Minisforum MS-R1 Specifications Unveiled: China-Made Arm Cixin P1 Mini PC Featuring PCIe x16 Slot

Minisforum MS-R1 Specifications Unveiled: China-Made Arm Cixin P1 Mini PC Featuring PCIe x16 Slot

Minisforum, a well-regarded manufacturer in the mini PC sector, has unveiled an exciting new ARM-based mini PC, showcasing its impressive heterogeneous 12-core CPU architecture.

Minisforum Launches MS-R1: A Revolutionary ARM-Based Mini PC Featuring Cortex-A720 and A520 Cores with Custom Linux OS

In a remarkable step forward for ARM desktop-class systems, the newly announced Minisforum MS-R1 integrates the cutting-edge China-based P1 SoC, developed by CIX Technology. Initially presented at this year’s Computex, this mini PC harnesses the power of a 6nm processor with a robust 12-core configuration. While the precise specifications have yet to be fully disclosed by Minisforum, industry insiders indicate the presence of a dedicated Neural Processing Unit (NPU) capable of delivering up to 30 TOPS of AI computational power.

MINISFORUM MS-R1 Mini Workstation with arm and PCI Express branding beside its packaging.
Image Credit: PC Watch

The processor’s configuration combines Cortex-A720 performance cores with Cortex-A520 efficiency cores, operating at frequencies between 1.8 GHz and 2.6 GHz. Additionally, it features an integrated Immortalis G720 GPU and supports LPDDR5 memory as confirmed by the MS-R1’s configuration. Although the chassis design mirrors that of the MS-01, users can expect enhanced performance with this new ARM processor, which replaces the previously utilized Core i9-13900H.

Compact and lightweight, the chassis measures 196 x 189 x 48 mm and weighs a mere 1.35 kg. The MS-R1 provides memory options including 16 GB, 32 GB, and 64 GB of LPDDR5 running at an impressive 5500 MT/s. Alternative configurations offer either no SSD, 512 GB, or 1 TB storage capacity.

Open computer case showing motherboard with H63RA and cooling fan visible.ASUS fan labeled Sunon Maglev inside an open computer case.

Targeted primarily at general computing needs, the MS-R1 operates on a custom Debian 12 OS, which is based on Linux. However, users have the flexibility to install standard Debian 12 or 13. This aspect makes the MS-R1 particularly appealing to developers and Linux enthusiasts, especially as it includes a PCIe 4.0 x16 expansion slot for discrete graphics cards, a rarity in ARM-based devices.

As of now, details regarding pricing and availability for the Minisforum MS-R1 remain undisclosed.

Key Specifications:

  • CIXIN P1 Processor
  • Immortal-G710 MC10 GPU
  • 16 GB / 32 GB / 64 GB LPDDR5 Memory
  • No / 512 GB / 1 TB PCIe SSD Storage
  • PCIe 4.0 x16 Slot (wired for x8)
  • 40-pin GPIO Header
  • eDP Connector, UART, I2C Touch Connector, TPM Header
  • Dual 10Gb Ethernet Connectivity
  • Wi-Fi 6E + Bluetooth 5.3
  • 2× USB-C (USB-PD + DP Alt Mode), 2× USB 3.2 Gen2, 2× USB 2.0 Ports
  • HDMI 2.0 and Audio Jacks
  • 100W USB-PD Power Support
  • 180W AC Power Adapter

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