Key Takeaways
1. The Minisforum MS-A2 mini workstation features the upgraded Ryzen 9 9955HX CPU, enhancing performance compared to the MS-A1 model.
2. The MS-A2 has a compact 1.78 L chassis that limits GPU options to low-profile, single-slot models due to space constraints.
3. It supports up to 96 GB of DDR5-5600 RAM and offers three M.2 PCIe 4.0 slots for a maximum of 12 TB of storage.
4. The mini workstation includes extensive connectivity options and supports U.2 NVMe for up to 15 TB of single-drive storage.
5. The barebone model is priced at $839, while a configuration with 64 GB of RAM and 1 TB of storage costs $1,103, with shipping expected by the end of May 2025.
Minisforum has recently launched the MS-A2, which was first unveiled at the Japan IT Week Tokyo Spring Show. This mini workstation is now available for customers around the world. As the next version after the MS-A1, it features a significant upgrade in its CPU capabilities. Specifically, while the earlier model could be outfitted with an AMD Ryzen 9 9950X, the MS-A2 comes with the newly launched Ryzen 9 9955HX.
Enhanced Performance
The Ryzen 9 9955HX is a premium choice from AMD’s Fire Range lineup, boasting 16 Zen 5 cores alongside the Radeon 610M graphics. While the integrated GPU isn’t the most impressive, similar to its predecessor, the MS-A2 allows for the addition of a discrete GPU (dGPU) due to its built-in PCIe x16 slot that supports PCIe 4.0 x8.
Compact Design Limitations
Nevertheless, because of its compact 1.78 L chassis, the Minisforum MS-A2 can only accommodate a low-profile, single-slot GPU (like the single-slot Yeston RTX 3050, which can be found on Amazon). Furthermore, this PCIe slot offers support for splitting, enabling 2x PCIe 4.0 x4 configurations that can be used for network cards or other expansion options.
The Ryzen 9 9955X within this Small Form Factor (SFF) PC can be combined with as much as 96 GB of DDR5-5600 RAM. In terms of storage, it includes 3 M.2 PCIe 4.0 slots that can support a total of 12 TB. It also supports U.2 NVMe, allowing for up to 15 TB of single-drive storage. In terms of connectivity, it provides a wide range of ports, which is quite impressive.
Pricing and Availability
As for pricing, the barebone model of the Minisforum MS-A2 is currently priced at $839. If you want a configuration that includes 64 GB of RAM and 1 TB of storage, the cost goes up to $1,103. Shipping is anticipated to begin by the end of May 2025.
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