MAXSUN is taking a different approach to compact workstation design, using MCIO connectivity to fit high-performance graphics hardware into a small-form-factor system. The company showcased its new MCIO mini workstation at Intel Connection 2026 this week, alongside several upcoming mini PCs and AI-focused storage systems.
The MCIO workstation is built around a Z890 Mini-ITX motherboard and uses MCIO cables to change how the motherboard and graphics cards are positioned inside the system. Instead of relying on the usual side-by-side arrangement, the design allows the high-performance graphics cards and motherboard to be installed back-to-back, making better use of the limited space available in a compact chassis.
MAXSUN paired the system with a Cooler Master i100 Air chassis, which provides the compact enclosure for the hardware. Cooling is handled by a Hyper 510 low-profile processor air cooler, while a Gold V850 SFX power supply provides power to the system.
The MCIO connection is an important part of the design because it gives MAXSUN more flexibility when routing PCIe connections inside the chassis. This could be useful for compact workstations where the physical size of a conventional graphics card and motherboard combination can make component placement difficult.
MAXSUN also used Intel Connection 2026 to show several other compact computing products. The company’s lineup included the MU01 304 mini PC based on Intel’s “Wildcat Lake” platform and the MS-MK 01 358H, which is based on the newer “Panther Lake” platform.
The company also presented its Pocket AI NAS, along with an AI NAS developed in collaboration with Changwang Microcontroller. These products add local storage and AI workloads to MAXSUN’s growing compact-computing portfolio.
- MAXSUN MCIO mini workstation showcased at Intel Connection 2026
- Z890 Mini-ITX motherboard
- MCIO cables enable back-to-back motherboard and graphics card installation
- Cooler Master i100 Air chassis
- Hyper 510 low-profile CPU air cooler
- Gold V850 SFX power supply
- MU01 304 mini PC with “Wildcat Lake”
- MS-MK 01 358H with “Panther Lake”
- Pocket AI NAS
- AI NAS developed with Changwang Microcontroller
- Pricing and launch dates have not been announced
MAXSUN has not yet revealed complete specifications, pricing, or release dates for all of the products shown at the event. More details are expected as the company moves closer to their respective launches.
