Minisforum is coming in hot with the MS-R1, a compact ARM-based mini-PC that doesn’t skimp on power. Unveiled with launch discounts, this 1.7-liter box squeezes in a 12-core processor, up to 64 GB of RAM, and even room for a full-length desktop graphics card. Yes, in a mini-PC.
MS-R1 mini-PC powered by CIX CP8180 ARM chipset
At the core of the MS-R1 is the CIX CP8180, a 12-core, 12-thread ARM processor with a modest 28 W TDP. Despite its low power draw, it flexes with up to 45 TOPS of AI compute, thanks to a 28.8 TOPS NPU. That’s paired with an Arm Immortalis-G720 MC10 GPU the same family found in Dimensity’s flagship smartphone chips.
Performance aside, this is a big deal: the MS-R1 marks Minisforum’s entry into ARM territory, staking a claim in the market currently dominated by x86 mini workstations.
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MS-R1 memory and storage options scale well
Minisforum isn’t playing the budget card here. The MS-R1 can be configured with:
- Up to 64 GB LPDDR5-5500 RAM
- Dual NVMe SSD slots (M.2)
- PCIe x16 slot for a full desktop GPU
The highest-end variant ships with 64 GB RAM and a 1 TB SSD, while lower options start at 32 GB RAM with no storage.
I/O offers flexibility for high-end setups
Despite its size, the MS-R1 brings a generous spread of ports:
- 2× 10 Gigabit Ethernet (RealTek RTL8127)
- 3× USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A
- 2× USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C (w/ DisplayPort Alt Mode and Power Delivery)
- 4× USB 2.0
- HDMI 2.0
- 3.5 mm audio jack
That’s more than enough for creators, coders, or edge AI workloads.
Minisforum MS-R1 pricing lineup
Here’s how the launch pricing breaks down:
- $503.90 – 32 GB RAM / no storage
- $575.90 – 32 GB RAM / 1 TB SSD
- $599.90 – 64 GB RAM / no storage
- $695.90 – 64 GB RAM / 1 TB SSD
Full MSRPs range up to $869, making these early discounts worth catching before the prices go back up.
ARM isn’t just for tablets anymore
The MS-R1 sends a clear message: ARM desktops are no longer niche, and Minisforum’s not afraid to go toe-to-toe with x86 systems. With GPU support, massive RAM capacity, and a desktop-class chipset, this mini-PC doesn’t just talk power, it ships it.
