Tag: ARM mini PC

  • Minisforum MS-R1: New Mini PC with ARM CPU and dGPU Support

    Minisforum MS-R1: New Mini PC with ARM CPU and dGPU Support

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Minisforum MS-R1 mini PC is powered by a Cixin P1 ARM CPU with a 6 nm architecture and 12 cores (8 Cortex A720 and 4 Cortex A520).
    2. The MS-R1 features performance cores with clock speeds of 2.3 GHz to 2.6 GHz and an Immortalis G720 MC10 GPU for graphics.
    3. The chassis design resembles the MS-A1 and includes a PCIe x16 slot, but larger multi-slot GPUs may not fit due to size restrictions.
    4. Connectivity options include USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C ports, WiFi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, and support for up to 60 GB of LPDDR5 RAM.
    5. The mini PC will have storage options up to 1 TB, but pricing and availability have not yet been announced.


    Minisforum has officially launched the MS-R1 in Japan. This mini PC is powered by a China-manufactured ARM CPU called the Cixin P1. Crafted by CIX Technology, this processor is built on a 6 nm architecture and features a configuration of 12 cores, which includes eight Cortex A720 performance cores and four Cortex A520 efficiency cores.

    Performance Specifications

    The performance cores in the MS-R1 run at clock speeds ranging from 2.3 GHz to 2.6 GHz, while the Cortex A520 cores are set at a speed of 1.8 GHz. For graphics, the Cixin P1 is equipped with the Immortalis G720 MC10 GPU. Additionally, this ARM processor includes a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) that can deliver up to 30 TOPS of AI performance.

    Chassis and Slots

    In terms of design, the chassis of the MS-R1 resembles that of the Minisforum MS-A1. It features a PCIe x16 slot, which is limited to an x8 speed. Similar to the MS-A1, users can install a discrete GPU. However, it’s important to note that the compact size of the chassis restricts the installation of larger, multi-slot discrete GPUs.

    According to PC Watch, in addition to the PCIe x16 slot, the Minisforum MS-R1 is equipped with a variety of internal interfaces, which enhances its versatility.

    Connectivity Options

    On the exterior, the mini PC offers a diverse array of connectivity ports. Specifically, the ARM-based model includes the following options:

    The USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C ports support 100 W USB-PD and DisplayPort Alt mode, making it quite functional (a 3.3-feet Silkland USB4 cable is currently priced at $14.38 on Amazon). Additional notable features include support for up to 60 GB of LPDDR5 RAM, WiFi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.2. Minisforum plans to provide the mini PC with storage options of up to 1 TB, although the company has not yet announced the pricing or availability for the MS-R1.

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