Key Takeaways
1. The Minisforum MS-02 Ultra mini-PC was showcased at the Japan Autumn IT Week 2025, highlighting its global launch alongside other models like the G1 and G1 Pro.
2. It features a compact 4.8 litre casing and is powered by Intel’s Core Ultra 9 285HX, a 24-core processor that reportedly outperforms AMD’s Ryzen AI Max+ 395.
3. The MS-02 Ultra includes PCIe 5.0 and PCIe 4.0 slots for 2-slot desktop graphics cards, with a maximum system power limited to 350 W due to its integrated Flex PSU.
4. The mini-PC supports up to 256 GB of RAM and has dimensions of 221.5 × 225 × 97 mm.
5. It offers various I/O options but is positioned more as a mini server than a standard mini-PC, with unclear pricing and availability details.
Hardly any time has gone by since the details of the Minisforum MS-02 Ultra were revealed online. Just recently, Minisforum has presented the mini-PC with the same name at the Japan Autumn IT Week 2025 held in Chiba. To provide some background, the company also showcased the G1 and G1 Pro during this event, where it announced global launch information as well.
Key Features of the MS-02 Ultra
As per Minisforum, the MS-02 Ultra is built around a 4.8 litre casing, which they claim is a game-changer for ‘what can be achieved with small-form-factor (SFF) workstations.’ Putting the flashy marketing aside, the MS-02 Ultra is powered by Intel’s Arrow Lake-HX family, specifically the Core Ultra 9 285HX. This 24-core processor is said to outperform the AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 that is found in high-end mini-PCs such as the GMKtec EVO-X2 (currently priced at $1,499 on Amazon), based on our testing.
Performance and Compatibility
Even though the 4-core Arc integrated GPU in the Core Ultra 9 285HX isn’t particularly impressive, the MS-02 Ultra also includes PCIe 5.0 x16 and PCIe 4.0 x16 slots for accommodating 2-slot desktop graphics cards. To support this, Minisforum has added an 8-pin PCIe auxiliary power connector, but it’s important to note that the total system power might be limited to 350 W due to its integrated Flex PSU. Additionally, this mini-PC can handle up to 256 GB of RAM, all packed into a casing with dimensions of 221.5 × 225 × 97 mm.
I/O and Market Position
Furthermore, the MS-02 Ultra is equipped with various front-facing and rear-facing I/O options, including a couple of USB v2 ports. As stated by PC Watch, the hardware within the MS-02 Ultra positions it more as a mini server than a typical mini-PC or SFF workstation. Sadly, details regarding pricing and availability are still unclear at this moment.
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