The Minisforum M2 Pro is a compact 1.8L mini PC that packs a punch with its Intel Core Ultra X7 358H CPU and Intel Arc B390 iGPU. This combination makes it a versatile machine for gaming, professional workloads, and AI applications. The CPU features 16 cores, including four performance cores, eight efficiency cores, and four low-power efficiency cores, providing a balanced approach to handling demanding and everyday tasks.
The integrated GPU, with 12 XE3 cores clocked up to 2500 MHz, ensures smooth graphics performance for 1440p gaming and content creation. This setup is complemented by unified LPDDR5X memory, which allows the CPU and GPU to share resources efficiently, enhancing multitasking capabilities.
One of the standout features of the M2 Pro is its storage flexibility. It supports up to 24 TB of NVMe SSD storage through three M.2 PCIe 4.0 slots. This makes it ideal for users with extensive gaming libraries, large professional projects, or those working with big datasets for AI and data analysis.
The connectivity options are robust and future-proof. The front panel includes USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, USB 4, a 3.5mm audio jack, and a Copilot button. The rear panel features 10 GB Ethernet, 2.5 GB Ethernet, HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4, USB 4, and USB 2.0 ports. Wireless connectivity is handled by Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6.0, ensuring fast and reliable connections.
In terms of performance, the M2 Pro delivers impressive results. It scores 0.9% higher in single-core and 5.9% higher in multi-core performance compared to AMD’s HX470 processor in Geekbench 7. In Cinebench R24, it excels in single-core performance but is slightly behind in multi-core performance against higher-core CPUs. For graphics, it achieves a 74% higher overall score and 79.2% better graphics performance compared to the Radeon 890M iGPU in 3DMark Time Spy.
Gaming performance is also noteworthy. The M2 Pro handles demanding titles like Red Dead Redemption 2, Forza Horizon 5, and Crimson Desert smoothly at 1440p resolution. It supports Intel’s XESS and AMD’s FSR scaling technologies, enhancing performance in demanding titles.
Efficiency and thermal management are key strengths. The system consumes just 7.8W at idle, peaks at 73W under heavy loads, and averages 61W during gaming sessions. It maintains a maximum temperature of 75°C under load, with gaming temperatures averaging around 60°C. This ensures quiet and efficient operation, even under heavy workloads.
If you’re in the market for a mini PC that offers high performance, versatile storage options, and robust connectivity, the Minisforum M2 Pro is a strong contender. It’s particularly well-suited for users who need a compact system for gaming, professional work, or AI applications. For more details, check out the full review here.
