Tag: Intel Core Ultra 9 285HX

  • Pre-Launch Discount on MS-02 Ultra Mini PC by Minisforum

    Pre-Launch Discount on MS-02 Ultra Mini PC by Minisforum

    Key Takeaways

    1. Minisforum is set to launch the MS-02 Ultra mini PC on November 20, 2025, with a focus on performance and flexibility.
    2. A special pre-launch offer includes a $50 discount for users who sign up for updates on the MS-02 Ultra teaser page.
    3. The MS-02 Ultra features an Intel Core Ultra 9 285HX processor from the Arrow Lake series and a 4-core Arc iGPU.
    4. It includes one PCIe 5.0×16 and one PCIe 4.0×16 slot for a dual-slot discrete GPU and USB4 v2 ports for high-performance eGPUs.
    5. The mini PC supports up to 16 TB of NVMe storage and is compatible with 256 GB DDR5 RAM.

    Minisforum is preparing to unveil the MS-02 Ultra, a mini PC designed with performance in mind and intended to provide users with significant flexibility. The company has officially shared details about the system, with an anticipated launch on the horizon. Although the exact price has yet to be disclosed, a pre-launch discount has been introduced for those interested in purchasing.

    Special Discount Offer

    In a recent announcement, Minisforum mentioned that signing up for product updates via the MS-02 Ultra teaser page will allow potential buyers to receive a $50 discount. This is a great opportunity for those looking to get a deal before the official release.

    Launch Date and Availability

    For anyone who didn’t catch our earlier updates, the MS-02 Ultra is set to hit the market on November 20, 2025. However, it’s unclear if this will be the launch date worldwide, as typically, Minisforum products are launched in China first before expanding to global markets.

    Technical Specifications

    Focusing on the technical aspects, the Minisforum MS-02 Ultra is equipped with the Intel Core Ultra 9 285HX, a processor from the Arrow Lake series aimed at performance. It features a 4-core Arc iGPU, which, while not the most advanced integrated GPU from Intel, should suffice for most users of this mini PC.

    The MS-02 Ultra includes one PCIe 5.0×16 and one PCIe 4.0×16 slot, capable of accommodating a dual-slot discrete GPU. Additionally, the USB4 v2 ports allow for connection with high-performance eGPUs. Other notable features consist of support for up to 16 TB of NVMe storage (currently, a 1 TB Crucial P310 is priced at $89.99 on Amazon), an array of ports, and compatibility with 256 GB DDR5 RAM. For further information about the system, you can refer to our earlier posts.

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  • Minisforum MS-02 Ultra Mini-PC with Intel Core Ultra 9 285HX

    Minisforum MS-02 Ultra Mini-PC with Intel Core Ultra 9 285HX

    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.

     

    Minisforum MS-02 Ultra Mini-PC with Intel Core Ultra 9 285HXMinisforum MS-02 Ultra Mini-PC with Intel Core Ultra 9 285HXMinisforum MS-02 Ultra Mini-PC with Intel Core Ultra 9 285HX

     

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  • Minisforum MS-02 Ultra: Three PCIe Expansion Slots Revealed

    Minisforum MS-02 Ultra: Three PCIe Expansion Slots Revealed

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Minisforum MS-02 Ultra mini PC features the Intel Core Ultra 9 285HX processor with 24 cores and a 4-core Intel Arc integrated GPU.
    2. It includes three PCIe expansion slots, allowing users to install additional GPUs, although space may limit full-sized desktop GPU installations.
    3. The system supports up to 256 GB of DDR5 RAM through four SODIMM slots and can accommodate up to 16 TB of storage via four M.2 slots.
    4. Connectivity options include WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4, along with a built-in 350 W power supply for easy upgrades.
    5. The official launch is set for October 22, 2025, during the Japan Autumn IT Week 2025, with pricing and availability still pending.

    Minisforum is about to unveil its latest Arrow Lake HX mini PC, named the MS-02 Ultra. This will be fully presented at the Japan Autumn IT Week 2025, commencing on October 22, 2025. Before the official launch, the Intel system has appeared on r/MiniPCs, revealing all its essential specifications.

    Key Specifications Unveiled

    According to a poster that looks official shared on the subreddit, this system will come equipped with the Intel Core Ultra 9 285HX, which is a high-end processor from the Arrow Lake HX lineup. It boasts a configuration of 24 cores and includes the 4-core Intel Arc integrated GPU.

    Although the iGPU isn’t exceptionally powerful, an advantage of the Minisforum MS-A2 Ultra is its three PCIe expansion slots. These slots are designated as follows:

    Users can install a separate GPU in either the PCIe 5.0 x16 or the PCIe 4.0 x16 slot. However, it’s important to mention that the casing might not permit the installation of a large, full-sized desktop GPU. Another notable aspect is that the Intel Core Ultra 9 285HX supports 24 PCIe lanes, which implies that the x16 slots may not deliver the expected performance when fully populated.

    Expandable Memory and Storage

    Despite this limitation, the CPU in the Minisforum MS-A2 Ultra can support up to 256 GB of DDR5 RAM via its four SODIMM slots. On the storage side, it has four M.2 slots that can accommodate a total of 16 TB of PCIe 4.0 x4 SSDs (2 TB Samsung 990 Evo Plus is currently priced at $139.99 on Amazon). Regarding connectivity, this mini PC offers the following ports:

    Additional features include a built-in 350 W power supply unit, a design that makes upgrades easy, as well as WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 capabilities. Pricing and availability for the MS-A2 Ultra SFF PC are yet to be disclosed by Minisforum.

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    Minisforum MS-02 Ultra: Three PCIe Expansion Slots Revealed

     

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  • AMD Ryzen 9 9955HX3D Beats Intel Core Ultra 9 in Multi-Core Efficiency

    AMD Ryzen 9 9955HX3D Beats Intel Core Ultra 9 in Multi-Core Efficiency

    Key Takeaways

    1. AMD’s Ryzen 9 9955HX3D shows superior performance-per-watt compared to Intel’s Ultra 9 285HX and Core i9-14900HX, especially in the 40–100W range.
    2. There are concerns about OEMs’ reluctance to integrate AMD’s latest chips into high-end gaming laptops, despite their efficiency advantages.
    3. Users worry that some laptops may reuse cooling designs from Intel models for AMD variants, potentially leading to poor thermal management.
    4. Availability of laptops with the AMD 9955HX3D is limited, with only a few models from brands like MSI, ASUS, and XMG currently offering the chip.
    5. Ongoing discussions suggest that while AMD excels in performance per watt, Intel’s stronger market presence and OEM support may hinder AMD’s broader adoption.

    A recent Cinebench R23 benchmark comparison shared by the Chinese YouTuber Geekerwan has caused a stir in the Reddit community r/GamingLaptops. This excitement was mainly triggered by Reddit user u/Aggravating_Match298, who posted the results, which included more than just the numbers. The comparison chart shows power consumption against multi-core performance for AMD’s Ryzen 9 9955HX3D, Ryzen 9 9955HX, Intel’s Core Ultra 9 285HX, and the older Intel Core i9-14900HX.

    Performance Insights

    In the range of 40–100W, the AMD 9955HX3D stands out with notably superior performance-per-watt, as illustrated in the graph. The regular 9955HX is not far behind, which showcases the architectural improvements AMD has achieved with its Fire Range platform. Meanwhile, Intel’s Ultra 9 285HX only starts to catch up at power levels exceeding 130W, while the 14900HX consistently lags behind.

    Real-World Concerns

    However, the conversation on Reddit has unveiled some real-world challenges. Many users pointed out that OEMs seem hesitant to integrate AMD’s latest chips into mainstream products. One user remarked, “Almost no high-end gaming laptops are using AMD despite better efficiency.”

    Additionally, some Redditors expressed worries about the thermal design choices being made. They claim that Dell might be reusing cooling designs from their Intel laptops for the AMD variants. For instance, one user mentioned that the AMD version of a Dell laptop lacked vapor chamber cooling and instead utilized a thick shim to connect with the chiplets, supposedly because the heatsink was initially made for an Intel CPU configuration.

    Potential Impacts on Performance

    This could potentially result in less effective thermal management. Nevertheless, it’s worth noting that Dell or any official channel has not confirmed these claims, and they remain largely anecdotal.

    Despite these issues, the interest in AMD’s offerings is undeniable. Geekerwan’s graph has been broadly shared across platforms like Reddit, highlighting the AMD 9955HX3D as a formidable option for gamers and creators alike who seek multi-threaded performance with fairly efficient power usage.

    Nonetheless, users quickly highlighted a significant drawback: availability. Currently, only a few high-end models from brands like MSI, ASUS, and XMG include this chip, and broader adoption by OEMs appears sluggish. Some speculate that limited supply and Intel’s stronger foothold in the OEM markets are factors contributing to this situation.

    Whether OEMs will increase their support for AMD’s Fire Range or continue to prefer Intel’s more established platforms is still uncertain. For the time being, discussions on Reddit indicate that even though AMD seems to excel in performance per watt, issues regarding availability and OEM support continue to favor Intel.

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