Reviewing the Minisforum MS-01

Hello everyone, welcome to my latest live broadcast! Today is January 12th, 2024, and I've got an exciting product to review: the Minisforum MS-01, a mini workstation that has caught my attention. When we think there's nothing new to review, a product like this surprises me. Let's dive into the details of this mini workstation.

First up, let’s talk about what a workstation is. Unlike regular PCs, workstations are high-end machines designed for professionals like architects and engineers. They are equipped to handle intense tasks such as drawing up building plans or designing automobile engines.

Minisforum consulted professionals to design this mini workstation, and our good friend Patrick Kennedy at ServeTheHome (STH) provided valuable input. They've already reviewed it, so if you need a more business-oriented review, check out their video. I’ll be taking a more practical, end-user approach today.

Let's look at the hardware. On the front, we have two USB 2.0 ports, one USB 3.0 port, a 3.5mm audio jack, and a power button. The ventilation is on the top and bottom. The back hosts dual 10Gb SFP+ ports, dual 2.5Gb Ethernet ports, dual USB 4.0 ports, HDMI out, two more USB 3.0 ports, and a Barrel Jack power connector. This machine is packed for performance and connectivity.

In terms of connectivity, the MS-01 is designed to handle demanding business applications with ease. It's powered by an Intel Core i9-13900H, providing a significant boost in performance. The machine supports up to 96GB of RAM and features three NVMe slots offering various configurations including U.2 slots for high-capacity storage.

We opened the unit to take a closer look. The RAM slots, cooling fan, and Wi-Fi card are easily accessible. The 13900H processor allows for efficient multi-tasking and high-speed data transfers.

When it comes to unboxing, the power brick provided is a 180-watt unit, necessary to power such a robust workstation. It’s crucial to label this brick to avoid confusion with similar units.

Now, on to the interesting part: installing the RAM and storage devices. We upgraded the RAM to 96GB using two 48GB DDR5 sticks. The MS-01 also supports three storage types: a standard 2280 NVMe, a longer 110mm NVMe, and a U.2 drive for higher capacities.

We ran performance tests using CrystalDiskMark and verified the impressive results. The pre-installed Kingston NVMe drive delivered high read/write speeds, ideal for business applications.

In BIOS, we explored various settings related to CPU, power limits, and network configurations. This machine is highly customizable and suited for specific professional use cases.

In conclusion, the Minisforum MS-01 is a powerful, compact workstation perfect for demanding professional environments. A big thanks to Minisforum for providing this unit for review. Stay tuned for more content soon!

Keywords

Minisforum MS-01
Mini workstation
Professional applications
Intel Core i9-13900H
SFP+ ports
Ethernet ports
USB 4.0
High-capacity storage
RAM upgrade
NVMe slots
U.2 drives

FAQ

Q1: What makes the Minisforum MS-01 different from a regular PC?

The MS-01 is designed as a high-end workstation for professionals such as architects and engineers, equipped to handle sophisticated and power-intensive tasks.

Q2: What types of connectivity options does the Minisforum MS-01 offer?

The MS-01 features dual 10Gb SFP+ ports, dual 2.5Gb Ethernet ports, dual USB 4.0 ports, HDMI out, and multiple USB 3.0 ports, making it versatile for various professional uses.

Q3: How easy is it to upgrade the RAM and storage in the Minisforum MS-01?

The unit supports up to 96GB of RAM and has three NVMe slots, including support for U.2 drives. Upgrading involves standard, accessible slots making it user-friendly.

Q4: What kind of power supply does the MS-01 use?

The system uses a 180-watt power brick, which is necessary to power its robust components. Labeling the power brick can help avoid confusion with similar power units.

Q5: What is the BIOS like on the Minisforum MS-01?

The BIOS is highly customizable, offering settings for CPU, power limits, and network configurations. It features options suited for specific professional use cases.

Q6: Is the MS-01 suitable for video editing?

Yes, the combination of integrated Intel Iris XE Graphics and high-capacity RAM make it a good choice for tasks like video editing, offering a significant performance boost.

Q7: How does the Minisforum MS-01 handle heat management?

The MS-01 features ample ventilation on the top and bottom panels. However, removing heat sinks from some drives might be necessary to accommodate all components properly.

Q8: What chipset does the Minisforum MS-01 use?

The MS-01 utilizes the Raptor Lake P chipset, an integrated PCH suitable for the Intel Core i9-13900H mobile SKU.

Q9: What's the main use case for USB 4.0 ports on this workstation?

USB 4.0 ports can be used for transferring data at high speeds (up to 40Gbps) and for connecting additional monitors via USB-to-DisplayPort adapters.

Q10: How does the U.2 slot benefit the MS-01?

The U.2 slot offers higher storage capacity and improved multitasking capabilities, making it ideal for heavy-data applications and professional-grade tasks.