Minisforum Introduces MS-S1 MAX Mini Workstation with AMD Strix Halo Processor

Minisforum has formally introduced its latest compact workstation, the MS-S1 MAX, built on AMD’s Ryzen AI Max+ 395 “Strix Halo” processor. The announcement was made on September 16, although the device has not yet been launched in the market for purchase. This release continues the company’s approach of offering high-performance small form factor systems aimed at professional and enterprise workloads.

The MS-S1 MAX combines a built-in 320W power supply with an aluminum alloy enclosure, ensuring both durability and efficient power delivery in a compact size. To manage heat output from the Strix Halo processor, Minisforum has equipped the system with a cooling solution that includes phase change thermal material, a copper base, six heat pipes, and dual fans. According to the company, this thermal design enables continuous performance output at 130W and peak output of up to 160W. The design allows the workstation to function either as a desktop system or as part of a 2U rack deployment, making it suitable for varied usage scenarios.

On the memory side, the MS-S1 MAX supports up to 128GB of LPDDR5x-8000, which is notable for a system of this size. For storage, users have access to one M.2 PCIe 4.0×4 slot and one M.2 PCIe 4.0×1 slot. Expansion is further supported with an internal full-length PCIe 4.0×4 slot, opening options for additional cards or accelerators.

Connectivity is another focus of the MS-S1 MAX. The front panel includes a power button, two digital microphone ports, two full-function USB-C 40Gbps ports, and a 3.5mm combination audio jack. On the rear panel, users will find one HDMI 2.1 FRL port, two USB-A 2.0 ports with 480Mbps transfer speed, two USB4 v2.0 80Gbps (Type-C) ports, and two USB-A 10Gbps ports. For networking, Minisforum has integrated dual 10GbE RJ45 connections based on the Realtek RTL8127 chip, catering to workloads requiring high-bandwidth network performance. A Kensington lock slot is also present for physical security.

While Minisforum has detailed the specifications and technical design of the MS-S1 MAX, pricing and retail availability have yet to be disclosed. Given its hardware configuration, the workstation is positioned to serve professionals who need reliable compute power in a compact form factor without compromising on expansion or connectivity.

With the addition of the MS-S1 MAX, Minisforum expands its portfolio of small form factor systems, targeting markets where compact yet capable machines are increasingly sought after.