Minisforum has launched two new high-end machines built for local AI workloads at IFA 2026 in Berlin: the AI Agent NAS N5 Max-P495, a network-attached storage unit that doubles as an AI host, and the MS-S1 Max-P495, a compact workstation aimed at creators and developers. Both use AMD’s Ryzen AI Max+ Pro 495 processor paired with a Radeon 8065S GPU, reach up to 131 TOPS of AI performance, and support up to 192GB of unified memory, with as much as 160GB allocated to graphics.
What does the N5 Max-P495 offer for local AI storage?
The AI Agent NAS N5 Max-P495 is the upgraded version of Minisforum’s flagship NAS that launched earlier this year with OpenClaw pre-installed. It keeps that local AI focus and adds the new AMD silicon under the hood.
Capacity scales up to 200TB of local storage, enough to hold large datasets, model files, and knowledge bases on premises. Minisforum describes the unit as a centralized backend for data, models, knowledge, and long-running AI workloads.
Running AI agents such as OpenClaw or Hermes Agent directly on the NAS keeps data on the user’s own hardware, which supports privacy and reduces latency. Local execution also helps control inference costs, a meaningful advantage as agentic AI tends to consume far more tokens per task than standard chat-style models.
How does the MS-S1 Max-P495 fit into AI compute setups?
The MS-S1 Max-P495 is a refresh of Minisforum’s MS-S1 mini-PC, previously built around the Ryzen AI Max 395+ APU. The new model swaps in the Ryzen AI Max+ Pro 495.
The dedicated NPU delivers 55 TOPS on its own, contributing to the same 131 TOPS total AI performance the N5 reaches. The machine is positioned for both professional and creative workflows, with support for models from labs including Gemma, OpenAI, and Qwen.
Scaling is straightforward: four MS-S1 units fit into a 2U rack, which makes the workstation a candidate for small clusters or edge deployments. With up to 192GB of unified memory, the unit has headroom for 3D rendering, video editing, and computational fluid dynamics, not only AI inference.
Can the MS-S1 Max-P495 handle gaming too?
The previous MS-S1 generation used a Radeon 8060S iGPU, which handled 1080p gaming at respectable settings. The updated MS-S1 Max-P495 moves up to the Radeon 8065S integrated into the new Ryzen AI Max+ Pro 495. Given that baseline, 1080p gaming remains in reach on the refreshed model, making the device useful as a general-purpose compact PC rather than an AI-only appliance.
How does Minisforum position these products against the Mac mini and Mac Studio?
The MS-S1 Max-P495 is offered as an alternative for buyers who want compact, high-memory local AI hardware but have struggled to source Apple’s small form factor machines. Mac mini and Mac Studio supply has been tight during the local AI boom, and Minisforum’s combination of a high TOPS rating, 192GB unified memory ceiling, and rack-friendly scaling is meant to fill that gap for users who need machines on shelves now.
What is the AI performance and memory ceiling on these devices?
Both the AI Agent NAS N5 Max-P495 and the MS-S1 Max-P495 share the same compute platform:
- Processor: AMD Ryzen AI Max+ Pro 495
- Integrated GPU: Radeon 8065S
- Total AI performance: up to 131 TOPS, with 55 TOPS from the dedicated NPU on the MS-S1
- Unified memory: up to 192GB, with up to 160GB allocatable as graphics memory
When will the N5 Max-P495 and MS-S1 Max-P495 go on sale, and what will they cost?
Minisforum has not announced pricing or release dates for either device. Both products are on display at IFA 2026 in Berlin from September 4 to 8, 2026, where attendees can see them in person.
FAQ
What processor powers the Minisforum N5 Max-P495 and MS-S1 Max-P495?
Both machines use AMD’s Ryzen AI Max+ Pro 495 processor with an integrated Radeon 8065S GPU, delivering up to 131 TOPS of AI performance.
How much memory can the MS-S1 Max-P495 hold?
The MS-S1 Max-P495 supports up to 192GB of unified memory, with up to 160GB allocatable as graphics memory.
How much storage does the AI Agent NAS N5 Max-P495 support?
The N5 Max-P495 supports up to 200TB of local storage and comes with OpenClaw pre-installed for running AI agents locally.
This article summarizes reporting from tomshardware.com. See our editorial disclaimer for how our articles are produced.
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