Is the MS-01 good for a home lab?

Yes. Dual 10G SFP+ ports, 2.5G Ethernet and three NVMe slots make it a strong fit for virtualization, routing and storage roles in a small box.

Can I add a graphics card?

Only a low-profile PCIe card fits, and the power and cooling budget suits network or storage cards better than a gaming GPU. Plan on integrated graphics.

How does the i5 compare with the i9?

The i9 adds more cores and threads for heavier multi-core work like virtual machines and encoding. The i5 handles lighter desktop and lab duties well.

How much memory can it take?

It uses SO-DIMM laptop memory in two slots, so the ceiling is lower than a full desktop. Check the configuration you pick before planning heavy VM loads.

Does it come with an operating system?

It ships as a barebones or preconfigured mini PC depending on the variant, so confirm whether memory, storage and an OS are included before buying.

Where is the MINISFORUM MS-01 Workstation cheapest?

At Minisforum, for $469.00, as of our latest check.

What do buyers say about the MINISFORUM MS-01 Workstation?

Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 34 ratings.

MINISFORUM MS-01 Workstation

Best price now

$469.00at MinisforumChecked Nov 11

Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Minisforum

MINISFORUM discount code →

MINISFORUM MS-01 Workstation

Best price now

$469.00at MinisforumChecked Nov 11

Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Minisforum

MINISFORUM discount code →

Ask our agent about this product

It checks today's price at every store, compares the alternatives and answers in about a minute.

Price facts

Last seen at $469.00 at Minisforum on Nov 11.

Our take on the MINISFORUM MS-01 Workstation

The Minisforum MS-01 is a small-form-factor workstation PC built around Intel's 13th-gen Core i5 or i9 mobile chips, with room for three M.2 NVMe drives and dual 10-gigabit-class networking. It is aimed at home-lab users, network engineers and creators who want server-style connectivity without a rack. Its mix of fast networking, PCIe expansion and compact size has few direct rivals at this footprint, and owners rate it highly.

Best forHome-lab and virtualization usersNetwork engineers running firewalls or routersCreators who want a small desktop with fast storageBuyers who need dual high-speed Ethernet in a tiny box

Pros

Dual SFP+ 10G ports plus 2.5G Ethernet
Three M.2 NVMe slots for fast, roomy storage
PCIe slot for a low-profile expansion card
Core i9 option gives strong multi-core performance
Small chassis with a metal case and quiet cooling

Cons

Mobile CPUs throttle under long sustained loads
Integrated graphics only, no discrete GPU
Fan noise rises under heavy load
Limited memory ceiling compared with full desktops

MINISFORUM MS-01 Workstation prices at every store

MinisforumNew
In stockShips from Hong Kong SAR China · duties may applyReturn policy
$469.00Checked Nov 11
Visit Minisforum

What reviewers say

4.9 / 534 ratings

Owners rate the MS-01 very highly, praising its networking, storage expansion and build for the size. Complaints center on fan noise and thermal throttling when pushed hard.

What people mention

NetworkingPraisedOwners value the dual SFP+ 10G ports and 2.5G Ethernet for router and firewall builds.
StoragePraisedThree M.2 slots are seen as generous for a machine this small.
NoiseCriticisedThe fan becomes audible when the CPU is worked hard.
ThermalsMixedIt stays cool at idle but throttles during long sustained loads.
BuildPraisedThe compact metal case is described as sturdy and well put together.

About the MINISFORUM MS-01 Workstation

The MINISFORUM MS-01 is a compact workstation built for demanding professional tasks. It is available with an Intel Core i5 or i9 processor.

It offers advanced connectivity and expandable storage.

Brand: MINISFORUM
Processor: Intel Core i5 or i9
Storage: Expandable

Questions and answers

Is the MS-01 good for a home lab?: Yes. Dual 10G SFP+ ports, 2.5G Ethernet and three NVMe slots make it a strong fit for virtualization, routing and storage roles in a small box.
Can I add a graphics card?: Only a low-profile PCIe card fits, and the power and cooling budget suits network or storage cards better than a gaming GPU. Plan on integrated graphics.
How does the i5 compare with the i9?: The i9 adds more cores and threads for heavier multi-core work like virtual machines and encoding. The i5 handles lighter desktop and lab duties well.
How much memory can it take?: It uses SO-DIMM laptop memory in two slots, so the ceiling is lower than a full desktop. Check the configuration you pick before planning heavy VM loads.
Does it come with an operating system?: It ships as a barebones or preconfigured mini PC depending on the variant, so confirm whether memory, storage and an OS are included before buying.
Where is the MINISFORUM MS-01 Workstation cheapest?: At Minisforum, for $469.00, as of our latest check.
What do buyers say about the MINISFORUM MS-01 Workstation?: Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 34 ratings.