Minisforum is adding fresh momentum to the mini PC space with the new EliteMini M2 Pro, revealed at CES 2026. What makes this compact desktop especially notable is its use of Intel’s brand-new Panther Lake platform, putting it among the earliest mini PCs to ship with this next-generation hardware. For buyers who want serious performance without the size of a traditional tower, the EliteMini M2 Pro is shaping up to be one of the most interesting small-form-factor PCs announced so far this year.
At the top of the lineup, the EliteMini M2 Pro can be configured with the Intel Core Ultra X9 388H. This higher-end option targets users who need extra horsepower for demanding everyday workloads, content creation, and gaming in a compact setup. Along with the processor, the system includes the Arc B390 integrated GPU, which significantly boosts graphics capability compared to typical iGPU-focused mini PCs.
Early performance indications suggest the Arc B390 iGPU can land in the neighborhood of an RTX 4050 Laptop GPU in certain scenarios, which is a strong sign for 1080p gaming. That means popular esports titles and many modern games at Full HD could be very playable without requiring a separate graphics card, making the EliteMini M2 Pro appealing for space-saving gaming builds, dorm setups, and living-room PCs.
Minisforum also appears to be leaning into flexibility and expansion, thanks to eGPU support over USB4. For anyone who wants the portability and convenience of an integrated GPU today, but the option to plug in a far more powerful external graphics solution later, this can be a major advantage.
Port selection is another area where the EliteMini M2 Pro looks well-equipped for both productivity and multi-display setups. The revealed configuration includes:
3x USB4/Thunderbolt 4
1x HDMI
1x DisplayPort
1x 2.5G LAN
1x 10G LAN
2x USB Type-A (likely USB 3.2 Gen 2)
That dual-network setup stands out, especially the inclusion of 10GbE, which can be a big deal for creators moving large files, advanced home lab users, and small office environments where fast network storage is common.
For buyers looking for a more accessible configuration, Minisforum has confirmed a model featuring an Intel Arc 370 iGPU. This version is expected to pair with the Intel Core Ultra 5 338H, giving the lineup a more entry-friendly option while still benefiting from the Panther Lake platform.
Memory support is another highlight. The EliteMini M2 Pro can be configured with up to 96 GB of LPDDR5x RAM running at 9,600 MHz. That amount of fast memory is meaningful for heavier multitasking, development work, large creative projects, and users who keep a lot of applications open at once.
In terms of design, the short CES 2026 showing suggests a sleek, compact chassis that follows the same general visual direction as some of Minisforum’s recent premium mini PCs. It’s built to fit neatly into tight spaces while still offering the connectivity and performance typically associated with larger desktops.
Minisforum hasn’t announced official pricing or an on-sale date yet. Still, since the EliteMini M2 Pro has already been publicly shown at CES 2026, a fuller launch announcement with availability details is likely not far off. For anyone tracking the best upcoming mini PCs for 2026—especially those interested in Intel Panther Lake performance in a small form factor—this is one worth watching.
