Tag: Ryzen 9 9955HX

  • Minisforum MS-A2 Discounted to $559 with AMD Ryzen APU

    Minisforum MS-A2 Discounted to $559 with AMD Ryzen APU

    Key Takeaways

    1. The price of the MS-A2 mini-PC has been reduced from $639 to $559 for a barebones unit with no included memory.
    2. Customers can now configure the MS-A2 with a Ryzen 9 9955HX for $799, down from $999.
    3. The starting price for the MS-A2 on Minisforum’s website and Amazon is currently $599.
    4. Prices for pre-configured units have increased significantly, with the Ryzen 9 7945HX model now costing $919 and the Ryzen 9 9955HX at $1,199.
    5. The MS-A2 was initially released with a maximum of 64 GB of RAM and has since had updates for more flexible memory options.

    Minisforum has quietly reduced the price of its MS-A2 mini-PC. Released in April, the MS-A2 was initially offered with a maximum of 64 GB of RAM. Then in August, the company made updates to the device, giving it more flexible memory options from the factory.

    Price Changes and Specifications

    Now, six months later, the MS-A2 is available with discounted barebones units. At first, the MS-A2 could be purchased for as low as $639, featuring AMD’s Ryzen 9 7945HX processor, along with 32 GB of RAM and 1 TB of storage. Currently, the price has been slashed to $559, although this comes with the removal of any included memory.

    In contrast, customers can choose to configure the MS-A2 with a Ryzen 9 9955HX as a barebones unit for $799, down from its original price of $999. These prices are visible on both Minisforum’s website and Amazon, with the MS-A2 starting at $599 on both platforms.

    Rising Costs of Pre-configured Units

    Sadly, the cost of pre-configured units has seen a significant increase since last year. As it stands now, Minisforum provides the Ryzen 9 7945HX, along with 32 GB of RAM and 1 TB of storage for $919. On the other hand, the Ryzen 9 9955HX costs $1,199 with the same memory setup. For more details, check out Minisforum’s website and our review of the MS-A2.

    In summary, the MS-A2 can be configured with the Ryzen 9 9955HX barebones for $799, reduced from $999. These price updates are consistent across Minisforum’s site and Amazon, with the starting price for the MS-A2 currently at $599 on both sites.

    Conclusion

    Unfortunately, pre-configured unit prices have dramatically risen since last year. Currently, Minisforum lists the Ryzen 9 7945HX, 32 GB of RAM, and 1 TB of storage at $919, while the Ryzen 9 9955HX configuration is available for $1,199. For more detailed information, please visit Minisforum’s website and see our review of the MS-A2.

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  • XMG Launches 17-Inch Apex Laptop with Ryzen 9 9955HX and RTX 5060

    XMG Launches 17-Inch Apex Laptop with Ryzen 9 9955HX and RTX 5060

    Key Takeaways

    1. Powerful AMD Processor: The Apex 17 M25 features the Ryzen 9 9955HX APU with 16 cores, 32 threads, and speeds up to 5.4 GHz, offering significant performance improvements over Intel’s older processors.

    2. Budget-Friendly Choice: It comes with the RTX 5060 dGPU, making it a more affordable option for gamers, with plans to introduce the RTX 5070 in early 2026.

    3. Excellent Display and Connectivity: The laptop features a 2,560 x 1,440 IPS display with a 240 Hz refresh rate and full RGB coverage, plus multiple high-speed ports for connectivity.

    4. Compact and Lightweight Design: The chassis is smaller than the Focus 17, made of aluminum, weighing about 2.8 kg, and includes a full-size RGB keyboard and spacious touchpad.

    5. Starting Price and Availability: The Apex 17 M25 starts at €1,699 for the base configuration and is available for pre-order, with discounts available until December 2nd.

    XMG is refreshing its Apex gaming laptop series with a new 17-inch model that shares similarities with this year’s Focus 17 but is equipped with AMD’s newest mobile APUs. For now, this model will feature only the RTX 5060 dGPU, although XMG plans to introduce an RTX 5070 option in Q1 2026.

    Powerful AMD Processor

    The new Apex 17 M25 distinguishes itself from the earlier Focus 17, which came with Intel’s older Raptor Lake/-Refresh processors. Instead, it uses AMD’s high-end Ryzen 9 9955HX APU. This chip has 16 Zen 5 cores and 32 threads, along with a 64 MB L3 cache, and can reach speeds up to 5.4 GHz. While it resembles the desktop Ryzen 9000 series, it comes with a Radeon 610M iGPU, and the TDP is capped at a maximum of 75 W. Users can also upgrade to a whopping 128 GB DDR5-5600 RAM and have up to 16 TB of PCIe 4.0 SSD storage through two M.2 slots.

    Budget-Friendly Choice

    The RTX 5060 dGPU, which has a maximum TGP of 115 W and features a MUX switch, is a step down from the RTX 5070 Ti found in the Focus 17. Nevertheless, this makes the model a more appealing option for gamers on a budget. XMG has also promised to offer the RTX 5070 option in the near future.

    Excellent Display and Connectivity

    In terms of display, it boasts the same panel as the Focus 17, featuring a 2,560 x 1,440 IPS screen with a 240 Hz refresh rate, a peak brightness of 300 nits, and full 100% DCI-P3/sRGB coverage. Additionally, XMG has integrated an FHD webcam with temporal noise reduction and a physical shutter above the screen.

    As is common with XMG laptops, the Apex 17 M25 offers high-speed ports located on its rear side, including Gigabit Ethernet, HDMI 2.1 (48 Gbps), USB-C 3.2 Gen2 with DisplayPort 1.4a, and the power supply connector. On the sides, you’ll find additional ports like USB-A 3.2 Gen2 and Gen1, a combo audio jack for headsets and microphones, plus another USB-C 3.2 Gen2 with DisplayPort 2.1 (DP40) and 100 W Power Delivery. Wireless capabilities are provided through a Wi-Fi 6E + BT 5.3 card.

    Compact and Lightweight Design

    The chassis has a slightly smaller footprint compared to the Focus 17, measuring 402 x 265 x 28.6 mm. The display lid is made of aluminum, and the laptop weighs approximately 2.8 kg. The battery capacity remains steady at 73 Wh. The larger chassis allows for a full-size RGB keyboard featuring arrow keys and a numpad, along with a more spacious 150 x 90 mm touchpad.

    XMG has set the starting price for the Apex 17 M25 at €1,699, which includes a base configuration of 16 (2 x 8) GB DDR5-5600 RAM and a 1 TB SSD. This model is currently available for pre-order and is expected to be in stock by the end of November. As part of the ongoing BLACK DEALS promotion, bestware.com is offering a 5 percent discount on the Apex 17 until December 2nd, bringing the price down to €1,614.05.

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    XMG Launches 17-Inch Apex Laptop with Ryzen 9 9955HX and RTX 5060XMG Launches 17-Inch Apex Laptop with Ryzen 9 9955HX and RTX 5060XMG Launches 17-Inch Apex Laptop with Ryzen 9 9955HX and RTX 5060XMG Launches 17-Inch Apex Laptop with Ryzen 9 9955HX and RTX 5060XMG Launches 17-Inch Apex Laptop with Ryzen 9 9955HX and RTX 5060

     

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  • Asus ROG Strix G18 2025 Review: RTX 5070 Laptop GPU Pricey at €2300

    Asus ROG Strix G18 2025 Review: RTX 5070 Laptop GPU Pricey at €2300

    Key Takeaways

    1. The ROG Strix G18 is an 18-inch gaming laptop from Asus, offering a more budget-friendly alternative to the premium Strix SCAR series.
    2. It features a powerful AMD Ryzen 9 9955HX processor, 32 GB of RAM, a 1 TB SSD, and a 240 Hz IPS display, but lacks the latest Wi-Fi 7 standard.
    3. The Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 Laptop GPU provides decent performance, but only slightly surpasses the older RTX 4070 Laptop, with 8 GB of VRAM, which may lead to gaming issues at WQHD resolution.
    4. The laptop’s configuration is unbalanced, ideally needing a GeForce RTX 5070 Ti with 12 GB of VRAM paired with a less powerful CPU for better performance.
    5. While quieter than many competitors at 50 dB(A) under load, the cooling system runs constantly, even during light tasks.

    The ROG Strix G18 is a sizable gaming laptop from Asus, measuring 18 inches, and it offers a more budget-friendly option in comparison to the premium Strix SCAR series. We recently reviewed a setup priced at 2299 Euros, featuring a top-notch AMD processor (Ryzen 9 9955HX), paired with 32 GB of RAM, a 1 TB SSD, and a quick 240 Hz IPS display. Additional features include USB 4.0, a fast PCIe 5.0 interface for speedy SSDs, Advanced Optimus GPU switching, and G-Sync; however, it does not come with the latest Wi-Fi 7 standard.

    Graphics Performance

    Despite its strengths, this laptop is equipped with the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 Laptop GPU. This version boasts a TGP of 115 Watts, making it the most powerful in its class, but its performance is only marginally better than the older RTX 4070 Laptop, and the VRAM is again limited to 8 GB. When you consider the WQHD resolution of the display, this can lead to problems during gaming (like in Indiana Jones or Call of Duty Black Ops 6), which is particularly noticeable with frame drops. We have previously mentioned this concern in our review of the new RTX 5070 Laptop GPU.

    Configuration Concerns

    In our full review, we highlighted the unbalanced setup, noting the extremely powerful AMD processor. Ideally, we would have preferred the faster GeForce RTX 5070 Ti Laptop (with 12 GB of VRAM) paired with a slightly less powerful CPU option. Additionally, we have some concerns about the cooling system. At approximately 50 dB(A) under load, the Strix G18 is quieter than many competitors, but the fans tend to run constantly, even during light tasks.

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  • Minisforum MS-A2 Mini-PC Launches with Up to 96GB RAM Options

    Minisforum MS-A2 Mini-PC Launches with Up to 96GB RAM Options

    Key Takeaways

    1. Minisforum updated the MS-A2 mini workstation, now featuring only the Intel Core Ultra 9 285H processor and up to 128 GB of RAM.
    2. The Ryzen 9 7945HX models have been removed from availability, with no current plans for their return.
    3. The starting price for the MS-A2 has increased from $639 to $871 for the barebones unit with Ryzen 9 9955HX.
    4. New configurations allow for a maximum of 96 GB of RAM and 2 TB of storage, with the highest setup priced at $1,295.
    5. Minisforum plans to start shipping new MS-A2 orders by August 10.

    Minisforum has made a quiet update to its MS-A2 mini workstation, just a few days after it started offering the M1 Pro worldwide, which features an Intel Core Ultra 9 285H processor and up to 128 GB of RAM. To summarize, the MS-A2 was first revealed in late April, providing options between AMD’s Ryzen 9 7945HX and Ryzen 9 9955HX processors. We recently reviewed the mini-PC with the Ryzen 9 9955HX paired with 32 GB of RAM, but that RAM capacity was only available in conjunction with the Ryzen 9 7945HX.

    Changes in Availability

    Now, Minisforum has completely removed all Ryzen 9 7945HX models, at least for the moment. The company’s website states that customers can sign up for notifications when barebone and 32 GB RAM/1 TB SSD versions featuring the Ryzen 9 7945HX become available again. However, there are no current signs from Minisforum suggesting that this will happen anytime soon.

    Pricing Adjustments

    Because of this, the starting price for the MS-A2 has increased from $639 to $871 for a barebones unit with the Ryzen 9 9955HX. This price change marks an almost 4% rise since April, when it was introduced at $839. Additionally, since Minisforum is not currently offering 1 TB SSD configurations either, the least expensive pre-built MS-A2 setup is now about 8% more expensive than it was a few months ago, priced at $1,191, which includes 64 GB of RAM and 2 TB of storage. Interestingly, a Ryzen 9 9955HX model with 64 GB of RAM and a 1 TB SSD is still available through Minisforum on Amazon for $1,135.

    New Configurations Available

    On top of that, the MS-A2 can now be set up with a maximum of 96 GB of RAM and 2 TB of storage, which was not an option at first. However, this upgrade raises the cost of the mini-PC to $1,295. Minisforum is currently aiming to start shipping new MS-A2 orders by August 10. For more details on the MS-A2 and its performance with AMD’s Ryzen 9 9955HX APU, take a look at our review from last month.

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    Minisforum MS-A2 Mini-PC Launches with Up to 96GB RAM OptionsMinisforum MS-A2 Mini-PC Launches with Up to 96GB RAM Options

     

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  • XMG Neo 16 E25 Review: Top Gaming Laptop with G-Sync Issues

    XMG Neo 16 E25 Review: Top Gaming Laptop with G-Sync Issues

    Key Takeaways

    1. The XMG Neo 16 features a split motherboard and offers high-end Intel and AMD processors for superior performance.
    2. Its advanced cooling system allows it to maximize Nvidia’s new Blackwell GPUs, reducing noise and emissions under heavy loads.
    3. The optional mini LED display provides outstanding visual quality with a 300 Hz refresh rate and full P3 color space coverage.
    4. Critiques include the lack of Wi-Fi 7, Thunderbolt 5, and Advanced Optimus graphics switching, which raises concerns given its high price.
    5. Despite some flaws, the Neo 16 E25 is considered one of the fastest gaming laptops available, appealing to both gamers and content creators.

    The XMG Neo 16 is a premium gaming laptop that has received multiple enhancements for 2025. It boasts a revamped internal architecture featuring a split motherboard. In addition to housing the latest Intel Core Ultra 9 2775HX, the Neo 16 is also offered with AMD’s high-end Ryzen 9 9955HX and 9955HX3D processors. Furthermore, it includes a PCIe 5.0 slot for top-tier SSDs.

    Performance and Cooling System

    With its advanced cooling setup, the Neo 16 can take full advantage of Nvidia’s new Blackwell GPUs, making it one of the quickest laptops in our synthetic tests, even without the use of external water cooling. This effectively lowers emissions and fan noise while providing the processor with extra breathing room, especially under heavy CPU and GPU loads. Nevertheless, the raw GPU capabilities remain the same, as the Neo 16 consumes the entire 175 watts of TGP, even when in standard fan mode. An additional perk is that the Ryzen CPUs can be paired with the fastest graphics cards, which is often not possible with other brands. We expect to receive a Neo 16 featuring the Ryzen 9 9955HX3D and the RTX 5090 laptop GPU soon, which should enhance gaming performance even further.

    Display Features

    A significant upgrade is the optional mini LED display, which excels in almost every area. The subjective visual quality of the matte panel is outstanding: it is remarkably bright, and the smooth playback is supported by a 300 Hz refresh rate. Local dimming can be turned off, which is beneficial for image editing tasks. The P3 color space is completely covered, and pre-calibrated color profiles for sRGB and P3 are available, although the two P3 profiles do have minor color discrepancies. Nonetheless, we managed to significantly enhance these profiles through our own calibration (the respective color profiles can be downloaded for free in our Neo 16 review).

    Critiques and Considerations

    However, the XMG Neo 16 does have its flaws. It is missing Wi-Fi 7 and Thunderbolt 5. The absence of Advanced Optimus graphics switching and G-Sync support for the internal display is concerning, particularly given the high price tag. Although a MUX switch is present, turning off the iGPU necessitates a system restart. XMG is currently collaborating with Nvidia to address this issue, and their transparent communication is commendable, as they provide extensive updates about the problem on their website. However, there is no assurance that these two features will be integrated in the future.

    In conclusion, the Neo 16 E25 remains one of the top and fastest gaming laptops on the market today. With the new mini-LED display, it has also become appealing to content creators, adding to its versatility.

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    XMG Neo 16 E25 Review: Top Gaming Laptop with G-Sync Issues
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  • Minisforum MS-A2 Early Discount: Now $639 with AMD Ryzen APU

    Minisforum MS-A2 Early Discount: Now $639 with AMD Ryzen APU

    Key Takeaways

    1. The MS-A2 mini-PC was launched by Minisforum at Japan IT Week Spring 2025 and is set to replace the MS-A1 model.
    2. The MS-A2 features premium, non-removable laptop APUs, with the Ryzen 9 9955HX as the standout option, offering 16 CPU cores and a Radeon 610M integrated GPU.
    3. A budget-friendly alternative, the Ryzen 9 7945HX, is also available, though it lags behind the 9955HX by about 38% in benchmarks.
    4. The MS-A2 is priced at $799 for a version with 32 GB of RAM and 1 TB of storage, with an additional $30 discount available using coupon code MSA230.
    5. The MS-A2 includes a PCIe x16 slot for users who want to add a desktop graphics card, enhancing its performance potential.

    Minisforum has just launched the MS-A2 mini-PC, which was showcased earlier this month at Japan IT Week Spring 2025 in Tokyo. The MS-A2 is set to take over from the MS-A1 (currently priced at $239.99 on Amazon). This previous model was introduced less than a year ago and featured an AMD Socket AM5 motherboard, later upgraded in December with the Ryzen 9 9950X.

    New Features and Specs

    In contrast to its predecessor, the MS-A2 is equipped with premium laptop APUs that are non-removable. As mentioned previously, the standout choice is the Ryzen 9 9955HX, boasting 16 CPU cores based on AMD’s Zen 5 architecture, along with the Radeon 610M integrated GPU. While the integrated graphics may not be the strongest, the MS-A2 also comes with a PCIe x16 slot that supports PCIe 4.0 x8 bandwidth, allowing users to add a desktop graphics card if they desire.

    Alternative Options

    Additionally, Minisforum is offering the MS-A2 with the more budget-friendly Ryzen 9 7945HX. To give you some context, the older Dragon Range APU lags behind the Ryzen 9 9955HX by around 38% in our benchmarks. Nonetheless, the Ryzen 9 7945HX is still a robust choice, currently starting at $639 in its barebones configuration, which represents a 23.8% discount compared to the Ryzen 9 9955HX model.

    Pricing and Discounts

    At this time, Minisforum also provides a version of the MS-A2 that includes 32 GB of RAM and 1 TB of storage for $799. As of now, using the coupon code MSA230 will give an additional $30 discount off the already reduced launch price of the MS-A2. For further information, you can check our original article on the MS-A2 launch and visit Minisforum’s official website.

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    Minisforum MS-A2 Early Discount: Now $639 with AMD Ryzen APU

     

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  • Minisforum MS-A2 Debuts Worldwide with Ryzen 9 HX CPU and dGPU

    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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    Minisforum MS-A2 Debuts Worldwide with Ryzen 9 HX CPU and dGPUMinisforum MS-A2 Debuts Worldwide with Ryzen 9 HX CPU and dGPU

     

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  • Minisforum DeskMini F1FGM Micro-ATX with Ryzen 9 9955HX Preview

    Minisforum DeskMini F1FGM Micro-ATX with Ryzen 9 9955HX Preview

    Key Takeaways

    1. Minisforum is launching a new product, the DeskMini F1FGM, in the Mobile on Desktop (MoDT) market in 2025.
    2. The DeskMini F1FGM features the Ryzen 9 9955HX processor with 16 Zen 5 cores, capable of reaching 5.4 GHz.
    3. The Ryzen 9 9955HX has a configurable thermal design power (TDP) from 55 to 75 W, with plans to push it to 160 W for enhanced performance.
    4. The DeskMini F1FGM includes four DDR5 RAM slots and supports a mix of PCIe 4.0 and PCIe 5.0 expansion ports, along with five SSD slots.
    5. The official release of the DeskMini F1FGM is expected in the second half of 2025, with pricing and availability still uncertain.

    Minisforum is gearing up to make a comeback in the Mobile on Desktop (MoDT) market with an exciting new product. Just to remind you, back in late 2023, they launched the BD770i, which came equipped with a Ryzen 7 7745HX processor, dual-channel DDR5 RAM, and a couple of PCIe 5.0 M.2 slots. Following that, they released the BD790i, featuring the more robust Ryzen 9 7945HX, which is currently priced at $539 on Amazon. This processor also belongs to the same Dragon Range series as the Ryzen 7 7745HX.

    New Developments in 2025

    Jumping ahead to 2025, PC Watch has discovered that Minisforum is displaying a new MoDT motherboard at Japan IT Week in Tokyo. The DeskMini F1FGM, as shown in the image below, is powered by AMD’s latest Fire Range series processor, the Ryzen 9 9955HX. This chip boasts 16 Zen 5 CPU cores that can reach an impressive 5.4 GHz. The Ryzen 9 9955HX features a configurable thermal design power (TDP) ranging from 55 to 75 W by default and is crafted using a 4 nm FinFET process to enhance energy efficiency.

    Performance Enhancements

    PC Watch suggests that Minisforum aims to push the Ryzen 9 9955HX to a much higher level of 160 W, claiming it will deliver desktop-like performance. To accommodate this elevated TDP, the company has integrated a custom heat spreader made of aluminium and copper. Despite being a mobile processor, the Ryzen 9 9955HX will be installed in the DeskMini F1FGM with four slots for DDR5 UDIMM RAM. It’s important to note that the Ryzen 9 9955HX is not designed to be user-replaceable.

    In other specs, the DeskMini F1FGM will feature PCIe 4.0 x16 and PCIe 5.0 x16 expansion ports, along with capacity for five SSDs. This includes a mix of 2x SATA 3.0, 2x M.2 2280 Gen 4, and 1x M.2 2280 Gen 5 slots. At this time, pricing and availability are still uncertain. Nevertheless, PC Watch mentions that the DeskMini F1FGM is expected to be officially released “around the second half of 2025.”

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    Minisforum DeskMini F1FGM Micro-ATX with Ryzen 9 9955HX Preview
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  • Minisforum MS-A2 Launches with AMD Ryzen 9 HX and dGPU Support

    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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    Minisforum MS-A2 Launches with AMD Ryzen 9 HX and dGPU Support

     

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  • MSI Vector A18 HX Launches with AMD Fire Range CPU & RTX 50 GPU

    MSI Vector A18 HX Launches with AMD Fire Range CPU & RTX 50 GPU

    In the vast landscape of Intel Arrow Lake-HX gaming laptops, the MSI Vector A18 HX stands out with its AMD Fire Range CPU, offering a refreshing alternative. However, this model does not feature the highly sought-after X3D SKU. Instead, it is equipped with the Ryzen 9 9955HX. Alternatively, there is the enigmatic Ryzen 9 8945HX, which AMD didn’t showcase during CES 2025.

    Graphics Options

    Regrettably, users will not be able to combine their new Fire Range GPU with a GeForce RTX 5090. Instead, they must settle for either the 16 GB GeForce RTX 5080 or the 12 GB GeForce RTX 5070 Ti.

    Memory and Connectivity

    Once again, MSI has failed to specify the memory and storage options for the MSI Vector A18 HX. This will probably differ from one SKU to another, but having at least 32 GB of DDR5 would seem essential, considering the price of the Ryzen 9. The laptop offers 1x PCIe Gen 4 and 1x PCIe Gen 5 SSD slots. For connectivity, it features two USB 4.0 ports, three USB 3.2 Type-A ports, an SD card reader, an HDMI 2.1 port, and a 3.5 mm combo audio jack.

    Display and Additional Features

    The MSI Vector A18 HX sports a 16-inch QHD+ (2,560 x 1,600) IPS LCD display that refreshes at a speedy 240 Hz. Additional features include a 1080p webcam, a robust 99.9 Wh battery, 2.5G Ethernet (available only on select models), four 2 Watt speakers, a 26-zone RGB keyboard, and a physical privacy shutter for the webcam.

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