a workstation mini PC, not a storage appliance. Minisforum is describing it as a regular iteration of the MS-01, but the changes are not minor. The focus is on a newer Intel Panther Lake-H platform, faster memory, faster SSD support, upgraded networking, and added local AI acceleration.

Compared with the MS-01, the MS-03 moves to DDR memory up to 7200MHz and upgrades 2 SSD slots from PCIe 4.0 to PCIe 5.0. Wired networking is also improved, with 1 port moving from 2.5GbE to 10GbE, while the wireless card moves from WiFi 6E to WiFi 7. Minisforum is also raising the TDP from 60W to 70W, with a 240W power adapter as standard. On the display side, the HDMI connection is upgraded from HDMI 2.1 TMDS to HDMI 2.1 FRL, with CEC support included.

The AI angle is also more visible on this model than it was on the MS-01. The MS-03 adds an NPU rated at 50 TOPS, with Minisforum specifically pointing to Intel AI application support. That does not turn it into a GPU-heavy tower workstation, but it does make the system more relevant for local AI workloads, development, and applications that can take advantage of Intel’s newer platform features.

One trade-off is that the PCIe slot is reduced from x8 to x4 because of CPU PCIe lane limits. Minisforum says x4 is still enough for most expansion cards, although a graphics card will see some performance reduction if installed.

Specification Minisforum MS-03 Workstation Mini PC
Product type Workstation mini PC
Launch timing End of June
Positioning Successor / iteration of the MS-01
CPU platform Intel Panther Lake-H
Memory support DDR up to 7200MHz
SSD support 2 x PCIe 5.0 SSDs
Wired networking 10GbE port upgrade from previous 2.5GbE
Wireless WiFi 7
TDP 70W
Power adapter 240W standard adapter
Display output HDMI 2.1 FRL
CEC support Yes
AI hardware Dedicated NPU
NPU performance 50 TOPS
Expansion PCIe slot reduced from x8 to x4
Main trade-off Slight graphics card performance reduction if using the PCIe slot for a GPU

Minisforum M2 Pro: A Smaller Mini PC Built Around Local AI

The Minisforum M2 Pro is the smaller mini PC on the stand, and unlike the S5, it is not being presented as a NAS. This is more of a compact desktop system for users who want newer Intel hardware, stronger integrated graphics, faster memory, and local AI features in a smaller footprint. Minisforum is basing it on Intel’s Panther Lake platform, specifically listing PTL-H-12Xe, with a focus on combining CPU, GPU, and NPU resources for local AI tasks rather than relying only on cloud processing.

The headline figure here is up to 180 TOPS of total AI performance across the system. That includes a new NPU5 AI engine rated at up to 50 TOPS, alongside the CPU and Xe3 integrated GPU. Minisforum is also claiming more than a 50% graphics performance improvement from the Xe3 GPU, which is relevant for users looking at light creative work, GPU-assisted workloads, and general desktop performance without moving to a larger system with a discrete graphics card. Memory is another major part of the platform, with LPDDR5X 8533 listed for high-bandwidth workloads such as local model inference, multitasking, and media work.

In terms of physical setup, the M2 Pro is designed to reduce the amount of clutter around the desk. Minisforum lists a built-in power supply, an all-metal body, support for horizontal, vertical, and VESA-mounted installation, and a dedicated button for Microsoft Copilot.

Connectivity is also a significant part of the design, with 10GbE, 2.5GbE, USB4, and support for up to 4 displays, including up to 8K at 60Hz. That makes the M2 Pro less of a basic office mini PC and more of a compact workstation-style system for local AI, remote work, media use, and higher-speed networked workflows.

Specification Minisforum M2 Pro Mini PC
Product type Compact AI-focused mini PC
Launch timing Early September
CPU platform Intel Panther Lake, PTL-H-12Xe
Total AI performance Up to 180 TOPS
NPU New-generation NPU5
NPU performance Up to 50 TOPS
GPU Intel Xe3 integrated graphics
Claimed GPU improvement More than 50% graphics performance boost
Memory LPDDR5X 8533
Storage 3 x M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 SSDs
Wired networking 10GbE + 2.5GbE
External connectivity USB4
Power design Built-in power supply
Chassis Lightweight all-metal body
Mounting options Horizontal, vertical, and VESA-mounted setup
Display support Up to 4 displays, up to 8K at 60Hz
Extra feature One-touch Microsoft Copilot button
Target users Local AI users, remote professionals, software engineers, media creators, education, edge AI use

Minisforum N4 NAS: A Compact 4-Bay NAS with Intel Hardware

Also on the Minisforum stand at Computex 2026 is the N4 NAS, a compact 4-bay system that sits in a different part of the range from the larger N5 Max and the silent S5 all-flash NAS. At first glance, the N4 looks like it could have been built around a lower-power ARM platform, especially given the smaller chassis and more compact layout. However, Minisforum is instead using an Intel Core 3 x86 processor here, with a 6-core configuration and an early target of 16GB LPDDR memory onboard. That gives the N4 a more conventional mini PC-style hardware base than some entry NAS systems, and it also fits with Minisforum’s wider direction of using Intel and AMD platforms across its NAS products.

Storage is split between 4 SATA bays and 2 M.2 NVMe slots, giving the N4 a more flexible layout than a simple 4-bay hard drive NAS. The SATA bays are there for conventional high-capacity storage, while the M.2 slots can be used for faster flash storage, caching, or other SSD-based tasks depending on the final software implementation. On the rear, Minisforum is showing 10GbE and 2.5GbE networking, USB4 connectivity, and WiFi 7, which is a stronger I/O mix than expected on a smaller 4-bay NAS. That gives the system a better chance of handling faster local transfers, SSD-assisted workloads, and mixed home or small office use.

The chassis is also worth noting. Although the N4 looks as if it might be plastic at first, the unit on display uses a metal body, with ventilation across the top and a cooling path running through the system. Minisforum still appears to be in the early development stage with this model, but the direction is clear enough: this is not being treated as a very basic home NAS. Instead, the N4 looks like a compact Intel-based NAS that combines HDD storage, NVMe support, 10GbE, USB4, WiFi 7, and a more rugged chassis design. It also continues the company’s wider Computex theme of leaning into x86 processors, faster networking, and AI-capable platforms rather than moving toward ARM-based NAS hardware.

Specification Minisforum N4 NAS
Product type Compact 4-bay NAS
Status Early development / shown at Computex 2026
CPU Intel Core 3
CPU architecture x86
CPU configuration 6-core processor
Memory Targeting 16GB LPDDR onboard memory
Main storage 4 x SATA bays
Flash storage 2 x M.2 NVMe slots
Wired networking 10GbE + 2.5GbE
External connectivity USB4
Wireless WiFi 7
Chassis Metal body
Cooling Internal cooling path with top ventilation
Positioning Compact Intel-based NAS with stronger I/O than a basic 4-bay system
Related Minisforum NAS range Sits below larger N5 Max and alongside the S5 all-flash NAS in the Computex line-up

 

Minisforum PCIe Expansion Card: 4 x NVMe, OCuLink and 20Gb USB on 1 Card

Also on the Minisforum stand is a PCIe expansion card that is a little less conventional than the usual multi-NVMe adapter. At a basic level, this is a 4-bay M.2 NVMe PCIe card, but the design goes beyond simply adding extra SSD slots.

The card includes active cooling, a heatsink assembly, copper heat pipe cooling, and 4 M.2 NVMe positions under the top section. When used with a single SSD, the card can provide up to PCIe Gen 4 x4 to that drive, while a fully populated 4-drive setup appears to divide the available bandwidth across the installed SSDs. This makes it more of a compact high-speed storage expansion option than a simple passive adapter.

The more unusual part is the additional I/O built into the card. Minisforum has added an OCuLink port at the base, alongside a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 20Gbps USB port. There is also a rear switch that appears to change the OCuLink output between PCIe mode and SATA mode. Multi-M.2 PCIe cards are not new, and there are already expansion cards that combine NVMe storage with networking or other add-ons, but seeing OCuLink added alongside 4 NVMe slots and 20Gb USB is less common.

It fits with Minisforum’s wider Computex approach of combining storage, expansion, and compact workstation use cases into products that are not always easy to place in a single category.

Specification Minisforum PCIe NVMe / OCuLink Expansion Card
Product type PCIe expansion card
Main function Multi-NVMe storage expansion
M.2 slots 4 x M.2 NVMe
SSD interface PCIe Gen 4
Single SSD bandwidth Up to PCIe Gen 4 x4
Fully populated bandwidth Shared across 4 installed SSDs
Controller AMD controller
Cooling Active cooling system
Thermal design Heatsink + copper heat pipe
Additional port OCuLink
USB connectivity USB 3.2 Gen 2×2, 20Gbps
Rear switch PCIe / SATA mode switch for OCuLink output
Positioning Storage and external expansion card for compact workstation or high-I/O systems
Main point of interest Combines 4 x NVMe, OCuLink, and 20Gb USB on 1 PCIe card

Thoughts From the Minisforum Stand

From what I am seeing at the Minisforum stand, the company is using Computex 2026 to show a wider spread of compact systems rather than focusing on a single product type or single massive ‘launch’ of a product for 2026. This kinda makes sense, as the hardware market for their products has no doubt taken something of a hit with the rise in HDDs. SSD and RAM market to deter buyers. The S5 is the storage-focused device here, and its main point of interest is the move toward a quieter all-flash NAS with faster I/O than many entry-level SSD NAS systems. The MS-03 is a different kind of product, with a stronger focus on workstation use, newer Intel hardware, 10GbE, PCIe 5.0 storage, and a dedicated NPU. The M2 Pro then takes some of that same AI and connectivity direction into a smaller mini PC design with a built-in power supply and a more desk-friendly layout. I may add more devices to this article as I continue going through the stand, but the early picture is that Minisforum is putting more emphasis on local AI, faster networking, and compact systems that do not require a full-size desktop tower.

 

📧 SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER 🔔
[contact-form-7]
🔒 Join Inner Circle


Get an alert every time something gets added to this specific article!


Want to follow specific category? 📧 Subscribe

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 ☕

 
Where to Buy a Product
amzamexmaestrovisamaster 24Hfree delreturn VISIT RETAILER ➤ 
amzamexmaestrovisamaster 24Hfree delreturn VISIT RETAILER ➤

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 is used 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 HERE    

☕ WE LOVE COFFEE ☕

Or support us by using our affiliate links on Amazon UK and Amazon US
     

Minisforum MS-03 Revealed – Better, Worse, the Same?

Par : Rob Andrews
4 juin 2026 à 00:57

Minisforum MS-03: First Look at the New Workstation Mini PC

The Minisforum MS-03 is on show today at the company’s Computex 2026 stand, following its earlier Q1 appearance in prototype form at Minisforum’s Intel Core Ultra Series 3 event in Shanghai. At that earlier showing, the MS-03 was presented as part of Minisforum’s next wave of AI PC hardware, and here at Computex it is being shown more clearly as the follow-up to the MS-01 workstation mini PC. This is not a NAS (clearly! But always good to confirm on my website!) and it is not being positioned as a simple office mini PC.

The MS-03 is a compact workstation system built around Intel Panther Lake-H hardware, with a higher 70W TDP, faster memory support, PCIe 5.0 SSD upgrades, 10GbE networking, WiFi 7, HDMI 2.1 FRL, and a dedicated NPU rated at 50 TOPS for Intel AI workloads. Minisforum is treating this as a fairly direct evolution of the MS-01, but the hardware changes suggest a stronger focus on local AI, faster storage, and higher-speed networking than before.

Specification Minisforum MS-03
Product type Workstation mini PC
Launch timing End of June
Earlier showing Q1 2026 prototype / preview at Intel Core Ultra Series 3 event in Shanghai
Computex status Shown on the Minisforum stand at Computex 2026
CPU platform Intel Panther Lake-H
Reported CPU Intel Core Ultra 7 356H, reported during March preview coverage (Ultra 5 and 7 also covered on stand)
CPU configuration Reported as 16 cores
TDP 70W
Power adapter 240W default adapter
Memory DDR memory up to 7200MHz
Storage 2 x PCIe 5.0 SSDs
Wired networking 10GbE port upgrade from previous 2.5GbE connection
Wireless WiFi 7
Display output HDMI 2.1 FRL
CEC support Yes
AI hardware Dedicated NPU
NPU performance 50 TOPS
Expansion PCIe slot reduced from x8 to x4
Main positioning Compact workstation mini PC and MS-01 successor
Notable trade-off x4 PCIe slot may reduce graphics card performance if used with a GPU

Minisforum MS-03: Design and Connections

The MS-03 keeps the same general idea as the MS-01: a compact workstation mini PC with more connectivity than a typical small desktop. At the stand, Minisforum is presenting it as a system for users who need workstation-style I/O in a smaller enclosure, rather than a basic mini PC for light office use. The external design appears to stay focused on practicality, with the main value coming from the number and type of connections available rather than from the chassis alone.

The main wired networking change is the move to 10GbE. On the MS-03, Minisforum says 1 wired network port has been upgraded from 2.5GbE to 10GbE, which is a useful change for users working with fast NAS storage, shared project folders, local servers, or larger AI and media datasets. For a machine of this size, 10GbE makes the MS-03 more useful in a mixed workstation and homelab setup, especially where faster local network transfers matter more than raw internal storage alone.

Wireless networking is also updated, with the MS-03 moving from WiFi 6E on the MS-01 to WiFi 7. This does not replace the value of wired 10GbE for heavier workloads, but it does make the system more flexible when it is used away from a fixed wired setup. For users who want to keep the desktop cleaner, move the system between locations, or use it in an office where wired networking is not always available, WiFi 7 is a reasonable platform update.

Display output also gets a change, with the HDMI interface moving from HDMI 2.1 TMDS to HDMI 2.1 FRL, along with CEC support. That gives the MS-03 a more modern display connection than the MS-01 and makes it better suited to newer monitors and display setups. Minisforum has not positioned the MS-03 as a gaming box, but with the upgraded CPU platform, improved GPU performance, 10GbE, WiFi 7, and updated HDMI, the external design is clearly aimed at users who want a compact system that can sit on a desk, connect to faster storage and networks, and handle a more serious multi-purpose workstation role.

Minisforum MS-03: Internal Hardware

Inside, the Minisforum MS-03 moves to Intel’s Panther Lake-H platform, which is the main hardware change over the MS-01 generation. Minisforum is presenting this as a full platform update rather than a small CPU refresh, with improvements expected across CPU, GPU, memory, storage, networking, and AI acceleration. The system is still a compact workstation mini PC, so it is not trying to replace a large tower workstation in every scenario, but it does appear to be aimed at users who want more local performance than a standard mini PC normally provides. Memory support is one of the clearer upgrades. Minisforum lists DDR memory support up to 7200MHz, which gives the MS-03 a faster memory ceiling than the previous MS-01 platform. That matters for general responsiveness, heavier multitasking, development work, virtual machines, and workloads that benefit from higher memory bandwidth. For a compact workstation system, faster memory also helps keep the machine more balanced when paired with newer CPU and integrated graphics hardware. Storage is also being moved forward, with 2 SSDs upgraded from PCIe 4.0 to PCIe 5.0. This gives the MS-03 faster local storage potential, which is useful for large project files, scratch disks, application loading, VM storage, and local AI datasets. It also helps separate the MS-03 from more ordinary compact PCs, where storage may still be limited to PCIe 4.0 or lower-speed slots. The faster storage is not just about peak benchmark numbers, but about making the system more suitable for sustained workstation-style use.

The other major internal change is the addition of a dedicated NPU rated at 50 TOPS. Minisforum is specifically tying this to Intel AI applications, which suggests the MS-03 is being designed around local AI support rather than only conventional desktop performance. The TDP has also increased from 60W to 70W, with a 240W adapter as standard, giving the system more power headroom than the MS-01. One compromise is the PCIe slot change from x8 to x4, which Minisforum says is due to CPU PCIe lane limitations. For many expansion cards, x4 should still be workable, but anyone planning to use a graphics card should expect some performance reduction compared with a wider PCIe connection.

Minisforum MS-03 vs MS-01 vs MS-02: Design and Connections

Looking at the MS-03 alongside the MS-01 and MS-02, the main difference is that Minisforum appears to be adjusting the balance between compact workstation I/O, expansion, and newer platform features. The MS-01 made its name by offering an unusual amount of connectivity for its size, including dual 10GbE SFP+ ports, dual 2.5GbE RJ45 ports, dual USB4 ports, WiFi 6, and a PCIe 4.0 x16 physical expansion slot. In practice, that made it useful for homelab, firewall, virtualization, NAS-adjacent, and compact workstation use, even though it was still a mini PC rather than a NAS.

The MS-02 Ultra then moves further into workstation territory. It is a larger and more expandable system, with Intel Core Ultra HX options, 4 DDR5 SODIMM slots, PCIe 5.0 x16 expansion, USB4 v2 at 80Gbps, and, on the higher-end configuration, dual 25GbE SFP+ networking. It is less about being the smallest possible workstation box and more about providing a compact alternative to a more traditional tower system, especially for users who need more memory, more expansion, and higher-bandwidth networking.

The MS-03 sits between those 2 ideas. Compared with the MS-01, it updates the platform with Panther Lake-H, WiFi 7, HDMI 2.1 FRL, 10GbE RJ45, PCIe 5.0 SSD support, and a stronger 50 TOPS NPU. Compared with the MS-02 Ultra, it does not appear to be the larger, maximum-expansion option. The most obvious compromise is the PCIe slot, which drops from x8 on the MS-01 to x4 on the MS-03 because of CPU PCIe lane limits. For network cards, capture cards, storage cards, and many other add-in devices, that may still be enough, but it is a point to note for anyone thinking about adding a GPU.

Specification Minisforum MS-01 Minisforum MS-02 Ultra Minisforum MS-03
Product type Mini workstation Larger mini workstation Mini workstation
CPU platform Intel Core i9-13900H / i9-12900H / i5-12600H Intel Core Ultra HX, up to Core Ultra 9 285HX Intel Panther Lake-H
Memory Dual DDR5, up to 5200MHz 4 x DDR5 SODIMM slots, up to 256GB listed by regional product pages DDR up to 7200MHz
Main storage M.2 2280 SSD slots, up to 3 x NVMe including U.2 support listed by Minisforum store Up to 4 x M.2 PCIe 4.0 on 285HX version, fewer on lower CPU versions 2 x PCIe 5.0 SSDs
Wired networking 2 x 10GbE SFP+ + 2 x 2.5GbE RJ45 2 x 25GbE SFP+ on 285HX version + 10GbE / 2.5GbE RJ45 listed 10GbE RJ45 upgrade from previous 2.5GbE port
Wireless WiFi 6 + Bluetooth 5.2, or WiFi 6E in later references WiFi 7 + Bluetooth 5.4 WiFi 7
USB4 2 x USB4, 40Gbps 2 x USB4 v2, 80Gbps USB4 not specified in the MS-03 notes provided
Display HDMI listed on Minisforum store pages Not fully listed in the available source material used here HDMI 2.1 FRL with CEC
Expansion slot PCIe 4.0 x16 physical slot PCIe 5.0 x16 expansion PCIe slot reduced from x8 to x4
NPU Not a main platform feature Up to 13 TOPS NPU on Core Ultra 9 285HX 50 TOPS NPU
Main design direction Small, high-I/O workstation and homelab box Larger, higher-expansion compact workstation Updated MS-01-style workstation with newer platform, faster storage, 10GbE, WiFi 7, and stronger NPU

 

Minisforum MS-03: Price and Estimated Launch Date

Minisforum says the MS-03 is planned for launch at the end of June, although final pricing has not been confirmed from the material available at the stand. Based on how the system is being positioned, it appears to sit as a direct MS-01 successor rather than as a replacement for the larger MS-02 Ultra. That means the final price will likely depend heavily on the CPU configuration, memory, SSD options, and whether Minisforum sells it mainly as a barebones unit or in pre-configured versions. For now, the most useful detail is the launch window: the MS-03 is being shown today at Computex 2026, with availability expected later in June.

 

📧 SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER 🔔
[contact-form-7]
🔒 Join Inner Circle

Get an alert every time something gets added to this specific article!


Want to follow specific category? 📧 Subscribe

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 ☕

 
Where to Buy a Product
amzamexmaestrovisamaster 24Hfree delreturn VISIT RETAILER ➤ 
amzamexmaestrovisamaster 24Hfree delreturn VISIT RETAILER ➤

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 is used 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 HERE    

☕ WE LOVE COFFEE ☕

Or support us by using our affiliate links on Amazon UK and Amazon US
     

New 4 Bay, 10GbE, AMD and Intel Beelink Pro Units Incoming

Par : Rob Andrews
1 juin 2026 à 18:00

New Beelink ME Pro Coming (with Intel Core i5-13420H, AMD Ryzen 7 H 255, and AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370)

The Beelink ME Pro series has officially expanded, shifting the lineup from its original low-power origins into a high-performance compact computing platform that blurs the line between a mini PC and a traditional NAS. This expansion aligns directly with what Beelink showed us during our visit to their headquarters back in 2025, where they first teased this expanding range and their shift toward heavy-duty computing storage. While the initial models relied on entry-level Intel N95 and N150 chips, these revised 2-bay and 4-bay systems now incorporate serious Intel and AMD hardware designed to handle demanding local AI processing, 4K video editing, and complex data workflows alongside massive local storage potential.

Beelink New Model Hardware Specifications

The primary hardware innovation across the expanded ME Pro series remains the slide-out, drawer-style modular motherboard architecture. This design allows the core computing components—including the processor, memory, and cooling systems—to be entirely separated from the storage backplane via a physical gold-finger connection. Beelink has structured this generation so that motherboard modules are fully interchangeable within their respective chassis sizes, providing an alternative to full-chassis replacements when upgrading computing performance over time.

Physical chassis sizes differ across the lineup to match the internal drive configurations. The 2-bay models measure 121 x 112 x 165mm, while the larger 4-bay variants measure 166 x 146 x 166mm. To help distinguish between platforms, Beelink uses a distinct color scheme: Intel configurations are styled in navy blue, AMD options use an obsidian-black finish with red accents, and the planned Arm-based models will feature a pearl-white exterior.

Storage layouts vary significantly between the 2-bay and 4-bay chassis options. The original and new 2-bay variants house 2 standard 3.5-inch SATA hard drive bays paired with internal M.2 NVMe slots to allow for hybrid storage tiers. The 4-bay variant expands the mechanical drive capacity to 4 individual 3.5-inch bays while retaining 4 M.2 slots for high-speed flash caching or primary storage pools, allowing total capacities to reach up to 136TB.

Processing power sees a massive generational shift from the entry-level Intel N95 and N150 chips found on earlier models. The mid-range upgrades feature the Intel Core i5-13420H (Raptor Lake) or the 8-core AMD Ryzen 7 H 255 (Hawk Point) processor. For heavy AI workloads, the top-tier configuration utilizes the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 (Strix Point) processor, featuring 12 cores, 24 threads, RDNA 3.5 graphics, and an integrated Neural Processing Unit (NPU) capable of delivering up to 50 TOPS of dedicated AI compute performance.

Networking and physical connectivity are also standardized across the new performance tiers. The high-end models depart from the 5GbE + 2.5GbE combination of the original N95/N150 versions, moving up to a dual-network configuration consisting of 1 x 10GbE LAN port alongside 1 x 2.5GbE LAN port.

The remaining physical interface includes a 10Gbps USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port (supporting data and video output), a 10Gbps USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A port, 2 legacy USB 2.0 ports, a standard HDMI port, and a 3.5mm audio jack.

Specification ME Pro 2-Bay (Original) ME Pro 2-Bay (New) ME Pro 4-Bay (New)
Processor Options Intel N95 / Intel N150 Intel i5-13420H / AMD Ryzen 7 H 255 / AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 Intel i5-13420H / AMD Ryzen 7 H 255 / AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370
Memory 12GB / 16GB LPDDR5 4800MHz (Soldered) Up to 96GB (Configuration details TBD) Up to 96GB (Configuration details TBD)
3.5″ HDD Bays 2 x SATA (Up to 60TB) 2 x SATA (Up to 60TB) 4 x SATA (Up to 120TB)
M.2 NVMe Slots 3 x M.2 2280 PCIe 3.0 (Up to 12TB) 4 x M.2 2280 NVMe (Up to 16TB) 4 x M.2 2280 NVMe (Up to 16TB)
Max Total Storage 72TB 76TB 136TB
Networking 1 x 5GbE + 1 x 2.5GbE 1 x 10GbE + 1 x 2.5GbE 1 x 10GbE + 1 x 2.5GbE
Chassis Dimensions 166 x 121 x 112mm 121 x 112 x 165mm 166 x 146 x 166mm
Chassis Color Silver / Gray Navy Blue (Intel) / Black & Red (AMD) Navy Blue (Intel) / Black & Red (AMD)

Price and Release Dates for the new Beelink ME Pro Versions?

Beelink has not yet confirmed the official release date or final pricing tiers for the upgraded Intel Core i5 and AMD Ryzen configurations of the ME Pro series. As a point of reference, the original entry-level ME Pro 2-bay model launched at $369 for the Intel N95 version (configured with 12GB of RAM and a 128GB SSD) and topped out at $559 for the Intel N150 version (configured with 16GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD). Given the integration of high-performance mobile architectures, larger chassis designs for the 4-bay models, and advanced 10GbE network controllers, the upcoming performance models are expected to carry a noticeable price premium over these original low-power variants. Final shipping dates and exact retail pricing are anticipated to be announced directly by the brand in the coming months.


Beelink ME Pro NAS – What We Said in the Review

Original Review HERE on NASCompares and HERE on YouTube:

The Beelink ME Pro is a very compact 2-bay NAS-style mini PC that combines 2 SATA bays with 3 M.2 NVMe slots and multi-gig connectivity, aiming to deliver a small footprint system without dropping features that are often reserved for larger enclosures. It is sold in N95 and N150 versions, both with pre-attached LPDDR5 memory (12GB or 16GB) and a bundled system SSD, and its internal layout uses 1 PCIe 3.0 x2 NVMe slot plus 2 PCIe 3.0 x1 slots, with 5GbE plus 2.5GbE Ethernet, WiFi 6, USB-C 10Gbps (with video output), HDMI 4K60, and a barrel-powered 120W PSU. In testing over extended uptime, external chassis temperatures stayed broadly in the mid-30C range with the rear around 38C, HDDs sat around 34C to 36C with modest 4TB drives installed, and NVMe temperatures rose sharply if the base thermal panel was removed, indicating the thermal pads and chassis contact are part of the cooling design and leaving no practical clearance for NVMe heatsinks.

Noise in the tested setup remained in the mid-30 dBA range both at idle and under mixed access, power draw ranged from around 15W to 16W with no drives installed, 18W to 19W with only NVMe, about 22W to 23W with HDDs and NVMe idle, and peaked around 41W to 42W under a combined heavy workload. Performance was consistent with the hardware layout: HDD RAID1 throughput landed around 250MB/s to 267MB/s and will not saturate 5GbE, while NVMe could saturate the 5GbE link and internal testing showed about 1.5GB/s to 1.6GB/s reads and 1.1GB/s to 1.2GB/s writes on the PCIe 3.0 x2 slot, with the PCIe 3.0 x1 slots closer to roughly 830MB/s reads and 640MB/s to 670MB/s writes; media server use handled 4 simultaneous high bitrate 4K playback streams with CPU usage in the teens using Jellyfin. The main drawbacks are tied to the compact design choices: the RAM is not upgradeable, the chassis and storage fitting are very tight during installation, fan control outside BIOS was not straightforward in early testing, the NVMe slots are mixed speed by design, and the CPU options are closely spaced, meaning the upgrade decision is often about the bundled memory and SSD tier as much as the processor. Official messaging also says hot swapping is not supported, yet it worked during testing in a RAID1 scenario, suggesting a support-position limitation rather than a strict hardware block.

DESIGN - 9/10
HARDWARE - 8/10
PERFORMANCE - 8/10
PRICE - 8/10
VALUE - 8/10


8.2
PROS
👍🏻Very compact footprint for a 2-bay NAS class system (166 x 121 x 112mm, metal chassis)
👍🏻2x SATA bays (2.5-inch or 3.5-inch) plus 3x M.2 NVMe slots in the same enclosure
👍🏻Multi-gig wired networking: 5GbE + 2.5GbE, plus WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4
👍🏻Strong idle efficiency in testing with drives installed and idle (about 22W to 23W)
👍🏻Noise stayed in the mid-30 dBA range in the tested HDD and NVMe configuration
👍🏻NVMe performance is sufficient to saturate the 5GbE link, with the PCIe 3.0 x2 slot clearly faster than the x1 slots
👍🏻Chassis thermal design appears effective under typical always-on use, with external temps broadly in the mid-30C range
👍🏻Practical service access features: magnetic rear cover, base access for M.2, stored tool in the base, reset and CLR CMOS available
CONS
👎🏻RAM is fixed (no SO-DIMM), so memory cannot be upgraded after purchase
👎🏻Very tight internal tolerances make drive and bracket insertion less forgiving during installation and changes
👎🏻Mixed NVMe slot speeds (1x PCIe 3.0 x2 and 2x PCIe 3.0 x1) and no 10GbE option

Where to Buy the Beelink ME Pro NAS:
  • Beelink ME Pro (N95 + 12GB + 128GB) $369 – HERE
  • Beelink ME Pro (N150 + 16GB + 512GB) $529 – HERE
  • Beelink ME Pro (N150 + 16GB + 1TB) $559 – HERE

📧 SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER 🔔
[contact-form-7]
🔒 Join Inner Circle

Get an alert every time something gets added to this specific article!


Want to follow specific category? 📧 Subscribe

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 ☕

 

Bon plan : le mini PC Geekom A6 a le droit à 200 euros de réduction immédiate avec ce code

18 mai 2026 à 12:08

Geekom propose une réduction énorme de 200 euros sur le Geekom A6, un mini PC équipé d'un AMD Ryzen 7, de 16 Go de RAM et d'un disque SSD NVMe de 1 To.

Le post Bon plan : le mini PC Geekom A6 a le droit à 200 euros de réduction immédiate avec ce code a été publié sur IT-Connect.

GEEKOM A7 Max au prix le plus bas : 150 euros de remise immédiate, un bon plan à ne pas rater !

28 avril 2026 à 10:00

Le mini-PC Geekom A7 MAX est en promotion : une réduction immédiate de 150 euros est offerte aux lecteurs d'IT-Connect jusqu'au 31 mai 2026.

Le post GEEKOM A7 Max au prix le plus bas : 150 euros de remise immédiate, un bon plan à ne pas rater ! a été publié sur IT-Connect.

Acemagic N3A : Mini PC hybride qui se transforme en NAS

Par : Fx
9 avril 2026 à 12:00
Acemagic NAS N3A - Acemagic N3A : Mini PC hybride qui se transforme en NAS

On connaissait Acemagic pour ses Mini PC accessibles… Le fabricant chinois confirme son ambition d’entrer sur le marché des NAS, à l’instar de Beelink. Pour cela, il lance un modèle hybride animé par un Ryzen Embedded R2544. Un choix qui peut surprendre sur le papier, mais qui s’avère finalement plutôt cohérent…

Acemagic NAS N3A - Acemagic N3A : Mini PC hybride qui se transforme en NAS

Acemagic N3A

Avec le N3A, Acemagic fait un pari simple : ne pas trancher entre mini PC et NAS. Le constructeur propose ici une solution tout-en-un capable de répondre à ces deux usages.

Il s’agit d’un boîtier intégrant 4 baies pour disques durs (ou SSD) ainsi que 2 emplacements M.2 NVMe en PCIe 3.0. Il est construit autour d’un processeur Quad Core AMD Ryzen Embedded R2544, avec iGPU intégré. Selon CPU Passmark, ce dernier obtiendrait 8 459 points.

acemagic N3A NAS - Acemagic N3A : Mini PC hybride qui se transforme en NAS

Le produit est livré en version barebone, c’est à dire sans mémoire ni stockage. Il prend en charge jusqu’à 64 Go de DDR4, avec compatibilité ECC. C’est plutôt un avantage pour les usages orientés serveur et stockage.

Côté logiciel, il semble tourner sous la dernière version de Windows.

Un vrai hybride

Le N3A ne se limite pas à un simple rôle de NAS. Sa connectique complète lui permet aussi de fonctionner comme un mini PC classique.

NAS N3A arriere - Acemagic N3A : Mini PC hybride qui se transforme en NAS

On retrouve :

  • 2 ports réseau : 2.5 GbE et 1 GbE
  • 1 sortie HDMI 2.0
  • 1 DisplayPort 1.4
  • 1 port USB Type-C compatible vidéo
  • 2 ports USB 2.0
  • 2 ports USB 3.0 Type-A

Cette configuration permet de gérer plusieurs écrans ( y compris en 4K) et d’envisager des usages variés.

Prix et disponibilité

Le boîtier est d’ores et déjà disponible à la commande sur le site officiel pour 300€. À ce tarif, le N3A se positionne comme une alternative compétitive face aux NAS x86 traditionnels.

Sur le papier, le rapport capacité/prix est intéressant. Comme souvent avec ce type de produit, tout se jouera sur des éléments moins visibles : qualité du firmware, gestion thermique et niveau sonore.

La fiche technique semble solide et cohérente, mais c’est un produit qui devra faire ses preuves…

❌
❌