Minisforum has unveiled its latest mini PC, the MS-A1, featuring a desktop AM5 socket for AMD Ryzen processors and support for up to 96GB of DDR5 memory, making it a powerful mini work machine. This compact powerhouse is touted as the world’s smallest and most expandable AM5 platform Mini PC, offering impressive connectivity options including an OCuLink port for external graphics or storage expansion.
Zen4 Architecture and Performance
Zen 4 is AMD’s latest CPU microarchitecture, released in September 2022 as the successor to Zen 3. Built on TSMC’s 5nm process for core complex dies (CCDs) and 6nm for I/O dies, Zen 4 brings significant improvements in performance and efficiency The architecture delivers an average 13% increase in instructions per clock (IPC) compared to Zen 3, with gains coming from enhancements to the front-end, load/store operations, and branch prediction Zen 4 also introduces support for AVX-512 instructions, though most 512-bit vector operations are split and executed on 256-bit SIMD units.
Notable improvements include a 25% increase in reorder buffer capacity, expanded register files, and larger out-of-order resources While Zen 4 maintains a smaller core in terms of reordering capacity compared to Intel’s Golden Cove, it compensates with higher clock speeds, reaching up to 5.7GHz boost clocks in some models.
Ryzen 7 8700G Overview
The AMD Ryzen 7 8700G is a powerful APU (Accelerated Processing Unit) that combines high-performance CPU cores with integrated graphics, making it an ideal choice for compact systems like mini PCs. This 8-core, 16-thread processor is based on AMD’s Zen 4 architecture, offering a base clock of 4.2GHz and boost speeds up to 5.1GHz
The chip features 24MB of cache and is built on a 4nm process, providing excellent power efficiency within its 65W TDP envelope What sets the 8700G apart is its robust integrated Radeon 780M graphics, based on the RDNA 3 architecture, with 12 compute units clocked at 2.9GHz This iGPU is significantly more powerful than those found in standard Ryzen 7000-series desktop processors, enabling decent 1080p gaming performance without the need for a discrete graphics card.
The 8700G also includes AMD’s Ryzen AI technology, which can accelerate AI workloads in supported applications While it may not match the pure CPU performance of some higher-end Ryzen 7000 chips due to its reduced L3 cache, the 8700G offers an impressive balance of processing power, graphics capability, and energy efficiency, making it well-suited for compact, versatile systems like mini PCs
High-Speed Memory and Storage
The Minisforum MS-A1 Mini PC with AMD Ryzen processor boasts impressive memory and storage capabilities, leveraging cutting-edge technologies. It supports dual-channel DDR5 memory with speeds up to 5200MHz, allowing for exceptional bandwidth and responsiveness. The system can accommodate up to 96GB of RAM, providing ample capacity for demanding workloads and multitasking in a mini work environment.
On the storage front, the MS-A1 features four M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD slots, offering a combined potential capacity of up to 16TB. These SSDs can achieve transfer speeds of up to 7000MB/s, enabling rapid data access and file operations. This combination of high-speed DDR5 memory and expansive, ultra-fast storage options positions the MS-A1 as a powerhouse for both memory-intensive applications and data-heavy tasks, all within a compact form factor.
Cold Wave Pro Cooling System
The Cold Wave Pro cooling system represents an innovative approach to thermal management in compact computing devices. This advanced cooling solution, as implemented in products like the Minisforum UM790 Pro mini PC, combines liquid metal and active cooling for both memory and SSD components
The system, referred to as Cold Wave 2.0, offers enhanced thermal performance compared to traditional cooling methods, allowing for better heat dissipation in space-constrained environments. By efficiently managing temperatures of critical components, the Cold Wave Pro system enables compact devices to maintain optimal performance levels while potentially reducing the risk of thermal throttling. This cooling technology demonstrates the ongoing advancements in thermal management solutions for increasingly powerful yet miniaturized computing platforms.
Triple 8K Display Support
The Minisforum MS-A1 Mini PC for content creation offers impressive multi-display capabilities, supporting up to 8K triple-screen output through its advanced video interfaces, making it an ideal choice for a mini work setup. The device is equipped with HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 2.0, and USB4 ports, all of which feature full video output functionality.
This configuration allows users to connect up to three 8K displays simultaneously, enabling efficient multitasking and creating an expansive workspace. The HDMI 2.1 port supports 4K resolution at 120Hz, while the DisplayPort can handle 4K at 144Hz, providing smooth visuals for high-refresh-rate monitors; an optimal choice for a mini PC with AMD technology. The USB4 port, with its versatile functionality, can also be used for video output in addition to high-speed data transfer. This comprehensive display support makes the MS-A1 an excellent choice for professionals requiring extensive screen real estate or users looking to create an immersive multi-monitor setup for productivity or entertainment purposes.
High-Speed Network Ports and Connectivity
The Minisforum MS-A1 mini PC offers exceptional network connectivity options, featuring dual 2.5G RJ45 network ports that support WAN and LAN port aggregation. This configuration provides robust throughput and enhances the efficiency for multiple users online simultaneously. The device also includes a full-featured USB4 port, capable of transfer speeds up to 40 Gbps, facilitating rapid transfer of large files.
Additionally, the MS-A1 is equipped with an OCulink expansion port, allowing for the connection of high-performance desktop discrete graphics cards to meet the demands of gamers and creative professionals requiring advanced graphics processing capabilities. This combination of high-speed networking and expandability options positions the MS-A1 as a versatile and powerful Mini PC for productivity suitable for a wide range of demanding applications.
OCuLink Expansion Port
The Minisforum MS-A1 Mini PC for gaming features an OCuLink port, providing a significant expansion capability for such a compact device. OCuLink (Optical Copper Link) is a high-speed interconnect technology that offers data transfer rates of up to 64 Gbps This port allows users to connect external graphics cards or high-performance storage devices, greatly enhancing the system’s versatility and power
The inclusion of OCuLink sets the MS-A1 apart from many other mini PCs, as it enables users to significantly boost graphics performance to meet the demands of gaming and creative professionals requiring advanced graphics processing capabilities This feature effectively transforms the MS-A1 from a standard mini PC into a potentially high-performance workstation, all while maintaining its compact form factor.
Minisforum MS-A1 Mini PC Technical Specifications
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| Processor | AMD Ryzen 7 8700G (8 cores, 16 threads, up to 5.1 GHz) |
| Graphics | Integrated AMD Radeon 780M (12 GPU cores, up to 2900 MHz) |
| Memory | Up to 96GB DDR5 5200 MHz (2 x SODIMM slots) |
| Storage | 4 x M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD slots (up to 7000 MB/s) |
| Networking | 2 x 2.5 GbE Ethernet ports, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
| Video Output | 1 x HDMI 2.1, 1 x DisplayPort 2.0, 1 x USB Type-C |
| USB Ports | 1 x USB4 (40 Gbps), 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A (10 Gbps), 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A (5 Gbps), 1 x USB 2.0 Type-A |
| Expansion | 1 x OCuLink port (63 Gbps) |
| Audio | 1 x 3.5mm audio jack |
| Cooling | Dual fans, four-heat pipe system |
| Power | 65W TDP (processor) |
This table provides a comprehensive overview of the Minisforum MS-A1’s technical specifications, showcasing its powerful AMD Ryzen processor, extensive memory and storage options, versatile connectivity, and advanced cooling system. The mini PC’s support for high-speed networking, multiple display outputs, and expandability through the OCuLink port make it a versatile solution for various computing needs.
Final Thoughts
The Minisforum MS-A1 represents a significant advancement in mini PC design, offering desktop-class performance in a compact form factor. With its AM5 socket supporting up to AMD Ryzen 9000 series processors, expandable memory up to 96GB DDR5, and versatile storage options including four M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD slots, the MS-A1 delivers exceptional power and flexibility.
The inclusion of an OCuLink port for external GPU connectivity, dual 2.5 GbE networking, and support for triple 8K displays further enhances its capabilities, making it suitable for a wide range of Windows 11 applications from home entertainment to professional workstations While it lacks the 10 GbE networking of its Intel-based predecessor, the MS-A1’s combination of high-performance components, advanced cooling system, and extensive connectivity options positions it as a compelling choice for users seeking a powerful, upgradeable, and compact computing solution.
Share Your Thoughts
The Minisforum MS-A1 mini PC represents an intriguing blend of power and compactness, offering features that may appeal to a wide range of users. We’d love to hear your thoughts on this device. Do you think the AM5 socket and support for desktop-class Ryzen processors make it a game-changer in the mini PC market?
How do you feel about the balance between performance and expandability, especially with features like the OCuLink port and multiple M.2 slots? Share your opinions on whether this could be a viable option for your computing needs, whether for home use, gaming, or professional applications. Are there any features you find particularly exciting or any areas where you think improvements could be made? Join the discussion in the comments below and let us know your perspective on the Minisforum MS-A1.
