The mini-PC landscape is witnessing a significant power surge, and leading the charge is Minisforum with its latest and most ambitious release to date. The company has officially opened pre-orders for the MS-02 Ultra, a device it boldly labels a "mini workstation." This new model isn't just an incremental update; it's a statement of intent, challenging not only its own recent releases like the MS-S1 Max but also the entire category of high-performance compact computers.
Moving beyond the popular AMD Strix Halo platforms seen in competitors like the GMKtec EVO-X2, Minisforum has equipped the MS-02 Ultra with Intel's formidable Alder Lake HX platform, promising a level of performance and expandability that blurs the line between a mini-PC and a traditional desktop tower.
Performance That Demands Attention
At the heart of the MS-02 Ultra's appeal is its raw processing power. Minisforum claims that the high-end configurations featuring the Core Ultra 9 285K processor will achieve scores exceeding 37,000 points in the Cinebench R23 multi-core benchmark. This, according to the company, gives it a circa 3.5% performance advantage over the Ryzen AI Max+ 395, positioning it as a top contender in the performance-per-watt arena.
But raw CPU power is only part of the story. Where the MS-02 Ultra truly aims to differentiate itself is in its unparalleled connectivity and expansion for a machine of its size.
A Deep Dive on Features: Where the "Ultra" Shines
The spec sheet for the MS-02 Ultra reads like a enthusiast's wish list. It’s packed with features typically reserved for much larger chassis:
- Unprecedented Networking: The device boasts dual 25 Gbps Ethernet ports (on Ultra 9 285HX models), making it a potential dream machine for network engineers, data hoarders, and anyone working in high-speed local environments. Coupled with Wi-Fi 7 connectivity, it's future-proofed for the fastest wireless speeds available.
- Serious Expandability: Minisforum has included a whopping four M.2 slots for NVMe storage, allowing for massive and lightning-fast storage arrays without relying on external bays.
- Discrete Graphics Potential: A key feature that sets the MS-02 Ultra apart is its PCIe x16 connector with enough physical space to accommodate a dual-slot graphics card. This opens up a world of possibilities for creators, engineers, and gamers who need serious GPU power, transforming the tiny PC into a legitimate AIO workstation or a compact gaming rig.
- Robust Power Supply: To feed all this high-end hardware, Minisforum has integrated a 350 W built-in PSU, ensuring stable power delivery even under heavy CPU and GPU loads.
For those ready to configure their own powerhouse, the full range of options is available directly from the source. You can explore all the pre-order configurations on the official Minisforum MS-02 Ultra store page.
Configurations and Pricing for Every Need
Minisforum is launching the MS-02 Ultra in several configurations to cater to different budgets and performance requirements. The pricing structure is tiered based on the processor and included memory/storage.
- Entry Point: The lineup starts at $949 for a barebones unit (no RAM or storage) featuring the Core Ultra 9 275HX processor. Early adopters can snag an additional $50 discount at checkout using the code MS0250, bringing the effective starting price down to $899.
- Budget-Friendly Option Coming Soon: For those seeking a more cost-effective entry into the platform, a Core Ultra 5 235HX variant will be available for $719.
- The Flagship Experience: The top-tier experience begins with the Core Ultra 9 285HX barebones unit at $1,119. This can be specced all the way up to a fully-loaded system with a staggering 192 GB of ECC RAM and a 2 TB SSD for $2,899.
It is crucial to note that premium features like ECC RAM support and the dual 25 Gbps Ethernet ports are exclusive to the Core Ultra 9 285HX versions, making it the go-to choice for professionals where data integrity and network throughput are paramount.
Global Availability
True to its global presence, Minisforum is making the MS-02 Ultra available beyond the United States. Pre-orders are already live in key markets including Australia, Canada, the European Union, and the United Kingdom, ensuring a wide audience can get their hands on this compact workstation.
The Minisforum MS-02 Ultra represents a significant leap forward for the mini-PC form factor. By combining desktop-grade CPU performance, unparalleled expandability with a PCIe x16 slot, and cutting-edge networking, it creates a new category of device that offers the footprint of a mini-PC with the soul of a high-end workstation.
For those interested in comparing it to other high-end mini-PCs on the market, the competing GMKtec EVO-X2 is currently listed on Amazon for a point of reference.
*What are your thoughts on the Minisforum MS-02 Ultra? Is this the ultimate compact workstation, or are there features you feel are still missing? Let us know in the comments below!*
Post a Comment