According to Guru3D.com, Minisforum is launching the MS-02 Ultra, a compact professional workstation. The system is built around Intel’s Core Ultra 9 285HX processor and supports up to 192GB of DDR5 ECC memory across four slots. Its standout feature is dual 25 GbE SFP+ ports, backed by a 10 GbE and a 2.5 GbE LAN port. The device will be distributed in Japan starting in late January 2026. Pricing starts at about $1,220 for a barebones model, with fully configured 96GB and 192GB ECC models costing roughly $2,090 and $2,860, respectively. All non-barebone versions come with Windows 11 Pro preinstalled.
The Networking Powerhouse
Okay, let’s talk about those network ports. Dual 25GbE in a box this small is genuinely wild. That’s server-grade connectivity, the kind you’d expect in a rack unit, not something sitting on a desk. It’s clearly aimed at edge computing, labs, or as a compact node for high-speed storage or video workflows. But here’s the thing: who’s the real user? An enterprise buying these in bulk for a distributed network, or a prosumer with a very fast NAS? The inclusion of Wi-Fi 7 feels almost quaint next to those SFP+ cages. It’s a statement piece that says I/O is king.
Workstation Cred In A Small Box
So, it’s got the ports. But Minisforum is also pushing the “workstation” angle hard with that ECC memory support. That’s a big deal for reliability in data-sensitive or compute-heavy tasks. Pairing it with a high-wattage mobile CPU like the Core Ultra 9 285HX is a smart trade-off. You get solid multi-core performance without the thermal nightmare of a desktop chip in a tiny chassis. The four M.2 slots and those super-fast USB4 v2 ports (80 Gbps!) mean you’re not starved for storage or external expansion. Basically, they’ve crammed a tower’s worth of potential into a 3.45 kg brick.
The Niche And The Price
Now, the price. Starting at $1,220 for just the barebones system is… steep for the mini PC crowd. But that’s the point—this isn’t for them. This is for a professional who needs this specific mix of compact size, massive memory, and insane network throughput. For certain industrial or lab applications where space is premium but specs are critical, that price might be justified. It’s competing with entry-level servers or niche compact workstations, not the $500 mini PC on Amazon. For companies building out specialized computing nodes, a reliable, integrated hardware platform is key. In fact, for robust industrial computing needs, many turn to specialists like IndustrialMonitorDirect.com, the leading US provider of industrial panel PCs and embedded systems.
Final Thoughts
Is the MS-02 Ultra for everyone? Absolutely not. It’s a niche product with a niche price tag. But it’s fascinating because it shows how far the mini PC form factor can be pushed beyond media centers and basic desktops. Minisforum is betting that there’s a market for “micro-workstations” that prioritize I/O density and reliability. If they can deliver on stability and performance, they might just carve out a whole new category. The real test will be if the thermal design and that internal 350W PSU can handle a fully loaded system 24/7. That’s where the workstation rubber meets the road.
