BOSGAME M5 vs MINISFORUM MS-02 Ultra
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BOSGAME M5
Ryzen AI Max+ 395 / 128GB LPDDR5X / 2TB SSD; installed OS unconfirmed
MINISFORUM MS-02 Ultra
Core Ultra 9 285HX barebone
Amazon results may include other models. Verify the processor, memory, storage, and seller before buying.
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Storage |
1Is it fast for normal work?
BOSGAME M5
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Geekbench 6 single-core Not available
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Geekbench 6 multi-core Not available
MINISFORUM MS-02 Ultra
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Geekbench 6 single-core 2957 points
ETA PRIME's configured review system scored 2,957 in Geekbench 6 single-core with a 90 W PL1, 110 W PL2, and an RTX 5060 installed.
Geekbench 6 single-core · Core Ultra 9 285HX; 64GB RAM; 1TB SSD; RTX 5060; 90 W PL1 and 110 W PL2
ETA PRIME · 8:17 -
Geekbench 6 multi-core 17992 points
The same configured system scored 17,992 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
Geekbench 6 multi-core · Core Ultra 9 285HX; 64GB RAM; 1TB SSD; RTX 5060; 90 W PL1 and 110 W PL2
ETA PRIME · 8:21
2Can it handle sustained work?
BOSGAME M5
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Sustained CPU cooling rating Not available
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CPU stress power behavior Not available
MINISFORUM MS-02 Ultra
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Sustained CPU cooling rating 100 W sustained
MINISFORUM states that the six-heatpipe, dual-fan cooler can sustain a 100 W CPU load and handle a 140 W turbo limit.
Manufacturer thermal-design rating · Core Ultra 9 285HX cooling system
MINISFORUM -
CPU stress power behavior Settled near 100 W
ServeTheHome observed the CPU power limit peak near 140 W and then settle around 100 W during its stress test, consistent with the manufacturer's cooling target. This is a power-behavior observation, not a normalized performance result.
CPU stress test · Core Ultra 9 285HX, 64GB DDR5-4800, 1TB SSD, 25GbE adapter
ServeTheHome · 14:18
3Can it game?
BOSGAME M5
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Shadow of the Tomb Raider with RTX 5060 Not available
MINISFORUM MS-02 Ultra
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Shadow of the Tomb Raider with RTX 5060 121 fps
With a low-profile RTX 5060 installed, ETA PRIME measured a 121 FPS average in the built-in benchmark at native 1440p very high without DLSS.
Shadow of the Tomb Raider built-in benchmark · 1440p very high; native resolution; DLSS off; low-profile RTX 5060
ETA PRIME · 10:34
4Is it loud or hot?
BOSGAME M5
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Noise changes with the selected power mode
ServeTheHome reports a barely audible fan in low-power mode at one metre and more audible operation in performance mode. This concerns its 128GB review unit and is not a standardized MiniPCBench noise measurement.
ServeTheHome · 13:43 -
Idle fan behavior differed between operating systems
Paul Gallant reports that his 128GB unit became inaudible while idle in Ubuntu Studio, while its fan kept running under Windows. Video rendering made the fan start again. OS builds, firmware and power settings were not fully documented.
Paul Gallant · 10:20 -
Manual fan controls had a heat and noise trade-off
Tek Syndicate reports that fixed low fan settings let its 96GB review unit get too hot during testing, while the next tested setting was audibly bothersome. The reviewer wanted a configurable fan curve. These manually changed settings do not describe stock behavior or later firmware.
Tek Syndicate · 11:21 -
Idle noise Not available
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CPU stress noise Not available
MINISFORUM MS-02 Ultra
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Noise changes with the selected power mode Not available
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Idle fan behavior differed between operating systems Not available
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Manual fan controls had a heat and noise trade-off Not available
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Idle noise 35 dBA
ServeTheHome reported about 35 dBA at idle in a studio with a 34 dBA noise floor.
Windows desktop idle · 34 dBA studio noise floor
ServeTheHome · 15:11 -
CPU stress noise 36 to 39 dBA
ServeTheHome reported 38 to 41 dBA during the initial fan ramp and 36 to 39 dBA after it settled.
CPU stress test after the fan ramp settled · Initial ramp reported separately as 38 to 41 dBA
ServeTheHome · 15:43
5How much electricity does it use?
BOSGAME M5
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Idle wall power Not available
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CPU stress wall power Not available
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25GbE adapter power Not available
MINISFORUM MS-02 Ultra
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Idle wall power 18.3 to 20.6 W
ServeTheHome reported 18.3 to 20.6 W at idle with the Intel E810 25GbE adapter enabled.
Windows desktop idle · Intel E810 25GbE adapter enabled
ServeTheHome · 15:00 -
CPU stress wall power 145 W
ServeTheHome reported a brief rise to about 190 W during a CPU stress test, followed by about 145 W at the system level after the initial burst.
CPU stress test after the initial burst
ServeTheHome · 15:37 -
25GbE adapter power 8 to 12 W
ServeTheHome estimated that disabling the Intel E810 25GbE adapter could reduce idle consumption by roughly 8 to 12 W.
Estimated idle-power reduction · Intel E810 25GbE adapter disabled
ServeTheHome · 14:30
6Can I upgrade and connect everything?
BOSGAME M5
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Memory is upgradeable No
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Storage is upgradeable Yes
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SSD hatch is easy to access
ServeTheHome shows a small bottom hatch secured by one screw for SSD access. The reviewer found this sufficient for routine storage upgrades; deeper disassembly takes more screws.
ServeTheHome · 7:20 -
USB4 is present Not available
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Internal expansion Not available
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Reviewer expansion assessment Not available
MINISFORUM MS-02 Ultra
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Memory is upgradeable Yes
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Storage is upgradeable Yes
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SSD hatch is easy to access Not available
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USB4 is present Yes
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Internal expansion 4x M.2 and 3x PCIe
The 285HX model provides four M.2 2280 slots plus PCIe 5.0 x16, PCIe 4.0 x16, and PCIe 4.0 x4 expansion slots; the 25GbE card occupies one internal slot as shipped.
Manufacturer expansion-layout check · MS-02U-285HX
MINISFORUM -
Reviewer expansion assessment Multiple PCIe cards plus 4x M.2
ServeTheHome verified that the system can accommodate multiple low-profile PCIe cards while retaining room for four M.2 SSDs and expandable memory, calling the overall expansion package a major strength.
Hands-on internal-layout assessment · Core Ultra 9 285HX, 64GB DDR5-4800, 1TB SSD, 25GbE adapter
ServeTheHome · 16:05
7Is it good value?
BOSGAME M5
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Barebone list price Not available
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Reviewer value tradeoff Not available
MINISFORUM MS-02 Ultra
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Barebone list price $1,449
MINISFORUM lists the Core Ultra 9 285HX barebone at $1,449 before temporary discounts.
Manufacturer retail-price check · Core Ultra 9 285HX barebone, US adapter
MINISFORUM -
Reviewer value tradeoff Value depends on using its scalability
NASCompares called the MS-02 Ultra expensive and enthusiast-focused, but argued that its value comes from future scalability; buyers who do not need that headroom were directed toward the smaller MS-01 or MS-A2.
Review-date value and target-user assessment · Core Ultra 9 285HX, non-ECC memory and installed storage; capacities not stated
NASCompares · 26:17
8Will it be dependable?
BOSGAME M5
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CachyOS installation demonstrated on a second drive
The Phawx demonstrates CachyOS installation and startup on an added 1TB SSD in its 96GB review unit, with networking connected during setup. The chosen ZFS filesystem and handheld desktop environment are disclosed in the video. This does not certify every Linux distribution or peripheral.
The Phawx · 8:23 -
Setup complexity Not available
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Seller warranty Not available
MINISFORUM MS-02 Ultra
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CachyOS installation demonstrated on a second drive Not available
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Setup complexity Manual tuning recommended
NASCompares said the system was not at its best without manual tuning and cautioned that it required more setup work than a typical ready-to-use mini PC.
Review conclusion after configuration and testing · Core Ultra 9 285HX review unit with non-ECC memory
NASCompares · 25:07 -
Seller warranty 2 years
The MINISFORUM US store lists a two-year seller warranty for the MS-02 Ultra.
Manufacturer warranty-policy check
MINISFORUM
References
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BOSGAME. M5 128GB / 2TB configuration. Product page. Accessed .
Configuration: Ryzen AI Max+ 395 / 128GB LPDDR5X / 2TB SSD; installed OS unconfirmed
Disclosure: Manufacturer specifications; no MiniPCBench measurements.
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ServeTheHome. $1K off a 128GB Local AI Box with a TWIST. Video review. . Accessed .
Configuration: Ryzen AI Max+ 395, 128GB memory, PC41Q 2TB SSD and Windows 11 Pro. Firmware and Windows build unconfirmed.
Disclosure: Affiliate links disclosed; exact unit acquisition arrangement unconfirmed.
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Paul Gallant. BOSGAME M5 unboxing, Linux local AI and fan noise. Video review. . Accessed .
Configuration: Ryzen AI Max+ 395, 128GB memory and 2TB supplied SSD, with a second SSD for Ubuntu Studio. Windows 11 and Ubuntu Studio versions, power mode and firmware unconfirmed.
Disclosure: No unit acquisition or paid relationship confirmed in the inspected description.
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The Phawx. Is 32GB of VRAM Enough? BOSGAME M5 Review. Video review. . Accessed .
Configuration: Ryzen AI Max+ 395, 96GB memory, supplied 2TB SSD plus an added 1TB drive for CachyOS. Review includes modified firmware settings; exact firmware version unconfirmed.
Disclosure: BOSGAME supplied the 96GB review unit; loan or retention terms unconfirmed.
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Tek Syndicate. The Radeon 8060S is Insane - Bossgame M5 Mini PC Benchmarks. Video review. . Accessed .
Configuration: Ryzen AI Max+ 395 and 96GB memory. Exact SSD, Windows edition and firmware unconfirmed; fan-control observations concern manually selected fixed settings.
Disclosure: Affiliate disclosure and channel merchandise promotion visible; unit acquisition terms unconfirmed.
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MINISFORUM. MINISFORUM product specifications. Product page. Accessed .
Configuration: Core Ultra 9 285HX barebone
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ServeTheHome. The BEST 25GbE Homelab Node Minisforum MS-02 Ultra. Video review. . Accessed .
Configuration: Core Ultra 9 285HX, 64GB DDR5-4800, 1TB SSD, 25GbE adapter
Disclosure: ServeTheHome did not state how the review unit was acquired.
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ETA PRIME. The Most Versatile Mini PC Ever! MS-02 Ultra First Look. Video review. . Accessed .
Configuration: Core Ultra 9 285HX, 64GB DDR5, 1TB SSD, Windows, low-profile RTX 5060; 90 W PL1 and 110 W PL2
Disclosure: ETA PRIME did not state how the unit was acquired; the description contains affiliate links and the video includes a sponsored software-key segment.
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NASCompares. Minisforum MS-02 Ultra Review. Video review. . Accessed .
Configuration: Core Ultra 9 285HX, non-ECC memory and installed storage; capacities not stated
Disclosure: NASCompares said MINISFORUM supplied the hardware without payment or advance review; the description contains affiliate links.
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 BOSGAME M5
Higher listed specifications for MINISFORUM MS-02 Ultra
- Supports 128 GB more memory
- Provides 4 storage slots versus 2
Verified specifications
Manufacturer-sourced specifications and current testing status
Processor
| Specification | M5 | MS-02 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 | Intel Core Ultra 9 285HX |
| Cores / threads | 16 / 32 | 24 / 24 |
| Processor default TDP | Not disclosed | 55 W |
| Integrated graphics | Radeon 8060S | Intel Graphics |
Memory and storage
| Specification | M5 | MS-02 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Memory type | LPDDR5X-8000, soldered | DDR5-4800 ECC SODIMM |
| Maximum memory | 128 GB | 256 GB |
| Upgradeable memory | No | Yes |
| Storage slots | 2 | 4 |
Connectivity
| Specification | M5 | MS-02 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Ethernet | 1 x 2.5GbE | Dual 25GbE + 10GbE + 2.5GbE |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.2, as specified in the manufacturer gallery; exact module unconfirmed | Wi-Fi 7 + Bluetooth 5.4 |
| USB4 | Yes | Yes |
| Thunderbolt | Not published | No |
Size and price
| Specification | M5 | MS-02 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Enclosure volume | Not published | 4.8 liters |
| List price | Not published | $1,449 |
| Product class | Not assigned | Mini workstation |