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| Minisforum now offers the MS-A2 in even cheaper variants. |
Minisforum is doubling down on its popular MS-A2 mini PC workstation, quietly expanding the series with two new processor options that cater to a wider range of budgets and performance needs. Just last month, the company made waves by discounting its flagship Ryzen 9 7945HX and Ryzen 9 9955HX barebones models, which remain available at $559 and $799, respectively. Now, the manufacturer is filling the gap between those two heavyweights with a new mid-range option while simultaneously introducing a more accessible entry-level configuration.
For enthusiasts and professionals who have been eyeing the MS-A2’s unique blend of compact size and workstation-class expansion, the latest additions provide more flexibility than ever.
The New "Halfway House": Ryzen 9 8945HX
The newest addition to the lineup is the Ryzen 9 8945HX SKU. Positioned as a middle ground between the existing 7945HX and 9955HX variants, this model is aimed at users who want high-end performance without necessarily needing the absolute latest silicon.
Technically speaking, little separates the Ryzen 9 8945HX from the older Ryzen 9 7945HX—it is effectively a re-badged version of the same 16-core, 32-thread Zen 4 powerhouse. However, Minisforum’s pricing strategy gives it a distinct place in the stack. The barebones version (requiring your own RAM, storage, and OS) starts at $599. For those seeking a ready-to-run system, a pre-configured version with 32 GB of RAM and a 1 TB SSD is available for $1,119.
This new SKU essentially offers the same raw processing capability as the 7945HX but slots in at a slightly higher price point, likely due to supply chain variations or regional availability.
A More Affordable Entry Point: Ryzen 7 7745HX
In a move that significantly lowers the barrier to entry for the MS-A2 platform, Minisforum has also launched a Ryzen 7 7745HX option. Available across most major markets, this variant is designed for users who need the robust build quality and expansion capabilities of the MS-A2 chassis but don’t require 16 cores.
The Ryzen 7 7745HX features 8 cores and 16 threads—exactly half the core count of its Ryzen 9 siblings—along with reduced cache. For many office workloads, virtualization labs, or network appliance setups, this processor offers more than enough horsepower at a fraction of the cost.
Pricing for the Ryzen 7 7745HX barebones unit drops to an attractive $439. If you opt for the pre-configured model with 32 GB of RAM and a 1 TB SSD, the price comes in at $919.
Why the MS-A2 Stands Out
The Minisforum MS-A2 has carved out a unique niche in the mini PC market, not just for its processor options but for its exceptional expandability. Unlike most compact systems, the MS-A2 features a built-in PCIe x16 slot (operating at PCIe 4.0 x8 bandwidth), allowing users to add a dedicated graphics card, high-speed network card, or storage controller.
Other key specifications across all SKUs include:
- Dual DDR5 SO-DIMM slots supporting up to 96GB of memory (5600MHz for Ryzen 9000 series, 5200MHz for Ryzen 7000 series).
- Triple M.2 slots, including support for U.2 NVMe drives and M.2 22110 form factors.
- Dual 10Gbps SFP+ LAN ports alongside a 2.5G RJ45 port, making it a favorite for homelab enthusiasts and network professionals.
- Dual USB4/Type-C ports (Alt DP2.0) supporting up to 8K displays.
Where to Buy and Regional Availability
Minisforum has confirmed that these new SKUs are rolling out across their regional storefronts. Whether you are in North America, Europe, or Asia, you can find the specific configurations tailored to your market.
For detailed specifications, pricing in your local currency, and to place an order, you can visit the official regional Minisforum websites:
- Global/International: Minisforum MS-A2 Workstation
- European Union: Minisforum EU Store
- France: Minisforum France Store
- United Kingdom: Minisforum UK Store
- Japan: Minisforum Japan Store
Additionally, for customers who prefer the convenience of Amazon, the MS-A2 series is also available via the retailer's marketplace. You can check current stock and Prime shipping eligibility here.
Summary: Which SKU is Right for You?
With the lineup now spanning from the Ryzen 7 7745HX to the top-tier Ryzen 9 9955HX, Minisforum has effectively covered the entire spectrum of the high-performance mini PC market.
- Choose the Ryzen 7 7745HX ($439) if you are building a dedicated router, NAS, or homelab server where single-threaded performance is sufficient and budget is a priority.
- Choose the Ryzen 9 7945HX ($559) or the Ryzen 9 8945HX ($599) if you need 16 cores for heavy multitasking, virtualization, or content creation but want the best value.
- Choose the Ryzen 9 9955HX ($799) if you require the absolute latest Zen 5 architecture and maximum performance for workstation tasks.
Given the modular nature of the MS-A2, enthusiasts can continue to take advantage of the barebones pricing to outfit the machine with their preferred high-capacity RAM and SSDs. With these new SKUs, Minisforum is solidifying the MS-A2’s reputation as one of the most versatile small-form-factor workstations on the market.
