MINISFORUM MS-01 Workstation Review
The MINISFORUM MS-01 is a powerful mini workstation designed for both professional and personal use. Equipped with the Intel Core i9-13900H processor, this compact unit aims to deliver high performance in a small footprint, making it ideal for tasks ranging from office productivity to light gaming and home lab setups.
Design and Build
The MS-01 features a sleek, minimalist design with a robust build quality. It includes an efficient cooling system with dual U-shaped heat pipes and a high-speed fan to manage the heat generated by the powerful CPU. The system is easily accessible for upgrades, with tool-less entry to the internal components, allowing for quick installation of additional storage or memory​.
Performance
Powered by the Intel Core i9-13900H, the MS-01 offers impressive performance with its 14 cores (6 performance and 8 efficiency cores) and 20 threads. The processor’s flexibility allows for advanced management, such as disabling performance cores to enhance efficiency cores’ hyperthreading capabilities. Benchmark tests show strong results, making it suitable for both productivity tasks and more demanding applications like virtualization and light gaming.
Connectivity
The MS-01 boasts various connectivity options, including:
- Two USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports
- Two USB 4.0/Thunderbolt 4 ports
- Two 2.5GbE RJ45 ports
- Two 10GbE SFP+ ports
- HDMI 2.0 port
These ports support high-speed data transfer and multiple display setups, enhancing its versatility for different use cases. The inclusion of a PCIe 4.0 x16 slot allows for further expansion, such as adding a discrete GPU or additional network cards.
Storage and Expandability
The MS-01 provides ample storage options with three M.2 slots and support for U.2 NVMe SSDs, allowing for up to 24TB of storage. This makes it highly adaptable for users needing extensive storage capabilities, whether for large datasets, media files, or complex applications.
Unique Features and Usability
One standout feature is its support for Intel vPro, enabling advanced remote management capabilities, which is particularly useful for enterprise environments. The system also supports hardware acceleration for virtualization, making it a solid choice for home lab enthusiasts and IT professionals.
Comparisons
Compared to similar mini PCs, the MS-01 stands out with its robust connectivity options, advanced cooling system, and the high performance of the Intel Core i9-13900H. While other models may offer competitive performance, the MS-01’s expandability and management features make it a superior choice for users requiring a versatile and powerful workstation.
Value for Money
The MS-01 is priced competitively, with the Intel Core i9-13900H version costing around $829. Given its performance capabilities, extensive connectivity options, and expandability, it offers good value for money, especially for users looking for a compact yet powerful workstation.
Conclusion
The MINISFORUM MS-01 is a highly capable mini workstation that delivers excellent performance and versatility. It is well-suited for various demanding tasks, from office productivity and light gaming to home lab setups and enterprise applications.
Pros:
- Powerful Intel Core i9-13900H processor
- Extensive connectivity options
- Flexible storage and expansion capabilities
- Advanced remote management with Intel vPro
Cons:
- Limited graphics performance with integrated GPU
- Requires additional components for optimal use (e.g., discrete GPU, additional storage)
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Read more reviews and perspectives at TechRadar, Virtualization Howto and ServeTheHome.