MINISFORUM M2 Pro launches with Panther Lake and Arc B390: 180 TOPS in a 1.81L Mini-PC
MINISFORUM has officially listed the M2 Pro in its international store, marking a definitive entry of Intel's Panther Lake architecture into the compact PC market. The system packs an Intel Core Ultra X7 358H paired with the new Intel Arc B390 integrated graphics, delivering up to 180 TOPS of combined AI performance in a chassis measuring just 1.81 liters. While the CPU is powerful, the platform's standout features are its connectivity: three USB4 ports, 10GbE networking, and three M.2 slots, all housed in an ultra-small form factor.
The M2 Pro launches with a specific configuration featuring 32 GB of LPDDR5X-7467 RAM soldered directly to the motherboard and a 1 TB SSD. This setup is currently priced at $1,439 USD, with shipping expected to begin in late September. The inclusion of high-speed LPDDR5X memory significantly boosts the performance of the integrated GPU, but it also means the RAM is non-upgradeable, a trade-off common in mini-PCs that prioritizes power density over future expandability.
Hardware Specifications and AI Performance
At the heart of the system lies the Intel Core Ultra X7 358H, manufactured on Intel's new 18A process. The processor features 16 cores and 16 threads, with a boost clock reaching up to 4.8 GHz. The graphics solution is the Intel Arc B390, which integrates 12 Xe3 cores. MINISFORUM breaks down the AI capabilities as follows: the integrated GPU provides up to 122 TOPS, while the dedicated NPU contributes an additional 50 TOPS.
It is important to note how MINISFORUM calculates the total AI figure. While the sum of the GPU and NPU alone equals 172 TOPS, the manufacturer advertises a total platform performance of 180 TOPS. This higher figure includes the AI processing power contributed by the CPU itself, offering a more holistic view of the system's neural engine capabilities.
Connectivity and Expansion
The connectivity suite on the M2 Pro is exceptionally robust for its size. The rear panel includes one 10GbE Ethernet port and an additional 2.5GbE port, alongside Wi-Fi 7 wireless support. Expansion is handled by three M.2 slots: two operate at PCIe 4.0 x4 speeds, while the third slot runs at PCIe 4.0 x1, allowing for a theoretical maximum storage capacity of up to 24 TB. Front connectivity is provided by three USB4 ports, each capable of 40 Gbit/s throughput, and the system supports DisplayPort 2.1 Alt Mode.
Benchmarks and Performance Claims
MINISFORUM has published its own performance benchmarks for the Arc B390 in this configuration. In the 3DMark Time Spy Graphics test, the system achieves a score of 7,334 points. For gaming workloads, the manufacturer claims the system can deliver more than 65 FPS in Cyberpunk 2077 at 1080p resolution with low detail settings when running in Performance Mode.
These figures are based on manufacturer testing rather than independent third-party measurements. However, they indicate that Panther Lake is shifting integrated graphics into a performance tier where compact desktops can handle demanding tasks beyond basic office productivity. MINISFORUM also highlights local AI inference capabilities, citing tests with Gemma and GPT-OSS models to demonstrate the system's utility for local AI applications.
Conclusion
The M2 Pro represents a significant step forward in mini-PC capabilities, offering an unusually complete platform with high-speed networking, extensive USB4 connectivity, and powerful integrated graphics. While the fixed 32 GB RAM and the premium price tag of over $1,400 prevent it from being a budget-friendly option, it serves as a strong proof-of-concept for how powerful Panther Lake systems can be in small form factors.
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