Mini PC with maxi performance: The Minisforum M2 Pro offers surprisingly good value for the money

How much performance can be packed into a truly compact mini-PC? The Minisforum M2 Pro provides an interesting answer to this question in our review. With Intel’s new Core Ultra X7 358H and the integrated Arc B390, this small chassis houses a surprisingly powerful platform.

But what makes the M2 Pro particularly interesting is its overall package. 32 GB of LPDDR5X-7,467, a fast 1-TB SSD, and three M.2 slots offer plenty of flexibility when it comes to storage. It also features three USB4 ports, 10 Gbps LAN, 2.5 Gbps LAN, HDMI 2.1, and DisplayPort. An external graphics card can also be connected via USB4.

Unusual for a mini-PC is the internally mounted power supply. This eliminates the need for the typical external power supply, allowing the M2 Pro to be placed on the desk in a particularly tidy manner. Also uncommon are the built-in speakers and a fingerprint scanner, which enable convenient login to Windows.

Despite its high performance, the mini-PC remains pleasantly quiet. The cooling system keeps temperatures under control even under prolonged load and averaged only 33 dB(A) in our test. This means you don’t have to put up with particularly disruptive background noise, even under heavy load.

However, the M2 Pro isn’t entirely without compromises. The RAM is soldered in place and therefore cannot be upgraded. Access to the components isn’t particularly convenient either, as parts of the internal assembly must first be removed to access the SSDs. Furthermore, while the selection of ports is extensive, some users might still wish for even more flexible expandability.

With the Core Ultra X7 358H, Arc B390, and extensive features, the Minisforum M2 Pro offers a powerful overall package. At a price of $1,439, the question arises as to how well performance, cooling, and power consumption work together—and where the mini-PC’s weaknesses lie. Read more in our recent review.