Minisforum has introduced the MS-S1 Max, a new mini-tower desktop that brings AMD’s latest mobile-on-desktop (MoDT) architecture to a compact form factor. At the center of this system is the AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 “Strix Halo” processor, which combines performance computing with integrated AI acceleration.
The MS-S1 Max adopts USB4 v2.0 connectivity, delivering bandwidth of up to 80 Gbps. It stands among the first client desktop systems to integrate the upgraded standard. The USB4 specification, first drafted in 2019, defined speeds of 20 Gbps and 40 Gbps. In 2022, the 80 Gbps tier was introduced under USB4 v2.0, and the MS-S1 Max now demonstrates one of the earliest real-world implementations of this advancement.
USB4 v2.0 is more than an incremental upgrade. It utilizes PAM3 signaling, allowing the higher bandwidth to be delivered over existing pin configurations while maintaining compatibility with passive USB4 cables rated for 40 Gbps. The standard also introduces a new active cable option, enabling asymmetric bandwidth distribution. This allows devices to achieve 120 Gbps in one direction and 40 Gbps in the other, a feature designed for workloads such as high-speed storage transfers or external GPU enclosures. The approach mirrors Intel’s Thunderbolt 5, which offers a similar Bandwidth Boost capability.
Aside from the new USB implementation, the MS-S1 Max is designed as a straightforward MoDT desktop, enabling AMD’s Strix Halo processor to operate in a small yet capable chassis. Minisforum has not disclosed full specifications on memory, storage, or expansion options, but the platform is expected to provide high performance for a variety of workloads in a compact desktop footprint.
By adopting USB4 v2.0, Minisforum positions the MS-S1 Max as a forward-looking desktop solution, giving users access to next-generation high-speed I/O. Further announcements on pricing, regional availability, and detailed configuration options are anticipated in the coming months.
Source: HXL
