Minisforum has launched the M2 Elite Mini Air 304, a compact desktop first shown at Computex earlier this year. The machine packs an Intel Core 3 304 Wildcat Lake processor, USB4 connectivity, and dual 2.5GbE ports into a tiny 0.47 litre chassis. The barebones model starts at an affordable $263, but you must supply your own memory and storage.
Under the hood sits the Intel Core 3 304 processor, an entry level chip featuring 5 CPU cores and 5 threads. Graphics duties are handled by integrated Intel Graphics, which means this is definitely not a gaming rig. Memory expansion is possible via a single DDR5 6400 SO DIMM slot that can hold up to 64 GB of RAM. For storage, you get an M.2 2280 PCIe Gen 4 slot with support for up to 2 TB solid state drives.
The hardware is crammed into a tiny 0.47 litre case that fits easily on any desk. Port selection is surprisingly generous for a device of this size. On the back, you will find dual HDMI outputs and a USB4 port that supports power delivery. This means you can run the PC using a compatible USB C power adapter. Network connectivity is handled by dual 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet ports, which makes this little machine a prime candidate for a custom router or home media server. Wireless options include Wi Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.4.
Minisforum is aiming directly at budget conscious buyers with this release. The $263 starter price only gets you the barebones unit. Given current RAM prices, sourcing your own components might be a chore. If you prefer a ready to use machine, a fully configured variant with 16 GB of RAM and a 500 GB SSD is available for $559. Orders are scheduled to start shipping next month.
