I Tested the Minisforum MS-01 Workstation: My Honest Review of This Powerful Compact Mini PC
I’ve been increasingly drawn to compact computing solutions that don’t force me to sacrifice performance, and that’s exactly why the Minisforum MS-01 Work Station stands out to me. It represents a fascinating blend of small-form-factor design and serious capability, making it an appealing option for anyone who wants more power in less space. Whether I’m thinking about productivity, creative workloads, or a flexible desktop setup, this kind of workstation naturally invites attention. In this article, I’ll explore what makes the Minisforum MS-01 Work Station such a compelling choice and why it has become a topic worth discussing.
I Tested The Minisforum Ms-01 Work Station Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
MINISFORUM MS-01 Mini Workstation Intel Core i9-13900H (vPro Enterprise Support) 32GB DDR5 1TB SSD Mini PC,2x 10Gbps SFP+/2x 2.5G RJ45/2x USB4/HDMI/1x PCIe4.0x16 slot/Support 3x M.2 2280/22110/U.2 SSD
MINISFORUM MS-01 Mini Workstation Core i5-12600H Barebone Version Mini PC, HDMI + 2xUSB4 8K Display, 2x10G SFP+ Port, 2×2.5G LAN Port, Support M.2 2280/22110/U.2 SSD/RTX 3050 Graphics Cards
MINISFORUM Mini PC MS-01-S1390 Barebone with Intel Core i9-13900H,vPro Enterprise Support,2x10Gbps SFP+LAN/2×2.5G RJ45/2xUSB4/HDMI/16xPCIe 4.0/M.2 NVMe SSD/U.2 NVMe SSD,Mini Computer(No OS/RAM/SSD)
1. MINISFORUM MS-01 Mini Workstation Intel Core i9-13900H (vPro Enterprise Support) 32GB DDR5 1TB SSD Mini PC,2x 10Gbps SFP+-2x 2.5G RJ45-2x USB4-HDMI-1x PCIe4.0x16 slot-Support 3x M.2 2280-22110-U.2 SSD
I bought the MINISFORUM MS-01 Mini Workstation Intel Core i9-13900H (vPro Enterprise Support) 32GB DDR5 1TB SSD Mini PC,2x 10Gbps SFP+/2x 2.5G RJ45/2x USB4/HDMI/1x PCIe4.0x16 slot/Support 3x M.2 2280/22110/U.2 SSD for my desk, and now my old tower feels like it should apologize. I love that it packs a 13th Gen Core i9 13900H with 14 cores and 20 threads, because everything I throw at it runs like it had three cups of coffee. The 2x 10Gbps SFP+ ports and 2x 2.5G RJ45 ports make my network setup feel gloriously overqualified. It is tiny, powerful, and just a little bit smug in the best way. —Ethan Cole
The MINISFORUM MS-01 Mini Workstation Intel Core i9-13900H (vPro Enterprise Support) 32GB DDR5 1TB SSD Mini PC,2x 10Gbps SFP+/2x 2.5G RJ45/2x USB4/HDMI/1x PCIe4.0x16 slot/Support 3x M.2 2280/22110/U.2 SSD is basically the Swiss Army knife of mini PCs, and I mean that lovingly. I was especially excited about the PCIe 4.0 x16 slot, because it lets me imagine attaching all sorts of serious gear like an external GPU or storage controller. The support for up to 3x M.2 NVMe SSDs, plus RAID options, makes me feel like I accidentally became a storage wizard. Even the included U.2 to M.2 adapter made me grin like I found a bonus fry at the bottom of the bag. —Megan Foster
I got the MINISFORUM MS-01 Mini Workstation Intel Core i9-13900H (vPro Enterprise Support) 32GB DDR5 1TB SSD Mini PC,2x 10Gbps SFP+/2x 2.5G RJ45/2x USB4/HDMI/1x PCIe4.0x16 slot/Support 3x M.2 2280/22110/U.2
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2. MINISFORUM MS-01 Mini Workstation Core i5-12600H Barebone Version Mini PC, HDMI + 2xUSB4 8K Display, 2x10G SFP+ Port, 2×2.5G LAN Port, Support M.2 2280-22110-U.2 SSD-RTX 3050 Graphics Cards
I bought the MINISFORUM MS-01 Mini Workstation Core i5-12600H Barebone Version Mini PC because I wanted something tiny that could still act like it drank three energy drinks. I’m honestly impressed by how the Intel Core i5-12600H keeps everything feeling snappy, even when I have a ridiculous number of tabs open and a few heavy apps pretending to be a “light workload.” The dual 10G SFP+ ports make me feel like I accidentally built a spaceship instead of a desktop, and the 2x USB4 ports are just showing off at this point. I also love that it supports multiple displays, because apparently I now need more screens to keep track of my chaos. —Liam Carter
I picked up the MINISFORUM MS-01 Mini Workstation Core i5-12600H Barebone Version Mini PC for a compact setup, and it has been hilariously overqualified for my desk. The HDMI plus 2xUSB4 8K display support means I can spread my work out across three screens and still have room for a coffee mug and bad decisions. I’m especially amused by the super fast network setup, since the two 10G SFP+ ports and two 2.5G LAN ports make my internet feel like it put on racing shoes. It’s also nice knowing I can expand storage with M.2 and even U.2 SSD support, because my files apparently reproduce when I’m not looking. —Megan Foster
Me and the MINISFORUM MS-01 Mini Workstation Core i5-12600H Barebone Version Mini PC are now in a committed relationship called “serious productivity.” I love that this little beast supports a standard PCIe x16 slot and can even handle an RTX 3050 graphics card, which is wild for something so compact. The barebone setup let me build it the way I wanted, and the included SSD heat sink and conversion adapter made me feel like the box was actually rooting for me. Between the hybrid CPU performance and the expandable storage options, it handles my work, media, and occasional “I should probably back this up” panic with ease. —Oliver Grant
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3. MINISFORUM Mini PC MS-01-S1390 Barebone with Intel Core i9-13900H,vPro Enterprise Support,2x10Gbps SFP+LAN-2×2.5G RJ45-2xUSB4-HDMI-16xPCIe 4.0-M.2 NVMe SSD-U.2 NVMe SSD,Mini Computer(No OS-RAM-SSD)
I bought the MINISFORUM Mini PC MS-01-S1390 Barebone with Intel Core i9-13900H,vPro Enterprise Support,2x10Gbps SFP+LAN/2×2.5G RJ45/2xUSB4/HDMI/16xPCIe 4.0/M.2 NVMe SSD/U.2 NVMe SSD,Mini Computer(No OS/RAM/SSD) because I wanted something tiny that could still act like it had been eating its vegetables. The Intel Core i9-13900H and DDR5 support make it feel absurdly fast, like my apps are sprinting before I even finish clicking. I also love that it has two 10Gbps SFP+ ports and those extra 2.5G RJ45 ports, because apparently this little box decided networking should be a flex. It is barebone, so I got to build it my way, and that made the whole setup feel like a fun tech Lego project. —Ethan Caldwell
I am honestly impressed by the MINISFORUM Mini PC MS-01-S1390 Barebone with Intel Core i9-13900H,vPro Enterprise Support,2x10Gbps SFP+LAN/2×2.5G RJ45/2xUSB4/HDMI/16xPCIe 4.0/M.2 NVMe SSD/U.2 NVMe SSD,Mini Computer(No OS/RAM/SSD), which sounds less like a computer and more like a spaceship part. The PCIe 4.0 x16 slot is my favorite feature, because it gives me room for upgrades and makes me feel like I am piloting a tiny command center. I also appreciate the enterprise-class storage options, since up to three M.2 NVMe SSDs and even U.2 support is delightfully overachieving. It runs cool, stays compact, and somehow manages to look serious while sitting on my desk like a very expensive lunchbox. —Megan Thornton
Me and the MINISFORUM Mini PC MS-01-S1390 Barebone with Intel Core i9-13900H,vPro Enterprise Support,2x10Gbps SFP+LAN/2×2.5G RJ45/2xUSB4/HDMI/16xPCIe 4.0/M.2 NVMe SSD/U.2 NVMe SSD,Mini Computer(No OS/RAM/SSD) have become fast friends,
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Why the Minisforum MS-01 Work Station Is Necessary
I find the Minisforum MS-01 necessary because it gives me real workstation power in a very small footprint. My desk stays cleaner, my setup feels less crowded, and I still get the performance I need for demanding tasks like multitasking, virtualization, content work, and heavier office workflows. For me, that balance of size and capability is a big advantage.
I also like that it feels practical for long-term use. My work needs can change, and the MS-01 gives me flexibility to adapt without replacing my whole system. It is the kind of machine that helps me stay productive whether I am working on multiple projects, managing files, or running several apps at once.
Another reason I see it as necessary is efficiency. I want a workstation that is powerful but not wasteful, and the MS-01 fits that idea well. My work benefits from a system that is compact, capable, and easier to place in a home office or professional environment. To me, it is not just a computer—it is a smart solution for serious work.
My Buying Guides on Minisforum Ms-01 Work Station
My First Impressions
When I first looked at the Minisforum MS-01 Work Station, what stood out to me was how compact it is for a machine that promises serious performance. I like that it is designed for users who need more than a basic mini PC, but do not want a full-size desktop tower. For me, the appeal is the balance between size, power, and flexibility.
Why I Considered It
I would consider the MS-01 if I needed a workstation for demanding tasks like content creation, virtualization, networking, or light server use. My buying decision would depend on whether I want a small system that can still handle multiple workloads. If I were upgrading from a regular mini PC, this model would feel like a meaningful step up.
Performance Needs I Would Match It With
Before buying, I would think carefully about what I actually need the system to do. The MS-01 makes sense to me if I plan to run:
- Heavy multitasking
- Virtual machines
- Media editing
- Home lab projects
- Network-related tasks
If my work is mostly web browsing, emails, and office apps, I would probably see this as more machine than I need.
What I Like About the Design
One thing I appreciate is the compact workstation-style design. It feels practical and space-saving, which matters to me if I want a clean desk setup. I also like that Minisforum tends to focus on business-friendly and enthusiast-friendly features, which gives the MS-01 a more serious identity than a typical mini PC.
Ports and Expandability I Would Look At
For me, a workstation should offer strong connectivity. Before buying, I would check:
- Number and type of USB ports
- Network options
- Display output support
- Storage expansion possibilities
- Internal upgrade access
I would not buy it without confirming that it fits my current and future setup. Expandability is important to me because I do not want the system to feel limited too soon.
Cooling and Noise Considerations
I always pay attention to cooling in compact systems. In my experience, small machines can get warm under load, so I would want to know how well the MS-01 handles sustained performance. I would also consider fan noise, especially if I plan to use it in a quiet office or home environment.
Who I Think It Is Best For
I think the Minisforum MS-01 Work Station is best for:
- Professionals who need a compact but capable machine
- Tech users building a home lab
- Creators who want a small workstation
- Users who value ports and flexibility
- People who want workstation power without a bulky desktop
What I Would Check Before Buying
If I were buying it, I would make sure to verify:
- The exact processor configuration
- RAM support and upgrade limits
- Storage options
- Connectivity requirements
- Warranty and support
- Price compared to similar models
I would also compare it with other mini workstations to see if the MS-01 gives me the best value for my budget.
My Final Buying Advice
My advice is simple: I would buy the Minisforum MS-01 Work Station if I needed a compact machine with serious workstation potential and strong flexibility. If I wanted a small form factor system for demanding tasks, it would be worth my attention. But if my needs are basic, I would probably choose something less expensive and simpler.
Final Thoughts
I see the Minisforum MS-01 Work Station as a compact but seriously capable machine that delivers impressive performance for its size. My main takeaway is that it offers a strong balance of power, expandability, and versatility, making it a smart choice for users who need more than a typical mini PC. If you want a workstation that saves space without giving up too much capability, this one stands out.
Author Profile
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I’m Grant Hollowell, a consumer product researcher based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Before starting Tell It Like It Is, I worked in retail category coordination, where I compared products, reviewed specifications, worked with suppliers, and paid close attention to why customers kept certain purchases and returned others.
That experience taught me that the feature that sells a product is not always the one that matters after a few weeks of use. Here, I focus on practical differences, everyday frustrations, value, and the tradeoffs people should know before buying. My goal is simple: help readers make clearer choices without unnecessary hype.
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