Minisforum MS-R1 Debuts as Powerful 12-Core ARM Mini Workstation

Minisforum, a Chinese manufacturer of mini PCs, has introduced a new Arm-based model featuring a heterogeneous 12-core CPU configuration. The company recently unveiled MS-R1, an Arm mini PC based on Cixin’s P1 system-on-chip, which supports UEFI boot and discrete GPU compatibility. The P1 SoC integrates an Arm Immortalis-G720 MC10 GPU and combines eight Cortex-A720 performance cores with four Cortex-A520 efficiency cores. The system supports up to 64 GB of LPDDR5 memory with error-correcting capability, operating at data rates of up to 5500 MT/s. Minisforum also claims up to 45 TOPS of AI performance, including 28.8 TOPS delivered by the integrated NPU.

The contemporary CIX P1 CP8180 processor powers the MS-R1. It is a diminutive 1.7-liter ARM-based mini workstation with 12 cores and 12 threads, a 2.6GHz base clock speed, and a 28W TDP. In specific configurations, Minisforum comes with a 1TB NVMe SSD for storage. Additionally, it can be expanded through a PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 slot with optional U.2 drive adapters. In addition to offering Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 support via an M.2 2230 module, the mini-PC has two 10GbE Ethernet ports with Realtek RTL8127 controllers. One HDMI 2.0 port and two USB Type-C ports with DisplayPort 1.4 Alt Mode, which supports up to 4K at 120Hz, are among the display outputs.

Previously, we covered several Minisforum mini PCs, including the MS-A2, UM760 Slim, and AtomMan X7 Ti. Feel free to explore them if you’re interested.

Minisforum MS-R1 mini workstation front and back

Minisforum MS-R1 Mini Workstation Specifications:

• SoC: CIX CP8180 (Cixin P1) 12-core ARM processor @ up to 2.8 GHz (Turbo) with 12 Threads and 28W TDP
  • 6 nm process node, 8x Cortex-A720 performance cores @ 2.3 GHz and 2.6 GHz
  • 4x Cortex-A520 efficiency cores @ 1.8 GHz
• Clock Speed: 2.6 GHz
• GPU: Arm Immortalis-G720 MC10 (10 cores)
• NPU: Up to 30 TOPS AI performance
• Memory: LPDDR5-5500 (16GB / 32GB / 64GB), LinkECC & Inline ECC variants up to ~60GB effective
• Storage:
  • 1x M.2 2280/22110 NVMe SSD (PCIe 4.0 x4)
  • 1x M.2 2280 NVMe SSD (from M.2 E-Key transfer card)
• Video Output: 1x HDMI 2.0 port (up to 4K@60Hz) | 2x USB-C (Alt DP1.4) [up to 4K@120Hz]
• Audio: 3.5mm Combo audio (Headphone + Mic) (4-in-1) jack, digital audio via HDMI
• Display: 4K@60fps, 4K@120fps, VP9, H.265(HEVC)
• Wireless Networking:
  • 2x 10GbE (Realtek RTL8127)
  • Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3 (via M.2 2230 E-Key)
• USB:
  • 2x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C (100W PD-IN, 15W PD-OUT + Alt DP1.4)
  • 2x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A + 1x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A
  • 2x USB 2.0 Type-A
• Expansion:
  • 40-pin GPIO header
  • eDP connector, UART, I2C touch connector, TPM header, BIOS Flash pin
  • 16x PCIe (8x PCIe 4.0 active slots)
• Misc:
  • Power Button
  • Power Loss Switch
  • supports low-profile dGPU
  • cooling system includes triple copper heat pipes, a turbine fan, and advanced thermal materials
• Power Supply: DC 19V USB Type-C PD 100W (20V/5A), includes 180W AC Power Adapter
• Dimensions: 196 mm x 189 mm x 48 mm
• Weight: 1.35 kg

Video

Software-wise, MS-R1 is powered by a custom Debian 12 derivative operating system that is based on Linux (Debian 12/13 capable of being installed). The device itself is made for edge computing, Android virtual machines, and local inference.

The MS-R1 is accessible in three configurations from Minisforum. For $503.90, the entry-level model has 32GB of RAM and no SSD. The top model costs $695.90 and comes with 64GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD, while the mid-range model costs $575.90 and adds a 1TB SSD. It is now available to be purchased on the company’s website.

Images used courtesy of minisforum.com