Experience a mini PC that rivals traditional desktops—meet the Minisforum MS-A2 mini PC.
Imagine a device so compact yet powerful that it single-handedly shows how ridiculously bad the current crop of desktop PCs are. The Minisforum MS-A2, equipped with AMD’s Ryzen 9 9955HX or 7945HX chips, is designed for serious work environments, prioritizing efficiency and performance over size.
A Network Innovator
A standout feature of the Minisforum MS-A2 is its dual 10GbE ports, which completely transform networking for home labs, media servers, and edge AI applications. Networking often takes a backseat in other compact PCs, but the MS-A2 emphasizes its importance with advanced connectivity options. Employing dual 10GbE via SFP+ and dual 2.5GbE LAN, this mini PC ensures a seamless experience for demanding tasks.
High Performance in a Compact Design
Compact systems have long been viewed as underpowered, but the Minisforum MS-A2 flips that notion on its head. Measuring just 196 x 189 x 48 mm, it packs a punch with 16 cores, delivering desktop-level performance with a boost up to 5.4GHz while drawing power efficiently—up to 100W. The soldered CPU design prevents future upgrades, ensuring the unit remains sleek and streamlined. Integrated cooling mechanisms maintain high performance without compromising thermal efficiency.
The MS-A2 is more than just speed; it positions itself as perhaps the best workstation mini PC on the market by addressing storage needs comprehensively. Equipped with three NVMe-capable slots, including two M.2 2280 slots and one U.2-compatible bay, users can employ up to 15TB of fast storage using NVMe and U.2 connections. RAID support further enhances its usability for professionals requiring serious data handling capabilities.
Expandable and Versatile
While the system supports discrete GPUs limited to low-profile models through a PCIe 4.0 x8 slot, this flexibility adds credibility to its workstation qualifications. The design includes bifurcation support, allowing advanced users the ability to run compute cards or media accelerators for a variety of tasks—think Plex transcoding or AI inference. The Minisforum MS-A2 can be paired with up to 96GB of DDR5 RAM, which further solidifies its position as a leading choice among compact workstations.
Pricing for the barebone version starts at $839, making it an attractive entry point for professionals looking to upgrade their setup. For those who prefer a complete package, the version featuring 64GB RAM and a 1TB SSD is available at $1,103 for US customers.
A Legacy of Innovation
Minisforum has a remarkable history of pushing technological boundaries with models like the MS-01, which supports Intel’s high-end mobile CPUs like the Core i9-13900H, a feat that sets them apart in the mini PC market. The MS-02 followed this trend with unparalleled options, featuring four Ethernet ports — two of which are 10GbE — and support for up to four SSDs. Such features make it evident that Minisforum prioritizes evolving user needs in compact computing.
The Minisforum MS-A2 mini PC stands out not just in terms of performance, but also in its ability to integrate seamlessly into both home and professional environments. Whether it's for software development, digital content creation, or running extensive simulations, this device can handle it all with grace.
Conclusion: An Impressive Addition
With its balance of performance, capacity for expandability, and advanced networking options, the Minisforum MS-A2 is tailored for serious work, not just games. It redefines what users can expect from compact computing solutions, making it a fantastic choice for those in need of a powerful workstation that doesn't sacrifice space. For your next workstation upgrade, consider the Minisforum MS-A2 mini PC to unleash the full potential of next-level networking and computing power.