Minisforum MS-01-S1390 Review: A Mini Workstation for Networking Pros and Content Creators
The Minisforum MS-01-S1390 is a uniquely capable barebone mini PC, combining a high-end Intel Core i9-13900H processor with dual 10Gbps SFP+ networking and extensive expansion for demanding professional workloads.
By Elvis Dicki
Updated October 22, 2026
The landscape of mini PCs is evolving from simple home media centers to serious professional tools. The Minisforum MS-01-S1390 sits firmly in the latter category, representing a significant shift in what’s possible within a compact chassis. This isn’t a plug-and-play device for casual users; it’s a barebone system designed for IT professionals, network engineers, content creators, and home lab enthusiasts who need desktop-grade power, enterprise-class connectivity, and massive storage potential in a small footprint. By leveraging Intel’s 13th-generation Core i9 processor and including features like vPro support and 10-gigabit fiber networking, the MS-01-S1390 blurs the line between a mini PC and a compact workstation, offering a compelling solution for specialized, high-performance computing tasks.
As a barebone unit, the MS-01-S1390 arrives without an operating system, RAM, or storage drives, requiring the user to supply and install these components. This approach lowers the entry price and provides maximum flexibility for customization, allowing you to tailor the system’s memory, storage speed, and software environment to your exact needs. The bottom line is that the Minisforum MS-01-S1390 delivers an exceptional concentration of high-end features for a niche audience that values raw computing power, ultra-fast and secure networking, and extensive hardware expansion in a remarkably small package.
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Minisforum MS-01-S1390 at a Glance
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core i9-13900H (14 cores, 20 threads, up to 5.4GHz) |
| Graphics | Integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics |
| Memory Support | Dual-channel DDR5, up to 96GB |
| Storage Expansion | Up to 24TB via U.2 NVMe SSD & two M.2 NVMe SSDs; supports RAID 0/1 |
| PCIe Slot | PCIe 4.0 x16 (compatible with GPUs like RTX A2000 Mobile) |
| Networking | 2x 10Gbps SFP+ ports, 2x 2.5Gbps RJ45 Ethernet ports |
| Video Output | HDMI, USB4 (supporting triple display) |
| Security & Management | Intel vPro Enterprise support |
| Form Factor | Barebone Mini PC (No OS/RAM/SSD included) |
Design and Build
The Minisforum MS-01-S1390 adopts a professional, understated aesthetic typical of workstation-class hardware. Finished in black, its design prioritizes function and internal layout over flashy gamer aesthetics. The compact dimensions are a key selling point, allowing it to fit into spaces where a traditional tower PC would be impossible, such as network racks, crowded desks, or media cabinets. The build quality, as described by the manufacturer, focuses on housing high-performance components and facilitating the extensive cooling required for an Intel Core i9 processor. The external ports are strategically arranged to provide maximum connectivity without clutter, with a notable emphasis on the networking interfaces that dominate its feature set. The overall impression is of a dense, purpose-built machine engineered for capability over style.
Performance and Features
Processing Power: The Intel Core i9-13900H Heart
At the core of the MS-01-S1390 is the Intel Core i9-13900H mobile processor. This 14-core, 20-thread CPU is a high-end part typically found in premium laptops, offering a maximum turbo frequency of 5.4GHz and 24MB of Intel Smart Cache. This translates to substantial computational power for a wide range of demanding applications. Whether you’re compiling code, running multiple virtual machines for a home lab, editing high-resolution video, or handling complex data analysis, the i9-13900H provides the necessary horsepower. The integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics, with frequencies up to 1.5GHz, handles display outputs and provides hardware acceleration for media tasks, though the system’s true graphics potential is unlocked via its PCIe expansion slot.
Unmatched Connectivity and Networking
This is where the MS-01-S1390 truly distinguishes itself from nearly all other mini PCs on the market. It is equipped with two 10-gigabit SFP+ Ethernet ports. These fiber-optic connections offer ten times the bandwidth of standard gigabit Ethernet, providing ultra-high-speed, stable data transfer that is also more secure from eavesdropping due to the nature of fiber transmission. This makes the device ideal for roles as a network appliance, a high-speed network-attached storage (NAS) controller, or a node in a high-bandwidth editing workflow. Complementing these are two standard 2.5-gigabit RJ45 ports for connecting to more common high-speed copper networks. This quad-NIC setup offers unparalleled networking flexibility for a device of this size.
Expansion and Storage Capabilities
The expansion potential of the MS-01-S1390 is exceptional. It supports up to 96GB of dual-channel DDR5 memory, ensuring ample RAM for virtualization and memory-intensive applications. For storage, it supports an enterprise-class configuration allowing for a total maximum capacity of 24TB. This is achieved through one U.2 NVMe SSD slot and two M.2 NVMe SSD slots (one supporting PCIe 4.0 speeds up to 7000MB/s). The system supports both RAID 0 for striping (increased speed and capacity) and RAID 1 for mirroring (data redundancy), catering to both performance and safety needs. Most notably, it includes a full PCIe 4.0 x16 slot. This allows users to install a dedicated graphics card, a high-performance network card, a storage controller, or other PCIe devices. The manufacturer notes compatibility with professional GPUs like the NVIDIA RTX A2000 Mobile, enabling it to serve as a compact rendering station or a machine learning platform.
Security and Management with Intel vPro
A key feature for enterprise and professional users is the built-in support for Intel vPro technology. vPro provides hardware-level security features that help protect against firmware and rootkit attacks. It also enhances manageability, allowing IT departments to remotely monitor, maintain, and repair systems even if the operating system is unresponsive. For users running virtual machines, vPro supports hardware acceleration for device virtualization, which can improve the performance of virtualized GPUs and sound cards. This feature set solidifies the MS-01-S1390’s position as a tool for business and advanced professional environments, not just a consumer device.
Setup, Support and Ownership
Potential buyers must understand that the MS-01-S1390 is a barebone system. Ownership begins with the purchase and installation of compatible DDR5 RAM, NVMe storage drives, and an operating system. This requires a moderate level of technical knowledge. The process involves opening the chassis, correctly seating the memory and storage modules, and then installing your preferred OS, whether that’s Windows, a Linux distribution, or a specialized system like Proxmox or TrueNAS. The benefit is complete control over component quality and configuration, but it is not a ready-to-use product out of the box.
Minisforum provides a two-year warranty for the unit, which covers the base hardware. Support for the user-installed components (RAM, SSD) would fall under their respective manufacturers’ warranties. Given the specialized nature of the hardware—particularly the 10G SFP+ ports and vPro features—users may need to rely on community forums, official documentation, and their own expertise for advanced configuration and optimization. The compact form factor, while a strength for placement, may also present thermal considerations under sustained, maximum load, so ensuring good ambient airflow is recommended.
What Owners Say
As a relatively new product, detailed owner feedback is still accumulating. The overall rating reflects initial impressions. Based on the available information, the product appears to be meeting expectations for its target audience who value its unique combination of compact size, high-end processor, and professional networking features. Early adopters likely appreciate the flexibility the barebone format provides and the performance delivered by the i9-13900H CPU within such a small chassis. For more perspectives on different mini PC configurations, you can explore reviews of other models like the GEEKOM A5 or fanless designs.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- High-performance Intel Core i9-13900H processor with integrated graphics
- Dual 10Gbps SFP+ and dual 2.5Gbps RJ45 Ethernet ports for ultra-fast, secure networking
- Extensive expansion: up to 96GB DDR5 RAM and 24TB of enterprise-class storage
- Versatile PCIe 4.0 x16 slot for adding GPUs, network cards, or other hardware
- Intel vPro support for enhanced hardware-level security and remote management
- Compact form factor saves considerable space compared to a traditional workstation
Cons
- Requires separate purchase and installation of RAM, storage, and an operating system
- Demands technical knowledge for initial setup and optimal configuration
- The compact design may challenge thermal dissipation during prolonged maximum workloads
- Premium feature set comes at a higher cost than basic mini PCs
- Niche focus makes it overkill for general computing or simple media streaming tasks
Who Should Buy It (and Who Should Skip It)
The Minisforum MS-01-S1390 is an ideal choice for a specific set of users. IT professionals and network engineers will value it as a potent firewall, router, or network monitoring appliance. Home lab enthusiasts and developers can use it as a powerful, compact server for virtualization and containerization. Content creators and engineers needing a small-footprint workstation for video editing, 3D rendering, or computational tasks will benefit from its CPU power and expansion options. Small businesses looking for a secure, manageable, and powerful desktop for demanding software will also find it compelling.
This mini PC is not for everyone. Casual users looking for a simple plug-and-play computer for web browsing, office work, or streaming media should look at more basic, pre-configured mini PCs. Those uncomfortable with installing their own hardware components or configuring an operating system from scratch should skip it. Gamers seeking maximum graphics performance would be better served by a traditional desktop with full-power GPU support, though the MS-01 can accommodate mobile workstation GPUs. If your needs don’t explicitly require 10-gigabit networking, vPro management, or massive storage expansion, a less specialized and costly mini PC will likely suffice.
Final Verdict
The Minisforum MS-01-S1390 is a remarkable piece of engineering that successfully packs desktop-workstation and server-grade features into a mini PC form factor. It makes compromises in the right places for its target market, opting for a barebone format to offer customization and focusing its cost on a high-end CPU and unparalleled networking capabilities. For the right user, its value proposition is incredibly strong: it eliminates the need for a large, noisy tower without sacrificing the performance or expansion required for professional work. It serves as a testament to how specialized and powerful mini PCs have become, carving out a unique niche that few other devices can fill.
In conclusion, the MS-01-S1390 isn’t trying to be the best general-purpose mini PC; it’s aiming to be the best *specialized* mini PC for networking, virtualization, and high-compute environments. If your project or profession demands a compact system with serious CPU muscle, ultra-fast fiber connectivity, and room to grow, the Minisforum MS-01-S1390 presents a compelling and nearly unique solution. It requires an investment of both money and technical effort to bring to life, but for those within its target audience, the capabilities it unlocks are well worth it.
FAQs
What exactly does “barebone” mean for this mini PC?
A barebone system means the unit is sold as a core chassis with the motherboard, processor, and core ports pre-installed. You must separately purchase and install the memory (RAM), storage drives (SSDs), and an operating system (like Windows or Linux) before it can function. This allows for customization of performance and cost based on your specific needs.
What can I use the PCIe 4.0 x16 slot for?
This full-length slot provides extensive expansion possibilities. According to the manufacturer, it is compatible with high-performance external GPUs (like the NVIDIA RTX A2000 Mobile), network interface cards (NICs), storage controller cards, or other PCIe-based devices. This allows you to add dedicated graphics for rendering, additional networking ports, or connect to specialized storage arrays.
Do I need special equipment for the 10Gbps SFP+ ports?
Yes. The SFP+ ports require compatible SFP+ transceiver modules (which are not included) to convert the optical signal. You will also need appropriate fiber optic cables or DAC (Direct Attach Copper) cables to connect the mini PC to a 10-gigabit capable switch or another device. These are standard networking components but represent an additional cost and setup consideration.
Is the Intel vPro feature useful for a home user?
Intel vPro is primarily an enterprise technology focused on hardware-level security, remote management, and stability. For most home users, its benefits are minimal. However, for a home lab enthusiast running multiple virtual machines or a power user deeply concerned with firmware-level security, the hardware-based protections and virtualization acceleration features can provide tangible advantages.
About the author
Elvis Dicki writes reviews and buying guides for CyberSecLabs.