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| Minisforum MS-02 Ultra running Forza Horizon 5 on an external monitor |
The compact PC space just got a serious contender for the title of most powerful machine in a small package. Following its unveiling at Japan Autumn IT Week 2025, Minisforum has officially launched the MS-02 Ultra, a barebones system starting at $949 that boldly attempts to bridge the gap between mini PC convenience and desktop-grade expandability.
Building upon the foundation of the popular MS-01, the MS-02 Ultra isn't just an incremental update. It's a complete reimagining, packing in high-end components, unprecedented storage options, and—most intriguingly—a full-length PCIe slot ready for a desktop graphics card. We got our hands on one, and the results might surprise you.
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| Internal view of the Minisforum MS-02 Ultra showing the installed Gigabyte GeForce RTX low-profile GPU |
What’s New? A Major Step Up from the MS-01
Minisforum has addressed nearly every limitation of its predecessor. The MS-02 Ultra moves to a larger, though still impressively compact, 4.8-liter chassis. This extra space isn’t for show; it enables a more robust cooling solution, a 350W power supply (a significant upgrade), and a host of new connectivity.
The core specs read like a wish list for power users:
- New CPU Options: Features the latest Intel Core Ultra HX-series processors.
- Massive Memory: Supports up to 256GB of DDR5 RAM via four slots.
- Storage Heaven: Includes four M.2 SSD slots for terabytes of high-speed storage.
- The Big Upgrade: Three PCIe slots, headlined by a PCIe 5.0 x16 slot capable of housing a standard desktop GPU.
- Future-Proof Ports: Equipped with USB4 v2 and 25 GbE networking for blistering data transfers.
Teardown and Build: Surprisingly Accessible, Tightly Packed
Popular tech YouTuber ETA Prime recently put the MS-02 Ultra through its paces, and his teardown revealed a clever design. Gaining access is remarkably simple—just two screws release the internal frame. Inside, the layout is efficient but dense. The CPU cooler and 350W PSU dominate, leaving a precise cavity for a low-profile graphics card.
ETA Prime’s configuration was telling: an Intel Core Ultra 7 285HX, 64GB of DDR5, and a new Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060 Low-Profile card with 8GB of GDDR7 memory. As seen in his video, the RTX 5060 LP fits, but it’s a very snug installation. To maximize space, Minisforum placed two SODIMM slots and two M.2 slots on the motherboard's reverse side.
One important note: adding a GPU affects the CPU's power budget. With the RTX 5060 installed, the CPU's sustained power (PL1) is limited to 90W, down from a potential 100W. Its peak power (PL2) also drops from 140W to 110W. This is a key trade-off for the all-in-one design.
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| Red Dead Redemption 2 running at 1440p without DLSS on the Minisforum MS-02 Ultra with an RTX 5060 low-profile GPU |
Benchmark Performance: Solid Numbers with a GPU Installed
How does this configuration perform? ETA Prime ran a suite of tests. In Geekbench 6, the system scored 2,957 (single-core) and 17,992 (multi-core). These scores are slightly lower than median results for the CPU alone, reflecting the shared power and thermal load when a dedicated GPU is present.
Cinebench R24 results were closer to expectations, hitting 128 (single) and 1,938 (multi). In the graphics-focused 3DMark Time Spy, the combo of the Ultra 7 285HX and RTX 5060 LP yielded a very respectable total score of 13,672.
For a deeper dive into the build process and these synthetic benchmarks, check out ETA Prime's full video.
Real-World Gaming: A Compact 1440p Powerhouse
The true test lies in gaming, and here the MS-02 Ultra shines. ETA Prime’s tests show it handling modern titles excellently at 1440p:
- Red Dead Redemption 2 (Ultra/High/Medium mix): Averaged over 70 FPS without DLSS.
- Shadow of the Tomb Raider (Very High): A smooth 121 FPS on average.
- Cyberpunk 2077 (Ultra Settings): With DLSS Quality, performance hovered around 75 FPS. Enabling DLSS 4 Frame Generation skyrocketed the frame rate to over 160 FPS.
Throughout testing, thermal performance was a standout. Both CPU and GPU temperatures remained lower than anticipated, thanks to the chassis ventilation and the triple-fan cooler on the low-profile RTX 5060.
Final Thoughts: A Niche Filled with Power
The Minisforum MS-02 Ultra successfully carves out a unique niche. It’s not the absolute smallest mini PC, nor is it a full-sized desktop replacement. Instead, it’s a highly compact, incredibly versatile workstation and gaming rig for users who need serious power and expandability in a minimalist footprint.
While most buyers may opt for less extreme GPU configurations, the proof is in the pudding: this system can genuinely game when equipped with the right compact card. For developers, creative pros, and enthusiasts wanting a clean, powerful, and transportable setup, the MS-02 Ultra is a compelling and well-executed proposition starting at $949 for the barebones unit.