The MINISFORUM MS-01 is one of the most ambitious and complete mini PCs on the market. It offers enterprise-level connectivity, high-performance processors, and expandability that no competitor in its size range can match.
For professionals, homelabs, and compact servers, it's hard to beat.
✅ Pros:
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Brutal network connectivity: 2x 10GbE SFP+ + 2x 2.5GbE RJ45
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Supports up to 3x M.2 NVMe or U.2 enterprise SSDs (up to 24TB)
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PCIe 4.0 x16 slot for external GPU
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WiFi 6E + integrated Bluetooth
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Compatible with Intel vPRO and advanced virtualization
❌ Cons:
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No dedicated GPU included
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External power brick (180W)
👉 See PRICES for the MINISFORUM MS-01 mini PC
📦 Unboxing and Box Contents
The MS-01 arrives in sturdy, well-protected packaging. Inside you'll find the mini PC itself, the 19V/9.47A (180W) power adapter, the power cable, and basic documentation.
The adapter is noticeably large for a device of this size, something that several users have pointed out as an inconvenience, especially if you buy several in a cluster.
HDMI and SFP+ cables are not included in the base box.
🔧 Key Technical Specifications
| Component | i9-13900H | i5-12600H |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Intel Core i9-13900H, 14C/20T, up to 5.4 GHz | Intel Core i5-12600H, 12C/16T, up to 4.5 GHz |
| Integrated GPU | Intel Iris Xe, up to 1.5 GHz | Intel Iris Xe, up to 1.45 GHz |
| RAM | DDR5 5200 MHz, 2x SODIMM, up to 96 GB | DDR5 4800 MHz, 2x SODIMM, up to 64 GB |
| Storage | 3x M.2 NVMe (PCIe 4.0/3.0) + U.2 SSD, up to 24TB | Equal |
| wired network | 2x 10 GbE SFP+ + 2x 2.5 GbE RJ45 | Equal |
| WiFi | WiFi 6E (802.11ax) + Bluetooth | Equal |
| Video outputs | 1x HDMI 4K@60Hz + 2x USB4 (8K@30Hz / 4K@144Hz) | Equal |
| USB | 3x front USB + 2x rear USB + 2x USB4 | Equal |
| External PCIe | PCIe 4.0 x16 (supported up to RTX A2000 Mobile) | Equal |
| Security | Intel vPRO, hardware-level protection | Equal |
| SW | Windows 11 Pro/Linux supported | Equal |
| Feeding | 19V / 9.47A — 180W | Equal |
| Dimensions | 196 x 189 x 48 mm approx. | Equal |
| Weight | ~1.36 kg | Equal |
🎨 Design and Construction Quality
Minisforum MS-01 mini PC
The MS-01 has an industrial and professional look: a matte black aluminum chassis, side-ventilated panels, and a quick-release lever on top that allows tool-free access to the interior. It's compact for what it offers, but it's not the smallest mini PC on the market: it's thicker than a conventional NUC precisely to accommodate the PCIe slot, heatsinks, and additional ports.
The build quality feels solid. There's no noticeable flex in the chassis, the rear connectors are well-aligned, and the front panel has conveniently accessible USB and audio ports. Whether for an office desktop or a compact rack, its presence is discreet yet robust.
🖥️ Screen and Multimedia
The MS-01 offers very generous video output options for its class. It features one HDMI port (4K at 60 Hz) and two USB4 ports that support up to 8K at 30 Hz or 4K at 144 Hz, allowing you to connect up to three monitors simultaneously. This makes it ideal for multi-monitor setups in work or editing environments.
It has no built-in speakers or external audio jack, so audio is handled through displays connected via HDMI/USB4 or via USB-C/Bluetooth adapters.
⚡ Performance and Software
The i9-13900H is a hybrid processor with 6 high-performance cores (P-cores, up to 5.4 GHz) and 8 efficiency cores (E-cores), placing it among the most powerful in Intel's H-series for laptops and mini PCs. In benchmarks from the ServeTheHome channel, the MS-01 consistently outperforms systems with the i7-13700H in Linux kernel compilation and 7-zip compression.
In Geekbench 6, the MS-01 shows a slight advantage over other mini PCs with the same processor thanks to a more generous cooling system than equivalent laptops. Minisforum specifies a low TDP of up to 80W, allowing the processor to maintain its turbo frequencies for longer during demanding tasks.
The system comes with Windows 11 Pro, with no significant bloatware. It is also compatible with Linux (tested with Ubuntu, Proxmox, and VMware ESXi, although ESXi has some caveats regarding hybrid CPUs).
👉 See PRICES for the MINISFORUM MS-01 mini PC
🔋 Energy Consumption and Cables
The included adapter is rated at 180W (19V/9.47A), which gives an idea of the maximum possible power consumption under full load, especially if a GPU is installed in the PCIe slot. In normal office or light server use, actual power consumption is around 15-35W according to Reddit/homelab users. Under heavy CPU load, it can reach 60-80W.
The external adapter is the most criticized aspect of the design: it's bulky, which complicates rack installations or installations in confined spaces. There's no option for internal power. If you install several in a cluster, you'll need good cable management and power strips with ample space.
🌡️ Temperature and Noise (Actual Thermal)
The MS-01's cooling system is active (internal fan) and designed to dissipate the heat from an H-series processor up to 80W without overheating the chassis. In stress tests, the processor maintains high frequencies without excessive throttling, indicating a good balance between size and cooling.
The noise is noticeable under heavy load (the fan speeds up), but in normal use it's virtually silent. Some users who install PCIe cards in the inner slot report increased heat in that area, and Minisforum has indicated that BIOS updates can help manage the TDP of add-in cards. In homelab environments where the computer runs 24/7, several users recommend ensuring good ventilation around the system.
🔌 Connectivity and Extras
Minisforum MS-01 rear ports
The MS-01's connectivity is undoubtedly its star feature and what sets it apart from any competitor in its price range:
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Network: 2x 10 GbE SFP+ (fiber optic, link aggregation), 2x 2.5 GbE RJ45 (Intel I226-LM/V), 2x USB4 with Thunderbolt Ethernet support — up to 65 Gbps total throughput
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WiFi 6E (802.11ax, 6 GHz) + integrated Bluetooth
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USB: 3x front USB-A + 2x rear USB-A + 2x USB4/Thunderbolt
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Video: 1x HDMI + 2x USB4 (3 simultaneous displays)
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Security: Intel vPRO with AMT/KVM for hardware-based remote management
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Not included: NFC, fingerprint reader, IP rating
SFP+ ports require SFP+ modules (not included), compatible with fiber optic or copper (DAC cables). For home networks with 10GbE switches, they are a very stable solution with lower latency than RJ45 at that speed.
🔧 Expansion and Upgrades
One of the great strengths of the MS-01 is its internal expandability, unusual in such a compact form factor:
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RAM: 2 SODIMM DDR5 slots. The i9-13900H supports up to 96 GB (2x48 GB); the i5-12600H up to 64 GB. Compatibility should be considered: crashes have been reported with some 96 GB Crucial (2x48 GB) kits in certain batches.
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Primary SSD: M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 slot (up to 7,000 MB/s read speed). Easily replaceable.
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Secondary and third SSDs: Supports up to 3x M.2 NVMe (2280 and 22110 form factors). The two upper slots are PCIe 3.0.
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U.2 Enterprise: With the included adapter, you can install a high-capacity U.2 NVMe SSD (up to 15+ TB per drive). Total capacity up to 24 TB.
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RAID: Supports RAID 0 (speed) and RAID 1 (redundancy/security).
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External GPU: Physical PCIe 4.0 x16 slot (electrical x8) compatible with low-profile cards such as the RTX 3050 or RTX A2000 Mobile. Does not support native branching (you cannot split the slot into multiple x4 devices without an active PCIe switch adapter).
👉 See PRICES for the MINISFORUM MS-01 mini PC
🆚 Comparison with Direct Competitors
| Feature | MINISFORUM MS-01 (i9-13900H) | MINISFORUM MS-A2 | Beelink SER9 (Ryzen 9) | Intel NUC 13 Pro |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CPU | Intel Core i9-13900H | Intel Core Ultra 9 185H | AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS | Intel Core i7-1360P |
| max RAM | 96 GB DDR5 | 96 GB DDR5 | 64 GB DDR5 | 64 GB DDR5 |
| 10 GbE | ✅ 2x SFP+ | ✅ 2x SFP+ | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe GPU Slot | ✅ PCIe 4.0 x16 | ✅ PCIe 5.0 x16 | ❌ | ❌ |
| U.2 / 3x M.2 | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ (2x M.2) | ❌ (2x M.2) |
| WiFi 6E | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| vPRO / AMT | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Base price | ~€885 (barebone) | ~€900 (barebone) | ~€550 (32GB/1TB) | ~700 € (barebone) |
The MS-A2 is the natural successor with PCIe 5.0, but the MS-01 remains a more mature option with more stabilized firmware and greater availability of community documentation.
🌐 Reviews on Well-Known Pages
Opinions about the MS-01 in specialized sources are very positive, with some important nuances:
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ServeTheHome conducted a thorough analysis, highlighting that the i9-13900H consistently outperforms the i7-13700H in all tests, and that the MS-01 is one of the best mini PCs for home labs in its price range. Their main criticism was the lack of a native PCIe fork and the size of the external adapter.
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NotebookCheck rated the processor's performance as excellent for a compact form factor, noting the configurable TDP of up to 80W as key to sustained performance.
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TechRadar called it a "dream in a small package" that "tackles large workloads," highlighting network connectivity as a unique differentiator.
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Reddit r/homelab has an active thread (over 100 comments) where users with multiple drives (some with 3x MS-01 in a cluster) are evaluating its reliability for Proxmox, TrueNAS, and pfSense. The main reported problem is sporadic crashes with certain 96GB RAM kits.
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Newegg shows a rating of 4.7/5 based on 103 seller reviews, with users highlighting the build quality and virtualization performance.
🧪 Technical Tests
The tests shown below have taken as a reference the version with the i9-13900H as the protagonist, comparing it with the i5-12600H where the data is available.
🔵 1. CPU Performance — Multi-threading (Linux Kernel Compile)
| Mini PC | CPU | Compilations/hour |
|---|---|---|
| MINISFORUM MS-01 | i9-13900H | ~35-38 compilations/h |
| MINISFORUM NPB7 | i7-13700H | ~31-33 compilations/h |
| SimplyNUC Onyx v9 | i9-13900H | ~30-32 compilations/h |
This test measures the actual speed in code compilation tasks, one of the most representative scenarios for developers and CI/CD environments.
📊 Conclusion: The MS-01 with an i9-13900H achieves 10% to 15% higher performance than the i7-13700H under sustained multi-threaded workloads. Furthermore, it outperforms other systems with the same processor (such as the SimplyNUC) thanks to its superior cooling system, which prevents thermal throttling. For compiling code, processing data, or virtualizing multiple machines simultaneously, the MS-01 is clearly superior to its direct competitors.
🔵 2. CPU Performance — 7-Zip Compression
| Mini PC | CPU | MIPS (compression) | MIPS (decompression) |
|---|---|---|---|
| MINISFORUM MS-01 | i9-13900H | ~85,000 | ~95,000 |
| MINISFORUM NPB7 | i7-13700H | ~72,000 | ~82,000 |
| MINISFORUM MS-01 | i5-12600H | ~55,000 | ~62,000 |
The 7-Zip compression test is one of the most reliable benchmarks for measuring the real power of the processor in real-world scenarios (backups, transfers, file servers).
📊 Conclusion: The i9-13900H clearly dominates, offering approximately 18% more compression power than the i7-13700H. The i5-12600H, while significantly slower in multi-threaded applications, remains very capable for office use, light NAS, or home servers without extreme workloads. If your usage involves frequent backups, data compression, or streaming large files, the i9 is justified; for more moderate use, the i5 is sufficient.
🔵 3. Geekbench 6 — General CPU Performance
| Mini PC | CPU | Single-Core | Multi-Core |
|---|---|---|---|
| MINISFORUM MS-01 | i9-13900H | ~2,400-2,500 | ~13,500-14,500 |
| MINISFORUM MS-01 | i5-12600H | ~1850-1950 | ~9,500-10,500 |
| SimplyNUC Onyx v9 | i9-13900H | ~2,200-2,300 | ~12,000-12,800 |
| Beelink SER9 | Ryzen 9 7940HS | ~2,500-2,600 | ~13,000-13,800 |
Geekbench 6 measures both single-core performance (relevant for everyday apps) and total multi-core performance (virtualization, rendering, video export).
📊 Conclusion: In single-core performance, the i9-13900H and the Ryzen 9 7940HS are virtually tied. In multi-core performance, the MS-01 outperforms the same processor in other systems thanks to its increased TDP (up to 80W). If you're interested in AMD, the Beelink SER9 is a serious contender in pure CPU performance, but it falls far short in network connectivity and expandability. For everyday tasks and professional workloads, both CPUs perform excellently in the MS-01.
🔵 4. Storage — CrystalDiskMark (M.2 PCIe 4.0, main slot)
| SSD | Seq. reading | Seq. writing | 4K Reading | 4K Writing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crucial P510 (user) | 7.075 MB/s | 6.619 MB/s | ~90 MB/s | ~240 MB/s |
| Kingston OM8PGP41024N (standard) | ~4,000 MB/s | ~3,200 MB/s | ~70 MB/s | ~200 MB/s |
| M.2 PCIe 3.0 SSD (slots 2 and 3) | ~3,500 MB/s | ~3,000 MB/s | ~65 MB/s | ~180 MB/s |
The primary PCIe 4.0 slot is the fastest. The two additional M.2 slots are PCIe 3.0, sufficient for secondary storage or cold storage. The U.2 slot supports high-capacity, high-speed enterprise SSDs.
📊 Conclusion: The primary PCIe 4.0 slot is exceptional: with a quality NVMe drive like the Crucial P510 or Samsung 990 Pro, it achieves top-of-the-line speeds. The SSD included in models with storage is functional but not outstanding. If you buy the barebone version, invest in a quality NVMe PCIe 4.0 drive for the primary slot and use the secondary slots for data or RAID 1. It's the smartest configuration.
🔵 5. Network Performance — 10 GbE SFP+
| Scenery | Measured speed | Latency |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer to NAS 10GbE (iSCSI) | ~9.2 Gbps (1.15 GB/s) | <0.5 ms |
| Transfer between 2x MS-01 (iperf3) | ~9.4 Gbps | <0.3 ms |
| Link aggregation (2x SFP+, LAG) | ~18-19 Gbps | <0.5 ms |
| 2.5 GbE RJ45 Port | ~2.35 Gbps | <1 ms |
The SFP+ ports work with LC fiber optic modules or DAC (Direct Attach Copper) cables. In local area networks with a compatible 10 GbE switch, the MS-01 almost reaches the theoretical link limit.
📊 Conclusion: The MS-01's network connectivity is, without exaggeration, enterprise-grade. Two 10GbE SFP+ ports with sub-0.5ms latencies are ideal for high-performance NAS, network storage virtualization, or clustering. If your home or office network has a 10GbE switch, or you're planning to set one up, the MS-01 lets you get the most out of that investment. No other mini PC in this price range offers this.
🔵 6. Graphics Performance — Intel Iris Xe (iGPU)
| Benchmark | Result |
|---|---|
| 3DMark Time Spy | ~1,500-1,700 points |
| 3DMark Fire Strike | ~4,200-4,500 points |
| CS2 (1080p, low settings) | ~60-90 FPS |
| Cyberpunk 2077 (1080p, minimum settings) | ~18-25 FPS |
| Dolphin (GameCube 1080p) | Smooth, stable 60 FPS |
| PCSX2 (PS2, 4x native) | Smooth in most titles |
| RPCS3 (PS3, demanding titles) | 30-60 FPS depending on the game |
The i9-13900H's Iris Xe has 96 Execution Units at 1.5 GHz, making it noticeably more powerful than the i5's iGPU but not reaching the level of a mid-range dedicated GPU.
📊 Conclusion: For serious gaming, the Iris Xe falls short with modern AAA titles, but for retro emulation (up to PS3/Wii U), esports games, or light graphics work, it's perfectly functional. The great advantage of the MS-01 is that you can add a discrete GPU to the PCIe slot if you need more graphics power, something impossible in almost any other mini PC in this category.
🔵 7. Virtualization — Proxmox / VMware
| Scenery | Result |
|---|---|
| Simultaneous active VMs (Proxmox, 8GB/VM) | Up to 8-10 VMs comfortably with 64GB RAM |
| Active LXC containers (Proxmox) | 20-30 containers without a problem |
| VM disk latency over local NVMe | <0.1 ms |
| iGPU passthrough (Intel GVT-g) | Functional with manual configuration |
| ESXi 8.0 | It works with warnings on hybrid CPUs. |
Intel vPRO support with AMT (Active Management Technology) enables remote hardware access to the computer, even if the operating system is unresponsive. This is a unique feature of vPRO computers that makes a significant difference in remote management environments.
📊 Conclusion: The MS-01 is a virtualization beast. With 64-96 GB of DDR5 RAM and ultra-fast NVMe storage, it can host dozens of VMs or containers effortlessly. Its vPRO/AMT compatibility truly sets it apart from the competition in enterprise remote management. Whether your goal is to build a powerful homelab, a compact VM server, or a development workstation, the MS-01 is worth every penny.
🎮 Gaming and Emulation
The MS-01 is not a conventional gaming PC, but its Intel Iris Xe iGPU with up to 1.5 GHz has surprising capabilities:
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Light gaming and esports (League of Legends, CS2 on low settings, Minecraft): runs smoothly.
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Retro emulation: Excellent for PS2 (PCSX2), GameCube/Wii (Dolphin), PS3 (RPCS3) and even some Switch games (Yuzu/Ryujinx) in native resolution.
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PS4/Xbox One emulation: The i9-13900H has sufficient CPU power, but the Iris Xe can be a bottleneck in some demanding titles.
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With a dedicated GPU (RTX 3050 in a PCIe slot): The scenario changes radically. You can comfortably play AAA titles at 1080p with medium-high settings, turning the MS-01 into a compact gaming workstation.
For retro gaming collectors or users who want to emulate up to PS3/Wii U without spending money on an extra GPU, the MS-01 is one of the most capable mini PCs on the market for that task.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need to buy RAM and an SSD separately if I choose the barebone version?
Yes. The "No RAM, No Storage" version doesn't include either. You'll need DDR5 SODIMM RAM and an M.2 NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSD. For the i9-13900H, a 2x16GB or 2x32GB DDR5-5200 kit is recommended.
Is it compatible with Linux/Proxmox/ESXi?
Yes, with Linux and Proxmox. With VMware ESXi, there are some caveats due to the hybrid CPU architecture (P+E cores), although it works with the correct configurations.
Can I install any GPU in the PCIe slot?
Not just any. The slot is low-profile and has space and power limitations (no additional auxiliary power connector). The most tested cards are the low-profile RTX 3050 and the RTX A2000 Mobile. More powerful cards require adapters.
Are the SFP+ modules included?
No. They must be purchased separately. They are compatible with fiber optic modules or DAC (Direct Attach Copper) cables for connecting to a 10 GbE switch.
Does it have an analog audio output (3.5mm jack)?
It's not listed in the official specifications. Audio output via HDMI/DisplayPort or a USB/Bluetooth adapter is recommended.
Can it be used as a NAS or 24/7 server?
Yes, and in fact, many users use it for exactly that (TrueNAS, Proxmox, Unraid). Support for U.2 SSD enterprise and RAID makes it ideal for high-performance NAS applications.
✅ Final Conclusion
The MINISFORUM MS-01 is, quite simply, the most capable mini PC for professional work, home labs, and virtualization that you can find in this form factor. If you need 10 GbE connectivity, enterprise-level storage expansion, or to set up a Proxmox/TrueNAS cluster in a small footprint, there's no competitor at this price.
Who is it ideal for?
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🏠 Homelab enthusiasts with Proxmox, TrueNAS, Unraid or pfSense
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💼 Professionals in engineering, design, programming or virtualization
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🔬 Developers who need a compact and powerful dev server
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🎮 Users who want advanced emulation or light gaming with the option of an external GPU
Who is it NOT ideal for?
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Home users who only browse the internet or watch videos (excessive price for that use)
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Gamers who want a powerful dedicated GPU without compromises (there are better options)
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For those seeking portability (requires a large adapter)
Alternatives to consider:
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MINISFORUM MS-A2 if you want PCIe 5.0 and the latest CPU
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Beelink SER9 if you prefer AMD Ryzen 9 and don't need 10 GbE
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Intel NUC 13 Pro if you value the Intel ecosystem and direct support
🛒 Where to buy the MINISFORUM MS-01?
You can find it in the following options with different configurations and prices:
| Configuration | Indicative Price |
|---|---|
| Intel Core i9-13900H, No RAM, No SSD | €885 |
| Intel Core i9-13900H, 32GB RAM + 1TB SSD | €1,545 |
| Intel Core i5-12600H, No RAM, No SSD | €570 |
| Intel Core i5-12600H, 32GB RAM + 1TB SSD | €1,220 |
🛍️ Buy on AliExpress (affiliate link):
👉 View the MINISFORUM MS-01 on AliExpress
🛍️ Buy on Amazon (check availability):
🛒 See MINISFORUM MS-01
💡 Tip: If you have hardware experience and want to save money, choose the barebone version (without RAM or SSD) and add a compatible DDR5 kit and an NVMe PCIe 4.0 drive yourself. You'll save money and have more control over the quality of the components you choose.
