MINISFORUM Mini PC MS-01 S1390 - HighPerformance i9 Mini PC

In this review of the MINISFORUM Mini PC MS-01 S1390 the bottom line is simple: this is a compact workstation aimed at power users who need desktop-class CPU performance, advanced I/O and enterprise storage in a small chassis. The review finds the MS-01 best for home lab servers, compact workstations, and network appliances because it pairs an Intel 13th Gen Core i9 13900H with multiple 10Gbps SFP+ ports, extensive PCIe 4.0 expansion and support for enterprise NVMe arrays. It is sold as a barebone unit, so buyers should expect to supply RAM, OS and drives to match their intended use.

Key Features

• Processor: The 14-core, 20-thread Intel Core i9 13900H delivers sustained multi-threaded performance suitable for virtualization, compiling and heavy multitasking.
• Memory and Expansion: Dual-channel DDR5 support up to 96GB lets users configure large memory footprints for VMs and memoryheavy applications.
• PCIe 4.0 x16 Slot: A full PCIe 4.0 x16 slot allows installation of high-performance external GPUs or network and storage controllers for demanding workloads.
• Enterprise Storage: Up to three M.2 NVMe slots plus U.2 support enable enterprise-class RAID configurations and a total maximum storage capacity suitable for large data sets.
• High-Speed Networking: Two 10Gbps SFP+ ports and two 2.5Gbps RJ45 ports provide flexible, ultra-fast connectivity for file servers and high-throughput networking tasks.
• vPro Compatibility: Intel vPro support provides hardware-level management and security features useful in business and lab environments.

Who It's For

The MS-01 is targeted at technical users who need dense compute and networking in a small footprint: home lab enthusiasts running multiple VMs, content creators who want a compact render or encode node, and IT professionals building mini servers with enterprise NVMe storage and 10Gbps networking. Its raw CPU performance and PCIe expansion make it a practical alternative to larger towers when space is constrained.

Users who want a plug-and-play consumer desktop with preinstalled OS, included RAM or a graphics card should look elsewhere. Because the unit is sold as a barebone, beginners who prefer turnkey systems or those who need integrated discrete graphics out of the box may find setup and component compatibility a barrier.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Exceptional CPU performance from the Intel Core i9 13900H for multi-threaded tasks and virtualization.
• Enterprise-grade storage support with multiple NVMe slots and U.2 for RAID configurations and high capacities.
• Flexible, ultra-fast networking with dual 10Gbps SFP+ and dual 2.5Gbps RJ45 ports for demanding network roles.
• PCIe 4.0 x16 expansion enables external GPUs or specialized cards for pro workflows.

Cons

• Sold as a barebone: buyers must provide RAM, SSDs and an operating system to get a working machine.
• Mixed feedback on functionality suggests some users may need time to configure the unit for specific use cases.

Specifications

Our Verdict

The MINISFORUM MS-01 S1390 is a compelling choice for power users who need a compact machine with high CPU performance, enterprise NVMe storage options and multigig networking. It offers strong value when configured as a home lab server or compact workstation, provided buyers are comfortable assembling RAM, drives and an OS to complete the build.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this unit include RAM and storage?
No. The MS-01 S1390 is a barebone mini PC and requires the purchaser to install DDR5 memory, NVMe SSDs and an operating system.

Can I install a discrete GPU?
Yes. The system includes a PCIe 4.0 x16 slot suitable for external GPUs or specialized cards, with additional PCIe 4.0 x8 compatibility for certain mobile GPU options.

Is it suitable for network services?
Yes. With two 10Gbps SFP+ ports and two 2.5Gbps RJ45 ports, this mini PC is well suited for NAS, virtualization hosts and other high-throughput network services.