Chiba, Japan – The buzz around Minisforum's ambitious G1 series is reaching a fever pitch. After a series of global teasers, the company has solidified the launch window for its most powerful mini-PCs to date: the G1 and the G1 Pro. For enthusiasts dreaming of a compact yet uncompromising gaming and creative workstation, the wait is almost over.
The journey for the G1 series began with its initial debut at the Japan IT Week Tokyo Spring Show back in April, turning heads with its promise of high-end components in a small form factor. The hype train continued its journey to IFA 2025 in Berlin last month, and now, at the latest Japan IT Week in Chiba, Minisforum has delivered the most concrete details yet, including a confirmed launch timeline.
A Glimpse into the G1 Series' Formidable Specs
The Minisforum G1 and G1 Pro are shaping up to be true desktop replacements. The most staggering revelation is the confirmed use of a desktop-class Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060 GPU. This isn't a mobile variant; it's the full-fat desktop version, with Minisforum allocating a robust 145W of power to it from the system's integrated 350W power supply. This promises a level of graphical performance previously unseen in the mini-PC segment, putting it on par with many traditional mid-tower gaming rigs.
Supporting this powerful GPU is a memory and storage subsystem that leaves little to be desired. Both models will support up to a massive 96 GB of DDR5-5200 RAM and up to 8 TB of PCIe 4.0 NVMe storage, distributed across two accessible M.2 2280 slots. This ensures that even the most demanding workloads, from 4K video editing to running multiple virtual machines, will have the necessary resources to fly.
Connectivity, as one would hope, is extensive. The rear I/O panel is densely packed with ports, highlighting the device's versatility. A significant portion is dedicated to display outputs, with a total of five video ports, allowing for complex multi-monitor setups perfect for traders, developers, or content creators. For more details on the design philosophy and full port breakdown, you can check out the official Minisforum blog.
G1 vs. G1 Pro: What's the Real Difference?
Much like the company's previous N5 and N5 Pro models, the distinction between the standard G1 and the G1 Pro is subtle but specific. The core difference lies at the heart of the system: the APU.
- The Minisforum G1 will be equipped with an AMD Ryzen 9 8940HX processor.
- The Minisforum G1 Pro steps up slightly to the AMD Ryzen 9 8945HX.
Both are part of AMD's refreshed "Dragon Range" lineup, designed for high-performance mobile computing. In real-world benchmarks, the performance gap between these two chips is minimal, estimated to be around 3%. For most users, the standard G1 will offer more than enough CPU firepower. The Pro model is for those who want the absolute top-tier SKU available in this form factor, leaving no performance on the table.
This strategic differentiation allows Minisforum to cater to two segments of the high-end market without a significant compromise in either product. As reported by VideoCardz, who have been closely tracking the G1 series' development, the performance targets are clearly desktop-class.
The Final Countdown: Launch and Availability
The biggest question for potential buyers has now been answered. According to the latest reports from the show floor in Chiba, Minisforum will release both the G1 and G1 Pro at the end of November.
This positions the devices perfectly for the holiday shopping season, offering a powerful and space-saving alternative to bulky gaming PCs. While the exact pricing remains under wraps, the specs suggest it will command a premium. For reference, the current Minisforum N5 Pro, a less powerful machine, is listed for $1,019 on Amazon, giving us a baseline for the potential cost of the new G1 series.
The Bottom Line
The Minisforum G1 and G1 Pro represent a significant leap for the mini-PC industry. By integrating a desktop-grade Nvidia RTX 5060 GPU and top-tier AMD Dragon Range APUs, they are blurring the line between compact computers and full-sized desktops. For gamers with limited space, digital nomads, or anyone seeking a powerful, all-in-one computing solution without the clutter, the end of November can't come soon enough. The era of the pocket-sized powerhouse is truly here.
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