Minisforum has officially opened sales for its latest compact desktop, the MS-03, following an initial preview and a formal announcement earlier this summer. The new model arrives as one of the first small-form-factor systems to feature Intel’s Panther Lake processor architecture, with launch pricing that includes introductory discounts across the available configurations.
Processor Choices and Graphics
Buyers can select between two Panther Lake CPU tiers. The entry-level configuration is built around the Intel Core Ultra 5 336H, a mid-range chip that incorporates a 4-core Xe3 integrated GPU. Stepping up to the performance-oriented Core Ultra 9 386H provides a 16-core design paired with the same Xe3 iGPU. Both variants offer full USB4 connectivity, enabling support for external graphics enclosures for users who need additional GPU acceleration.
Internal Expansion and Slot Layout
A distinguishing internal feature is the physical PCIe x16 slot on the motherboard, which can physically accept a single-slot, half-height expansion card. The electrical interface, however, is limited to PCIe 4.0 x4 bandwidth, delivering throughput on par with an OCuLink connection rather than a full x16 lane configuration.
The complete port layout on the Minisforum MS-03 is listed below:
- 2x USB4 (40 Gbps, DP Alt Mode, PD 15W)
- 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (Data only)
- 5x USB-A 3.2 Gen 2
- 1x HDMI 2.1
- 1x DisplayPort 2.1
- 1x 2.5 GbE RJ45 LAN
- 1x 2.5 GbE RJ45 LAN (Intel I226)
- 1x 3.5mm audio jack
- 1x SD card slot
Cooling, Storage, and Memory
Minisforum has equipped the MS-03 with a dual-heatpipe thermal solution and blower-style fans, a setup the company says is designed to maintain stable performance under continuous 24/7 workloads. On the storage front, the system includes three M.2 slots, accommodates a U.2 drive of up to 15TB, and supports as much as 128GB of DDR5 RAM. The chassis itself retains a compact, minimalist footprint suited for both professional and home environments.
Pricing and Availability
On the official Minisforum store, barebone pricing for the MS-03 starts at $759 with the Core Ultra 5 336H, while the Core Ultra 9 386H variant begins at $999. Configured systems are available with up to 64GB of RAM and a 2TB solid-state drive. Customers can apply the coupon code MGPC30 to take $30 off the purchase price at checkout.
Source: store.minisforum.com