Minisforum Unveils MS-R1: A Groundbreaking ARM Mini-PC with PCIe x16 Slot
The landscape of personal computing is on the cusp of a fascinating transformation, and Chinese tech innovator Minisforum is boldly leading the charge. Their latest creation, the MS-R1, officially breaks cover as their inaugural ARM-based system boasting a coveted PCIe x16 slot. This development arrives at a time when the allure of ARM architecture for desktop and high-performance computing is escalating, largely fueled by the insatiable demand for AI processing power.
A Compact Powerhouse with Ample Expansion
What immediately sets the MS-R1 apart is its striking duality: an impressively compact chassis, a mere 1.7 liters in volume, yet featuring the extraordinary capability of accommodating a discrete graphics card. This fusion of portability and expandability is a genuine rarity in the ARM-centric market, offering enthusiasts and professionals unprecedented flexibility.
Under the Hood: CIX CP8180 and AI Prowess
At the heart of this innovative machine lies the 12-core CIX CP8180 system-on-chip. This powerhouse integrates eight Cortex-A720 cores and four Cortex-A520 cores, complemented by an Immortalis-G720 MC10 GPU. The CPU can ramp up its clock speed to an impressive 2.6 GHz, all while maintaining a modest 28W TDP. Crucially, it boasts a formidable AI computation capability of up to 45 TOPS, with its dedicated Neural Processing Unit (NPU) contributing a substantial 28.8 TOPS to this figure. This makes the MS-R1 a compelling proposition for AI development and deployment.
Memory, Storage, and the UEFI Advantage
The MS-R1 is designed to handle demanding workloads, supporting up to a generous 64GB of LPDDR5 ECC RAM clocked at 5500 MT/s. For storage, the baseline configuration includes a 1TB SSD, but this can be expanded significantly up to 8TB via M.2 or U.2 slots, catering to vast data needs. A particularly noteworthy feature is the MS-R1's UEFI boot support. This is a monumental leap for ARM mini-PCs, simplifying the installation and operation of mainstream operating systems like Linux without the usual labyrinth of complex configurations. Getting started is as simple as inserting a USB drive and selecting your desired OS.
The PCIe x16 Slot: A Gateway to Versatility
The headline feature, the physical PCIe x16 slot (operating at x8 bandwidth), opens a universe of possibilities. While the compact nature of the chassis precludes the installation of behemoths like an RTX 5090, it readily accommodates discrete GPUs, high-speed network adapters, or U.2 storage drives. This empowers users to tailor their systems for a wide array of tasks, from cutting-edge AI model training and research to sophisticated 3D rendering and video editing. Minisforum themselves herald this as a significant breakthrough for ARM desktops, aiming to smooth the transition for developers, researchers, and tech enthusiasts embracing the ARM architecture.
Connectivity and Availability
Connectivity is robust, featuring dual 10 Gigabit Ethernet ports, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, a selection of high-speed USB ports, and an HDMI output, ensuring seamless integration into any modern setup.
Pricing and Early Bird Offers
The Minisforum MS-R1 officially goes on sale on November 10, 2025, and is available directly through Minisforum's official store. The entry-level model, equipped with 32GB of RAM and no storage, is priced at $503. For those seeking maximum performance, the top-tier configuration with 64GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD comes in at $695.90. Both models are backed by a one-year warranty. It's crucial to note that these are introductory prices for early adopters, and Minisforum indicates they will increase after the initial batch, which has already been fully reserved, highlighting the immense interest in this groundbreaking device.
Comments (0)
There are no comments for now