 |
| The MSI MS-CF19 single-board computer packs Intel Arrow Lake-U, Meteor Lake-U CPUs with up to 96 GB of memory. |
In a move set to excite embedded system developers and industrial PC integrators, MSI has officially detailed its latest single-board computer (SBC), the fanless MS-CF19. This compact 3.5-inch board packs a serious punch, leveraging Intel’s latest mobile processors to deliver performance that rivals some of the best in the industry—all without a single moving part for truly silent, reliable operation.
While MSI has been quiet on official pricing and exact availability dates, the full specifications sheet paints a compelling picture for those in need of a robust, versatile computing heart for kiosks, digital signage, automation, and edge AI applications.
Performance Meets Silence: Intel Core Ultra Power in a Tiny Package
The standout feature of the MS-CF19 is its passive cooling design, which eliminates fans and the dust, noise, and maintenance they bring. This makes it ideal for harsh or sensitive environments. Don’t let the silence fool you, though. The board will be available with a range of Intel’s Core Ultra 100U (Meteor Lake-U) and 200U (Arrow Lake-U) series processors.
At the top end, the Core Ultra 7 265U from the new Arrow Lake-U lineup offers 12 cores and 14 threads. Early synthetic benchmarks suggest this chip can deliver performance in the same league as Apple's renowned M2 silicon, a remarkable feat for a passively cooled SBC. Other CPU options include the Core Ultra 7 165U and 155U, as well as Core Ultra 5 variants, giving builders flexibility for their performance and power budget needs.
Supporting these CPUs is capacity for up to a whopping 96 GB of DDR5 memory across two SODIMM slots, ensuring smooth operation for memory-intensive tasks. For those who prioritize absolute silence but may operate in extreme ambient temperatures, a report from LinuxGizmos notes that MSI has curiously included a fan header, offering the option for active cooling if a project demands it.
 |
| Top view of the MS-CF19 SBC. |
 |
| The MS-CF19 SBC offers a healthy selection of I/O. |
A Connectivity Powerhouse
True to its industrial roots, the MS-CF19 is a connectivity champ, designed to interface with a vast array of peripherals and displays. Key features include:
- Networking: Both 1G and 2.5G Ethernet ports for fast and reliable wired connections.
- Storage Flexibility: An M.2 2280 slot supporting PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe SSDs (like the popular Kingston V3, currently available on Amazon), plus support for M.2 2230, M.2 2242/3042, and SATA 3.0 drives.
- Abundant USB: Four USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports on the rear I/O, with an additional four USB 2.0 Type-A headers internally.
- Display Versatility: Support for up to four simultaneous displays via dual eDP and dual DisplayPort outputs.
- Industrial I/O: Includes four GPIO inputs and four outputs, along with dual internal COM ports for legacy or custom serial device support.
Availability and Further Information
As mentioned, the final price and shipping timelines for the MS-CF19 SBC are still to be announced. For engineers and project planners eager to dive deeper into the complete specifications, wiring diagrams, and supported operating systems, the full technical details are available on MSI’s official industrial product page for the MS-CF19.
This launch positions MSI as a strong contender in the high-performance, fanless SBC market, offering a future-proof platform that balances cutting-edge CPU power with the rugged, reliable design required for 24/7 industrial deployment.