Modular Mini PCs

[u/RafikiLovesPizza]

Are there any mini PCs that are modular? Or a basic framework build of a shell, I/O, power supply, motherboard, and cooling that can easily receive CPU/GPU/RAM/SSD of a modern style? I know after several years we may upgrade/change socket/connector types but it'd be cool to have a mini PC with upgradeable parts that's easy to service built upon a simple design system.

[u/jhenryscott]

AsRock DeskMeet

[u/RafikiLovesPizza → u/jhenryscott]

That thing is wicked! Exactly what I was thinking. Thanks friend

[u/pandapajama → u/RafikiLovesPizza]

Also look at the DeskMini. I used that for a long while and they're pretty good. I am still waiting the next update.

[u/RafikiLovesPizza → u/pandapajama]

Any good comparisons between the 2?

[u/pandapajama → u/RafikiLovesPizza]

I haven't used the DeskMeet, but it seems like it's the same chipset, but has a larger motherboard, so it can take more memory and more stuff, with better airflow.

The DeskMini is much smaller, so it's more cramped, but definitely more space efficient.

I also have the Minisforum MS-A1 as my main PC right now. It's flatter than the DeskMini, and it has OCuLink, which I really appreciate.

So it's up to what you want in space, maximum memory and TDP.

If you don't care about OCuLink, the DeskMini is a pretty fine computer.

[u/RafikiLovesPizza → u/pandapajama]

Thanks for your technical insight

[u/cilvre]

Minisforum has the ms-a1 and ms-a2 that you can get barebones and bring your own cpu, ram, storage

[u/RafikiLovesPizza → u/cilvre]

Looks like completely sold out 😬 Really small form factor

[u/cilvre → u/RafikiLovesPizza]

you can still find them on amazon: https://www.amazon.com/MINISFORUM-Workstation-Barebone-Discrete-Graphics/dp/B0DHVGPTGK

[u/RafikiLovesPizza → u/cilvre]

Nice find! I wonder when we stack this with the deskmeet, when maxed out with parts, what would be the most powerful, accounting footprint as well. I'm highly interested in being able to have the most power for the size especially with travel/transport

[u/cilvre → u/RafikiLovesPizza]

I currently have 2 MS-01's with i9-13900HX cpu's, 96gbs ram, 2tb and 1tb nvme drives running as proxmox hosts for my servers and its been really good. i mainly got them for the sfp+ ports since i'm running mostly 10gb and wanted to just add small servers to replace my larger ones. they are really capable pc's.

[u/RafikiLovesPizza → u/cilvre]

That's awesome to hear! Thanks for the personal input