ASRock DeskMini B860 + Core Ultra 7 265 vs MINISFORUM MS-S1 Max
Check current prices
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
ASRock DeskMini B860 + Core Ultra 7 265
DeskMini B860 barebone with user-installed Core Ultra 7 265; no RAM, storage, Wi-Fi, or OS
MINISFORUM MS-S1 Max
Ryzen AI Max+ 395, 128GB RAM, 2TB SSD, US
Amazon results may include other models. Verify the processor, memory, storage, and seller before buying.
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Storage |
1Is it fast for normal work?
ASRock DeskMini B860 + Core Ultra 7 265
-
PCMark 10 7016 points
CT.nl measured 7,016 points in PCMark 10 on the same DeskMini B860 chassis with a Core Ultra 5 235, 32GB of memory, and a 1TB SSD. The CPU differs from this reference configuration, so the result is not used in a score.
PCMark 10 · Core Ultra 5 235, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD; partial chassis match
CT.nl · 0:00 -
Reference-build status Integrator builds available
Sycom and DunamisTek both offered complete DeskMini B860 systems with the 20-core Core Ultra 7 265, confirming a real build path. Their memory, storage, cooling, and software choices do not define this barebone record.
Exact-processor configuration verification · DeskMini B860 with Core Ultra 7 265
Sycom -
Cinebench 2024 single-core Not available
MINISFORUM MS-S1 Max
-
PCMark 10 Not available
-
Reference-build status Not available
-
Cinebench 2024 single-core 110 points
Jim's Garage measured 110 in Cinebench 2024 single-core on its exact 128GB review unit.
Cinebench 2024 single-core · Ryzen AI Max+ 395; 128GB/2TB review unit
Jim's Garage · 13:52
2Can it handle sustained work?
ASRock DeskMini B860 + Core Ultra 7 265
-
Cinebench 2026 multi-core 5073 points
CT.nl measured 5,073 points in Cinebench 2026 multi-core with a Core Ultra 5 235. This is same-chassis evidence only and does not represent the 20-core Core Ultra 7 265.
Cinebench 2026 multi-core · Core Ultra 5 235, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD; partial chassis match
CT.nl · 0:00 -
Power-envelope constraint 65W chassis class
Intel rates the Core Ultra 7 265 for 65W base power and up to 182W turbo power, while ASRock limits the DeskMini B860 to 65W processors and supplies a 120W adapter. Sustained 265 performance therefore depends on the chassis BIOS limits and cooler rather than the processor's unrestricted desktop maximum.
Processor and chassis power-specification check · Core Ultra 7 265 reference build
Intel -
Cinebench R23 multi-core Not available
-
Cinebench 2024 multi-core Not available
-
Qwen3 235B local inference Not available
MINISFORUM MS-S1 Max
-
Cinebench 2026 multi-core Not available
-
Power-envelope constraint Not available
-
Cinebench R23 multi-core 37062 points
Level1Techs measured 37,062 in Cinebench R23 multi-core on the MS-S1 Max.
Cinebench R23 multi-core · Ryzen AI Max+ 395; 128GB review system
Level1Techs · 14:22 -
Cinebench 2024 multi-core 1886 points
Tech Notice measured 1,808 in Balanced mode and 1,886 after switching the same exact-config review system to Performance mode.
Cinebench 2024 multi-core · Performance BIOS mode; exact 128GB/2TB review unit
Tech Notice · 15:50 -
Qwen3 235B local inference 13.73 tokens/s
Jim's Garage reported 13.73 tokens per second for Qwen3 235B A22B Instruct Q3_K_XL under Ubuntu, with about 102GB of unified memory in use.
Qwen3 235B A22B Instruct 2507 Q3_K_XL local inference · Ubuntu bare metal; 1GB fixed graphics allocation; Performance BIOS mode; exact 128GB review unit
Jim's Garage · 22:13
3Can it game?
ASRock DeskMini B860 + Core Ultra 7 265
-
3DMark Steel Nomad 333 points
CT.nl measured 333 points in 3DMark Steel Nomad using a Core Ultra 5 235. It is retained only as a same-chassis indication of the limited integrated Intel Graphics class, not as an exact Core Ultra 7 265 result.
3DMark Steel Nomad · Core Ultra 5 235 integrated graphics; partial chassis match
CT.nl · 0:00 -
No discrete-GPU slot Integrated graphics only
The Mini-STX chassis has no PCIe graphics-card position. Gaming and GPU-compute capability is limited to the four-Xe-core Intel Graphics engine integrated into the selected Core Ultra 7 265.
Expansion and processor-graphics specification check · DeskMini B860 with Core Ultra 7 265
ASRock -
Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail Not available
-
Cyberpunk 2077 Not available
-
Kingdom Come: Deliverance II Not available
MINISFORUM MS-S1 Max
-
3DMark Steel Nomad Not available
-
No discrete-GPU slot Not available
-
Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail 68 fps
Level1Techs measured 68 FPS at 1440p High in the Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail benchmark.
Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail benchmark · 1440p High preset; Radeon 8060S; exact 128GB review system
Level1Techs · 10:00 -
Cyberpunk 2077 67 fps
RandomGaminginHD measured 67 FPS in Cyberpunk 2077 at 1080p using the High preset with no upscaling.
Cyberpunk 2077 gameplay · 1080p High; no upscaling; Performance mode at 130W; Radeon 8060S
RandomGaminginHD · 7:00 -
Kingdom Come: Deliverance II 90 fps
RandomGaminginHD measured 90 FPS in Kingdom Come: Deliverance II at 1080p High using SMAA 2TX.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance II gameplay · 1080p High; SMAA 2TX; Radeon 8060S
RandomGaminginHD · 9:58
4Is it loud or hot?
ASRock DeskMini B860 + Core Ultra 7 265
-
Full-load loudness 1.7 sone
CT.nl measured 1.7 sone under full load with the Core Ultra 5 235 and its boxed Intel cooler, while idle and light GPU-only work stayed below 0.1 sone. The target 265 and cooler choice differ, so this is not scored.
Full system load · Core Ultra 5 235 with boxed Intel cooler; partial chassis match
CT.nl · 0:00 -
Cooler flexibility 47mm cooler clearance
ASRock permits CPU coolers up to 47mm tall. CT.nl recommended a larger-fan low-profile cooler such as the Noctua NH-L9i-17xx or Alpenfohn Silvretta to reduce the boxed cooler's load noise.
Chassis clearance and acoustic inspection · DeskMini B860 chassis
CT.nl -
Maximum observed CPU temperature Not available
-
Load sound level Not available
MINISFORUM MS-S1 Max
-
Full-load loudness Not available
-
Cooler flexibility Not available
-
Maximum observed CPU temperature 63 C
Jim's Garage observed no more than 63 C during its Cinebench run, while Tech Notice independently saw 64 C before changing from Balanced to Performance mode.
Cinebench 2024 multi-core · Exact 128GB review unit; Jim's Garage test mode was not stated in the narration
Jim's Garage · 14:06 -
Load sound level 43 dBA
ServeTheHome measured about 42 to 43 dBA at one meter while the system drew about 120W and said it was clearly audible rather than silent.
Sustained local-AI workload · One-meter distance; exact 128GB review system; room floor not stated in the narration
ServeTheHome · 10:53
5How much electricity does it use?
ASRock DeskMini B860 + Core Ultra 7 265
-
Idle wall power 8.1 W
CT.nl measured 8.1 W at an idle Windows desktop with a UHD DisplayPort display attached on its Core Ultra 5 235, 32GB, and 1TB test build.
Windows desktop idle · Core Ultra 5 235, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD, UHD DisplayPort display; partial configuration
CT.nl · 0:00 -
Full-load wall power 112 W
CT.nl measured 112 W at full load on its Core Ultra 5 235 build. The publication found that ASRock set both short and sustained CPU limits to 75W for that processor to stay within the adapter envelope.
Full system load · Core Ultra 5 235, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD; partial configuration
CT.nl · 0:00 -
Cinebench wall power Not available
MINISFORUM MS-S1 Max
-
Idle wall power 12 W
ServeTheHome observed a 9 to 12 W idle range in Windows. Jim's Garage independently observed 7 to 10 W at idle on its exact-config unit.
Windows idle · Observed range 9-12 W; exact 128GB review system
ServeTheHome · 10:32 -
Full-load wall power Not available
-
Cinebench wall power 130 W
Jim's Garage saw about 130 W at the wall through most of its Cinebench run, with brief spikes up to 150 W.
Cinebench 2024 multi-core · Exact 128GB review unit; brief observed spikes to 150 W
Jim's Garage · 14:12
6Can I upgrade and connect everything?
ASRock DeskMini B860 + Core Ultra 7 265
-
Memory is upgradeable Yes
-
Storage is upgradeable Yes
-
Thunderbolt 4 is present Yes
-
Four storage positions 2x M.2 plus 2x SATA
The board provides one PCIe 5.0 x4 M.2 2280 slot, one PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 2280 slot, and two SATA 6Gbps connectors for 2.5-inch drives up to 9.5mm thick. ASRock includes the proprietary SATA power/data cables.
Manufacturer specification and teardown · DeskMini B860 barebone
ASRock -
Fast external I/O TB4, 20Gbps USB-C, 2.5GbE
CT.nl measured up to 3.8GB/s through rear Thunderbolt 4, about 2.03GB/s through the front 20Gbps USB-C port, and roughly 300MB/s over 2.5GbE on its DeskMini B860 test build.
External storage and network throughput checks · Core Ultra 5 235 test build; chassis interfaces match
CT.nl -
Socketed processor Replaceable LGA1851 CPU
Unlike most mini PCs, the LGA1851 processor can be replaced independently. ASRock officially limits the system to supported Core Ultra Series 2 processors at 65W or below and requires integrated graphics because the chassis has no GPU slot.
Manufacturer CPU-support and expansion check · DeskMini B860 barebone
ASRock -
Thunderbolt is present Not available
-
High-speed I/O Not available
-
Linux 10GbE support Not available
-
Expansion limits Not available
MINISFORUM MS-S1 Max
-
Memory is upgradeable No
-
Storage is upgradeable Yes
-
Thunderbolt 4 is present Not available
-
Four storage positions Not available
-
Fast external I/O Not available
-
Socketed processor Not available
-
Thunderbolt is present No
-
High-speed I/O 4x USB4 and 2x 10GbE
The chassis provides two front 40Gbps USB4 ports, two rear 80Gbps USB4 v2 ports, and two Realtek RTL8127 10GbE controllers. The internal 320W power supply avoids an external brick.
Manufacturer specification and hands-on port inspection · MS-S1 Max chassis
MINISFORUM -
Linux 10GbE support Driver work required
Jim's Garage could not use the two RTL8127 10GbE ports out of the box under Debian 13 or Proxmox and obtained only 5Gbps after adding a driver manually. Wi-Fi 7 worked in the same Linux testing.
Debian 13 and Proxmox network detection and throughput testing · Exact 128GB/2TB review unit; software state in September 2025
Jim's Garage · 1:58 -
Expansion limits PCIe 4.0 x4, no 75W GPU power
Level1Techs verified that the physical x16 slot is electrically PCIe 4.0 x4, is closed-ended, and cannot supply 75W. Tech Notice likewise found that it is suitable for networking or storage expansion rather than a conventional graphics card.
Hands-on chassis and slot inspection · MS-S1 Max chassis
Level1Techs · 11:35
7Is it good value?
ASRock DeskMini B860 + Core Ultra 7 265
-
Barebone price $295 barebone
A US eBay importer listed exact global part 90BXG5501-A10GA0W for $295 when checked. ASRock did not publish a global USD MSRP, and the listing does not include the Core Ultra 7 265, memory, storage, wireless, or Windows.
Exact-part retail-price check · 90BXG5501-A10GA0W barebone only
eBay -
Processor cost is separate $384-$394 CPU RCP
Intel publishes a recommended customer price range of $384 to $394 for the boxed Core Ultra 7 265. The total working-system cost must also include memory, storage, wireless if wanted, and an operating system.
Processor price and included-components check · Boxed Core Ultra 7 265
Intel -
Amazon availability No exact ASIN found
No exact Amazon listing was found for global barebone part 90BXG5501-A10GA0W or the defined Core Ultra 7 265 reference build.
Exact retailer-identity search · DeskMini B860 and Core Ultra 7 265 reference build
ASRock -
Manufacturer price Not available
-
Verified Amazon configuration Not available
MINISFORUM MS-S1 Max
-
Barebone price Not available
-
Processor cost is separate Not available
-
Amazon availability Not available
-
Manufacturer price $3,719
MINISFORUM listed the exact 128GB/2TB US configuration for $3,719 when checked, against a $4,649 compare-at price.
Manufacturer retail-price check · MS-S1-MAX12US; Ryzen AI Max+ 395; 128GB RAM; 2TB SSD; Windows 11 Pro
MINISFORUM -
Verified Amazon configuration B0G348H88N
Amazon ASIN B0G348H88N matched the exact Ryzen AI Max+ 395, 128GB RAM, and 2TB SSD configuration when checked.
Retailer identity check · MS-S1 Max 128GB/2TB
MINISFORUM
8Will it be dependable?
ASRock DeskMini B860 + Core Ultra 7 265
-
Replaceable core components CPU, RAM, storage serviceable
The socketed CPU, two SO-DIMMs, two M.2 drives, two SATA drives, and optional wireless module are independently replaceable. This avoids the motherboard-level memory and storage repair limits common to soldered mini PCs.
Hands-on assembly and serviceability inspection · DeskMini B860 barebone
CT.nl -
Split warranty responsibility Component-level warranties
Because this is a parts build, the barebone, processor, memory, storage, and optional wireless card may each have separate warranty providers and terms. ASRock's global product page does not publish one universal coverage period for part 90BXG5501-A10GA0W.
Warranty-scope review · User-assembled reference build
ASRock -
Firmware support B860M-STX BIOS updates active
ASRock continued publishing B860M-STX firmware updates in August 2026, including CPU microcode, Intel Management Engine, and compatibility changes. Builders should verify CPU support and update procedure before changing processors.
Manufacturer firmware-support check · B860M-STX motherboard
ASRock -
Seller warranty Not available
-
Cooling and acoustics Not available
-
Operating-system caveat Not available
MINISFORUM MS-S1 Max
-
Replaceable core components Not available
-
Split warranty responsibility Not available
-
Firmware support Not available
-
Seller warranty 3 years
MINISFORUM advertises a three-year seller warranty and 30-day returns on the US store page.
Manufacturer warranty-policy check
MINISFORUM -
Cooling and acoustics Cool but audible
Independent testing found low-60s C temperatures in Cinebench, but ServeTheHome still measured 42 to 43 dBA at one meter around 120W. The cooling system controls temperature without being silent under sustained load.
Sustained CPU and local-AI workloads · Exact 128GB review systems
ServeTheHome · 10:32 -
Operating-system caveat Linux NIC caveat
The current Windows configuration was stable in the retained reviews, but Jim's Garage documented immature RTL8127 support under Debian 13 and Proxmox. Linux buyers should verify current driver support for the dual 10GbE controllers.
Windows, Debian 13, and Proxmox hands-on testing · Exact 128GB/2TB review unit
Jim's Garage · 16:53
References
-
ASRock. DeskMini B860 Series. Product page. . Accessed .
Configuration: DeskMini B860 barebone, B860M-STX, LGA1851, 120W adapter; no CPU, memory, storage, wireless, or OS
Disclosure: Manufacturer specifications and official product gallery. The selected Core Ultra 7 265 is a separate reference-build component, not an included ASRock part.
-
ASRock. ASRock Support - DeskMini B860 Series. Product page. Accessed .
Configuration: DeskMini B860 Series and B860M-STX firmware
Disclosure: Manufacturer firmware and support index.
-
Intel. Intel Core Ultra 7 Processor 265 Specifications. Product page. . Accessed .
Configuration: Core Ultra 7 265 desktop processor, 20 cores, 20 threads, 65W base power, integrated Intel Graphics, FCLGA1851
Disclosure: Processor-manufacturer specifications and recommended customer price.
-
CT.nl. Asrock DeskMini B860 review: krachtige barebone voor op kantoor & thuis. Product page. . Accessed .
Configuration: DeskMini B860 with Core Ultra 5 235, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD, Windows 11, boxed Intel cooler
Disclosure: The article contains advertising and an Amazon shop link. No test-unit source or sponsored-content disclosure was found in the accessible article.
-
Sycom. Radiant SPX3300B860i product announcement. Product page. . Accessed .
Configuration: Complete DeskMini B860-based Radiant SPX3300B860i with Core Ultra 7 265, Windows 11 Home, and system-integrator-selected components
Disclosure: System-integrator product announcement used only to verify that the exact 65W processor is offered in this chassis.
-
eBay. ASRock Barebone DeskMini B860 HDMI/DP/TB4 black DDR5. Product page. Accessed .
Configuration: Global barebone part 90BXG5501-A10GA0W; no CPU, RAM, storage, wireless, or operating system
Disclosure: Third-party importer listing used for exact part identity and current US-dollar barebone price only.
-
MINISFORUM. MINISFORUM MS-S1 Max 128GB Max AI Compute Edition. Product page. . Accessed .
Configuration: MS-S1-MAX12US: Ryzen AI Max+ 395, 128GB LPDDR5X-8000, 2TB SSD, Windows 11 Pro, US power cable
Disclosure: Manufacturer specifications, current price, availability, warranty, and return terms.
-
ServeTheHome. The BEST AMD Strix Halo Mini PC Minisforum MS S1 Max. Video review. . Accessed .
Configuration: Ryzen AI Max+ 395, 128GB unified memory, 2TB SSD review system
Disclosure: The description contains an Amazon affiliate link and does not state how the review unit was obtained.
-
Level1Techs. Minisforum MS S1 Max AI Review, Benchmarks, and Comfy UI Setup Guide. Video review. . Accessed .
Configuration: Ryzen AI Max+ 395, 128GB unified memory MS-S1 Max review system; installed SSD capacity not stated in narration
Disclosure: The description does not state how the review unit was obtained and does not contain a retailer affiliate disclosure.
-
Tech Notice. NOTHING is better than THIS ... AMD is too good! | Minisforum MS-S1 MAX review. Video review. . Accessed .
Configuration: Ryzen AI Max+ 395, 128GB unified memory, 2TB SSD review system
Disclosure: The description contains product and software affiliate links and does not state how the review unit was obtained.
-
Jim's Garage. Running LLMs Locally - MinisForum MS-S1 MAX Review. Video review. . Accessed .
Configuration: Ryzen AI Max+ 395, 128GB unified memory, 2TB SSD review system
Disclosure: The reviewer says in the narration that the device was sent free; the description links MINISFORUM without an affiliate disclosure.
-
RandomGaminginHD. The Fastest Integrated Graphics Yet - The Radeon 8060S (ft. Minisforum MS-S1 MAX). Video review. . Accessed .
Configuration: Ryzen AI Max+ 395, Radeon 8060S, 128GB LPDDR5X-8000, 2TB SSD review system
Disclosure: The description links the tested system but does not state how the unit was obtained or include an affiliate disclosure.
Value for money
No value comparison is available. It requires eligible test scores and at least four current price observations in seven days.
Specification differences
Differences supported by the listed manufacturer specifications
Higher listed specifications for ASRock DeskMini B860 + Core Ultra 7 265
- Provides 4 storage slots versus 2
- Uses a smaller 1.92 liter enclosure
Higher listed specifications for MINISFORUM MS-S1 Max
Verified specifications
Manufacturer-sourced specifications and current testing status
Processor
| Specification | DeskMini B860 + Core Ultra 7 265 | MS-S1 Max |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Intel Core Ultra 7 265 | AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 |
| Cores / threads | 20 / 20 | 16 / 32 |
| Processor default TDP | 65 W | 130 W |
| Integrated graphics | Intel Graphics integrated in the Core Ultra 7 265 | AMD Radeon 8060S integrated graphics, 40 compute units |
Memory and storage
| Specification | DeskMini B860 + Core Ultra 7 265 | MS-S1 Max |
|---|---|---|
| Memory type | 2x DDR5-5600 SO-DIMM slots; DDR5 CSODIMM up to 7200 MT/s overclocked | LPDDR5X-8000 unified memory |
| Maximum memory | 128 GB | 128 GB |
| Upgradeable memory | Yes | No |
| Storage slots | 4 | 2 |
Connectivity
| Specification | DeskMini B860 + Core Ultra 7 265 | MS-S1 Max |
|---|---|---|
| Ethernet | Realtek RTL8125BG 2.5GbE RJ45 | 2x 10GbE RJ45 (Realtek RTL8127) |
| Wireless | Optional M.2 2230 Wi-Fi/Bluetooth module; none included | Wi-Fi 7 + Bluetooth 5.4 |
| USB4 | Yes | Yes |
| Thunderbolt | Yes | No |
Size and price
| Specification | DeskMini B860 + Core Ultra 7 265 | MS-S1 Max |
|---|---|---|
| Enclosure volume | 1.92 liters | 3.53 liters |
| List price | Not published | $4,649 |
| Product class | Socketed desktop-CPU builds and compact home servers | Local AI and high-speed networking |