MINISFORUM MS-A2 vs MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG-019US
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MINISFORUM MS-A2
Ryzen 9 9955HX barebone, US adapter
MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG-019US
Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG-019US, Core Ultra 7 258V, 32GB LPDDR5X, 1TB SSD, US
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-A2
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Desktop and operating-system support Windows and Ubuntu tested
Robtech found Windows 11 Pro free of detected malware on its configured sample and reported that Ubuntu recognized every network interface. A barebones retail unit includes neither operating system nor storage.
Operating-system installation and device-detection check · Configured Ryzen 9 9955HX review sample; barebones retail configuration differs
Robtech · 2:59 -
PCMark 10 Not available
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Business workload fit Not available
MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG-019US
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Desktop and operating-system support Not available
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PCMark 10 6864 points
Notebookcheck measured 6,864 points in PCMark 10 on its same-hardware Core Ultra 7 258V, 32GB, and 1TB configuration.
PCMark 10 Standard · Same-hardware regional configuration; Windows 11 Pro
Notebookcheck · 0:00 -
Business workload fit Responsive office use
Tom's Guide used the Core Ultra 7 and 32GB configuration for a week of writing, browser research, image handling, dual-monitor work, and local Copilot voice tasks, and described it as responsive for that office-focused workload.
One-week office and dual-monitor use · Core Ultra 7 258V, 32GB LPDDR5X review configuration
Tom's Guide
2Can it handle sustained work?
MINISFORUM MS-A2
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CPU performance mode Fast CPU, cooling-limited
Robtech found that the 9955HX's strongest benchmark gains appeared after enabling Performance mode in BIOS, but also observed thermal throttling under load and said the multi-core uplift over its 7945HX comparison was modest.
Cinebench and Geekbench CPU benchmark suite · Normal and Performance BIOS modes; configured Ryzen 9 9955HX review sample
Robtech · 3:25 -
Video encoding behavior No AV1 hardware encoding
Robtech reported that Performance mode did not shorten its brief H.264 encode and only shaved seconds from the longer AV1 test. The reviewer also noted that the Radeon 610M lacks AV1 hardware encoding.
H.264 and AV1 encoding benchmarks · Configured Ryzen 9 9955HX review sample
Robtech · 4:07 -
Cinebench R15 multi-core loop Not available
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Cinebench 2024 multi-core Not available
MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG-019US
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CPU performance mode Not available
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Video encoding behavior Not available
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Cinebench R15 multi-core loop 1475 points
Notebookcheck measured a 1,475-point average across its Cinebench R15 multi-core loop, with runs ranging from about 1,459 to 1,488 points.
Cinebench R15 multi-core loop · Performance mode; same-hardware Core Ultra 7 258V/32GB/1TB configuration
Notebookcheck · 0:00 -
Cinebench 2024 multi-core 419 points
MW Technology reported approximately 419 points in Cinebench 2024 multi-core on the exact Core Ultra 7 258V, 32GB, and 1TB hardware configuration.
Cinebench 2024 multi-core · Sponsored review; exact processor, memory, and storage configuration
MW Technology · 7:25
3Can it game?
MINISFORUM MS-A2
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Integrated-graphics capability Basic Radeon 610M
ServeTheHome emphasized that the Radeon 610M is intended for display output and media acceleration rather than high-end gaming. Robtech likewise found its 3D and GPU-AI results far below systems with discrete mobile GPUs.
3DMark and Geekbench AI GPU tests · Ryzen 9 9955HX configured review systems; no add-in GPU
Robtech · 4:25 -
Add-in GPU limits Single-slot, bus-powered GPU
The internal slot provides PCIe 4.0 x8 bandwidth in a physical x16 connector. Robtech says a GPU must be single-slot, shorter than 170 mm, and require no auxiliary power; active blower cooling is preferable in the confined bay.
Chassis and expansion compatibility inspection · MS-A2 chassis
Robtech · 2:05 -
Cyberpunk 2077 Not available
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Cyberpunk 2077 with XeSS Not available
MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG-019US
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Integrated-graphics capability Not available
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Add-in GPU limits Not available
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Cyberpunk 2077 33.9 fps
Notebookcheck measured 33.9 fps in Cyberpunk 2077 at 1920x1080 using the Low preset with FSR disabled. It also observed GPU clocks cycling between 800 and 1,950MHz, producing unstable frame times despite the average result.
Cyberpunk 2077 · 1920x1080, Low preset, FSR off; same-hardware regional configuration
Notebookcheck · 0:00 -
Cyberpunk 2077 with XeSS 63 fps
ETA PRIME reported a 63 fps average in Cyberpunk 2077 at 1080p Medium with XeSS Balanced, while noting occasional dips below 60 fps.
Cyberpunk 2077 · 1920x1080, Medium preset, XeSS Balanced; Core Ultra 7 258V and 32GB configuration
ETA PRIME · 9:59
4Is it loud or hot?
MINISFORUM MS-A2
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Maximum observed CPU temperature 90 C
Robtech observed about 90 C under load and reported thermal throttling, describing the 9955HX as difficult to cool in this chassis.
Full-load benchmark suite · Configured Ryzen 9 9955HX review sample
Robtech · 6:18 -
Idle sound level 39 dBA
ServeTheHome measured roughly 38 to 39 dBA at idle in its 34 dBA studio after the system had warmed up.
Warm system idle · Approximately 34 dBA room floor; configured Ryzen 9 9955HX review sample
ServeTheHome · 16:24 -
Load sound level 50 dBA
ServeTheHome measured sound levels reaching roughly 50 dBA under load and said the system was clearly audible.
Sustained system load · Approximately 34 dBA room floor; configured Ryzen 9 9955HX review sample
ServeTheHome · 16:24 -
Maximum load sound level Not available
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Prime95 CPU temperature Not available
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Independent thermal cross-check Not available
MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG-019US
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Maximum observed CPU temperature Not available
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Idle sound level Not available
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Load sound level Not available
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Maximum load sound level 49.2 dBA
Notebookcheck measured a maximum of 49.2 dBA under load in Performance mode. Its Silent mode hovered near 25 dBA, while Performance mode idled around 36 dBA.
Maximum load-noise test · 15cm measurement distance; 24.8 dBA ambient; same-hardware regional configuration
Notebookcheck · 0:00 -
Prime95 CPU temperature 66 C
Notebookcheck measured the CPU stabilizing at 66 C and about 38W package power during Prime95, with the processor holding approximately 3.2GHz.
Prime95 CPU stress · Performance mode; same-hardware regional configuration
Notebookcheck · 0:00 -
Independent thermal cross-check 70 C sustained
MW Technology ran Prime95 for roughly two hours and reported a brief 91 C peak, about 70 C sustained temperature, and low-40-dBA ambient-inclusive noise at full load.
Two-hour Prime95 run · Sponsored review; exact processor, memory, and storage configuration
MW Technology
5How much electricity does it use?
MINISFORUM MS-A2
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Low-end idle wall power 25 W
ServeTheHome observed roughly 24 to 25 W at the low end of its idle configurations, with more populated configurations reaching about 35 to 45 W.
System idle · Ryzen 9 9955HX review system; measured values varied with installed memory, storage, and expansion
ServeTheHome · 15:31 -
Maximum observed wall power 160 W
Robtech measured 148 W from the wall at full load in the standard mode and 160 W after enabling Performance mode.
Full system load · Performance mode; configured Ryzen 9 9955HX review sample
Robtech · 5:54 -
Average idle wall power Not available
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Prime95 wall power Not available
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Power-save idle cross-check Not available
MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG-019US
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Low-end idle wall power Not available
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Maximum observed wall power Not available
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Average idle wall power 5.7 W
Notebookcheck measured an average of 5.7 W at the wall during a one-minute idle test, with readings from 2.9 to 10.2 W.
Windows idle · One-minute external-monitor test; same-hardware regional configuration
Notebookcheck · 0:00 -
Prime95 wall power 49.7 W
Notebookcheck measured 49.7 W average wall power in Prime95 after a 60 W startup spike.
Prime95 V2810 stress · External monitor; 36.7-60W measured range; same-hardware regional configuration
Notebookcheck · 0:00 -
Power-save idle cross-check About 5.6 W
Level1Techs reduced its Core Ultra 7 and 32GB unit to about 5.6 W at idle in power-save mode for a planned always-on mobile crash-cart deployment.
Power-save idle · Core Ultra 7 258V and 32GB configuration
Level1Techs
6Can I upgrade and connect everything?
MINISFORUM MS-A2
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Memory is upgradeable Yes
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Storage is upgradeable Yes
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Thunderbolt is present No
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Memory compatibility 96GB official; 128GB tested
MINISFORUM officially supports 96GB across two DDR5-5600 SO-DIMM slots. ServeTheHome also booted and exercised 128GB using two 64GB non-ECC modules, but found that ECC SO-DIMMs operated without ECC protection.
Memory installation and ECC-function check · Ryzen 9 9955HX review unit
ServeTheHome · 7:12 -
Network interfaces 2x 10GbE plus 2x 2.5GbE
The MS-A2 provides two Intel X710 10GbE SFP+ ports, one Intel I226-V 2.5GbE port, and one Realtek RTL8125 2.5GbE port. Its two rear USB-C ports are 10Gbps USB 3.2 Gen 2 with DisplayPort, not USB4.
Manufacturer and controller inspection · MS-A2 chassis
ServeTheHome · 2:56 -
Storage expansion 3x NVMe, including U.2
Three PCIe 4.0 x4 storage positions include two M.2 2280/22110 slots and one position that accepts M.2 2280 or a 7 mm U.2 drive through the included adapter. The two conventional M.2 slots default to PCIe 3.0 x4 and must be changed in BIOS for Gen 4.
Manufacturer specification and hands-on teardown · MS-A2 chassis
ServeTheHome · 11:02 -
Thunderbolt 4 is present Not available
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Single storage slot Not available
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Business-oriented I/O Not available
MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG-019US
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Memory is upgradeable No
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Storage is upgradeable Yes
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Thunderbolt is present Not available
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Memory compatibility Not available
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Network interfaces Not available
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Storage expansion Not available
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Thunderbolt 4 is present Yes
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Single storage slot 1x replaceable M.2 2280
Tom's Guide opened the chassis and confirmed that the included M.2 2280 drive can be replaced, but there is no second M.2 storage slot. The four underside screws double as the feet and provide straightforward access.
Hands-on teardown and upgrade check · Core Ultra 7 258V, 32GB review configuration
Tom's Guide -
Business-oriented I/O 2x TB4 plus dual 2.5GbE
The exact US model combines two Thunderbolt 4 ports, two 10Gbps front USB-A ports, two rear USB 2.0 ports, HDMI 2.1, two 2.5GbE ports, microSD, VESA mounting, and an external power-switch header.
Manufacturer port specification · Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG-019US
MSI
7Is it good value?
MINISFORUM MS-A2
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Manufacturer price $799
MINISFORUM listed the exact Ryzen 9 9955HX barebones US configuration for $799 when checked, against a $999 compare-at price.
Manufacturer retail-price check · MS-A200US barebone; no memory, storage, or operating system
MINISFORUM -
Verified Amazon configuration B0F8JG2SHN
Amazon ASIN B0F8JG2SHN matched the exact Ryzen 9 9955HX barebones configuration with no RAM, SSD, or operating system when checked.
Retailer identity check · MS-A2-9955 barebone
MINISFORUM -
Current US retail price Not available
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Amazon availability Not available
MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG-019US
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Manufacturer price Not available
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Verified Amazon configuration Not available
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Current US retail price $1,249.99
Best Buy listed the exact 2MG-019US for $1,249.99, reduced from $1,399.99, and sold by MSI Computer Corp when checked.
Exact-retail-configuration price check · Core Ultra 7 258V, 32GB LPDDR5X, 1TB SSD, Windows 11 Pro
Best Buy -
Amazon availability No verified exact ASIN
Level1Techs linked ASIN B0FHB1RJZC, but Amazon did not expose enough current product identity to independently verify the title and 019US configuration. The catalog therefore leaves the Amazon fields null.
Exact-ASIN identity check · 2MG-019US, CubNUCAI2MG019
Level1Techs
8Will it be dependable?
MINISFORUM MS-A2
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Seller warranty 2 years
MINISFORUM advertises a two-year seller warranty and a 30-day money-back guarantee on the US product page.
Manufacturer warranty-policy check
MINISFORUM -
Sustained-load cooling Throttling observed
Robtech observed thermal throttling around 90 C and called cooling the system's largest weakness. ServeTheHome independently found load noise near 50 dBA, so the compact form factor has measurable thermal and acoustic tradeoffs.
Sustained benchmark load · Configured Ryzen 9 9955HX review systems
Robtech · 6:18 -
Storage-lane default Gen 3 default
Robtech found the two M.2 2280 slots configured for PCIe 3.0 by default. The BIOS exposes PCIe 4.0, but its warning says higher speed may increase overheating risk.
BIOS and storage configuration inspection · Configured Ryzen 9 9955HX review sample
Robtech · 2:39 -
Advanced-replacement warranty Not available
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24/7 qualification Not available
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Repairability tradeoff Not available
MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG-019US
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Seller warranty Not available
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Sustained-load cooling Not available
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Storage-lane default Not available
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Advanced-replacement warranty 3 years
MSI lists a three-year advanced-replacement warranty for the exact US retail SKU, a longer and more deployment-focused term than the one-year coverage common among consumer mini PCs.
Manufacturer warranty check · Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG-019US
MSI -
24/7 qualification Manufacturer-qualified for 24/7 use
MSI says the Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG family is qualified for 24/7 operation and cites more than 246,000 hours of mean time between failures. This is a manufacturer reliability claim, not an independent long-term failure-rate measurement.
Manufacturer reliability documentation · Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG family
MSI -
Repairability tradeoff SSD serviceable; RAM fixed
The SSD and wireless module are serviceable, but the processor-package memory is permanently fixed. A memory failure therefore requires motherboard-level service rather than a DIMM replacement.
Teardown and component-access review · Core Ultra 7 258V, 32GB configuration
Tom's Guide
References
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MINISFORUM. MINISFORUM MS-A2. Product page. . Accessed .
Configuration: MS-A200US: Ryzen 9 9955HX barebone, no RAM, no storage, no OS, US adapter
Disclosure: Manufacturer specifications, current price, availability, warranty, and return terms.
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ServeTheHome. Homelab Perfection Minisforum MS-A2. Video review. . Accessed .
Configuration: Ryzen 9 9955HX sample configured with multiple tested DDR5 capacities and NVMe storage, including 96GB ECC-function testing and 128GB non-ECC testing
Disclosure: The description says the unit was purchased and contains Amazon affiliate links.
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Robtech. Powerful Mini PC Workstation - Minisforum MS-A2 Review. Video review. . Accessed .
Configuration: Ryzen 9 9955HX configured sample with Crucial DDR5-5600, 2TB Crucial SSD, and Windows 11 Pro
Disclosure: The description identifies the unit as a free review sample and contains retailer affiliate links.
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MSI. Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG-019US Specifications. Product page. . Accessed .
Configuration: Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG-019US, part CubNUCAI2MG019: Core Ultra 7 258V, 32GB LPDDR5X-8533, 1TB SSD, Windows 11 Pro, Black, US
Disclosure: Manufacturer specification, gallery, warranty, and family reliability claims. Exact US SKU details were cross-checked against MSI's downloadable 019US specification sheet.
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Best Buy. MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG-019US. Product page. Accessed .
Configuration: 2MG-019US: Core Ultra 7 258V, 32GB memory, 1TB SSD, Black
Disclosure: Retail price and seller check; listing was sold and shipped by MSI Computer Corp.
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Notebookcheck. MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG review: Straightforward mini PC for business. Product page. . Accessed .
Configuration: Core Ultra 7 258V, Arc 140V, 32GB LPDDR5X, 1TB Phison ESR01TBTCCZ-27J SSD; regional retail suffix not stated
Disclosure: The test unit was loaned by the manufacturer or retailer. Notebookcheck says the lender had no influence, received no advance copy, and imposed no publication obligation.
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MW Technology. MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG - Best Mini Windows PC?. Video review. . Accessed .
Configuration: Core Ultra 7 258V, Arc 140V, 32GB LPDDR5X, 1TB SSD; Canadian review unit
Disclosure: The reviewer states that the channel partnered with MSI and explicitly calls the coverage sponsored while saying the partnership did not change its opinions.
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ETA PRIME. MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG Review - Compact Copilot+ PC w/ Intel Core Ultra & AI Boost. Video review. . Accessed .
Configuration: Core Ultra 7 258V, Arc 140V, 32GB LPDDR5X-8533; storage and retail suffix not stated in the cited segment
Disclosure: The description discloses affiliate links. The source of the review unit and any manufacturer preview relationship were not stated.
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Level1Techs. Showcasing the New MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG on the Server Crash Cart!. Video review. . Accessed .
Configuration: Core Ultra 7 258V, Arc 140V, 32GB LPDDR5X; storage and retail suffix not stated
Disclosure: The description contains a tagged Amazon product link. The unit source and manufacturer relationship were not stated.
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Tom's Guide. I tried my first Copilot+ mini PC and it made using AI for work feel natural and not just a gimmick. Product page. . Accessed .
Configuration: Core Ultra 7 258V, Arc 140V, 32GB LPDDR5X; exact storage capacity and US retail suffix not stated in the accessible article text
Disclosure: Tom's Guide describes a review unit that had to be wiped and returned. The article contains retailer deal links; no sponsored-content label was found.
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-A2
- Supports 64 GB more memory
- Provides 3 storage slots versus 1
- Has a manufacturer list price about $401 lower
Higher listed specifications for MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG-019US
- Uses a smaller 0.826 liter enclosure
Verified specifications
Manufacturer-sourced specifications and current testing status
Processor
| Specification | MS-A2 | Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG-019US |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | AMD Ryzen 9 9955HX | Intel Core Ultra 7 258V |
| Cores / threads | 16 / 32 | 8 / 8 |
| Processor default TDP | 100 W | 17 W |
| Integrated graphics | AMD Radeon 610M integrated graphics | Intel Arc 140V integrated graphics |
Memory and storage
| Specification | MS-A2 | Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG-019US |
|---|---|---|
| Memory type | 2x DDR5-5600 SO-DIMM slots | 32GB LPDDR5X-8533 memory on package |
| Maximum memory | 96 GB | 32 GB |
| Upgradeable memory | Yes | No |
| Storage slots | 3 | 1 |
Connectivity
| Specification | MS-A2 | Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG-019US |
|---|---|---|
| Ethernet | 2x 10GbE SFP+ (Intel X710) plus 2x 2.5GbE RJ45 (Intel I226-V and Realtek RTL8125) | 2x Intel I226-V 2.5GbE RJ45 |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 6E (MediaTek RZ616) + Bluetooth 5.2 | Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX211 + Bluetooth 5.3 |
| USB4 | No | Yes |
| Thunderbolt | No | Yes |
Size and price
| Specification | MS-A2 | Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG-019US |
|---|---|---|
| Enclosure volume | 1.78 liters | 0.826 liters |
| List price | $999 | $1,400 |
| Product class | Home labs and compact servers | Low-power business desktops and dual-network deployments |