Minisforum has shown an early preview of its upcoming MS-03 workstation mini PC, a small desktop computer powered by Intel’s next-generation Panther Lake Core Ultra processors. The company displayed the system during a recent Intel event held in Shanghai.
Even though the computer is very compact, it is designed to deliver workstation-level performance. The processor inside the system can run at up to 70 watts, which is higher than what many typical mini PCs use.
This preview gives an early idea of how hardware companies are preparing devices using Intel’s Core Ultra Series 3 “Panther Lake” platform. These new processors are expected to focus strongly on AI tasks and hybrid computing workloads.
The Minisforum MS-03 appears to be aimed at developers, professionals, and businesses that need powerful computing performance but prefer a small and space-saving desktop system.
According to early details shared during the event, the MS-03 may use the Intel Core Ultra 7 356H processor. This chip reportedly has 16 cores arranged in a 4 Performance-core, 8 Efficient-core, and 4 Low-Power Efficient-core layout.
The processor can boost up to around 4.7 GHz. The integrated graphics are based on Intel’s Arc graphics architecture with Xe3 GPU cores.
The graphics section of the chip is expected to include four Xe3 GPU cores that can reach boost speeds of about 2.45 GHz.
When the CPU, GPU, and NPU (AI processor) work together, the system may deliver up to 90 TOPS of AI computing power. This design reflects Intel’s larger plan to build AI-ready PCs that can run machine learning tasks directly on the device instead of always relying on cloud services.
Images shown at the event reveal a very compact chassis measuring about 195 × 195 × 42.5 mm. This makes the MS-03 similar in size to other small workstation mini PCs.
Even with its compact size, the system includes large ventilation areas and several front I/O ports. The layout indicates that Minisforum has prioritized cooling while aiming to maintain stable performance.
The MS-03 also continues the direction started by earlier Minisforum workstation mini PCs, such as the MS-01 and MS-02. These models introduced features aimed at professional users, including more powerful processors, better connectivity, and support for demanding workloads.
Unlike many consumer mini PCs that only use integrated graphics, the MS-03 can also support an optional low-profile discrete GPU.
This feature could make the system useful for more demanding tasks such as AI development, virtualization environments, media processing, and software development.
Minisforum also presented another Panther Lake system during the event, the M2 Pro mini PC.
Reports from the event suggest that the M2 Pro may use a Core Ultra X9 388H processor, support up to 96 GB of LPDDR5X-9600 memory, and include two M.2 SSD slots for high-speed storage.
The M2 Pro is also described as supporting local AI frameworks such as OpenClaw. This reflects a growing trend in the industry where systems process some data locally for privacy and speed, while still using cloud computing when needed.
The preview of both the MS-03 and the M2 Pro highlights a larger shift happening in the PC industry. Many companies are now building compact desktop systems with strong AI capabilities, powerful processors, and workstation features while keeping the devices small.
Minisforum has not yet announced the final price, full hardware specifications, or official release date for the MS-03. However, the teaser suggests that the company plans to expand its lineup of compact workstation mini PCs as Intel’s Panther Lake platform starts appearing in future computers.
Minisforum MS-03 Mini Workstation: Key Specifications
| Processor | Intel Core Ultra 7 356H (Panther Lake architecture) |
| CPU Configuration | 16 cores (4 Performance + 8 Efficient + 4 Low-Power Efficient) |
| Max Boost Clock | 4.7 GHz |
| Graphics | Intel Arc integrated (Xe3 architecture) |
| AI Performance | Up to ~90 TOPS |
| TDP | Up to 70W |
| Chassis Size | 195 × 195 × 42.5 mm |
Source: Minisforum (Weixin)
