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forum thread Posted by Suryasis • Jul 24, 2024
forum thread Posted by Suryasis • Jul 24, 2024

Minisforum MS-A1 barebone: AM5 Socket, 2x DDR5, 4x PCIe M.2 2280, Dual 2.5G Lan, OCulink, USB4, DP 2.0, HDMI 2.1 @ $249 & More + F/S

$249

$309

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Minisforum is offering Desktop AM5 docket based MS-A1 Mini PC barebone @ $249 with $10 off coupon code MINISFORUM10.

Models:Spec:
  • AM5 CPU socket supporting Ryzen 7000 and 8000 series Desktop Processors (9000 series /w BIOS Update)
  • 2x DDR5 SODIMM Slot, up to 96GB 5200 MT/s
  • 2x PCIe Gen 4x4 M.2 2280 Slot
  • 1x PCIe Gen 3x4 M.2 2280 Slot
  • 1x PCIe Gen 4x1 M.2 2280 Slot
  • 1x M.2 2230 for NIC (Populated)
  • Wi-Fi 6E 2x2 + Bluetooth 5.2
  • Front Ports:
    • 2x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1
    • 1x USB-A 2.0
    • 1x 3.5mm Audio Combo Jack
  • Rear Ports:
    • 1x DC-In (19V 12.63A, 240W)
    • 1x HDMI 2.1
    • 1x DisplayPort 2.0
    • 1x OCulink Dedicated Port
    • 1x USB 4.0 Type-C 40 Gbps (Data + DisplayPort)
    • 1x USB-A 3.2 gen 2 10 Gbps
    • 1x USB-A 2.0
    • 2x Realtek 2.5G RJ-45 supporting link aggregation
Features:
  • Supports Raphael (Ryzen 7000 desktop), Phoenix (Ryzen 8000 series Desktop) and Granite Ridge (Ryzen 9000 series Desktop) Processor. 9000 series will be supported with BIOS Update
  • The 3 M.2 PCIe Gen 4 SSD bandwidth depends upon the CPU choice as the Phoenix APUs don't offer as many PCIe Gen 4 lanes as the Ryzen 7000 series Desktop Processors. If 8000 series is used, the 2nd PCIe Gen 4x4 Slot will run at Gen 4x2 speed. Check the link: https://minisforum.com/new/suppor...ort/faq/41
Community Notes
About the Poster
Deal Details
Community Notes
About the Poster
Minisforum is offering Desktop AM5 docket based MS-A1 Mini PC barebone @ $249 with $10 off coupon code MINISFORUM10.

Models:Spec:
  • AM5 CPU socket supporting Ryzen 7000 and 8000 series Desktop Processors (9000 series /w BIOS Update)
  • 2x DDR5 SODIMM Slot, up to 96GB 5200 MT/s
  • 2x PCIe Gen 4x4 M.2 2280 Slot
  • 1x PCIe Gen 3x4 M.2 2280 Slot
  • 1x PCIe Gen 4x1 M.2 2280 Slot
  • 1x M.2 2230 for NIC (Populated)
  • Wi-Fi 6E 2x2 + Bluetooth 5.2
  • Front Ports:
    • 2x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1
    • 1x USB-A 2.0
    • 1x 3.5mm Audio Combo Jack
  • Rear Ports:
    • 1x DC-In (19V 12.63A, 240W)
    • 1x HDMI 2.1
    • 1x DisplayPort 2.0
    • 1x OCulink Dedicated Port
    • 1x USB 4.0 Type-C 40 Gbps (Data + DisplayPort)
    • 1x USB-A 3.2 gen 2 10 Gbps
    • 1x USB-A 2.0
    • 2x Realtek 2.5G RJ-45 supporting link aggregation
Features:
  • Supports Raphael (Ryzen 7000 desktop), Phoenix (Ryzen 8000 series Desktop) and Granite Ridge (Ryzen 9000 series Desktop) Processor. 9000 series will be supported with BIOS Update
  • The 3 M.2 PCIe Gen 4 SSD bandwidth depends upon the CPU choice as the Phoenix APUs don't offer as many PCIe Gen 4 lanes as the Ryzen 7000 series Desktop Processors. If 8000 series is used, the 2nd PCIe Gen 4x4 Slot will run at Gen 4x2 speed. Check the link: https://minisforum.com/new/suppor...ort/faq/41

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45 Comments

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Jul 24, 2024
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Suryasis
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Quote from MadPup :
Typically a barebone system has a cpu. This is a motherboard and powered case. I personally would not trust MF to provide a stable motherboard. Even the big brands find it difficult.
You know in wrong as almost all barebones with Desktop class CPU, don't come with CPU installed. Asrock DeskMini Series has been around for couple of generation of both Intel and AMD processors. You might wanna check that out. You're confusing it with the mini-PC with soldered mobile CPU.
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Jul 24, 2024
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shastada
Jul 24, 2024
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8700G is 300 on amazon
1TB NVME is about 60 dollars depending on make/model
32GB RAM is about 85 dollars on amazon depending on make/model
so that's 250 + 300 +60 +85 = 695
So for 25 dollars extra you get the OS license
So the combo for 720 isn't that bad of a deal.

If you want you could build cheaper yourself with a lower end CPU, but if you're looking for a 8700G the combo price is fair
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Quote from shastada :
8700G is 300 on amazon
1TB NVME is about 60 dollars depending on make/model
32GB RAM is about 85 dollars on amazon depending on make/model
so that's 250 + 300 +60 +85 = 695
So for 25 dollars extra you get the OS license
So the combo for 720 isn't that bad of a deal.

If you want you could build cheaper yourself with a lower end CPU, but if you're looking for a 8700G the combo price is fair
Another advantage is the selection of ports this motherboard offers. If you're planning to build a mini ITX build, then a motherboard will similar feature will cost a foetune.
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Jul 24, 2024
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MadPup
Jul 24, 2024
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Quote from Suryasis :
You know in wrong as almost all barebones with Desktop class CPU, don't come with CPU installed. Asrock DeskMini Series has been around for couple of generation of both Intel and AMD processors. You might wanna check that out. You're confusing it with the mini-PC with soldered mobile CPU.
I double-checked Wikipedia before posting my opinion. WP says [wikipedia.org] "A typical barebone desktop system consists of a CPU, a computer case (or tower), with a pre-fitted motherboard and power supply." I personally expect a barebone system to include a CPU, and WP seems to agree with me, but It's not a hill I'm prepared to die on. Smilie

The main point I'd make is that given MF's track record of making flaky mini PCs, I'd take some convincing to buy something like this from them. I can bet you that they haven't tested this system with all, or even many, of the processors that it claims to support. And good luck in getting ongoing BIOS and driver support from them.
Last edited by MadPup July 24, 2024 at 09:42 PM.
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FaithfulPolice3986
Jul 24, 2024
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After only one month of use, the MS-1 started to randomly fail to start up, eventually becoming completely non-functional. A quick Google search revealed that this is a common issue with Minisforum PCs, suggesting a systemic problem with this and other models. I would strongly advise against purchasing it again.
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FaithfulPolice3986
Jul 24, 2024
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After only one month of use, the MS-1 started to randomly fail to start up, eventually becoming completely non-functional. A quick Google search revealed that this is a common issue with Minisforum PCs, suggesting a systemic problem with this model. I would strongly advise against purchasing it again.
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Jul 25, 2024
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whiskershire_sauce
Jul 25, 2024
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Quote from MadPup :
Typically a barebone system has a cpu. This is a motherboard and powered case. I personally would not trust MF to provide a stable motherboard. Even the big brands find it difficult.
yeah, agree. this 'category' prob should have a new name.. even MF barebones are with cpu, just missing ram/ssd/os
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Jul 25, 2024
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shastada
Jul 25, 2024
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Quote from whiskershire_sauce :
yeah, agree. this 'category' prob should have a new name.. even MF barebones are with cpu, just missing ram/ssd/os
This is only a newer thing then, 'back in my day' barebones were just case/psu/motherboard. Everything else was yours to customize as you wish. Its only in this newer generation where you see mobile chips that need to be soldered that you start to see 'barebones' including CPUs.
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Suryasis
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Quote from MadPup :
I double-checked Wikipedia before posting my opinion. WP says [wikipedia.org] "A typical barebone desktop system consists of a CPU, a computer case (or tower), with a pre-fitted motherboard and power supply. " I personally expect a barebone system to include a CPU, and WP seems to agree with me, but It's not a hill I'm prepared to die on. Smilie

The main point I'd make is that given MF's track record of making flaky mini PCs, I'd take some convincing to buy something like this from them. I can bet you that they haven't tested this system with all, or even many, of the processors that it claims to support. And good luck in getting ongoing BIOS and driver support from them.
Is Wiki your all source of knowledge? Makes sense. Rather than blabbering, show some examples of barebone of desktop CPU based systems, coming with pre-installed CPU. I literally gave you an example of Asrock Deskmini system.
Last edited by Suryasis July 24, 2024 at 08:25 PM.
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Quote from FaithfulPolice3986 :
After only one month of use, the MS-1 started to randomly fail to start up, eventually becoming completely non-functional. A quick Google search revealed that this is a common issue with Minisforum PCs, suggesting a systemic problem with this and other models. I would strongly advise against purchasing it again.
Did you get a replacement from them?
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Quote from shastada :
This is only a newer thing then, 'back in my day' barebones were just case/psu/motherboard. Everything else was yours to customize as you wish. Its only in this newer generation where you see mobile chips that need to be soldered that you start to see 'barebones' including CPUs.
It is still the case when you are considering devices coming with Desktop CPU which can be upgraded. What's the point of forcing a Pre-Installed CPU if you have the ability of doing it by yourself, as per your requirement and budget? Asrock Deskmini is a perfect example of it.
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Ortanon
Jul 25, 2024
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Quote from shastada :
8700G is 300 on amazon
1TB NVME is about 60 dollars depending on make/model
32GB RAM is about 85 dollars on amazon depending on make/model
so that's 250 + 300 +60 +85 = 695
So for 25 dollars extra you get the OS license
So the combo for 720 isn't that bad of a deal.

If you want you could build cheaper yourself with a lower end CPU, but if you're looking for a 8700G the combo price is fair
You could also build cheaper yourself with a superior CPU and then put a far bigger GPU in it (bringing it back up to the same price range) https://pcpartpicker.com/list/xXz6GP

So the qualifier I would add is that the price is fair if your primary goal is to have something teeny-tiny. Which is valid.​
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Dfinding
Jul 25, 2024
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does it have warranty?
what are the idle, normal power consumptions?

Thanks
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Quote from Dfinding :
does it have warranty?
what are the idle, normal power consumptions?

Thanks
2 years warranty available in US. And power consumption is based on what processor you use. This is basically a small form factor Desktop using STX style motherboard. Don't confuse it with other mini PCs, coming with soldered mobile Processors. As per the product page, if you're using Processors with 8 Cores or single CCD (8700G, 8600G, Ryzen 7 7700, 7800X etc), default TDP will be 65W and if you're using dual CCD Processors like R9 7900/X, 7950X then it will be defaulted to 100W. However, in the BIOS, there are some settings to increase or decrease it. Just remember one thing, if you use higher TDP desktop processors, due to size and thermal limitations, it won't run at full power like inside a tower desktop with bigass cooling system.
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