Minisforum has once again pushed the boundaries of small form factor (SFF) computing with the announcement of its latest mini PC, the MS-S1 MAX. This mini AI workstation, powered by AMD’s cutting-edge Ryzen AI MAX+ 395 “Strix Halo” APU, promises exceptional performance in a compact 3.2L chassis. With a maximum thermal design power (TDP) of 160W and support for the industry-leading USB4 V2 standard, the MS-S1 MAX is poised to redefine expectations for mini PCs in both productivity and gaming workloads.
At the heart of the MS-S1 MAX lies the AMD Ryzen AI MAX+ 395, a flagship “Strix Halo” APU that combines 16 Zen 5 cores with simultaneous multithreading (SMT) for a total of 32 threads. This powerful processor is paired with an integrated Radeon 8060S GPU based on AMD’s RDNA 3.5 architecture, delivering impressive graphical performance.
What sets the MS-S1 MAX apart from other mini PCs using the same APU is Minisforum’s decision to unlock a 160W TDP, significantly higher than the 120W or 140W limits seen in competing models. This higher wattage allows the APU to reach its full potential, particularly for demanding tasks like AI processing, content creation, and high-end gaming. To manage the thermal demands of this configuration, Minisforum has implemented a robust cooling system featuring dual fans and six heat pipes, ensuring stable performance under heavy workloads.
One of the standout features of the MS-S1 MAX is its inclusion of dual USB4 V2 ports, making it one of the first mini PCs to adopt this cutting-edge standard. Offering up to 80 Gbps of bandwidth double that of the previous USB4 standard these ports provide lightning-fast data transfer rates comparable to Thunderbolt 5. This makes the MS-S1 MAX an ideal platform for connecting modern external GPUs, such as the ASUS ROG XG Mobile 2025 or Razer Core X V2, as well as high-resolution displays with uncompressed visuals at high refresh rates.
The USB4 V2 ports also support power delivery and display signal transmission over a single USB-C connection, enhancing versatility for users who need to connect multiple peripherals or external displays. However, it’s worth noting that while USB4 V2 shares similarities with Thunderbolt 5, some features of the latter are optional in the USB4 V2 standard, which could lead to compatibility nuances with certain devices.
The MS-S1 MAX is marketed as a mini AI workstation, and its feature set reflects this ambition. In addition to the dual USB4 V2 ports, the system includes two 10 Gbps Ethernet ports for high-speed networking, a PCIe x16 slot for adding a dedicated GPU, and a 320W power supply to support its high-performance components. Minisforum also offers flexible memory options, with configurations supporting up to 64GB, 96GB, or even 128GB of RAM, catering to professionals handling memory-intensive tasks like video editing or machine learning.
The front I/O panel includes a headphone jack and a USB 2.0 port, though some may find the inclusion of a slower USB 2.0 port surprising given the system’s forward-looking design. The compact 3.2L chassis is designed with ample ventilation to complement the advanced cooling system, ensuring the system remains cool and quiet even during extended use.
The MS-S1 Max is scheduled to launch in the second half of 2025, though pricing details have not yet been disclosed.
Sources : Minisforum, HXL