Minisforum MS-A2 Review: The Almost Perfect Homelab System

Looking for a powerhouse mini PC that outshines the MS-01? The Minisforum MS-A2 might just be the almost perfect homelab system you’ve been waiting for. In this Minisforum MS-A2 review, we explore why this AMD Ryzen-driven beast deserves a place in your home lab or workstation setup.

This article walks you through specs, cooling, network options, and comparisons with the MS-01. If you’re eyeing a reliable server-class mini PC with expansion potential and futureproof design, read on.

Note: There are affiliate links in this post. As an Amazon Affiliate, I might make a small commission on every purchase. No extra cost to you, and it helps to support this blog.

Key Takeaways

• High-performance AMD Ryzen 9 7945HX (Zen 4, 16-core CPU)
• Supports up to 96GB DDR5 RAM and 23TB storage
• PCIe 4.0 x16 slot with dual 10GbE ports
• Efficient copper heat pipe cooling system
• Great upgrade path vs. the MS-01 for homelab users

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What is the Minisforum MS-A2?

The Minisforum MS-A2 is a high-end mini PC that builds on the MS-01’s success. It’s tailored for homelab builders, server admins, and creative professionals who demand peak CPU performance, versatile network configurations, and reliable thermal control.

It features an AMD Ryzen 9 7945HX processor, built on the Zen 4 architecture, offering 16 cores and 32 threads, with up to 5.4GHz boost, and 64MB L3 cache. Compared to the MS-01, the MS-A2 offers better thermal performance, more storage slots, and greater expansion options.

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How Does It Compare to the MS-01?

The Minisforum MS-A2 vs MS-01 comparison is simple: the MS-A2 is more powerful and future-ready. While the MS-01 gained traction for its compact design and reliable I/O, the MS-A2 offers:

• Newer Ryzen 9 7945HX CPU (vs. Intel 12th-gen options)
• Support for PCIe 4.0 x8 expansion (vs. x4 on MS-01)
• Improved cooling system with 3 copper heat pipes
• Enhanced 10Gbps networking via 2x10G SFP+

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What Makes It an “Almost Perfect Homelab System”?

This Minisforum MS-A2 review wouldn’t be complete without emphasizing how well it fits a homelab use case:

• Supports Proxmox, ESXi, and other server OS
• Dual 10GbE SFP+ ports + dual 2.5Gb LAN = flexible network topology
• PCIe x16 slot allows GPU passthrough, NICs, or NVMe adapters
• Quiet turbo fan ensures 24/7 operation without overheating

SFP+ stands for Enhanced Small Form-Factor Pluggable, a compact, hot-swappable transceiver module used in networking devices for high-speed data transfer. It’s an upgraded version of the original SFP and supports data rates up to 10 Gbps, making it ideal for modern applications like data centers, enterprise servers, and high-performance homelabs. SFP+ modules are inserted into SFP+ ports on switches, routers, and mini PCs, enabling flexible use of fiber or copper network cables depending on your setup. Their modularity means you can easily swap or upgrade your network connections without replacing the entire device. In systems like the Minisforum MS-A2, SFP+ ports enable ultra-fast 10GbE connectivity, essential for high-throughput tasks such as virtualization, file sharing, and video editing over the network

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What’s Inside the Cooling System?

The cooling system on the MS-A2 sets it apart. You get:

• Three pure copper heat pipes for heat conduction
• Phase-change thermal material for stability
• Turbo fan + jet-style exhaust boosting airflow by 30%

This thermal performance ensures the Ryzen 9 7945HX maintains multi-threaded performance under heavy load.

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How Much RAM and Storage Can It Handle?

This mini PC features high-end DDR5 memory slots, with 5200 MT/s transfer speeds and up to 96GB RAM. For storage:

• Three M.2 NVMe slots (M.2 2280, 22110, U.2)
• PCIe 4.0 transfer speed (up to 7000MB/s)
• Support for U.2 15TB SSDs
• Total capacity up to 23TB

So the full breakdown is:

• 3×M.2 NVMe SSDs = up to 12TB
• 1×U.2 NVMe SSD = up to 15TB
• Total = Up to 23TB of combined storage capacity.

That said, keep in mind that real usable space will be slightly less due to formatting and base-10 vs base-2 size calculations — e.g., a 12TB drive often appears as ~10.9TB in OS environments.

Note on total storage capacity: Although 3×M.2 slots (4TB each) and 1×U.2 (15TB) suggest a total of 27TB, there is likely lane or physical slot overlap that restricts simultaneous use of all drives at full capacity. Minisforum advertises up to 23TB total capacity, likely based on validated, stable configurations. Always consult the motherboard layout or official documentation for final slot compatibility.

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What About PCIe Expansion?

The x16 slot makes the MS-A2 uniquely versatile for a mini PC. It supports:

• Dual PCIe 4.0 x4 configuration
• Half-height GPUs or dual 10GbE NICs
• Perfect for AI workloads, GPU passthrough, or storage adapters

This is rarely seen in mini PCs, making the A2 ideal for workstation builds.

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What Ports and Interfaces Are Included?

The MS-A2 boasts rich I/O:

• 2x USB 3.2 Gen2 (10Gbps)
• 2x USB 3.2 Gen1 (5Gbps)
• 2x 10Gb SFP+
• 2x 2.5Gb LAN
• 2x USB-C, 1x HDMI, 3.5mm audio

The wide range of network and USB4-compatible ports makes it ideal for any modern home lab setup.

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How Does the Networking Stack Up?

This unit is future-ready with:

• 2x 10Gb SFP+ ports for fiber
• 2x 2.5Gb RJ45 ports for copper
• Wi-Fi 6E + Bluetooth 5.2

Whether it’s fiber, copper, or wireless, the network options in the MS-A2 cover all bases.

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Can It Handle Triple Displays?

Yes! The Minisforum MS-A2 supports:

• HDMI 2.1 up to 8K@60Hz
• 2x USB-C DisplayPort Alt Mode up to 4K@144Hz

You can run three screens for multi-monitor productivity, gaming, or creative workflows.

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Who Should Buy the Minisforum MS-A2?

The MS-A2 is ideal for:

• IT pros building a home lab or Proxmox cluster
• Content creators needing high CPU and fast storage
• Small business servers needing 10GbE
• Tech enthusiasts replacing the MS-01

It balances performance, cooling, networking, and PCIe 4.0 expandability in a compact form factor.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)