A powerful mini server has arrived, bringing the power of a Zen 5-based 16-core/32-thread processor inside an ultra-compact chassis.
Minisforum Debuts MS-A2 Mini Server With AMD Ryzen 9 9955HX, Starting at $799 With No RAM and Storage
For users looking for powerful computing performance in a palm-sized form factor, the Minisforum MS-A2 is an excellent option, powered by one of AMD’s most powerful mobile chips ever made. Available in two different CPU configurations, the Minisforum MS-A2 now also brings the AMD Ryzen 9 9955HX processor, featuring a powerful 16-core/32-thread configuration based on the AMD Zen 5 architecture.
The MS-A2 uses an ultra-compact chassis, measuring just 1.78 Litres. Minisforum advertises it as a mini server that is aimed at users who want to carry out intensive workloads. MS-A2 uses a compact black chassis that measures 196 x 189 x 48 mm and is highly portable. The system uses the Radeon 610M integrated graphics, and allows expanding the memory up to 96 GB and storage up to 12 TB via 3x M.2 slots.
Apart from the M.2 ports, it also supports U.2 interface for enterprise SSDs and can support up to a 15 TB capacity. Interestingly, the MS-A2 also provides a built-in PCIe x16 slot for those who want to add graphics cards, but keep in mind that it is limited to PCIe 4.0 x8 mode and only supports low-profile GPUs.
However, Minisforum is selling the MS-A2 barebones version as well. Many hardware manufacturers have started selling barebones due to skyrocketing memory and SSD prices, but users who want pre-included RAM and storage will also have an option on the website. As far as the capabilities are concerned, the MS-A2 is already quite powerful for intensive workloads, but it also provides modern connectivity.
This includes high-bandwidth USB ports, including Type C ports with Alt DP, as well as multiple Type A ports for peripheral connectivity. The MS-A2 is also equipped with dual 2.5G LAN ports and dual 10G SFP+ ports, providing up to 10 Gbps of data transfer speed, making it an ideal mini server. WiFi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2 are also available for wireless connectivity.
The MS-A2 is priced at $799, which is around $240 higher than the configuration that includes the Ryzen 9 7945HX processor. At $799, users will get the barebones, but configurations with 32 GB + 1 TB and 96 GB + 2 TB are also available at $1,199 and $1,919, respectively.
About the author: Sarfraz Khan is a hardware reporter with a focus on PC components and the builder community. With years of experience writing about PC hardware and laptops, his work has been featured on several reputable technology publications. Sarfraz's hands-on experience is demonstrated through his first-person accounts of using and comparing different hardware configurations, providing practical and relatable insights for everyday users. His technical analysis is respected by peers in the enthusiast community and has been cited by specialized hardware sites such as Germany's Igor's Lab.
Follow Wccftech on Google to get more of our news coverage in your feeds.
