Verdict: The MS-S1 Max shines with performance and features, but misses a 90% rating
The Minisforum MS-S1 Max is a powerful mini PC with a modern AMD APU, up to 128 GB of RAM, and a fast SSD. The Mini PC is suitable not only for gaming, 3D rendering, and professional workloads, but also for local LLMs thanks to its ample memory. Minisforum has set new standards in terms of build quality with the MS-S1 Max: the powerful hardware is housed in an elegant, extremely high-quality case that not only looks robust, but is also easy to open thanks to its sophisticated design. The connectivity is a real unique selling point—above all the 10G LAN and the large number of USB ports. Particularly impressive are the two USB4 V2 ports with an enormous 80 Gbps, which already make the MS-S1 Max one of the most future-proof mini PCs in its class.
We are particularly critical of the cooling unit; while it offers high cooling capacity, it does not score highly in terms of user-friendliness. The device is far too loud when idle and, as a result, misses out on a higher rating. However, manual adjustments in the UEFI settings can bring the Minisforum MS-S1 Max to a much more bearable noise level under the same load. Beyond this, the MS-S1 Max has no other major weaknesses. If you are looking for maximum performance and future-proofing in the smallest of spaces, the Minisforum MS-S1 Max is not a toy but a true powerhouse - and therefore one of the most interesting mini PCs of 2025.
BIOS update bringing major improvements
A new BIOS (v1.03) makes the Minisforum MS-S1 Max significantly quieter when idle and noticeably boosts the overall rating. More precise details can be found in the Emissions/Noise section. While DPC latencies were reduced, they still do not achieve top scores. We could not detect any influence on the overall performance.
Pros
Cons
Price and availability
The MSRP of the Minisforum MS-S1 Max is $2,299. The device can already be pre-ordered via the manufacturer's official store. It is expected to be shipped at the end of October.
The Minisforum MS-S1 Max is one of the most powerful mini PCs currently available. It combines an AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 with a Radeon 8060S and 128 GB LPDDR5X-8000 RAM, of which the iGPU can use up to 96 GB - an advantage for local AI instances.
Specifications
Case & Connectivity
The Minisforum MS-S1 Max impresses with a first-class housing that combines metal and plastic in a successful combination. On the connection side, the MS-S1 Max has a lot to offer. The wide range of connections includes two USB4 ports and two ultra-fast USB4 v2 interfaces. The powerful package is rounded off by two 10G LAN ports, which guarantee maximum network performance. Internally, the mini PC also allows a PCIe card to be installed. The internal PCIe x16 slot is limited to x4 speed.
ADATA SE920 USB4-Speed
Connectivity - USB 3.x / USB4 / TB - AS SSD Seq Read Test (1GB) | |
BOSGAME M5 | |
GMK EVO-X2 | |
HP Z2 Mini G1a | |
Minisforum MS-S1 Max | |
Average of class Mini PC (906 - 3906, n=27, last 2 years) | |
Minisforum AtomMan G7 Ti |
Wi-Fi performance
Accessories
Maintenance
The Minisforum MS-S1 Max is very easy to open. Only two screws need to be unscrewed to separate the inner workings from the high-quality housing. The device can be expanded with an additional M.2 memory and a low-profile PCIe plug-in card.
Sustainability
Minisforum does not provide any specific information on sustainability measures in the production process. The packaging consists mainly of cardboard and is supplemented by a few foam elements to protect the device.
Performance
Test Conditions
Processor
The Minisforum MS-S1 Max is equipped with the AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 - currently one of the most powerful processors in AMD's mobile segment. In performance mode, the SoC can be operated with up to 160 watts, while the continuous power consumption levels off at 130 watts. This means that the AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 operates with higher performance than other devices with the same CPU. Compared to the Bosgame M5, the Minisforum MS-S1 Max can outperform it by around 10 percent on average. Even the Minisforum MS-A2 with AMD Ryzen 9 9955HX comes in a close second, even though the Ryzen 9 delivers a higher single-core performance.
Power Mode | Cinebench R15 1T | Cinebench R15 nT | Cinebench R20 1T | Cinebench R20 nT | Cinebench R23 1T | Cinebench R23 nT | Cinebench 2024 1T | Cinebench 2024 nT |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Rack (140W/120W) | 315 | 5,621 | 803 | 14,460 | 2,040 | 37,109 | 116 | 1,890 |
Performance (160W/130W) | 317 | 5,881 | 801 | 14,564 | 2,052 | 37,334 | 116 | 1,912 |
Balanced (130W/110W) | 317 | 5,488 | 803 | 14,091 | 2,049 | 35,991 | 116 | 1,823 |
Quiet (110W/80W) | 318 | 4,739 | 803 | 12,514 | 2,049 | 32,001 | 116 | 1,652 |
WinRAR - Result | |
Minisforum G7 PT | |
Minisforum AtomMan G7 Ti | |
GMK EVO-X2 | |
Minisforum MS-A2 | |
BOSGAME M5 | |
Geekom Mini IT15, Ultra 9 285H | |
BOSGAME M4 Neo | |
Minisforum AI X1 Pro | |
HP Z2 Mini G1a | |
Minisforum MS-S1 Max |
* ... smaller is better
AIDA64: FP32 Ray-Trace | FPU Julia | CPU SHA3 | CPU Queen | FPU SinJulia | FPU Mandel | CPU AES | CPU ZLib | FP64 Ray-Trace | CPU PhotoWorxx
Performance rating | |
BOSGAME M5 | |
GMK EVO-X2 | |
HP Z2 Mini G1a | |
Minisforum MS-S1 Max | |
Minisforum G7 PT | |
Minisforum AtomMan G7 Ti | |
Average of class Mini PC |
AIDA64 / FP32 Ray-Trace | |
BOSGAME M5 | |
Minisforum MS-S1 Max | |
GMK EVO-X2 | |
HP Z2 Mini G1a | |
Minisforum G7 PT | |
Minisforum AtomMan G7 Ti | |
Average of class Mini PC (770 - 82725, n=110, last 2 years) |
AIDA64 / FPU Julia | |
BOSGAME M5 | |
Minisforum MS-S1 Max | |
GMK EVO-X2 | |
Minisforum G7 PT | |
HP Z2 Mini G1a | |
Minisforum AtomMan G7 Ti | |
Average of class Mini PC (4141 - 227429, n=110, last 2 years) |
AIDA64 / CPU SHA3 | |
Minisforum MS-S1 Max | |
BOSGAME M5 | |
Minisforum G7 PT | |
GMK EVO-X2 | |
HP Z2 Mini G1a | |
Minisforum AtomMan G7 Ti | |
Average of class Mini PC (290 - 9475, n=110, last 2 years) |
AIDA64 / CPU Queen | |
Minisforum G7 PT | |
BOSGAME M5 | |
GMK EVO-X2 | |
HP Z2 Mini G1a | |
Minisforum MS-S1 Max | |
Minisforum AtomMan G7 Ti | |
Average of class Mini PC (8208 - 184747, n=110, last 2 years) |
AIDA64 / FPU SinJulia | |
Minisforum MS-S1 Max | |
BOSGAME M5 | |
GMK EVO-X2 | |
HP Z2 Mini G1a | |
Minisforum G7 PT | |
Minisforum AtomMan G7 Ti | |
Average of class Mini PC (408 - 31931, n=110, last 2 years) |
AIDA64 / FPU Mandel | |
BOSGAME M5 | |
Minisforum MS-S1 Max | |
GMK EVO-X2 | |
Minisforum G7 PT | |
HP Z2 Mini G1a | |
Minisforum AtomMan G7 Ti | |
Average of class Mini PC (2089 - 121827, n=110, last 2 years) |
AIDA64 / CPU AES | |
Minisforum G7 PT | |
Minisforum AtomMan G7 Ti | |
Minisforum MS-S1 Max | |
BOSGAME M5 | |
GMK EVO-X2 | |
HP Z2 Mini G1a | |
Average of class Mini PC (7948 - 325960, n=109, last 2 years) |
AIDA64 / CPU ZLib | |
BOSGAME M5 | |
GMK EVO-X2 | |
HP Z2 Mini G1a | |
Minisforum G7 PT | |
Minisforum AtomMan G7 Ti | |
Average of class Mini PC (596 - 2431, n=110, last 2 years) | |
Minisforum MS-S1 Max |
AIDA64 / FP64 Ray-Trace | |
Minisforum MS-S1 Max | |
GMK EVO-X2 | |
BOSGAME M5 | |
HP Z2 Mini G1a | |
Minisforum G7 PT | |
Minisforum AtomMan G7 Ti | |
Average of class Mini PC (432 - 43587, n=110, last 2 years) |
AIDA64 / CPU PhotoWorxx | |
BOSGAME M5 | |
Minisforum MS-S1 Max | |
GMK EVO-X2 | |
HP Z2 Mini G1a | |
Minisforum AtomMan G7 Ti | |
Minisforum G7 PT | |
Average of class Mini PC (5333 - 94259, n=110, last 2 years) |
Cinebench R15 Multi Loop
System performance
Overall, the Minisforum MS-S1 Max offers excellent system performance and ranks at a similar level in the individual tests as its competitors with the same CPU. With 50 TOPS, the dedicated NPU noticeably accelerates AI applications and is on a par with the Minisforum AI X1 Pro in terms of performance.
WebXPRT 4: Overall
WebXPRT 3: Overall
Mozilla Kraken 1.1: Total
CrossMark: Overall | Productivity | Creativity | Responsiveness
* ... smaller is better
AIDA64 / Memory Copy | |
Minisforum MS-S1 Max | |
HP Z2 Mini G1a | |
GMK EVO-X2 | |
BOSGAME M5 | |
Minisforum AtomMan G7 Ti | |
Average of class Mini PC (8377 - 163031, n=110, last 2 years) | |
Minisforum G7 PT |
AIDA64 / Memory Read | |
GMK EVO-X2 | |
BOSGAME M5 | |
HP Z2 Mini G1a | |
Minisforum MS-S1 Max | |
Minisforum AtomMan G7 Ti | |
Minisforum G7 PT | |
Average of class Mini PC (8974 - 123769, n=110, last 2 years) |
AIDA64 / Memory Write | |
HP Z2 Mini G1a | |
Minisforum MS-S1 Max | |
BOSGAME M5 | |
GMK EVO-X2 | |
Minisforum AtomMan G7 Ti | |
Average of class Mini PC (8762 - 216693, n=110, last 2 years) | |
Minisforum G7 PT |
AIDA64 / Memory Latency | |
HP Z2 Mini G1a | |
BOSGAME M5 | |
GMK EVO-X2 | |
Minisforum MS-S1 Max | |
Average of class Mini PC (88.8 - 184.8, n=110, last 2 years) | |
Minisforum AtomMan G7 Ti | |
Minisforum G7 PT |
* ... smaller is better
NPU Performance
UL Procyon for Windows / Overall Score Integer NPU | |
BOSGAME M5 | |
GMK EVO-X2 | |
Minisforum MS-S1 Max | |
HP Z2 Mini G1a |
UL Procyon for Windows / Overall Score Integer GPU | |
Minisforum G7 PT | |
BOSGAME M5 | |
GMK EVO-X2 | |
Minisforum MS-S1 Max | |
HP Z2 Mini G1a |
DPC latencies
Update with BIOS-Version 1.03
DPC Latencies / LatencyMon - interrupt to process latency (max), Web, Youtube, Prime95 | |
HP Z2 Mini G1a | |
Minisforum MS-S1 Max | |
GMK EVO-X2 | |
BOSGAME M5 | |
Minisforum G7 PT |
* ... smaller is better
Storage Devices
The Minisforum MS-S1 Max uses a Kingston SSD with 2 TB capacity as mass storage. The connection is technically optimized, even if the performance lags slightly behind the competition in our tests. The MS-S1 Max can be equipped with up to two M.2 2280 SSDs. The PCIe slot can be used to expand with additional mass storage.
Drive Performance rating - Percent | |
GMK EVO-X2 | |
Minisforum AtomMan G7 Ti | |
Minisforum G7 PT | |
HP Z2 Mini G1a | |
Minisforum MS-S1 Max | |
BOSGAME M5 | |
Average of class Mini PC |
SPECworkstation 4.0 - Storage Score | |
HP Z2 Mini G1a | |
Minisforum MS-S1 Max | |
Minisforum G7 PT | |
GMK EVO-X2 | |
Average of class Mini PC (0.27 - 1.08, n=47, last 2 years) | |
BOSGAME M5 | |
Minisforum AtomMan G7 Ti |
* ... smaller is better
Disk Throttling: DiskSpd Read Loop, Queue Depth 8
Graphics card and gaming performance
The MS-S1 Max used in the Minisforum AMD Radeon 8060S offers graphics performance at the level of an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Laptop. This puts the MS-S1 Max, together with the GMKtec EVO-X2, the Bosgame M5, and the HP Z2 Mini G1, in the top class of the mini PCs we have tested so far with the most powerful iGPU. Current games run smoothly as long as they are mainly played in 1080p. The biggest advantage of the iGPU is the VRAM, which can be configured with up to 96 GB in the UEFI.
3DMark Performance rating - Percent | |
Minisforum AtomMan G7 Ti | |
BOSGAME M5 | |
GMK EVO-X2 | |
HP Z2 Mini G1a | |
Minisforum MS-S1 Max | |
Minisforum MS-S1 Max | |
Minisforum G7 PT | |
Minisforum MS-S1 Max |
3DMark 11 - 1280x720 Performance GPU | |
HP Z2 Mini G1a | |
BOSGAME M5 | |
GMK EVO-X2 | |
Minisforum MS-S1 Max | |
Minisforum G7 PT | |
Minisforum AtomMan G7 Ti | |
Minisforum MS-S1 Max | |
Minisforum MS-S1 Max |
Performance rating - Percent | |
Minisforum AtomMan G7 Ti | |
Minisforum G7 PT | |
GMK EVO-X2 | |
BOSGAME M5 | |
Minisforum MS-S1 Max | |
Minisforum MS-S1 Max | |
HP Z2 Mini G1a | |
Minisforum MS-S1 Max |
Unigine Valley 1.0 | |
1920x1080 Extreme HD DirectX AA:x8 | |
Minisforum AtomMan G7 Ti | |
GMK EVO-X2 | |
BOSGAME M5 | |
Minisforum MS-S1 Max | |
HP Z2 Mini G1a | |
Minisforum G7 PT | |
Minisforum MS-S1 Max | |
Minisforum MS-S1 Max | |
1920x1080 Extreme HD Preset OpenGL AA:x8 | |
Minisforum AtomMan G7 Ti | |
GMK EVO-X2 | |
BOSGAME M5 | |
Minisforum MS-S1 Max | |
HP Z2 Mini G1a | |
Minisforum G7 PT | |
Minisforum MS-S1 Max | |
Minisforum MS-S1 Max |
Affinity Photo 2 - Combined (Single / Multi GPU) | |
Minisforum G7 PT | |
Minisforum AtomMan G7 Ti | |
BOSGAME M5 | |
Minisforum MS-S1 Max | |
GMK EVO-X2 | |
HP Z2 Mini G1a | |
Minisforum MS-S1 Max | |
Minisforum MS-S1 Max |
SPECworkstation 4.0: Graphics Score | Accelerator Score | Viewport Graphics | HandBrake | ONNX Inference
Performance rating | |
Minisforum MS-S1 Max | |
Average Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 Laptop | |
Minisforum MS-S1 Max | |
BOSGAME M5 | |
GMK EVO-X2 | |
HP Z2 Mini G1a | |
Minisforum MS-S1 Max | |
Minisforum G7 PT | |
Minisforum AtomMan G7 Ti |
SPECworkstation 4.0 / Graphics Score | |
BOSGAME M5 | |
Minisforum MS-S1 Max | |
GMK EVO-X2 | |
Average Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 Laptop (n=1) | |
Minisforum MS-S1 Max | |
HP Z2 Mini G1a | |
Minisforum MS-S1 Max | |
Minisforum G7 PT | |
Minisforum AtomMan G7 Ti |
SPECworkstation 4.0 / Accelerator Score | |
Average Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 Laptop (n=1) | |
Minisforum MS-S1 Max | |
BOSGAME M5 | |
Minisforum MS-S1 Max | |
GMK EVO-X2 | |
HP Z2 Mini G1a | |
Minisforum AtomMan G7 Ti | |
Minisforum MS-S1 Max | |
Minisforum G7 PT |
SPECworkstation 4.0 / Viewport Graphics | |
BOSGAME M5 | |
Minisforum MS-S1 Max | |
GMK EVO-X2 | |
Average Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 Laptop (n=1) | |
Minisforum MS-S1 Max | |
HP Z2 Mini G1a | |
Minisforum MS-S1 Max | |
Minisforum G7 PT | |
Minisforum AtomMan G7 Ti |
SPECworkstation 4.0 / HandBrake | |
Minisforum MS-S1 Max | |
Minisforum MS-S1 Max | |
BOSGAME M5 | |
Minisforum G7 PT | |
Minisforum MS-S1 Max | |
GMK EVO-X2 | |
Average Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 Laptop (n=1) | |
HP Z2 Mini G1a | |
Minisforum AtomMan G7 Ti |
SPECworkstation 4.0 / ONNX Inference | |
Minisforum MS-S1 Max | |
Minisforum MS-S1 Max | |
HP Z2 Mini G1a | |
Average Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 Laptop (n=1) | |
BOSGAME M5 | |
GMK EVO-X2 | |
Minisforum MS-S1 Max | |
Minisforum G7 PT | |
Minisforum AtomMan G7 Ti |
Minisforum MS-S1 Max, AMD Radeon 8060S Ryzen AI Max+ 395 | BOSGAME M5, AMD Radeon 8060S Ryzen AI Max+ 395 | GMK EVO-X2, AMD Radeon 8060S Ryzen AI Max+ 395 | HP Z2 Mini G1a, AMD Radeon 8060S Ryzen AI Max+ PRO 395 | Minisforum AtomMan G7 Ti, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Laptop GPU i9-14900HX | Minisforum G7 PT, AMD Radeon RX 7600M XT R9 7945HX | Average of class Mini PC | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
SPECviewperf 2020 | 2% | 3% | -2% | -35% | -19% | -62% | |
3840x2160 Medical (medical-03) (fps) | 88.2 | 90.1 2% | 89.7 2% | 87.5 -1% | 15.2 -83% | 30.8 -65% | 17.3 ? -80% |
3840x2160 Energy (energy-03) (fps) | 74.1 | 76 3% | 75.7 2% | 73.7 -1% | 44 -41% | 43.2 -42% | 24.1 ? -67% |
3840x2160 Creo (creo-03) (fps) | 95.5 | 96.2 1% | 97.3 2% | 90.9 -5% | 93.7 -2% | 97.5 2% | 42.4 ? -56% |
3840x2160 CATIA (catia-06) (fps) | 69.5 | 69.7 0% | 70.3 1% | 68.1 -2% | 37.3 -46% | 64.1 -8% | 27.9 ? -60% |
3840x2160 3ds Max (3dsmax-07) (fps) | 71.3 | 73.6 3% | 73.5 3% | 71.2 0% | 69 -3% | 63.9 -10% | 37.4 ? -48% |
3840x2160 Siemens NX (snx-04) (fps) | 223 | 231 4% | 233 4% | 221 -1% | 19.4 -91% | 220 -1% | 53.2 ? -76% |
3840x2160 Maya (maya-06) (fps) | 189 | 194 3% | 196 4% | 186 -2% | 223 18% | 171 -10% | 96.1 ? -49% |
3DMark 05 Standard | 79566 points | |
3DMark 06 Standard Score | 68778 points | |
3DMark Vantage P Result | 102547 points | |
3DMark 11 Performance | 37011 points | |
3DMark Ice Storm Standard Score | 237390 points | |
3DMark Cloud Gate Standard Score | 75011 points | |
3DMark Fire Strike Score | 26615 points | |
3DMark Fire Strike Extreme Score | 13602 points | |
3DMark Time Spy Score | 11284 points | |
3DMark Steel Nomad Score | 2187 points | |
Help |
GTA V | |
1024x768 Lowest Settings possible | |
Minisforum G7 PT | |
Minisforum AtomMan G7 Ti | |
Minisforum MS-S1 Max | |
BOSGAME M5 | |
GMK EVO-X2 | |
HP Z2 Mini G1a | |
1920x1080 High/On (Advanced Graphics Off) AA:2xMSAA + FX AF:8x | |
Minisforum G7 PT | |
Minisforum AtomMan G7 Ti | |
Minisforum MS-S1 Max | |
BOSGAME M5 | |
HP Z2 Mini G1a | |
GMK EVO-X2 |
Dota 2 Reborn | |
1280x720 min (0/3) fastest | |
Minisforum G7 PT | |
Minisforum AtomMan G7 Ti | |
Minisforum MS-S1 Max | |
BOSGAME M5 | |
GMK EVO-X2 | |
HP Z2 Mini G1a | |
1920x1080 high (2/3) | |
Minisforum AtomMan G7 Ti | |
Minisforum G7 PT | |
GMK EVO-X2 | |
Minisforum MS-S1 Max | |
HP Z2 Mini G1a | |
BOSGAME M5 |
Cyberpunk 2077 2.2 Phantom Liberty | |
1920x1080 Low Preset (FSR off) | |
HP Z2 Mini G1a | |
BOSGAME M5 | |
GMK EVO-X2 | |
Minisforum AtomMan G7 Ti | |
Minisforum G7 PT | |
Minisforum MS-S1 Max | |
1920x1080 High Preset (FSR off) | |
HP Z2 Mini G1a | |
BOSGAME M5 | |
GMK EVO-X2 | |
Minisforum MS-S1 Max | |
Minisforum AtomMan G7 Ti | |
Minisforum G7 PT |
Baldur's Gate 3 | |
1280x720 Low Preset AA:SM | |
Minisforum G7 PT | |
BOSGAME M5 | |
GMK EVO-X2 | |
HP Z2 Mini G1a | |
Minisforum AtomMan G7 Ti | |
Minisforum MS-S1 Max | |
1920x1080 High Preset AA:T | |
Minisforum AtomMan G7 Ti | |
BOSGAME M5 | |
HP Z2 Mini G1a | |
Minisforum MS-S1 Max | |
GMK EVO-X2 | |
Minisforum G7 PT |
F1 24 | |
1920x1080 Low Preset AA:T AF:16x | |
Minisforum G7 PT | |
BOSGAME M5 | |
Minisforum MS-S1 Max | |
Minisforum AtomMan G7 Ti | |
HP Z2 Mini G1a | |
GMK EVO-X2 | |
1920x1080 High Preset AA:T AF:16x | |
Minisforum G7 PT | |
BOSGAME M5 | |
GMK EVO-X2 | |
Minisforum AtomMan G7 Ti | |
Minisforum MS-S1 Max | |
HP Z2 Mini G1a |
30 min. Cyberpunk 2077 fps chart (1920 x 1080, Ultra preset, FSR off)
low | med. | high | ultra | QHD FSR | QHD | 4K FSR | 4K | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
GTA V (2015) | 185.8 | 183.3 | 173.6 | 99.8 | 77.3 | 80.2 | ||
The Witcher 3 (2015) | 455 | 335 | 187 | 105.2 | 84 | 59 | ||
Dota 2 Reborn (2015) | 238.3 | 186.8 | 166 | 144.5 | 98.3 | |||
Final Fantasy XV Benchmark (2018) | 198.3 | 126.2 | 94.7 | 70 | 38.8 | |||
X-Plane 11.11 (2018) | 125 | 85.8 | 69 | 54.3 | ||||
Strange Brigade (2018) | 546 | 229 | 196.8 | 122.1 | 61.9 | |||
Anno 1800 (2019) | 137.9 | 114.3 | 91.7 | 56.8 | 51.5 | 37.4 | ||
The Witcher 3 v4 (2023) | 194.3 | 163.1 | 141.4 | 118.2 | 76.1 | 37.2 | ||
Baldur's Gate 3 (2023) | 138.8 | 114.8 | 101.4 | 98.6 | 68.6 | 53.4 | 33 | |
Cyberpunk 2077 2.2 Phantom Liberty (2023) | 133.9 | 119 | 97.9 | 87.3 | 54.3 | 22.1 | ||
Avatar Frontiers of Pandora (2023) | 75 | 68 | 59 | 44 | 29 | 15 | ||
F1 24 (2024) | 270 | 250 | 191.2 | 58.5 | 62.3 | 38.5 | 33.9 | 19.3 |
Black Myth: Wukong (2024) | 91 | 70 | 52 | 29 | 21 | 12 | ||
Monster Hunter Wilds (2025) | 68.4 | 60.1 | 47 | 34.2 | 18.6 | |||
F1 25 (2025) | 236 | 207 | 168.5 |
Emissions
Noise emissions
In our measurements, the Minisforum MS-S1 Max is audible under full load, but problematically loud when idling (46 dB(A)), which results in a massive downgrade of the overall rating. However, a thermal problem can be ruled out. We informed Minisforum before publishing the test. In the end, the system works as it should. The UEFI offers more options than the Bosgame M5 or the GMKtec EVO-X2 to make manual adjustments. With a manually set fan speed of 50 percent, the sound pressure level drops to 38.5 dB(A).
Update 09/29/2025:
The new BIOS version (v1.03) provides considerable improvements to our noise level measurements. Our testing, however, indicates that the benefit only applies to idle operation. The manufacturer, regrettably, has not adjusted the fan speed under load.
Noise development in dB(A) | Performance (160/130 watts) new BIOS | Performance (160/130 watts) | Performance (160/130 watts + FAN speed 50 %) | Balanced (130/110 watts) | Quiet (110/80 watts) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Idle min | 35.5 | 46.3 | 38.5 | 43.7 | 36.9 |
Idle avg | 35.5 | 46.3 | 38.5 | 43.9 | 37 |
Idle max | 35.5 | 46.4 | 38.5 | 44.1 | 37.2 |
Last avg | 49.7 | 48.9 | 38.5 | 47.3 | 44.7 |
Last max | 51.7 | 50.9 | 38.5 | 46.8 | 40.0 |
Cyberpunk 2077 ultra | 53.1 | 38.5 | 47.4 | 40.7 |
Noise level
Idle |
| 35.5 / 35.5 / 35.5 dB(A) |
Load |
| 49.7 / 51.7 dB(A) |
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30 dB silent 40 dB(A) audible 50 dB(A) loud |
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Minisforum MS-S1 Max Ryzen AI Max+ 395, Radeon 8060S | BOSGAME M5 Ryzen AI Max+ 395, Radeon 8060S | GMK EVO-X2 Ryzen AI Max+ 395, Radeon 8060S | HP Z2 Mini G1a Ryzen AI Max+ PRO 395, Radeon 8060S | Minisforum AtomMan G7 Ti i9-14900HX, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Laptop GPU | Minisforum G7 PT R9 7945HX, Radeon RX 7600M XT | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Noise | 15% | 13% | -6% | 2% | 13% | |
off / environment * (dB) | 24.7 | 24.8 -0% | 24.9 -1% | 24.9 -1% | 24.7 -0% | 24.4 1% |
Idle Minimum * (dB) | 35.5 | 25 30% | 27.4 23% | 32.1 10% | 34 4% | 29.3 17% |
Idle Average * (dB) | 35.5 | 25.1 29% | 27.5 23% | 32.4 9% | 34.1 4% | 29.4 17% |
Idle Maximum * (dB) | 35.5 | 25.1 29% | 27.5 23% | 32.6 8% | 34.1 4% | 29.4 17% |
Load Average * (dB) | 49.7 | 48.8 2% | 47.5 4% | 41.1 17% | 48.6 2% | 43.5 12% |
Witcher 3 ultra * (dB) | 52.9 | 46.5 12% | 47.4 10% | 70 -32% | ||
Cyberpunk 2077 ultra * (dB) | 53.1 | 46.6 12% | 47.3 11% | 67 -26% | 55.2 -4% | 45.5 14% |
Load Maximum * (dB) | 51.7 | 48.6 6% | 47.2 9% | 67.3 -30% | 48.3 7% | 45 13% |
* ... smaller is better
Temperature
The case surfaces of the Minisforum MS-S1 Max remain inconspicuous both in idle mode and under load. The processor only reaches 70 C under full load and has no problems keeping the specified power consumption of 130 watts stable over a longer period of time. At a reduced fan speed of 50 percent, the cooling can maintain the same continuous load, although the CPU temperature rises to around 98 C.
(+) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 32.1 °C / 90 F, compared to the average of 35.7 °C / 96 F, ranging from 21.6 to 69.5 °C for the class Mini PC.
(+) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 32.4 °C / 90 F, compared to the average of 36.4 °C / 98 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 27 °C / 81 F, compared to the device average of 32.3 °C / 90 F.
(+) 3: The average temperature for the upper side is 27.3 °C / 81 F, compared to the average of 32.3 °C / 90 F for the class Mini PC.
Energy management
The Minisforum MS-S1 Max impresses with its low power consumption in relation to the computing power it offers. In idle mode, the test device is content with just 7 to 10 watts and, together with the GMKtec EVO-X2 the lowest values in the comparison. Even under load, the MS-S1 Max works quite economically despite brief peaks of up to 160 watts of processor power. In conjunction with the strong test results, this results in an overall excellent efficiency.
Off / Standby | ![]() ![]() |
Idle | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Load |
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Key:
min: ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Minisforum MS-S1 Max Ryzen AI Max+ 395, Radeon 8060S | BOSGAME M5 Ryzen AI Max+ 395, Radeon 8060S | GMK EVO-X2 Ryzen AI Max+ 395, Radeon 8060S | HP Z2 Mini G1a Ryzen AI Max+ PRO 395, Radeon 8060S | Minisforum AtomMan G7 Ti i9-14900HX, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Laptop GPU | Minisforum G7 PT R9 7945HX, Radeon RX 7600M XT | Average AMD Radeon 8060S | Average of class Mini PC | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Power Consumption | -24% | -2% | -15% | -150% | -157% | -14% | -12% | |
Idle Minimum * (Watt) | 7.2 | 9.3 -29% | 6.5 10% | 7.1 1% | 21 -192% | 23 -219% | 8.2 ? -14% | 9.55 ? -33% |
Idle Average * (Watt) | 8.2 | 11.5 -40% | 8.2 -0% | 9.5 -16% | 35.1 -328% | 28.1 -243% | 10.4 ? -27% | 11.7 ? -43% |
Idle Maximum * (Watt) | 10.2 | 16.4 -61% | 10.5 -3% | 13.8 -35% | 39.6 -288% | 40.4 -296% | 13.4 ? -31% | 15.2 ? -49% |
Load Average * (Watt) | 77.8 | 83.9 -8% | 84.3 -8% | 76.7 1% | 106.9 -37% | 131.2 -69% | 82.9 ? -7% | 62.4 ? 20% |
Cyberpunk 2077 ultra external monitor * (Watt) | 165 | 174.2 -6% | 178.1 -8% | 195.1 -18% | 217 -32% | 282 -71% | ||
Load Maximum * (Watt) | 204 | 200.9 2% | 214.9 -5% | 245.4 -20% | 249 -22% | 296 -45% | 184.8 ? 9% | 108.2 ? 47% |
* ... smaller is better
Efficiency overview
Performance rating - Percent | |
Minisforum MS-S1 Max | |
BOSGAME M5 | |
GMK EVO-X2 | |
HP Z2 Mini G1a | |
Minisforum G7 PT | |
Minisforum AtomMan G7 Ti |
Power Consumption | |
Cinebench R23 Multi Power Efficiency - external Monitor | |
Minisforum G7 PT | |
Minisforum MS-S1 Max | |
BOSGAME M5 | |
GMK EVO-X2 | |
HP Z2 Mini G1a | |
Minisforum AtomMan G7 Ti | |
Cinebench R23 Single Power Efficiency - external Monitor | |
Minisforum MS-S1 Max | |
HP Z2 Mini G1a | |
GMK EVO-X2 | |
BOSGAME M5 | |
Minisforum G7 PT | |
Minisforum AtomMan G7 Ti | |
Cinebench R15 Multi Efficiency (external Monitor) | |
Minisforum G7 PT | |
BOSGAME M5 | |
Minisforum MS-S1 Max | |
GMK EVO-X2 | |
HP Z2 Mini G1a | |
Minisforum AtomMan G7 Ti | |
Cyberpunk 2077 ultra Efficiency | |
Minisforum MS-S1 Max | |
BOSGAME M5 | |
GMK EVO-X2 | |
HP Z2 Mini G1a | |
Minisforum AtomMan G7 Ti | |
Minisforum G7 PT |
energy consumption with external monitor
energy consumption with external monitor
Notebookcheck rating
Minisforum MS-S1 Max
- 09/29/2025 v8
Sebastian Bade
Potential Competitors in Comparison
Image | Model / Review | Price | Weight | Dimensions |
---|---|---|---|---|
Minisforum MS-S1 Max AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 ⎘ AMD Radeon 8060S ⎘ 128 GB Memory, 2048 GB SSD | Amazon: 1. $1,135.90 MINISFORUM MS-A2 Mini Workst... 2. $479.90 MINISFORUM MS-01 Mini PC Bar... 3. $709.90 MINISFORUM MS-01 Mini Workst... List Price: 2399€ | 2.8 kg | 206.3 x 222.1 x 77.1 mm | |
BOSGAME M5 AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 ⎘ AMD Radeon 8060S ⎘ 128 GB Memory, 2024 GB SSD | Amazon: 1. $21.29 Mini PC Computer Protective ... 2. $21.99 UL Listed 19V 3A 3.42A AC Ad... List Price: 1469€ | 1.3 kg | 200 x 215 x 57 mm | |
GMK EVO-X2 AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 ⎘ AMD Radeon 8060S ⎘ 64 GB Memory, 1024 GB SSD | Amazon: $1,999.99 List Price: 1499€ | 1.6 kg | 185.8 x 193 x 77 mm | |
HP Z2 Mini G1a AMD Ryzen AI Max+ PRO 395 ⎘ AMD Radeon 8060S ⎘ 64 GB Memory, 2048 GB SSD | Amazon: 1. $2,613.86 HP Z2 Mini G1a Workstation -... 2. $1,915.21 HP Z2 Mini G1a Workstation -... 3. $2,099.99 HP Z2 Mini G1a Workstation -... List Price: 3175 EUR | 2.6 kg | 200 x 168 x 85.5 mm | |
Minisforum AtomMan G7 Ti Intel Core i9-14900HX ⎘ NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Laptop GPU ⎘ 32 GB Memory, 1024 GB SSD | Amazon: 1. $39.00 New Replacement MINI PC CPU ... 2. $599.90 AtomMan X7 Ti Mini PC Core U... 3. $479.89 MINISFORUM UM870 Slim Mini P... List Price: 2049 EUR | 2.6 kg | 260 x 80 x 395 mm | |
Minisforum G7 PT AMD Ryzen 9 7945HX ⎘ AMD Radeon RX 7600M XT ⎘ 32 GB Memory, 1024 GB SSD | Amazon: List Price: 1359€ | 2.8 kg | 220 x 155 x 285 mm |
Transparency
The selection of devices to be reviewed is made by our editorial team. The test sample was provided to the author as a loan by the manufacturer or retailer for the purpose of this review. The lender had no influence on this review, nor did the manufacturer receive a copy of this review before publication. There was no obligation to publish this review. As an independent media company, Notebookcheck is not subjected to the authority of manufacturers, retailers or publishers.
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