Minisforum has launched its latest mini PC, the MS-A2, packing a formidable AMD Ryzen 9 9955HX processor into a compact 1.78-liter chassis. This powerful machine is designed for demanding users, offering robust performance and high-speed networking capabilities suitable for workstations, servers, and home labs.
Key Takeaways
- Powerful Processor: Features the AMD Ryzen 9 9955HX (Zen 5 architecture) with 16 cores and 32 threads.
- High-Speed Networking: Equipped with dual 10Gbps SFP+ ports and dual 2.5Gbps RJ45 ports.
- Extensive Storage: Supports up to 96GB of DDR5 RAM and multiple M.2 PCIe 4.0 slots, plus U.2 NVMe support for up to 23TB total storage.
- Expandable: Includes a PCIe 4.0 x16 slot (wired as x8) for discrete graphics or network card upgrades.
- Compact Design: Measures just 1.78 liters, with dimensions of 196 x 189 x 48 mm.
- Pricing: Starts at $799 for barebones configurations.
Uncompromising Performance
The heart of the Minisforum MS-A2 is the AMD Ryzen 9 9955HX processor. Built on the Zen 5 architecture, this chip boasts 16 cores and 32 threads, with clock speeds reaching up to 5.4GHz. It also includes integrated Radeon 610M graphics, suitable for everyday tasks and media playback. For users needing more graphical power, the MS-A2 features a PCIe 4.0 x16 slot, though it’s limited to x8 bandwidth and can be split into two x4 connections, offering flexibility for low-profile GPUs or additional network cards.
Connectivity for Demanding Workloads
Minisforum has equipped the MS-A2 with impressive networking options. It includes dual 10Gbps SFP+ ports and dual 2.5Gbps RJ45 ports, allowing for high-speed data transfers and network aggregation. Wireless connectivity is handled by Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2. The I/O selection is also comprehensive, featuring USB 3.2 Gen 1 and Gen 2 Type-A ports, USB Type-C ports with DisplayPort 2.0 Alt mode, and an HDMI 2.1 output.
Ample Storage and Memory
Storage flexibility is a strong suit for the MS-A2, with three M.2 PCIe 4.0 slots supporting NVMe drives. It also offers U.2 NVMe/M.2 22110 support, enabling enterprise-grade SSDs with capacities up to 15TB per drive, for a total of 23TB. The system supports up to 96GB of DDR5-5600 memory across its dual SO-DIMM slots, catering to memory-intensive applications and multitasking.
Availability and Pricing
The Minisforum MS-A2 is available starting at $799 for a barebones configuration, requiring users to supply their own RAM, storage, and operating system. Pre-configured options are also offered, including a model with 32GB RAM and a 1TB SSD for $1,199, and a higher-end configuration with 96GB RAM and a 2TB SSD for $1,919. The device is positioned as a versatile mini workstation or server for professionals and enthusiasts alike.
Via Minisforum
