Minisforum’s Upcoming MS-03 SFF PC Brings More of a Good Thing

Key Points:

• Minisforum unveiled the MS-03 small form factor PC at Computex, updating their popular MS-01 model with Intel’s latest Core Ultra Series 3 (Panther Lake) H-series processors, offering improved CPU, GPU, and AI capabilities including an NPU.
• The MS-03 retains the same chassis design as the MS-01, featuring multiple high-speed connectivity options such as two 10GbE SFP+ ports, two 2.5GbE RJ45 jacks, USB4 40Gbps USB-C ports, and HDMI 2.1, while increasing the system TDP from 60W to 70W.
• Internally, the MS-03 supports faster DDR5-7200 memory and Wi-Fi 7 with Bluetooth 6, and improves PCIe lane allocation by providing PCIe Gen4 or Gen5 speeds to all M.2 slots, though the PCIe x16 slot bandwidth remains similar to the previous generation.
• Despite the hardware upgrades, some design choices such as the retention of 2.5GbE RJ45 ports instead of 10GbE and limited high-speed USB ports on the front may feel outdated compared to current market trends.
• Minisforum plans to begin shipping the MS-03 later in the month, but pricing details have not yet been announced.