Minisforum Upgrades the M1 Pro with 16-Core Intel Core Ultra 9 Chip
Minisforum has refreshed its line of M1 Pro mini PCs. The new model heralds the top-end 16-core Intel Core Ultra 9 processor with ample memory and plentiful ports.
Core Specifications and Performance
The new Minisforum M1 Pro weighs down high performance in a tiny package:
- Processor: 16-core Intel Core Ultra 9 285H.
- Graphics: Integrated Intel Arc 140T graphics.
- Memory: Ship with an option of 32GB or 64GB of DDR5-6400 RAM upgradable to 128GB by the user.
- Storage: Two M.2 PCIe 4.0 x4 slots for SSDs. Comes configured with pre-installed up to 1TB, maximum capacity possible 4TB.
Cooling System and Chassis Design
For effective heat management, the M1 Pro employs a dual-fan design with a phase-change thermal interface and piping in copper. Minisforum specifies that the idle temp is 47°C, while the max is 86°C in full load, with the noise level being 45 dB. The mini-PC is encased in aluminum with dimensions of 128 x 126 x 52 mm.
Connectivity and Audio Features
The M1 Pro has a lot of connectivity for a device of its form factor:
- Ports: One HDMI 2.1, one DisplayPort 1.4, two USB 4 Type-C, two USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, one USB 2.0 Type-A, a 3.5mm audio jack, and an Ethernet port powered by Intel i226-V controller;
- Wireless: Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4;
- Audio: Stereo speakers, two microphones, and an included sound card that supports noise cancellation.
Pricing and Configurations
The Minisforum M1 Pro is available in two configurations:
- Barebone (no memory or storage): $695
- 32GB RAM / 1TB SSD: $879.00