Minisforum has officially launched the BD895i SE Mini-ITX motherboard, a compact platform featuring AMD’s Ryzen 9 8945HX processor directly integrated onto a 170 × 170 mm board. This new model replaces the previous BD795i SE and is aimed at users who want workstation-class CPU performance in a small form factor without relying on traditional desktop processors.
Unlike standard Mini-ITX motherboards that utilize socketed desktop CPUs, the BD895i SE features a soldered mobile HX-class processor. This design allows Minisforum to offer higher core counts, modern connectivity, and easier platform integration in a compact system.
Built around AMD Ryzen 9 8945HX
The BD895i SE is equipped with AMD’s Ryzen 9 8945HX processor. It features 16 cores and 32 threads, with a boost clock speed reaching up to 5.4 GHz. Minisforum also confirmed that this chip includes 64 MB of L3 cache to handle demanding workloads.
This type of processor is typically reserved for high-end gaming laptops and mobile workstations. By adapting it for a Mini-ITX motherboard, Minisforum is creating compact systems capable of handling challenging workloads such as software development, content creation, virtual machines, and CPU-intensive gaming with a dedicated graphics card.
Why a mobile HX CPU on Mini-ITX matters
Low core counts or thermal limitations typically restrict the performance of most Mini-ITX boards. The BD895i SE takes a different approach by prioritizing core density and efficiency over traditional socket flexibility.
Using mobile HX processors offers the following advantages:
- Higher multi-threaded performance per watt
- Reduced motherboard complexity
- More predictable thermal behavior in small enclosures
The downside is that it uses SO-DIMM memory instead of desktop DIMMs, which is fine for a mobile CPU architecture, but it does limit the memory tuning options somewhat.
Mini-ITX Size with Desktop-class Expansion
Despite its compact size, the BD895i SE offers expansion options that are uncommon for a Mini-ITX platform.
This board features a full-length PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, supporting modern desktop graphics cards without bandwidth limitations. This makes it suitable for GPU-accelerated workloads, compact gaming PCs, and small AI inference systems.
Storage support is also exceptional for this form factor.
Credit: Minisforum
Storage configuration
Minisforum equips the BD895i SE with:
- 2 × M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 NVMe slots
- PCIe 4.0 x4 bandwidth per slot
- Official support for high-capacity NVMe SSDs
This setup allows users to run a fast boot drive alongside high-speed project or cache storage without external expansion.
Memory support and platform layout
The motherboard features two DDR5 SO-DIMM slots arranged for dual-channel operation.
Memory specifications
- DDR5 dual-channel
- Up to 96 GB total capacity
- Supported speeds up to 5200 MT/s
This configuration provides ample memory headroom for development workloads, virtualization, and professional applications within a compact system.
Integrated Graphics and Display Output
For display output, the BD895i SE relies on AMD Radeon 610M integrated graphics. While not intended for gaming, it supports modern display standards and enables operation without a discrete GPU.
Display outputs
- HDMI 2.1 FRL
- Up to 8K at 60 Hz
- Up to 4K at 120 Hz
- DisplayPort 1.4
- Up to 8K at 60 Hz
- Up to 4K at 120 Hz
This makes the board suitable for high-resolution productivity setups and multi-monitor environments.
Connectivity and I/O options
Minisforum balances modern connectivity with essential legacy support.
Rear and internal I/O
- 2.5 GbE Ethernet
- USB ports:
- 2 × USB 2.0 Type-A
- 2 × USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A
- 1 × USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C with DisplayPort Alt Mode
- Audio:
- Line-in
- Line-out
- Microphone input
- Dedicated CLR CMOS button
Wireless connectivity is supported via an M.2 2230 E-key slot, allowing users to install their preferred Wi-Fi and Bluetooth module.
Cooling and power considerations
Given the performance level of the Ryzen 9 8945HX, power delivery and cooling are key factors.
Minisforum has designed the BD895i SE with:
- A dedicated CPU fan header
- Multiple system fan headers
- Compatibility with standard ATX power supplies rated above 200 W
This ensures stable operation under sustained load while maintaining compatibility with common small-form-factor cases.
Performance Snapshot
Minisforum has published official Cinebench R23 benchmark results for the Ryzen 9 8945HX on its product materials, providing an early look at the processor’s performance potential.
Credit: Minisforum
According to Minisforum’s data, the Ryzen 9 8945HX scores:
- Around 1,953 points in Cinebench R23 single-core
- Approximately 33,087 points in Cinebench R23 multi-core
When compared with the previous Ryzen 9 7945HX, the newer processor shows a clear uplift in both single-core responsiveness and sustained multi-threaded performance. This improvement is particularly relevant for workloads such as code compilation, content creation, and virtualization, where high core utilization is common.
Actual performance on the BD895i SE may vary depending on cooling design, power limits, and firmware tuning. However, the official benchmark figures confirm that the platform is capable of delivering workstation-level CPU performance in a Mini-ITX system.
Official specifications summary
Minisforum BD895i SE Mini-ITX Motherboard
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 8945HX
- Cores and threads: 16 / 32
- Max boost frequency: Up to 5.4 GHz
- L3 cache: 64 MB
- Memory: DDR5 SO-DIMM ×2, up to 96 GB, 5200 MT/s
- Storage: 2 × M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 x4
- Expansion: 1 × PCIe 5.0 x16
- Networking: 2.5 GbE LAN
- Display: HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4
- Form factor: Mini-ITX
All specifications are confirmed by Minisforum’s official product documentation.
Pricing and availability
The BD895i SE is currently available through Minisforum’s Japanese store, where it is priced at ¥69,599, (roughly $465 USD) before international taxes and shipping.
US and Global availability have not yet been confirmed, although previous Minisforum Mini-ITX boards in this series have later become available in international markets through regional storefronts.
Why the BD895i SE stands out
The Minisforum BD895i SE challenges traditional Mini-ITX limitations by combining:
- A 16-core Zen 4 processor
- PCIe 5.0 GPU support
- Modern I/O and storage options
It reflects a growing trend where mobile-class CPUs are used in desktop-style platforms to deliver high efficiency and strong multi-threaded performance in smaller footprints.
For users building compact workstations, high-performance SFF gaming PCs, or home lab systems, the BD895i SE represents one of the most powerful Mini-ITX platforms currently available.
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