Minisforum MS-R1 12-Core Arm 10GbE Mini Workstation Review
In the ever-evolving landscape of mini workstations, the Minisforum MS-R1 stands out as a compelling option for developers and tech enthusiasts alike. With its robust specifications and an attractive price point, it promises to deliver high performance without the bulk of traditional systems. Let’s delve into the intricate details of this mini workstation that is redefining performance standards.
External hardware features of the Minisforum MS-R1
The exterior design of the Minisforum MS-R1 embodies both functionality and aesthetics. The front panel is equipped with essential ports and controls that users have come to expect from the MS series.
- Power button: Easily accessible for quick startups.
- Combo audio jack: For headphones and microphones, ensuring seamless audio integration.
- USB ports: A total of three USB Type-A ports, including two USB 3.2 Gen2 and one USB 2.0 port, offer flexibility in connectivity.
As a valuable tip, it’s advisable to use the USB 2.0 ports for peripherals like keyboards and mice to avoid potential issues with USB implementation that have been noted during testing.
The workstation features a vent on the top, facilitating adequate airflow for the CPU and PCIe card. This is vital for maintaining optimal temperatures during intense processing tasks.
Turning to the rear side, you’ll find an additional four USB Type-A ports (two 2.0 and two 3.2 Gen2), an HDMI 2.0 port, and two USB Type-C ports that also support DisplayPort output. The dual Realtek RTL8127 10Gbase-T ports provide robust networking capabilities, making this mini workstation suitable for high-speed data transfer needs.
One of the standout features of the Minisforum MS-R1 is its pull-out design, reminiscent of the Minisforum MS-01 and MS-A2, enhancing its user-friendly experience, particularly for those who require easy access to internal components.
Internal hardware components of the Minisforum MS-R1
Upon opening the compact casing of the Minisforum MS-R1, users are greeted with a familiar sight: a low-profile PCIe card slot situated alongside the CPU and memory. This layout is designed for efficient cooling and easy upgrades.
Interestingly, beneath the cooling fan, instead of the usual SODIMM slots, users will find a touchpanel and an EDP connector, alongside the LPDDR5 5500 memory, which is soldered directly to the motherboard. This design choice means that upgrading the memory later on is not straightforward, which is something prospective buyers should consider.
The heart of the system is powered by the CIX P1 or CP8180 processor, featuring a mix of big, medium, and small core complexes, utilizing the Arm Cortex A720 and A520 architectures. This ensures a balance between performance and power efficiency, catering to various workloads.
The onboard GPU, the Arm Immortalis-G720 MC10, adds another layer of versatility, supporting graphic-intensive applications without the need for an external graphics card for many users.
A brief note on the PCIe Gen4 x16 low-profile slot: it accommodates various expansion cards but lacks dedicated cooling. Users should opt for low-power cards or those with active cooling mechanisms to prevent thermal throttling.
Detailed internal architecture of the Minisforum MS-R1
Examining the bottom side of the internal tray reveals additional features. The fan configuration includes a small extension cable, a unique design choice that may not be present in retail models.
Within the workstation, there are two M.2 slots, one housing a Kingston PCIe Gen4 1TB SSD and another reserved for a WiFi module featuring a MediaTek WiFi 6E solution. This ensures high-speed wireless connectivity, complementing the wired options provided by the dual 10GbE NICs.
The system also incorporates GPIO pins and a switch that allows users to configure the system to power on automatically or remain off after an AC power interruption, enhancing its utility for home lab or server environments.
Although a U.2 adapter is included, it requires the removal of the WiFi card and may obstruct some GPIO functionalities. This is important for users considering future upgrades or expansions to their storage capabilities.
Key lessons learned during testing
Throughout our testing of the Minisforum MS-R1, several critical insights emerged that potential users should keep in mind:
- USB Port Performance: While the workstation offers a variety of USB ports, users reported occasional bugs in the USB implementation, particularly under heavy load.
- Cooling Requirements: When adding expansion cards, ensure they have appropriate cooling solutions, as the internal airflow design may not suffice.
- Memory Limitations: The soldered memory restricts future upgrades, which is a consideration for users planning on scaling their systems.
- Power Management: The power-on switch is a handy feature for automated restarts after power loss, making it ideal for server applications.
Understanding these nuances can significantly enhance the user experience and performance of the Minisforum MS-R1.
Conclusion
As the workstation landscape becomes increasingly competitive, the Minisforum MS-R1 offers a unique blend of performance, compact design, and affordability. Whether you are a developer, a tech enthusiast, or simply in need of a powerful mini workstation, the MS-R1 deserves consideration. With its advanced features and thoughtful design, it stands as a testament to what modern mini PCs can achieve.
For a visual overview of the capabilities and features of this innovative workstation, check out this informative video:
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