Minisforum Reveal the MS-R1 PCIe Gen4 ARM Mini PC

At Computex 2025 in Taipei, Minisforum introduced the MS-R1 — a new class of mini PC that marks a distinct departure from its usual reliance on x86 architecture. This compact system is built around the ARM-based CIX P1 processor, an emerging 12-core chip aimed at redefining performance standards for ARM in desktop computing. The MS-R1 combines this processor with dual 10GbE networking, PCIe Gen 4 expansion, and up to 64GB of onboard LPDDR5 memory — all within a chassis under 5 cm thick. Unlike traditional Minisforum models that have leaned on AMD Ryzen or Intel Core platforms, this system positions itself as a versatile option for edge computing, AI acceleration, and lightweight server tasks.

The MS-R1 is clearly still in development, but its early prototype already suggests Minisforum is exploring wider horizons beyond conventional desktop replacement PCs. It leverages many of the strengths typically associated with ARM — such as power efficiency and thermally lightweight design — while mitigating common limitations through generous I/O and expansion capabilities. Whether this signals a broader shift in the company’s product direction remains to be seen, but the MS-R1 offers an intriguing glimpse into how ARM-based platforms might coexist with, or even challenge, traditional x86 solutions in the years ahead.

Minisforum MS-R1 PC Hardware Specifications

The Minisforum MS-R1 is equipped with the newly announced CIX P1 (CP8180) processor, a 12-core, 12-thread ARM-based SoC built on the ARMv9.2-A architecture. Manufactured using a 6nm process, the CPU combines eight performance cores and four efficiency cores, operating at up to 2.6 GHz. It is complemented by a 10-core Arm Immortalis GPU, likely the G720 series, which supports advanced graphical output and light AI rendering. Additionally, the chip includes a 30 TOPS-capable neural processing unit (NPU), bringing the total onboard AI compute power to 45 TOPS. This SoC runs Linux systems with kernel 6.6 or later and offers a UEFI-compatible BIOS with ACPI support — a rare but increasingly essential feature for ARM-based systems targeting general desktop or server use.

Where the MS-R1 notably differentiates itself is in its high-speed I/O and expandability. Dual 10GbE copper LAN ports deliver enterprise-grade networking capability, especially valuable for file servers, edge compute nodes, or hybrid NAS use cases. A full-length PCIe x16 slot (operating at PCIe 4.0 x8 bandwidth) offers GPU or accelerator card support, effectively bridging the gap between ARM architecture and discrete compute expansion — something still rare in this space. USB connectivity is ample: 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps) Type-A on the rear, 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5Gbps) Type-A on the front, and four USB 2.0 ports split across the front and rear. Audio is handled via HDMI, the DisplayPort-enabled Type-C ports, and a 3.5mm combo jack. Power is supplied via a 19V barrel-type DC-IN jack rated at 9.47A, and the device is controlled by a front-facing LED-lit power button. Despite its compact 195.6 × 189 × 48mm footprint, the MS-R1 integrates a surprising breadth of features for ARM-based edge computing in a mini PC form factor.

Why the Minsforum MS-R1 is a Big Deal?

The MS-R1 stands out primarily because it brings ARM architecture into a domain traditionally dominated by x86 processors — compact desktop systems with high-speed networking, PCIe expansion, and broad OS compatibility. ARM chips have long been associated with mobile, embedded, and power-efficient use cases, but they have rarely offered the kind of performance, I/O, and system flexibility seen in x86-based mini PCs. With the CIX P1 SoC, the MS-R1 challenges that assumption. It pairs a 12-core CPU (based on the ARMv9.2-A standard) with a 10-core GPU and an NPU capable of 30 TOPS, totaling 45 TOPS of AI compute. This puts it within reach of edge AI tasks, containerized application hosting, or lightweight virtualization. It’s also rare to see an ARM system with UEFI BIOS support, which enables compatibility with a wide range of Linux distributions and other OS environments — removing a common barrier for general users or developers.

Another reason the MS-R1 matters is its hardware-level ambition. While many ARM-based devices are limited in I/O and expansion, this system includes two 10GbE ports and a PCIe Gen 4 x8 slot — enabling add-in graphics cards or accelerators, typically absent in ARM ecosystems. Combined with onboard LPDDR5 RAM and NVMe Gen 4 storage, the MS-R1 begins to resemble a standard workstation or edge server in capability. Minisforum’s decision to use the CIX P1 processor, which is likely based on licensable Arm Cortex designs and built for a Chinese market increasingly focused on domestic alternatives, reflects both a strategic and technical shift. It also comes at a time when ARM is being seriously considered for broader computing roles, particularly in energy-efficient high-performance setups. The MS-R1 doesn’t just experiment with ARM—it places it in a form factor, price tier, and feature set that could realistically serve prosumers, developers, and small enterprise users.

When will the Minisforum MS-R1 Be Released and Price?

The Minisforum MS-R1 is not just another compact system — it’s a deliberate move into new territory for the brand. By integrating an ARMv9 SoC with high-speed networking, PCIe expansion, and a mature BIOS environment, the MS-R1 challenges preconceptions about what ARM-based mini PCs can deliver. While still in early development, it already positions itself as a potential edge server, AI inference node, or Linux-based workstation. Its soldered LPDDR5 memory, limited to 64GB, and single NVMe slot may limit flexibility in some use cases, but the inclusion of dual 10GbE and PCIe Gen 4 support compensate with substantial throughput potential. It is not yet clear how the market will respond to such a hybrid product — one that crosses lines between embedded computing and traditional desktops — but it’s an important experiment in bringing ARM computing to mainstream deployment environments.

Minisforum’s broader product roadmap at Computex 2025 suggests that the MS-R1 is just one piece of a larger diversification strategy. Alongside it, the company showcased the upcoming N5 Pro — a Ryzen 9-based NAS/PC hybrid with ECC memory support — and the G1 Pro, a small form factor system housing up to RTX 5060-class graphics and 120W CPUs. These products collectively show the company’s intent to cover multiple tiers of performance and deployment, from ARM-powered edge systems to x86-based content creation rigs.

Whether or not the MS-R1 reaches widespread adoption, it represents a notable shift toward ARM’s growing viability outside mobile and embedded contexts. It’s a signal that the boundary between ARM and x86 in high-performance personal computing may continue to blur in the years ahead.

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Minisforum MS-A2 PC Review

The Minisforum MS-A2 is the latest entry in Minisforum’s growing lineup of workstation-focused mini PCs. First shown at CES 2025, the MS-A2 builds on ideas introduced in earlier models like the MS01 and MS-A1 but shifts toward an AMD platform, offering users a choice between two high-end Ryzen 9 CPUs. Rather than aiming for the ultra-compact form factor associated with traditional mini PCs, the MS-A2 leans into expandability, performance, and connectivity. It offers multiple M.2 storage slots, PCIe expansion, dual 10GbE SFP+ ports, and a layout designed to accommodate heavier workloads. Throughout this review, we’ll take a closer look at the internal hardware, external connections, design choices, performance in benchmarks, and how it compares to the MS-01, before wrapping up with a final verdict on where it fits in today’s mini PC market.

Minisforum MS-A2 Review – Quick Conclusion

The Minisforum MS-A2 is a powerful mini workstation that targets users needing high CPU performance, network scalability, and internal expandability rather than external device flexibility. Equipped with Ryzen 9 9955HX or 7945HX CPUs, up to 96GB DDR5 memory, triple M.2 slots, and dual 10GbE SFP+ ports, it offers strong capabilities for demanding workloads like virtualization, server hosting, and content creation. However, the absence of USB4/Thunderbolt 4 and observed inconsistencies in storage write speeds mean it may not fit every use case. Positioned alongside rather than as a replacement for the MS-01, the MS-A2 is best suited for buyers who prioritize multi-threaded performance and dense internal storage options in a compact form factor.

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Minisforum MS-A2 Review – Internal Hardware

Inside the Minisforum MS-A2, users have a choice between two processors: the AMD Ryzen 9 9955HX or the Ryzen 9 7945HX. Both CPUs offer 16 cores and 32 threads, with a maximum boost clock of 5.4GHz. The 9955HX uses the newer Zen 5 architecture, while the 7945HX is built on Zen 4. The two processors are close in raw specifications, but the Zen 5 variant benefits from a more efficient 4nm process and updated IPC improvements. Integrated graphics are handled by the Radeon 610M on both options, offering basic graphical capabilities suitable for general-purpose workloads, but not designed for high-end gaming or intensive GPU compute tasks.

Memory support on the MS-A2 is generous for a mini PC. It features two DDR5 SO-DIMM slots, allowing up to 96GB of RAM. Systems based on the Ryzen 9000 series CPUs support memory speeds up to 5600MT/s, while Ryzen 7000 series CPUs are rated for up to 5200MT/s. This flexibility gives users room to configure the system for heavy multitasking, virtualization, or memory-hungry professional applications. However, the MS-A2 does not support ECC memory, which may be a consideration for users needing strict data integrity for server or professional workstation tasks.

Storage options are extensive, with three onboard M.2 slots available. One slot supports U.2 or standard M.2 NVMe drives up to 15TB (PCIe 4.0 x4), while two additional M.2 slots support either NVMe or SATA drives up to 4TB each.

All slots run at PCIe 4.0 speeds, ensuring strong storage performance for workflows like video editing, virtual machines, or database management. Minisforum also hints at future expandability through an optional accessory that would allow for the installation of up to six M.2 drives, although cooling for such configurations is still under development.

Cooling inside the MS-A2 is designed to accommodate the considerable thermal output of the CPUs and storage devices.

A dedicated CPU cooling system with copper piping and a 12V fan handles the processor, while a second 5V fan directly cools the SSD slots and the 10GbE controller. Despite the compact space, Minisforum has optimized airflow reasonably well, but heat sink space is limited, especially for M.2 drives, making active airflow critical.

Overall, the internal hardware layout focuses on balancing high performance with maintainability, though users planning extensive upgrades should be aware of space and thermal limits.

Minisforum MS-A2 Review – Ports and Connections

The Minisforum MS-A2 is equipped with a wide range of external connectivity options aimed at both workstation and server-style deployments. On the front panel, users will find two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, one USB 2.0 Type-A port, a 3.5mm four-in-one audio jack, and the system’s main power button with integrated LED indicator. This arrangement makes it easy to quickly connect peripherals like external drives, keyboards, or headsets without reaching around to the back of the device.

The rear panel is where the MS-A2’s workstation orientation becomes more evident. It features two USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports, two USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C ports with Alt Mode DisplayPort 2.0 support, a single HDMI 2.1 output capable of 8K60 video, and dual 2.5GbE RJ45 ports powered by Intel controllers. More notably, the system also includes two 10GbE SFP+ ports driven by an Intel X710 controller, opening up high-speed networking options typically reserved for larger systems.

This broad mix of ports covers a wide range of use cases, from high-resolution displays to enterprise-grade network environments.

The MS-A2 also provides PCIe expansion via a PCIe Gen 4 x8 physical slot, allowing users to install low-profile cards such as additional NICs, storage controllers, or even mobile GPUs through adapters. While the slot runs at x8 electrically, it can mechanically accommodate a x16-sized card, offering some flexibility in component choice.

However, users will need to consider power and thermal requirements carefully, given the limited space and airflow in the chassis. Overall, the MS-A2 offers a strong set of external connection options that match its intended role as a workstation-class device in a small form factor.

Minisforum MS-A2 Review – Design, Cooling and Power Consumption

The Minisforum MS-A2 maintains a compact footprint at 196 × 189 × 48 mm, but compared to typical mini PCs, it leans toward a small form factor workstation design rather than an ultra-portable device. Accessing the internals is straightforward thanks to a tool-less design: a single latch at the rear releases the chassis cover, making upgrades and maintenance simple. Ventilation is placed around all sides and across the base, maximizing airflow within the tight internal layout. Although densely packed, the internal component arrangement is relatively clean and accessible given the system’s size constraints.

Cooling inside the MS-A2 is split between two fans: a 12V fan for the CPU, which uses a heat pipe and fin arrangement, and a separate 5V fan cooling the storage area and 10GbE networking controller.

Minisforum has improved fan placement over the earlier MS-01 model, aiming to deliver better cooling to both the processor and critical components without introducing excessive noise.

During testing, the CPU temperatures at idle remained around 31–32°C, rising to approximately 50–52°C under sustained heavy load, including simultaneous 10GbE network activity and storage operations. SSD temperatures were also well-controlled, aided by direct airflow across the M.2 slots.

Power delivery for the MS-A2 comes through an external 240W power brick, rather than an internal PSU.

This design choice saves internal space but results in a relatively bulky external adapter. In idle conditions, the system drew between 23W and 26W, depending on network activity.

During maximum CPU load under PCMark and 3DMark testing, power consumption peaked at 129W.

Average system operation under moderate workloads saw consumption range between 60W and 80W. These figures suggest a reasonably efficient platform considering the CPU core count and networking capabilities, though users expecting true low-power behavior typical of smaller mini PCs should adjust their expectations accordingly.

Noise levels from the MS-A2 stayed moderate during most activities. Fan noise measured around 36–38 dB under light loads and rose to about 41–43 dB under heavy CPU and network utilization. This places the MS-A2 in a middle ground: quieter than larger workstations but more audible than simpler fanless mini PCs.

Overall, Minisforum’s cooling approach is effective for a compact workstation, balancing thermal performance and acoustic levels without the need for more aggressive—and louder—cooling solutions.

Metric	Measurement
Idle Power Consumption	23W to 26W (single 2.5GbE connection)
Boot-Up Power Consumption	35W to 75W (fluctuating during initial 5 minutes)
Moderate Load Power Consumption	60W to 80W (around 50% CPU utilization)
Full Load Power Consumption	129W (CPU and system fully stressed)
Idle CPU Temperature	31°C to 32°C
Sustained Load CPU Temperature	50°C to 52°C (during 10GbE network + CPU tests)
Front of Chassis Temperature	41°C to 43°C (after 1 hour of 10GbE activity)
Rear of Chassis Temperature	50°C (near 10GbE ports under load)
Idle Noise Level	36–38 dB
Load Noise Level	41–43 dB (during 3DMark and dual 10GbE network tests)

Minisforum MS-A2 Review – Performance Testing

In general usage and synthetic benchmarking, the Minisforum MS-A2 delivered performance levels in line with expectations for a device built around high-end mobile Ryzen processors. PCMark 10 returned an overall score of 6494, with strong showings in productivity (10,353 points) and essentials tasks (11,186 points). Applications like web browsing, document editing, and video conferencing performed without issue, backed by high single-thread and multi-thread responsiveness from the Ryzen 9 9955HX. The MS-A2 consistently handled multitasking loads involving office work, streaming, and background processes without noticeable slowdown.

For more demanding tasks, the MS-A2 remained competitive but showed the limitations of relying solely on integrated graphics. Digital content creation, including tasks like photo editing and light video editing, produced a PCMark 10 sub-score of 6418, which is respectable but not exceptional. 3DMark testing confirmed the Radeon 610M’s limited capabilities for 3D rendering and gaming workloads, achieving a Steel Nomad Light score of 605. These results reaffirm that while the MS-A2 is well-suited to workstation and productivity tasks, it is not designed for gaming or heavy graphical processing without an external GPU.

CPU-centric benchmarks demonstrated the strength of the Ryzen 9 9955HX. In the 3DMark CPU Profile test, the MS-A2 achieved 10,208 points at maximum threads and 9,879 at 16 threads, with a respectable 1,235 points in single-thread performance.

These scores reflect excellent multi-threaded processing capabilities, making the MS-A2 a solid choice for parallelized workloads such as software compilation, virtualization, and data analysis. Across extended testing sessions, thermal throttling was minimal, and the system maintained consistent performance without significant drops under sustained load.

Storage performance varied depending on the drive slot used, but generally provided strong results. Read speeds were consistently high, reaching 5.5 GB/s in AJA testing and peaking at 7.3 GB/s in CrystalDiskMark. However, write speeds showed more inconsistency across different test runs, sometimes peaking near 4 GB/s but with occasional dips depending on the benchmarking tool and conditions. While read performance makes the MS-A2 well suited for workloads involving frequent large file access, users planning heavy write-intensive tasks may want to further validate storage behavior based on their specific needs.

Minisforum MS-A2 or the Minisforum MS-01 PC?

While the Minisforum MS-A2 and MS-01 share a compact workstation focus, they are built around notably different platforms and priorities. The MS-01 uses Intel’s 12th and 13th Gen Core H-series processors, with options ranging from the Core i5-12600H to the Core i9-13900H, alongside Intel Iris Xe integrated graphics. It supports up to 64GB of DDR5 memory at 5200MHz and offers storage flexibility with up to three M.2 SSD slots. Crucially, the MS-01 features two USB4 ports capable of 40Gbps speeds and supports external GPU connectivity, along with dual 2.5GbE RJ45 ports and dual 10GbE SFP+ ports for network-heavy environments.

In contrast, the MS-A2 leverages AMD’s Ryzen 9 9955HX or 7945HX CPUs, offering more cores (16 cores and 32 threads) compared to the MS-01’s maximum of 14 cores and 20 threads. It also supports up to 96GB of DDR5 memory and includes three PCIe 4.0 NVMe slots, but lacks USB4 or Thunderbolt connectivity. Instead, the MS-A2 leans on internal expandability with a full PCIe 4.0 x8 slot and places a stronger emphasis on internal compute performance rather than external device bandwidth. Users needing the fastest possible external drive support or lighter CPU performance may prefer the MS-01, while those requiring maximum multi-threaded processing power and internal storage scalability will find the MS-A2 better suited to their needs.

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Minisforum MS-A2 Review – Conclusion and Verdict

The Minisforum MS-A2 offers a significant amount of performance and expandability within a relatively compact design, but it is important to recognize exactly who this system is built for. Users needing strong CPU performance for workloads like virtualization, software development, database management, or network-attached storage will find a lot to like here. The Ryzen 9 9955HX and 7945HX options deliver high core and thread counts rarely seen in mini PCs, supported by fast DDR5 memory and ample M.2 storage options. Dual 10GbE SFP+ ports and PCIe 4.0 expandability add further flexibility for networked environments or specialized hardware configurations. However, the absence of USB4 or Thunderbolt support means the MS-A2 will not suit workflows heavily reliant on high-speed external devices. Storage write performance inconsistencies observed during testing may also warrant further validation depending on the intended workload.

Compared to the MS-01, the MS-A2 trades away some external connectivity and general-purpose flexibility in favor of raw compute power and internal upgrade potential. It does not replace the MS-01, nor is it a direct successor to the MS-A1—it instead sits alongside these models, offering an AMD-based alternative better suited for users prioritizing workstation performance over consumer-grade convenience. At a price range of $639 to $839 depending on the CPU, the MS-A2 is not inexpensive, and users must weigh its strengths against what they actually need. If maximum internal power, heavy multitasking, and network scalability are the priorities, the MS-A2 justifies its cost. If external GPU use, lighter workloads, or lower noise are the focus, other options—including the MS-01—might make more sense. Overall, the MS-A2 fills an important niche in Minisforum’s lineup, provided buyers approach it with the right expectations.

PROs of the Minisforum MS-A2

CONs of the Minisforum MS-A2

High CPU performance with 16 cores / 32 threads (Ryzen 9 9955HX or 7945HX options) Support for up to 96GB DDR5 RAM for memory-heavy workloads Triple PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots with U.2 drive compatibility for large internal storage capacity Dual 10GbE SFP+ ports and dual 2.5GbE RJ45 ports for advanced networking PCIe 4.0 x8 expansion slot for GPUs, NICs, or storage controllers Efficient cooling design with separate fans for CPU and storage/network components Tool-less chassis access for easy upgrades and maintenance Strong multi-threaded performance for virtualization, server tasks, and rendering

No USB4 or Thunderbolt 4 support, limiting external expansion options Inconsistent storage write speeds observed during testing Large external 240W power brick, adding to desk clutter

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

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