Best MINISFORUM Mini PCs: 4 Models Compared

Quick picks

Our 4 picks

1 Best overall

MINISFORUM MS-01 Core i5 Workstation

Best for: high-speed home labs and multi-monitor workstations

Processor

Intel Core i5-12600H

Graphics Card

Intel Iris Xe Graphics

RAM Capacity

32GB

RAM Type

DDR5

Storage Capacity

1TB

Storage Interface

PCIe 4.0 M.2 2280

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This compact workstation pairs an Intel Core i5-12600H processor with 32GB of DDR5 RAM and a 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD. You get two 10G SFP+ ports, two 2.5G Ethernet connections, and support for triple monitor setups via HDMI and USB4. It suits you if you need fast networking and expandable storage.

Pros

• Dual 10G SFP+ and dual 2.5G Ethernet ports
• 32GB DDR5 RAM with 1TB PCIe 4.0 storage
• Triple video output via HDMI and two USB4 ports
• Internal expansion supports U.2 drives and extra M.2 SSDs

Cons

• Integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics instead of a dedicated GPU
• Lower core count and clock speed than Core i9 alternatives

Good fit if

• You need 10Gbps SFP+ ports for high-speed local networking.
• You plan to configure multiple NVMe or U.2 storage drives.
• You want a multi-display setup using USB4 and HDMI.

Skip if

• You require dedicated graphics hardware immediately.
• You need the multi-threaded compute speeds of a Core i9 or Ryzen 9 processor.

Verdict: MINISFORUM Core i5 32GB Mini Workstation provides enterprise-grade networking and multi-drive expansion in a compact footprint. It serves home lab builders and multi-monitor office users who do not need heavy 3D rendering power.

2 Best budget

MINISFORUM Core i9 Mini PC

Best for: multi-monitor workstations and 10G networking

Processor

Intel Core i9-12900H

Graphics Card

Intel Iris Xe Graphics

RAM Capacity

32GB

RAM Type

DDR5

Storage Capacity

1TB

Storage Interface

PCIe 4.0 M.2 2280

View on Amazon: MINISFORUM Core i9 Mini PC Affiliate link

The MINISFORUM MS-01 is a dense mini workstation powered by an Intel Core i9-12900H processor with 32GB of DDR5 RAM. It offers extensive connectivity through dual 10G SFP+ ports and supports up to three displays via HDMI and USB4. The system includes a 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD and a PCIe slot for GPU expansion. This unit suits users needing high throughput and multi-display setups in a compact form factor.

Pros

• Intel Core i9-12900H processor with up to 5.0 GHz boost
• Dual 10G SFP+ ports for ultra-fast network transfers
• Supports up to three displays with HDMI and USB4 outputs
• Expandable via PCIe 4.0 slot for dedicated graphics cards
• 32GB DDR5 RAM and 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD included

Cons

• Uses integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics rather than a dedicated GPU
• Weighs 6.02 pounds, making it heavier than standard mini PCs
• Requires external power adapter and cable management

Good fit if

• You need high-speed wired networking for servers or NAS devices
• You require three simultaneous high-resolution displays for trading or design
• You want to add a dedicated graphics card via the PCIe slot

Skip if

• You prefer a lightweight device for frequent transport
• You need a dedicated graphics card pre-installed
• You want a silent, fanless design for quiet environments

Verdict: The MINISFORUM MS-01 i9-12900H Mini Workstation is a heavy-duty desktop replacement for professionals requiring 10G networking and multi-monitor support. It fits engineers and traders who need expandable storage and processing power in a small footprint.

3 Also great

MINISFORUM RTX 5060 Ryzen 9 Mini PC

Best for: Creators and gamers needing compact high-performance specs

Processor

AMD Ryzen 9 8945HX

Graphics Card

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060

RAM Capacity

32GB

RAM Type

DDR5

Storage Capacity

1TB

Wireless Connectivity

Wi-Fi 7

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The MINISFORUM G1 Pro packs a Ryzen 9 8945HX and RTX 5060 into a compact 3.8L chassis. You get 32GB DDR5 RAM and a 1TB SSD for heavy multitasking. The 145W GPU and 100W CPU sustain peak performance under load. Wi-Fi 7 and five display outputs support high-productivity setups. This mini PC suits creators and gamers who need desktop-class power in a small form factor.

Pros

• Ryzen 9 8945HX with 16 cores and 5.4GHz boost
• Full-power 145W NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 with 8GB GDDR7
• 32GB DDR5 RAM and 1TB SSD storage
• Wi-Fi 7 and 5Gb Ethernet connectivity
• Supports up to five displays including quad 4K output

Cons

• Compact 3.8L chassis limits internal upgrade space
• 32GB RAM is fixed at the base configuration
• No mention of included operating system license

Good fit if

• You need desktop GPU performance in a small footprint
• You require multi-display setups for productivity
• You want high-end CPU and GPU specs in one unit

Skip if

• You need more than 32GB RAM pre-installed
• You prefer a larger case for easier upgrades
• You want a pre-installed Windows license included

Verdict: MINISFORUM G1 Pro Ryzen 9 RTX 5060 delivers serious graphics and CPU power for creators and gamers who value compact size. It fits users who need multi-monitor support and high-speed connectivity without a full tower.

4 Best premium

MINISFORUM G1 Pro RTX 5060 Mini PC

Best for: Multi-monitor creative work and gaming

Processor

AMD Ryzen 9 8945HX

Graphics Card

GeForce RTX 5060 8GB

RAM Capacity

32GB

RAM Type

DDR5

Storage Capacity

1TB

Storage Interface

PCIe 4.0 M.2 2280

View on Amazon: MINISFORUM G1 Pro RTX 5060 Mini PC Affiliate link

The MINISFORUM G1 Pro packs an AMD Ryzen 9 8945HX processor and a dedicated GeForce RTX 5060 8GB graphics card into a small chassis. It includes 32GB of DDR5 RAM and a 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD. You get Wi-Fi 7 and five video outputs for multi-monitor setups. This Mini PC suits users who need strong gaming and creative performance without a full-sized tower.

Pros

• AMD Ryzen 9 8945HX processor with 16 cores
• Dedicated GeForce RTX 5060 8GB graphics card
• 32GB DDR5 RAM and 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD
• Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity

Cons

• 1TB storage is smaller than the 1TB or 32GB options in other list models
• Only four displays supported despite five physical ports
• No mention of included peripherals like a keyboard or mouse

Good fit if

• You need dedicated graphics for gaming or video editing
• You want to connect multiple monitors for productivity
• You prefer the latest Wi-Fi 7 standard

Skip if

• You require more than 32GB of RAM
• You need more than 1TB of storage
• You prefer a larger desktop case

Verdict: MINISFORUM G1 Pro RTX 5060 Mini PC delivers strong multi-core CPU power and dedicated GPU performance in a compact form. It fits users who need a capable workstation for creative tasks or gaming in a small footprint.

Specifications side by side

MINISFORUM Mini PC Comparison Guide

The MINISFORUM lineup splits into two clear categories based on graphics capability. The MS-01 Core i5 and Core i9 models lack dedicated GPUs. They rely on integrated graphics for home labs and multi-monitor office work. The i9 version adds 10G networking for heavy data tasks. These units prioritize processing power and expandability in a compact black chassis. You get 32GB RAM and 1TB SSD storage for efficient multitasking. The RTX 5060 models serve creators and gamers who need dedicated graphics. Both the Ryzen 9 G1 Pro units feature the RTX 5060 card. One is black, the other white. They offer strong multi-core CPU power for gaming and creative work. You choose based on whether you need a discrete GPU or pure CPU performance.

Who MINISFORUM Mini PCs Suit

MINISFORUM targets users needing compact power without full tower bulk. You get small black workstations for home labs and white units for gaming. The range covers entry-level Core i5 models up to high-end Ryzen 9 systems with dedicated RTX graphics. You find options for multi-monitor setups and heavy networking. However, none of these listed products include large gaming towers or ultra-portable handhelds. You must choose between dense workstation efficiency and small-form creative rigs. There are no massive cases or tiny stick PCs here. You pick the size that fits your desk space and performance needs.

How to Choose the Right Mini PC

1. Check for Dedicated Graphics

   Determine if your workflow requires heavy 3D rendering or gaming. The MINISFORUM G1 Pro models include an RTX 5060 GPU, providing significant power for creators and gamers. In contrast, the MS-01 series relies on integrated graphics, which suits home labs and office tasks. If you need dedicated performance, select a unit with a discrete graphics card. This choice impacts thermal design and overall system capability for intensive applications.

2. Compare Processor Cores

   Evaluate the CPU based on your multitasking needs. The Core i9-12900H offers higher core counts for demanding professional workloads, while the Core i5-12600H handles standard office duties efficiently. The Ryzen 9 options in the G1 Pro series provide strong multi-core performance for creative software. Match the processor tier to your software requirements. Higher core counts improve performance in video editing and virtualization tasks.

3. Verify Memory Capacity

   Ensure the system has sufficient RAM for your applications. All listed MINISFORUM models come with 32GB of RAM, which supports heavy multitasking and running multiple virtual machines. This capacity is ideal for developers and users running complex spreadsheets or design tools. Check that the memory configuration meets your baseline needs. Sufficient RAM prevents bottlenecks during resource-intensive operations and ensures smooth system responsiveness.

4. Assess Storage Expansion

   Look for expandable storage options if you handle large files. The MS-01 workstations are described as having multi-drive expansion capabilities, making them suitable for home lab builders who need extensive storage. Most models include a 1TB SSD for fast boot times and application loading. Verify the specific storage configuration in the specs. Expandable storage allows you to add more drives later as your data needs grow.

5. Match Use Case to Specs

   Select a model that aligns with your primary activities. The Core i5 and i9 MS-01 units are best for multi-monitor workstations and networking tasks. The G1 Pro models with Ryzen 9 and RTX 5060 graphics are better for gaming and creative work. Do not overpay for graphics power if you only need office productivity. Aligning your specific use case with the right hardware ensures you get the best performance for your workflow.

Frequently asked questions

See also

• best MINISFORUM mini PCs under 2000
• best MINISFORUM mini PCs with 1TB SSD
• best MINISFORUM mini PCs
• best mini PCs with DisplayPort