MINISFORUM MS-02 Ultra vs ZOTAC MAGNUS EAMAX395C
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MINISFORUM MS-02 Ultra
Core Ultra 9 285HX barebone
ZOTAC MAGNUS EAMAX395C
Ryzen AI Max+ 395 / 128GB LPDDR5X / 1TB SSD / Windows 11 Home
Amazon results may include other models. Verify the processor, memory, storage, and seller before buying.
| Memory | ||
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| Storage |
1Is it fast for normal work?
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
ZOTAC MAGNUS EAMAX395C
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Geekbench 6 single-core Not available
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Geekbench 6 multi-core Not available
2Can it handle sustained work?
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
ZOTAC MAGNUS EAMAX395C
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Sustained CPU cooling rating Not available
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CPU stress power behavior Not available
3Can it game?
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
ZOTAC MAGNUS EAMAX395C
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Shadow of the Tomb Raider with RTX 5060 Not available
4Is it loud or hot?
MINISFORUM MS-02 Ultra
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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
ZOTAC MAGNUS EAMAX395C
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Idle noise Not available
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CPU stress noise Not available
5How much electricity does it use?
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
ZOTAC MAGNUS EAMAX395C
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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
6Can I upgrade and connect everything?
MINISFORUM MS-02 Ultra
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Memory is upgradeable Yes
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Storage is upgradeable Yes
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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
ZOTAC MAGNUS EAMAX395C
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Memory is upgradeable No
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Storage is upgradeable Yes
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USB4 is present Not available
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Internal expansion Not available
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Reviewer expansion assessment Not available
7Is it good value?
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
ZOTAC MAGNUS EAMAX395C
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Barebone list price Not available
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Reviewer value tradeoff Not available
8Will it be dependable?
MINISFORUM MS-02 Ultra
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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
ZOTAC MAGNUS EAMAX395C
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Setup complexity Not available
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Seller warranty Not available
References
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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.
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ZOTAC. MAGNUS EAMAX395C Windows configuration. Product page. Accessed .
Configuration: Ryzen AI Max+ 395 / 128GB LPDDR5X / 1TB SSD / Windows 11 Home
Disclosure: Manufacturer specifications; no MiniPCBench measurements.
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ZOTAC. EAMAX395C family user manual. Product page. Accessed .
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 MINISFORUM MS-02 Ultra
- Supports 128 GB more memory
- Provides 4 storage slots versus 3
Higher listed specifications for ZOTAC MAGNUS EAMAX395C
- Uses a smaller 2.65 liter enclosure
Verified specifications
Manufacturer-sourced specifications and current testing status
Processor
| Specification | MS-02 Ultra | MAGNUS EAMAX395C |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Intel Core Ultra 9 285HX | AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 |
| Cores / threads | 24 / 24 | 16 / 32 |
| Processor default TDP | 55 W | Not disclosed |
| Integrated graphics | Intel Graphics | AMD Radeon 8060S |
Memory and storage
| Specification | MS-02 Ultra | MAGNUS EAMAX395C |
|---|---|---|
| Memory type | DDR5-4800 ECC SODIMM | LPDDR5X-8000 onboard |
| Maximum memory | 256 GB | 128 GB |
| Upgradeable memory | Yes | No |
| Storage slots | 4 | 3 |
Connectivity
| Specification | MS-02 Ultra | MAGNUS EAMAX395C |
|---|---|---|
| Ethernet | Dual 25GbE + 10GbE + 2.5GbE | 2 x 2.5Gbps Ethernet |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 7 + Bluetooth 5.4 | Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4; module unconfirmed |
| USB4 | Yes | Yes |
| Thunderbolt | No | No |
Size and price
| Specification | MS-02 Ultra | MAGNUS EAMAX395C |
|---|---|---|
| Enclosure volume | 4.8 liters | 2.65 liters |
| List price | $1,449 | Not published |
| Product class | Mini workstation | Not assigned |