Minisforum has launched the M1 Lite mini PC starting at $311, combining Intel’s Core Ultra 5 125U with support for up to 96GB of DDR5 memory and USB4 in a compact chassis, like the GMKtec EVO-T2 mini PC with Core Ultra.
The mini PC is based on Intel’s Meteor Lake-U platform, using a 12-core, 14-thread Core Ultra 5 125U with boost clocks up to 4.3GHz. The processor integrates a 4-core GPU along with an NPU rated at around 21 TOPS.
Memory comes via two DDR5 SO-DIMM slots, supporting speeds up to 5600MHz and up to 96GB in total. There are also two M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 slots, so you can run a dual SSD setup, similar to configurations seen in the Minisforum MS03 mini workstation with Intel Panther Lake.
The M1 Lite includes a USB4 port that supports data transfer, display output, power delivery, and external GPU connectivity.
Display output supports up to three monitors via HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4, and USB4. Higher resolutions, including up to 8K at 60Hz, are supported over DisplayPort or USB4 connections.
Networking includes 2.5GbE LAN, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.2.
The chassis measures 130 × 126 × 50 mm and weighs about 1.32 lbs (0.6 kg). It supports VESA mounting for installation behind a monitor. Cooling is active, with noise levels rated below 45 dB under load.
Minisforum offers the M1 Lite in both barebone and pre-configured options. The barebone version starts at $311 without RAM, storage, or an operating system. A configuration with 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, and Windows 11 Pro is priced at $615.
Also Read: Best Laptops with 16GB RAM
Outside the US, the barebone model starts at £279 in the UK, €329 in Europe, CAD 426 in Canada, and AUD 439 in Australia.
The configuration positions the M1 Lite as a low-cost mini PC with unusually high memory capacity and modern connectivity for its size.
Minisforum M1 Lite Mini PC: Key Specifications
| Processor | Intel Core Ultra 5 125U (12C/14T, up to 4.3GHz) |
| Platform | Intel Meteor Lake-U |
| Graphics | Integrated Intel GPU (4-core) |
| AI Engine | NPU (~21 TOPS) |
| Memory | Up to 96GB DDR5-5600 (dual SO-DIMM) |
| Storage | 2× M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 |
| Connectivity | USB4, HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4 |
| Networking | 2.5GbE, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Display Support | Up to 3 displays, up to 8K (DP/USB4) |
| Dimensions | 130 × 126 × 50 mm |
| Weight | 1.32 lbs (0.6 kg) |
| Cooling | Active (<45 dB) |
| Price | Starts at $311 |
Source: Minisforum
