Mini PC & Server

Minisforum MS-A1: An MS-01 with an AMD Ryzen Processor

Find out about the Minisforum MS-A1 mini PC with AMD processor. Learn about its features, performance, and how it compares to the MS-01 model.

The Minisforum MS-01 has been my favorite mini PC for home lab environments since its introduction a few months back. I think it has an almost perfect combination of hardware and capabilities that make it a really great choice if you want to have a home lab server with all the capabilities that you would want, including 10 G connectivity and multiple M.2 slots. However, in my opinion, one of the weak points of the MS-01 is that it runs Intel’s hybrid CPU architecture with performance and efficient cores. At Computex, Minisforum showcased an MS-A1 running an AMD processor. Let’s take a look at the information we know at least at this point.

Minisforum MS-A1 specifications

First of all, let’s look at the specifications of the Minisforum MS-A1 mini PC with the AMD processor. The model numbers are as follows:

Model(s):

  • MS-Al-A5870
  • MS-A1-A5760
  • MS-A1-A5860
  • MS-A1-A5850
  • MS-A1-A5790
    MS-A1-A5795
  • MS-A1-A575D
  • MS-A1-A578D
  • MS-A1-A5780

MS-A1 specifications include the following:

SpecificationDetails
ProcessorAMD Ryzen 7 8700G with variants:
A5870: AMD Ryzen 7 8700G
A5860: AMD Ryzen 5 8600G
A5760: AMD Ryzen 5 7600
GPUA5870: AMD Radeon 780M
A5860: AMD Radeon 760M
A5760: AMD Radeon Graphics
MemoryDDR5 Dual Channel
SODIMM Slots x 2, Max 96GB
StorageM.2 2280 NVME SSD
WirelessYes
BluetoothYes
Video OutputHDMI 2.1 x 1, Type-C x 1
Audio OutputHDMI x 1, DP 2.0 x 1, Type-C x 1
Ports1 x OCuLink (63 Gbps)
1 x USB Type-C (40 Gbps full function)
1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A (10 Gbps)
2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A (5 Gbps)
1 x USB 2.0 Type-A (480 Mbps)
1 x HDMI 2.1
1 x DisplayPort 2.0
1 x 3.5mm audio
2 x 2.5 GbE Ethernet
Minisforum MS-A1 mini PC with AMD Ryzen processor

Pictures of the Minisforum MS-A1

Let’s take a look at some pictures that are found on the official FCC website for certification. Below, we see the kit with cabling, power adapter, etc. Everything looks very similar to the Minisforum MS-01.

Minisforum ms a1 and cables
Minisforum ms a1 and cables

Looking at the Minisforum MS-A1 external view of the case.

Minisforum ms a1 side view
Minisforum ms a1 side view

Below, we see the back side of the MS-A1 with the (2) 2.5 G network adapters.

Back side of the minisforum ms a1
Back side of the minisforum ms a1

Internal view under the lid of the Minisforum MS-A1.

Internal view under the lid of the minisforum ms a1
Internal view under the lid of the minisforum ms a1

View of the mainboard underneath side.

Minisforum ms a1 mainboard bottom view
Minisforum ms a1 mainboard bottom view

View of the motherboard top side with the AMD Ryzen CPU socket.

Minisforum ms a1 top view with cpu socket
Minisforum ms a1 top view with cpu socket

An AMD Ryzen 5 7600 CPU that will be one of the options to go into the MS-A1 from Minisforum.

Amd ryzen processor found in the ms a1
Amd ryzen processor found in the ms a1

Comparing what we know about the MS-A1 with the MS-01

Let’s compare what we know at this point with the Minisforum MS-A1 with the Minisforum MS-01 and draw some comparisons of what we like or don’t like about the unit. Thinking about the MS-A1, I have heard a lot of ones comment about the MS-01, they wish there was “an AMD version” of the MS-01.

Well, basically this is the answer from Minisforum for an AMD version of the MS-01. What we like about AMD Ryzen CPUs is they are uniform processors. The AMD Ryzen 5 7600 is a 6 core 12 thread processor and the top of the line for the MS-A1 is the AMD Ryzen 7 8700G with 8 cores and 16 threads.

The uniform processors are more desirable for home lab environments since you don’t have the weirdness with the performance vs efficiency processors.

Top processors compared between the MS-01 and MS-A1

Take a look below at a comparison of the top processors with both the MS-A1 and the MS-01.

SpecificationAMD Ryzen 7 8700G (MS-A1)Intel Core i9-13900H (MS-01)
Technology4 nm10 nm
Core Count8 cores / 16 threads14 cores / 20 threads
Base Clock Speed4.20 GHz2.60 GHz
Max Boost Clock Speed5.10 GHz5.40 GHz
Cache24 MB68 MB
TDP (PL1 / PBP)65 W125 W
Tjunction Max95 °C100 °C
Release DateQ1 2024Q1 2023
Price$329$700
Single-Core PerformanceHigh (Cinebench R23: 1833)Very High (Cinebench R23: 2016)
Multi-Core PerformanceHigh (Cinebench R23: 986)Very High (Cinebench R23: 18760)
Integrated GraphicsAMD Radeon 780MIntel Iris Xe
Virtualization SupportAMD-V, SVMVT-x, VT-x EPT, VT-d
Operating SystemsWindows 10, Windows 11, LinuxWindows 10, Windows 11, Linux
User Rating4.6 stars3.9 stars
Market Share0.2%0.01%

Key Differences

  1. Core and Thread Count: The Intel Core i9-13900H has more cores and threads, which can lead to better multi-threaded performance compared to the AMD Ryzen 7 8700G.
  2. Clock Speed: While the AMD Ryzen 7 8700G has a higher base clock speed, the Intel Core i9-13900H can achieve a higher max boost clock speed.
  3. Cache Size: The Intel Core i9-13900H has significantly more cache, which can improve performance in certain tasks.
  4. Thermal Design Power (TDP): The Intel Core i9-13900H has a higher TDP, indicating it may consume more power and generate more heat compared to the AMD Ryzen 7 8700G.
  5. Integrated Graphics: The AMD Ryzen 7 8700G features AMD Radeon 780M graphics, which may offer better integrated graphics performance compared to the Intel Iris Xe graphics in the Intel Core i9-13900H.

Downsides from what we can see to the MS-A1

What are the downsides with this unit compared to the MS-01? Well, note the following:

  • It doesn’t have an internal PCI-e expansion slot. Instead it has the capability to hook up an external Occulink connection
  • It doesn’t have 10 G networking compared to the MS-01. It only comes configured with (2) 2.5 G network adapters. This is a huge bummer to me. For the ultimate setup, 10G networking is a must for home lab and those serious about doing things like HCI.

Review of the Minisforum MS-01

Take a look at my written review of the Minisforum MS-01 here: Minisforum MS-01 Review: Best Home Server Mini PC Early 2024.

Check out my YouTube video review here:

Wrapping up

It is going to be extremely interesting to see this unit officially when it comes to market and see the final specs that are packaged. It definitely looks like an interesting combination of hardware and will provide options for those who are looking for an AMD variant of the Minisforum MS-01. However, it is disappointing to see that 10 gig networking isn’t included with the MS-A1 and there is no internal PCI-e expansion port.

Subscribe to VirtualizationHowto via Email 🔔

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.



Brandon Lee

Brandon Lee is the Senior Writer, Engineer and owner at Virtualizationhowto.com, and a 7-time VMware vExpert, with over two decades of experience in Information Technology. Having worked for numerous Fortune 500 companies as well as in various industries, He has extensive experience in various IT segments and is a strong advocate for open source technologies. Brandon holds many industry certifications, loves the outdoors and spending time with family. Also, he goes through the effort of testing and troubleshooting issues, so you don't have to.

Related Articles

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.