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| The M2 Pro can be equipped with up to an Intel Core Ultra X9 388H. Pictured: the back of the mini PC. |
CES 2026 is in full swing, and while we expected a parade of iterative updates, Minisforum just served up a genuine surprise. Tucked among their announced lineup is the EliteMini M2 Pro, a new compact powerhouse that is among the very first to harness Intel’s next-generation Panther Lake architecture. This isn't just a spec bump—it feels like a deliberate shot across the bow of the mini PC market.
The headline act is the top-tier configuration, which packs the flagship Intel Core Ultra X9 388H processor. But the real story might be the integrated graphics. Minisforum is equipping this model with the new Intel Arc B390 iGPU, and early benchmark whispers are incredibly promising.
Gaming in a Tiny Box? The Numbers Look Good
According to initial performance data, this new Arc integrated graphics solution is showing muscle that brings it reasonably close to a discrete RTX 4050 Laptop GPU. If these figures hold true in final reviews, the EliteMini M2 Pro could effortlessly handle 1080p gaming on high settings for most titles. For a system this small, that’s a remarkable feat.
And if you ever need more graphical oomph, the future is open: dual USB4/Thunderbolt 4 ports provide a clean path for an eGPU enclosure, making this mini PC a long-term contender for demanding creative work or higher-resolution gaming.
For a deeper dive into the technical reveals and the broader context of Minisforum's CES 2026 showcase, you can check out the detailed coverage on TechPowerUp.
Built for Power Users: Ports and Expandability
Minisforum clearly designed the M2 Pro with enthusiasts and professionals in mind. The port selection is comprehensive, almost lavish for a device of this size:
- 3x USB4/Thunderbolt 4 (for data, video, power delivery, and eGPU)
- 1x HDMI & 1x DisplayPort (for multi-monitor setups)
- Dual Ethernet: A 2.5G and a blazing-fast 10G LAN port for network-heavy tasks
- 2x USB Type-A (likely 3.2 Gen 2 for legacy devices)
Under the hood, the news gets even better. The company confirmed support for up to a staggering 96 GB of LPDDR5x RAM running at a swift 9,600 MT/s. There will also be a more accessible configuration featuring the Intel Core Ultra 5 338H with an Arc 370 iGPU.
Sleek Design, Imminent Release?
From the brief glimpses at CES, the design language appears to follow the sleek, minimalist aesthetic of models like the AI X1 Pro (which you can find on Amazon for a sense of the build quality). It’s a compact, modern chassis that should fit seamlessly into any workspace or entertainment center.
As is often the case with CES reveals, the final pricing and availability for the EliteMini M2 Pro are still under wraps. Minisforum hasn't given a specific launch date. However, the fact that it's already on the show floor means a proper debut and pre-orders likely aren't far off. The tech community is already abuzz, as noted in industry reports from sources like EE Times China.
One thing is clear: with the EliteMini M2 Pro, Minisforum isn't just releasing another mini PC. They're pushing the entire category forward, proving that desktop-level performance and future-proof connectivity can indeed come in a package that fits in the palm of your hand. We'll be watching closely for that release announcement.
What’s your take on the new Panther Lake mini PCs? Are integrated graphics finally reaching the point where they can replace entry-level discrete cards? Let us know in the comments below.
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| The CES 2026 showcase of the mini PC |