MINISFORUM vs ASUS: Mini PCs Compared by Specs
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This MINISFORUM vs ASUS mini PC comparison looks at two very different machines. Both offer 32GB of RAM and 1TB of storage for solid multitasking. The main difference lies in their purpose. The MINISFORUM MS-01 focuses on workstation tasks with extensive connectivity options. The ASUS ROG NUC targets gamers with a dedicated graphics card. You need to decide if you prioritize network speed or graphical power.
Key differences
| Aspect | MINISFORUM MS-01 Core i5 Workstation | ASUS ROG NUC RTX 5070 Mini PC |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core i5-12600H | Intel Core Ultra 9 Series 2 ARL-HX |
| Graphics Card | Intel Iris Xe Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Mobile |
| Network Ports | Two 10G SFP+ and two 2.5G RJ45 ports | Not listed |
| Expansion Slots | PCIe x16 slot for external GPU | Not listed |
Which one should you choose?
Choose MINISFORUM MS-01 Core i5 Workstation if
- You need high-speed wired networking for servers or NAS devices.
- You plan to add a dedicated graphics card via the PCIe slot.
- You require multiple monitor outputs including USB4 and HDMI.
Choose ASUS ROG NUC RTX 5070 Mini PC if
- You want to play modern games with advanced ray tracing.
- You prefer a compact 3L chassis with easy internal upgrades.
- You need AI-accelerated performance for creative workflows.
Verdict: The MINISFORUM MS-01 is better for professionals who need robust networking and expandability. The ASUS ROG NUC is the clear choice for gamers who require strong standalone graphics performance. Your decision depends on whether you prioritize connectivity or gaming power.
Specs: Workstation vs Gaming
Graphics card
The ASUS ROG NUC uses the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Mobile GPU. This discrete graphics card delivers dedicated gaming power and supports advanced features like DLSS. It is built for high-fidelity visuals and modern game titles. The MINISFORUM MS-01 relies on integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics. This shared memory solution handles light tasks and older games but lacks the raw power for demanding 3D rendering or high-refresh-rate gaming. If you need serious graphical performance for gaming or professional visual work, the ASUS discrete GPU is the clear choice. The MINISFORUM is better suited for office work and basic media consumption.
Processor
The ASUS ROG NUC features the Intel Core Ultra 9 Series 2 ARL-HX. This is a high-end processor designed for intense workloads and AI-driven performance. It offers significant generational improvements for gaming and heavy multitasking. The MINISFORUM MS-01 uses the Intel Core i5-12600H. This is a capable 12-core processor with a hybrid architecture, suitable for workstation tasks and general productivity. While the i5-12600H is efficient, the Core Ultra 9 is a more powerful chip for future-proofing. For pure computational speed and gaming compatibility, the ASUS processor holds the advantage. The MINISFORUM chip is sufficient for standard office and creative workflows.
Connectivity
The MINISFORUM MS-01 excels in network and port variety. It includes two 10G SFP+ ports and two 2.5G Ethernet ports, ideal for high-speed LANs and servers. It also offers two USB4 ports with 20G speeds and multiple USB-A options. The ASUS ROG NUC focuses on a compact 3L form factor with standard connectivity for a gaming PC. It lacks the specialized 10G networking ports found on the MINISFORUM. If you need ultra-fast wired connections for network storage or server work, the MINISFORUM is superior. For typical gaming setups, the ASUS connectivity is standard and sufficient.
Expandability
The MINISFORUM MS-01 offers extensive internal expansion. It includes a standard PCIe x16 slot, allowing you to add a discrete graphics card like an RTX 3050. It also supports multiple M.2 SSD slots with RAID options and U.2 enterprise drives. The ASUS ROG NUC allows for memory and storage upgrades via thumb screws but does not support internal discrete graphics cards due to its integrated design. The MINISFORUM is far more flexible for hardware modifications. You can upgrade its GPU and storage capacity significantly. The ASUS is a sealed unit for performance, limiting internal hardware changes.
Use
These machines serve different primary purposes. The ASUS ROG NUC is a dedicated gaming mini PC. It is optimized for playing modern games with high settings and utilizing AI features. The MINISFORUM MS-01 is a mini workstation. It is designed for teleworking, 3D rendering, video editing, and engineering applications like CAD. Its connectivity and expandability support professional workflows. Choose the ASUS if your main goal is gaming. Choose the MINISFORUM if you need a versatile machine for productivity, server tasks, or professional creative work. They are both capable, but in different domains.
Which Mini PC Fits Your Needs?
Gamers seeking high frame rates
The ASUS ROG NUC includes the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Mobile GPU. This discrete graphics card handles modern titles with ease. It supports DLSS for better performance. The Intel Core Ultra 9 processor adds AI efficiency. You get dedicated gaming power in a compact 3L chassis with effective cooling.
Professionals needing fast network links
The MINISFORUM MS-01 offers two 10G SFP+ ports for ultra-fast wired connections. It also has two 2.5G RJ45 ports. This setup suits users linking to high-speed LANs or servers. The Intel Core i5-12600H provides solid workstation performance. You gain extensive connectivity for data-heavy tasks without needing extra adapters.
Users wanting flexible storage options
The MINISFORUM MS-01 supports RAID0 and RAID1 configurations on its M.2 slots. It is compatible with U.2 enterprise-grade drives for larger capacities. You can expand storage significantly for important files. The ASUS model offers standard NVMe upgrades. If you need enterprise-level storage flexibility, the MINISFORUM provides more expansion paths.
The products compared
MINISFORUM MS-01 Core i5 Workstation
Best for: network-intensive workstation tasks
- 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
View on Amazon: MINISFORUM MS-01 Core i5 Workstation Affiliate link
The MINISFORUM MS-01 is a compact mini workstation powered by an Intel Core i5-12600H processor and 32GB of DDR5 RAM. It includes a 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD and Intel Iris Xe graphics. This unit stands out for its extensive connectivity, featuring dual 10G SFP+ ports and dual 2.5G Ethernet. It is designed for users who need high-speed network transfers and expandable storage for professional tasks.
Pros
- Intel Core i5-12600H processor with 12 cores
- 32GB DDR5 RAM for multitasking
- Dual 10G SFP+ network ports
- Expandable storage with three M.2 slots
- PCIe 4.0 x8 slot for GPU expansion
Cons
- Integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics limit gaming
- Only one HDMI port for video output
- No dedicated discrete graphics card included
Good fit if
- You require 10Gbps wired network speeds
- You need multiple M.2 SSD slots for storage
- You want a compact workstation for professional work
Skip if
- You need high-end gaming performance
- You require multiple HDMI displays without adapters
- You prefer a dedicated graphics card included
Verdict: MINISFORUM MS-01 i5-12600H Mini Workstation suits professionals needing fast networking and storage expansion. It is not ideal for gamers or users requiring multiple direct HDMI connections.
ASUS ROG NUC RTX 5070 Mini PC
Best for: High-performance gaming in a compact 3L chassis
- Processor
- Intel Core Ultra 9 Series 2 ARL-HX
- Graphics Card
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Mobile
- RAM Capacity
- 32GB
- RAM Type
- DDR5
- Storage Capacity
- 1TB
- Storage Interface
- NVMe
View on Amazon: ASUS ROG NUC RTX 5070 Mini PC Affiliate link
The ASUS ROG NUC packs an Intel Core Ultra 9 Series 2 CPU and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Mobile GPU into a compact 3L chassis. It includes 32GB of DDR5 RAM and a 1TB NVMe SSD. The design features a dual vapor chamber cooling system and thumb-screw access for easy upgrades. This mini PC suits gamers who want high-end performance in a small footprint without sacrificing upgradeability.
Pros
- Intel Core Ultra 9 Series 2 ARL-HX processor
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Mobile graphics card
- 32GB DDR5 RAM capacity
- Dual vapor chamber cooling system
- Thumb-screw design for easy RAM and storage upgrades
Cons
- 6.88 pounds weight is heavier than typical mini PCs
- 1TB SSD storage is smaller than higher-tier variants
- No mention of wireless connectivity options like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth
Good fit if
- You need desktop-class gaming performance in a small form factor
- You plan to upgrade RAM or storage later
- You prioritize raw CPU and GPU power over portability
Skip if
- You require a completely silent system under heavy load
- You need built-in wireless networking capabilities
- You prefer a lighter device for frequent transport
Verdict: ASUS ROG NUC Ultra 9 RTX 5070 Mini PC delivers serious gaming power in a small box. It fits users who want high-end specs and easy upgrades in a compact desktop.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | MINISFORUM MS-01 Core i5 Workstation | ASUS ROG NUC RTX 5070 Mini PC |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core i5-12600H | Intel Core Ultra 9 Series 2 ARL-HX |
| Graphics Card | Intel Iris Xe Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Mobile |
| RAM Capacity | 32GB | 32GB |
| RAM Type | DDR5 | DDR5 |
| Storage Capacity | 1TB | 1TB |
| Storage Interface | PCIe 4.0 M.2 2280 | NVMe |
| Wireless Connectivity | WiFi 6E | not stated |
| Memory | 32GB RAM | 32GB RAM |
| Storage | 1TB SSD | 1TB SSD |
| Use | Workstation | not stated |
| Dimensions | not stated | 7.39 × 2.22 × 11.1 inches |
| Weight | not stated | 6.88 pounds |
| Size | i5-12600H | 32+1T | RTX 5070|32GB RAM|1TB SSD |
| Color | Black | Black |
| Model | DeskMini | RNUC15JNK9X489AU |
Frequently asked questions
Which mini PC is better for gaming?
The ASUS ROG NUC is the superior choice for gaming. It features the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Mobile GPU, which delivers dedicated graphics power. This discrete card supports advanced features like DLSS for high-fidelity visuals. The MINISFORUM MS-01 lacks a dedicated graphics card and is not ideal for gamers.
Does the MINISFORUM MS-01 have a discrete graphics card?
No, the MINISFORUM MS-01 does not include a discrete graphics card. It is designed as a workstation for network-intensive tasks rather than gaming. Users requiring high-end graphics performance should look to the ASUS option, which includes the RTX 5070 for serious gaming power in a compact form.
Are both mini PCs equipped with 32GB of RAM?
Yes, both the MINISFORUM MS-01 and the ASUS ROG NUC come with 32GB of RAM. This shared memory capacity ensures solid multitasking capabilities for both machines. Whether you are running workstation software or modern games, both systems provide the necessary memory to handle demanding applications smoothly without bottlenecking.
What is the storage capacity of these mini PCs?
Both systems include 1TB of SSD storage. This provides ample space for your operating system, applications, and large files. The MINISFORUM MS-01 offers this for workstation tasks, while the ASUS ROG NUC uses it to store games and media. Both configurations ensure fast data access and sufficient room for your needs.
Is the ASUS ROG NUC easy to upgrade?
The ASUS ROG NUC is designed for users who want easy upgrades in a compact desktop. It fits high-end specs into a small box, allowing for future modifications. This flexibility makes it suitable for gamers and power users who anticipate needing more resources over time compared to fixed-configuration workstations.
Which mini PC is better for professional workstations?
The MINISFORUM MS-01 is better suited for professional workstation tasks. It is built for users needing fast networking and storage expansion. While it lacks gaming graphics, its focus on connectivity and stability makes it ideal for network-intensive work. The ASUS model is geared more toward gaming performance than professional workstation duties.
How big is the ASUS ROG NUC?
The ASUS ROG NUC measures 11.1 inches in height, 7.39 inches in length, and 2.22 inches in width. It weighs 6.88 pounds. This compact 3L chassis delivers serious gaming power without taking up much desk space. The small footprint allows it to fit easily into tight setups or behind monitors.
Can the MINISFORUM MS-01 handle multiple HDMI connections?
The MINISFORUM MS-01 is not ideal for users requiring multiple direct HDMI connections. Its design focuses on workstation tasks and networking rather than multi-display setups. If you need to connect several monitors directly, you may find the connectivity options limiting. Consider the ASUS model if display flexibility is a primary requirement.