Tag: Minisforum MS-A2

April 28, 2025
Minisforum MS-A2 Debuts Worldwide with Ryzen 9 HX CPU and dGPU
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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Tags: mini workstation, Minisforum MS-A2, Ryzen 9 9955HX
April 24, 2025
Minisforum MS-A2 Launches with AMD Ryzen 9 HX and dGPU Support
Key Takeaways
1. The MS-A2 features the latest Ryzen 9 9955HX CPU with 16 Zen 5 cores and a Radeon 610M integrated GPU.
2. It retains two M.2 slots for storage, including a PCIe 4.0 x4 slot for high-speed SSDs.
3. The MS-A2 supports DDR5 SO-DIMM RAM with speeds up to 5200 MT/s.
4. It offers connectivity options like Bluetooth 5.2 and WiFi 6E.
5. The compact design of the MS-A2 measures 196 x 189 x 48 mm and will have a variant with the Ryzen 9 7845HX.
Minisforum recently unveiled several new PCs at the Japan IT Week Tokyo Spring Show, including the MS-A2, which succeeds the previous MS-A1 launched last year. The earlier model could support a Ryzen 9 9950X, but the MS-A2 now features the latest Ryzen 9 9955HX.
Performance Improvements
The new Fire Range CPU boasts 16 Zen 5 cores and includes a Radeon 610M integrated GPU. While this integrated GPU may not be very powerful, the MS-A2 does support discrete graphics cards. However, because of its compact chassis, the PCIe 4.0 x8 slot in this PC is limited to a single-slot, low-profile GPU.
Storage and Memory
One of the key features of the MS-A2 is its retention of the two M.2 slots from its predecessor. Of these, one slot is a PCIe 4.0 x4 (with a 2 TB Samsung 990 Pro currently priced at $169.99 on Amazon), while the other operates on a 3.0 x4 interface. In terms of memory, the new Minisforum SFF PC pairs the Ryzen 9 9955HX with DDR5 SO-DIMM RAM, supporting speeds of up to 5200 MT/s.
Connectivity Options
The Minisforum MS-A2 offers a solid array of connectivity ports, including Bluetooth 5.2 and WiFi 6E for wireless connections. From what was showcased, the design of the MS-A2 seems quite similar to the MS-A1, featuring a slim and compact chassis measuring 196 x 189 x 48 mm. Minisforum has also indicated that there will be a variant featuring the Ryzen 9 7845HX, but specific details about pricing and availability have yet to be disclosed.
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Tags: Minisforum MS-A2, Ryzen 9 9955HX, Small Form Factor PC