Minisforum MS-01 Review: Best Mini-PC for Virtualization Lab?

Editor’s Note: Updated on April 18, 2025 — added real-world noise level measurement (34 dB at idle), an Apple Watch screenshot, and a link to my full guide on quiet home lab servers.

Unboxing the Minisforum MS-01

Initial Impressions: Design and Build Quality

When I first tried the Minisforum MS01, I was immediately impressed by its solid build and thoughtful design. Although the case is larger than other mini PCs, it feels sturdy and well-ventilated. The power button and ports on the front are easy to access, which is a nice touch for quick connections.

I also appreciated the ample venting on the top and bottom, which helps keep the system cool during heavy use.

One of the standout features is the inclusion of dual SFP+ 10 GbE networking ports, which are quite rare in mini PCs. These ports are perfect for high-speed data transfers and network-intensive tasks. The Minisforum MS-01 is a tiny powerhouse, offering numerous expansion options combined with a PCIe slot and multiple M.2 slots for SSDs, providing rock-solid upgrade flexibility.

The simple latch mechanism makes accessing the internal components easy, making it an excellent choice for customization, such as testing in a home lab.

Another impressive aspect is the Intel Core i9 processor, which promises strong performance for various tasks. Whether you’re using it for virtual environments with Proxmox or VMware or as a primary workstation, this computer meets all expectations.

My initial impressions were positive, and I was eager to explore its capabilities further.

How Would You Use the Minisforum MS-01? Share Your Thoughts!

Taking a Closer Look at Specs

Harnessing the Intel Core i9 with PCIe Slot

The Minisforum MS01 shines when it comes to performance power.

One of the key features that caught my eye is the PCIe express slot. This single slot allows me to add a discrete graphics card or other expansion cards, which is rare for mini PCs. This means I can increase the system’s capabilities even further, making it perfect for tasks that require extra power, like video editing or gaming.

Another standout feature is the Intel Core i9 processor i9-13900H or i9-12900H (14 cores, 20 threads) with vPro support. This high-performance CPU handles demanding tasks with ease. Whether I’m running multiple virtual machines or working on heavy-duty applications, the MS01 keeps up without breaking a sweat.

Memory and Storage Options

The Minisforum MS01 stands out because of its impressive memory and storage options. This configuration is perfect for running multiple VMs simultaneously. It has two slots, but ECC memory is not supported.

According to the website, it supports up to 64GB of DDR5 RAM. However, I’m using mine with 2x48GB memory, totaling 96GB, without any issue. I use the Crucial Pro memory from Amazon.

For storage, the MS01 provides three M.2 slots for SSDs. I have never seen a mini-PC that supports three slots. The Minisforum website states that the maximum capability per slot is 2TB. However, some users on Reddit report that bigger drives are possible. It is essential to use a single-sided SSD drive.

M.2 Slots: Three M.2 NVMe SSD slots are available:

• Slot 1: M.2 2280 NVMe SSD slot (also supports U.2) with PCIe 4.0 x4 interface.
• Slot 2: M.2 2280/22110 NVMe SSD slot with PCIe 3.0 x4 interface.
• Slot 3: M.2 2280/22110 NVMe SSD slot with PCIe 3.0 x2 interface.

• U.2 Support: The first M.2 slot can be configured to support U.2 SSDs, accommodating enterprise-class storage solutions.
• PCIe Slot: A PCIe 4.0 x16 slot (operating at x8 speed) is available for additional storage controllers or other expansion cards.

These features allow the MS-01 to support up to 24TB of SSD storage, meeting users’ needs requiring high-capacity and high-speed storage solutions.

I installed 3 Lexar 790 SSD drives

The Lexar NM790 SSD is a high-speed PCIe Gen4 NVMe drive with speeds up to 7,400/6,500 MB/s (read/write). However, in compact setups like the Minisforum MS-01, where PCIe lanes are shared, using all three M.2 slots can reduce the effective speed of each drive. This can impact overall performance for Proxmox or VMware configurations, especially in RAID setups where the slowest slot becomes the bottleneck. You should be aware of that. However, I think it’s not a big deal for a home lab or small business setup.

Networking and Connectivity

The Minisforum MS-01 stands out with its exceptional networking and connectivity options, making it an excellent choice for virtualization labs or small business environments.

One of the most impressive features is the inclusion of dual SFP+ 10 GbE ports. It is a rare find in a device of this size and price range, providing ultra-fast data transfer capabilities that are particularly beneficial for demanding networking tasks. For those looking to upgrade their home lab, these 10 GbE ports are a game-changer, allowing for rapid communication between virtual machines and networked devices.

In addition to the 10 GbE ports, the MS-01 is equipped with dual 2.5 GbE LAN ports, offering versatile options for connecting to different networks or devices. This variety ensures you can easily set up multiple network environments for testing, development, or day-to-day use. The ability to leverage both 10 GbE and 2.5 GbE connectivity makes the MS-01 a robust solution for anyone needing reliable and high-speed networking in a compact form factor.

Intel vPRO technology is supported on the Minisforum MS-01, offering robust hardware-level protection and seamless remote management capabilities. With Intel AMT, users can efficiently manage their systems from remote locations.

I use a dummy HDMI adapter, which allows the system to simulate a display, providing a perfect solution for headless setups and remote management scenarios. This feature is particularly beneficial for those operating in virtual environments. I use MeshCommander to access my Minisforum.

The device also features a thoughtfully designed front panel, which includes a power button, a headset jack, and several USB ports, making it convenient to connect frequently used peripherals. This design ensures that essential ports are within easy reach, enhancing the user experience.

To summarize the connectivity options, the Minisforum MS-01 supports:

• 10G SFP+ Ports x2: High-speed data transfers and virtualization tasks are ideal.
• 2.5G Ethernet RJ45 Ports x2: Providing additional flexible networking options.
• USB4 Ports x2 (Alt DP): Supporting fast data transfer and display connectivity.
• USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A Ports x2: For fast peripheral connections.
• USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A Port x1: Adding to the range of available USB options.
• USB2 Type-A Ports x2: For connecting legacy devices.
• HDMI x1: Supporting external display setups.
• Audio Jack x1: For direct audio output.

These features make the Minisforum MS-01 a versatile and powerful tool for any virtualization lab or small business. The 10G SFP+ ports are a particular highlight for those seeking top-tier networking.

Compatibility with VMware and Proxmox

VMware

The Minisforum MS-01 is compatible with VMware ESXi 8, making it a strong contender for virtualization tasks in a home lab or small business setting. However, some important considerations must be made when setting up VMware ESXi on this device.

Network Compatibility

One of the standout features of the Minisforum MS-01 is its robust network connectivity, which is fully supported by VMware ESXi 8. The device is equipped with:

• 2 x Intel I225 (2.5GbE) ports
• 2 x Intel X710 SFP+ (10GbE) ports

All four of these network adapters are recognized and supported by ESXi 8 right out of the box.

CPU Considerations

The Minisforum MS-01 utilizes Intel’s Hybrid CPU architecture, including a mix of Performance (P) and Efficiency (E) cores. While this architecture offers a balance between power and efficiency, it introduces some challenges when running VMware ESXi:

• Default Boot Issues: VMware ESXi 8 will not boot on systems with hybrid cores, such as those found in the MS-01, by default. This is due to the way ESXi handles different types of CPU cores.
• Enabling ESXi Boot: To successfully boot ESXi on the MS-01, you need to modify the kernel parameters by adding the following commands:
  • cpuUniformityHardCheckPanic=FALSE
  • ignoreMsrFaults=TRUE
• These parameters allow ESXi to boot and function correctly on the MS-01 despite the presence of hybrid cores.
• Hyperthreading Considerations: When all cores are enabled on the MS-01, hyperthreading is effectively disabled in ESXi. Depending on your specific use case, this may impact performance.
• Optimizing CPU Performance: If you disable the Efficiency (E) cores in the BIOS, ESXi will recognize and enable hyperthreading on the Performance (P) cores. Depending on your workload requirements, this configuration can provide a more traditional and efficient virtualization environment.

Proxmox

The Minisforum MS-01 can run Proxmox. I have collected some issues from various forums and Reddit.

1. Installation Issues: Some users have experienced problems with installing Proxmox on the Minisforum MS-01. For instance, after installing Proxmox 8.3, the web GUI becomes inaccessible after a few minutes, and network drivers need to be manually installed, which indicates potential compatibility issues.
2. Performance and Stability Concerns: There are reports of mixed performance and stability when using the Minisforum MS-01 with Proxmox. Users have faced challenges stabilizing the system, even after multiple debugging attempts, such as updating the microcode, disabling efficiency cores, and flashing the BIOS. The longest stable run reported was only three days under light utilization.
3. RAID Recognition Problems: Another issue encountered is with RAID recognition. The system sometimes fails to recognize RAID configurations properly, displaying individual disks instead of a single RAID volume. I would not use a hardware RAID configuration with the Minisforum MS-01.
4. General Feedback: Some users have found the Minisforum MS-01 a pain to use under Proxmox compared to Windows, suggesting that while it is technically possible to run Proxmox, it may not be the most user-friendly or stable experience.

I cannot share these issues because of my experience. I have had no problem installing Proxmox. Even Vpro works perfectly. My Minisforum arrived with BIOS 1.22, and before installing Proxmox, I upgraded the Minisforum BIOS to 1.26

The Minisforum is initially offered as a barebone unit without RAM and a hard drive. There might be some deals available with some RAM already included, but I recommend buying the barebone version. I discovered that Amazon offers the best prices with free shipping.

Amazon offers a rack mount for two Minisforum ms 01. That’s pretty impressive and makes it convenient in a homelab rack.

Minisforum MS-01 vs. Competitors

Minisforum has several competitors in the mini PC market. Some of the notable ones include:

• Beelink: Known for offering affordable mini PCs, Beelink is often mentioned alongside Minisforum as a similar brand. They provide various products that cater to different needs, from basic computing to more demanding tasks.

• Intel NUC: Intel’s NUC series is a well-known competitor in the mini PC space. These devices are recognized for their performance and reliability, although they tend to be priced higher than some other mini PC options.

• Apple Mac Mini M4: The Mac Mini is a popular choice for those within the Apple ecosystem. Its strong performance and sleek design make it a formidable competitor in the mini PC market.

These brands offer a variety of mini PCs that compete with Minisforum in terms of performance, price, and features, catering to different consumer needs and preferences.

How Users Plan to Use the Minisforum MS-01

I included a poll at the beginning of this article to see how readers would use the Minisforum MS-01. The results highlight what makes the Minisforum most appealing.

• 50% of respondents plan to use it as a homelab server, taking full advantage of its sexy 10 GbE and 2.5GbE ports—a clear sign that networking enthusiasts see this as a serious contender for high-speed setups.
  
• 41.67% would use it for virtualization, confirming its potential as a powerful Proxmox or ESXi host.
  
• Only 8.33% said they’d use it as a media center, reinforcing that the MS-01 is better suited for performance-heavy tasks rather than just streaming.
  
• Surprisingly, options like office productivity and gaming received no votes, aligning with its networking and virtualization strengths.

These results reaffirm that the Minisforum MS-01 isn’t just a compact system—it’s a serious homelab and virtualization powerhouse.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

In my experience, the Minisforum MS01 stands out for its versatility and power. It’s the perfect solution for demanding tasks like virtualization labs and development environments.

The Intel Core i9 processor and up to 96GB of RAM make it a compact powerhouse. Officially, 64GB of RAM is supported.

One of the key highlights is its unbelievable connectivity.

It offers exceptional network speeds with dual SFP+ 10 GbE and dual 2.5 GbE LAN ports.

The MS01 is more expensive than other mini PCs. However, it’s worth the investment if you need a small yet powerful system with excellent connectivity and storage options.

Its flexibility and ability to meet all my expectations make it a top choice for tech enthusiasts and professionals looking for a quality product.

I would love to get some feedback from you. Was this article helpful? Please share your opinion with me in the comment section below. Or, if you prefer a more personal touch, feel free to email me directly at info@edywerder.ch. Your thoughts and insights are always appreciated. Additionally, you can connect with me on Reddit at Navigatetech.