MINISFORUM MS-A2 Barebone Mini PC Ryzen 9 8945HX
- AMD Ryzen 9 8945HX, 16 cores, 32 threads, up to 5.4GHz
- Barebone: no RAM, SSD or OS
- DDR5 SODIMM up to 96GB, 5200 MT/s
- 3 M.2 NVMe slots (2280/22110/U.2), RAID 0/1
- 2x SFP+ 10G, 2x 2.5G LAN, Wi-Fi 6E
- PCIe x16 slot, splits to two x4
- HDMI + 2 USB-C, up to 8K@60Hz
Updated 25 days ago · Based on the Amazon listing and published specifications, not hands-on testing.
A powerful, network heavy mini PC for homelab, virtualization and workstation builds that you finish yourself. It ships without memory, storage or an operating system, so budget for parts and setup.
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ASIN: B0GS8TTY66Model: MS-A2Category: Mini Desktop Computers
Overview
Homelab builders and power users get a barebone mini PC with a desktop class Ryzen chip, dual fast fiber ports and a full length expansion slot. You add your own memory, NVMe drives and operating system, then run it around the clock.
Server grade networking and a PCIe slot in a small box make it a flexible lab or edge server. It is not ready to use out of the box, and integrated graphics are basic without a card.
Who it's for
Self-hosters, network engineers and creators building a compact workstation get rare port and slot options. Buyers wanting plug-and-play should choose a configured mini PC.
Pros and cons
- Many cores and threads
- Dual SFP+ fiber ports
- PCIe x16 expansion
- Three NVMe slots with RAID
- No RAM, SSD or OS included
- Basic integrated graphics
- U.2 drives limited to thin models
Performance notes
The many-core processor handles virtual machines and rendering, while copper heat pipes and turbo fans manage heat for continuous loads. Fiber ports need compatible modules or cables. The PCIe slot adds a graphics or network card for AI or storage work.
Specifications
| Brand | MINISFORUM |
|---|---|
| Model | MS-A2 |
| Dimensions & fit | |
| Cache Memory Installed Size | 64 MB L3 |
| Capacity & performance | |
| CPU Model Speed Maximum | 5.4 GHz |
| Video Output | 1 HDMI, 2 USB-C, up to 8K@60Hz or 4K@144Hz |
| Cooling | 3 copper heat pipes, phase-change material, turbo fans |
| Other details | |
| Graphics Coprocessor | AMD Radeon 610M |
| Operating System | None included |
| Total Usb Ports | 7 |
| Ram | None included, DDR5 SODIMM up to 96 GB, 5200 MT/s |
| Storage | None included, 3 M.2 NVMe (2280/22110/U.2), PCIe 4.0, RAID 0/1 |
| Expansion | PCIe x16, splits to two x4 |
| Networking | 2 SFP+ 10G, 2 2.5G LAN, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2 |
| CPU Model Number | AMD Ryzen 9 8945HX, 16 cores, 32 threads |
Frequently asked questions
What do I need to install in the MINISFORUM MS-A2?
It is a barebone with no RAM, SSD or OS. Add DDR5 SODIMM memory (up to 96GB), at least one M.2 NVMe drive and an operating system.
Can I add a graphics card to the MS-A2?
Yes. The PCIe x16 slot supports half-height professional graphics cards or network cards.
How many displays can the MS-A2 drive?
Three, through HDMI and 2 USB-C ports, up to 8K@60Hz.