Copyright Wccftech
A new ARM-based mini PC has been prepared by popular mini PC maker, Minisforum, which offers a heterogeneous 12-core CPU configuration. Minisforum Announces MS-R1 Specs, Its First Arm-Based Mini PC That Runs on Cortex-A720 and A520 Cores, And Features Linux-Based Custom OS We got a rare ARM desktop-class mini PC that boasts a PCIe x16 slot and workstation-tier connectivity. Japanese publication PC Watch reported that Minisforum has launched MS-R1, its first-ever ARM-based Mini PC that brings the China-based P1 SOC developed by CIX Technology to the front. It was first showcased at Computex this year, and uses China's latest homegrown processor based on 6nm process node and delivers a 12-core configuration. Even though Minisforum hasn't explicitly stated it, we know from the reports that it boasts a dedicated NPU, which can deliver up to 30 TOPS of AI performance. The processor carries a mix of Cortex-A720 performance cores and Cortex-A520 efficient cores that are clocked between 1.8 GHz and 2.6 GHz. According to the specs, the processor also brings an integrated Immortalis G720 GPU, and supports LPDDR5 memory, which is also confirmed by the Minisforum MS-R1's configuration. The mini PC offers the same chassis as the MS-01, but now you get a highly power-efficient ARM processor instead of the Core i9 13900H. The chassis measures just 196 x 189 x 48 mm, and weighs only 1.35 Kg, making it pretty compact and lightweight. For memory, MS-R1 includes capacity options such as 16 GB, 32 GB, and 64 GB LPDDR5 clocked at 5500 MT/s or 12 GB/28 GB/ 60 GB when ECC is enabled. For storage, the available configurations include either no SSD, 512 GB storage, or 1 TB storage. Specs-wise, it's aimed at general computing and uses a custom Debian 12 OS, which is Linux-based, but users can install the standard Debian 12/13. So, for developers and Linux power users, it may be an appealing choice, particularly for ARM platform testers. However, since the PC also brings a dedicated PCIe 4.0 x16 slot, it is also one of the most interesting and very few ARM-based devices to have one of these expansion slots for discrete GPUs. Currently, the availability and price of the Minisforum MS-R1 are unknown. Specs at a Glance: CIXIN P1 Processor Immortalis-G710 MC10 GPU 16 GB/ 32 GB/ 64 GB LPDDR5 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 Wi-Fi 6E + Bluetooth 5.3 2× USB-C (USB-PD + DP Alt Mode), 2× USB 3.2 Gen2, 2× USB 2.0 HDMI 2.0 and audio jacks 100W USB-PD power support 180W AC Power Adapter
