Minisforum MS-01 PCIe Card and RAM Compatibility Thread

[reneil1337]

I've got Samsung U.2 pm9a3 with 2x samsung M.2 pm983 drives. The problem is that two M.2 drives are running hot 74C on idle. After trying out mini-heatsink suggested by sidplayos2's post (link) using thermal pads it dropped to 68C. But it's still too hot for my taste.

I want to try the fan mod from daylightroberty post (link). I already have a spare ARCTIC 120mm PWM fan. but I want to use the same header as the current M.2 fan uses. Will this from aliexpress work?

View attachment 38223link: https://www.aliexpress.us/item/4000575436798.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.main.1.667bQUx2QUx25M

Yesterday, I finalized the exact 140mm fan mod you've linked. It further lowered CPU idle temp to 46°, GPU to 45° and NVMe to 38+31°C (using 2 slots). The fan is powered via this 12V USB adapter that even has a switch and works great: https://www.amazon.de/dp/B0C7B4M84L

Previously I had adjusted overall FAN speeds in BIOS and repasted the CPU. I was using a different vertical stand before which didn't work in combination with the fan so I switched to this one: Printables

 

[zubilitic]

Arrived at page 83, after few days of reading and now I am waiting for new episodes

 

[webmaster]

What is the easiest solution if I need video output on one of the VMs (media center) running on the MS-01? A PCIe GPU? Are there low power USB/Thunderbolt GPUs that could be used?

 

[ndodude]

I just finished installing 3x MS-01 i5-12600H.

Parts used:

• 64 GB Corsair Vengeance (CMSX64GX5M2A4800C40)
• 1x Lexar NM620 512GB (boot drive - mounted in A+E wifi slot via riser)
• 2x Lexar NM620 2TB (mounted in PCIe 3.0 x2 and x4 M.2 slots)
• 1x Lexar NM790 2TB (mounted in PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 slot)
• 1x KALEA-INFORMATIQUE M.2 NGFF Riser Extension for Mounting a PCIe M Key AHCI or NVMe M2 SSD to an M2 E A Key Port with 20cm Wide Flexible Ribbon Cable

Works like a charm

Some pictures:

 

[jbvest88]

Ok, guys I took one for the team lol. Don't even try to pull the adhesive cover off the cpu block it will tear mine did.

The paste is dried and cheap, it just flaked right off.

View attachment 35042
View attachment 35043

After I cleaned it good with alcohol:
View attachment 35046View attachment 35047

Liquid metal applied (Be careful you want a thin layer due to the pcb being so small and it took awhile of massaging to get the liquid metal to stick):
View attachment 35050View attachment 35051

Here is where the back screws are so you don't have to peal the adhesive cover:
View attachment 35052View attachment 35053

Idle temps I am seeing a 3C drop and I put the server under a load before and hit 65C and after with same test I hit 45C.

So end result 20C improvement.

Even if you don't do liquid metal I recommend new thermal paste.

I too can confirm the thermal paste is crap, and I saw a much better improvement after replacing it with thermal grizzly hydronaut extreme.

 

[r3dux]

There is newer microcode 0x4121 (with among other security fixes) for Raptor Lake H (13900H)

Is anyone able to merge microcode 0x4121 into BIOS file BIOS 1.22 or 1.23(beta) or 1.24(beta)?
BIOS 1.24 allows lowering RAM FREQ to 4400MT and 4800MT

Affected Processors: Transient Execution Attacks & Related Security...

Review the impact of transient execution attacks and select security issues on currently supported Intel products.

www.intel.com

GitHub - platomav/CPUMicrocodes: Intel, AMD, VIA & Freescale CPU Microcode Repositories

Intel, AMD, VIA & Freescale CPU Microcode Repositories - platomav/CPUMicrocodes

github.com

https://www.reddit.com/r/GamersNexus/comments/1ej1k58
https://www.reddit.com/r/GamersNexus/comments/1ej1k58/_/lgc8a52 "12.26% drop in single-core.
6.94% drop in multi-core.
Pretty much wipes out any performance gains you got by getting the i9-13900H laptop. Those new numbers are closer to i9-12900H now, and not high end of those 12th gen scores. In the middle to lower range of them.
Surprised there's no class action yet."

https://www.reddit.com/r/homelab/comments/1e7bn30
Also here posts about fixing proxmox stability by using MCU 0x4121 and BIOS 1.24(beta) mentioned on page 6 in the thread:

https://forums.servethehome.com/index.php?threads/minisforum-ms-01-i9-13900h-96gb-with-proxmox.43380/page-4#post-426482

 

[zubilitic]

Not sure what to say about that guy's test. It's over a year apart, different geekbench version and so on. There are many variables.
This kind of comparison is better to be performed in similar conditions.

 

[The Sus Walrus]

How does one get a copy of the 1.24(beta) BIOS? Does anyone willing to share?

 

[James001]

Sorry if my question is already asked and I am repeating it. What is the best way to update the BIOS (without having Windows)? Is it possible to use a Live Bootable FreeDOS or Windows USB drive? I appreciate for your help and suggestion If there is better way to do it.

 

[r3dux]

How does one get a copy of the 1.24(beta) BIOS? Does anyone willing to share?

1.23/1.24 are test bioses, therefore not public.
1.23 MCU 0x410, was about temprature sensors accuracy improvement
1.24 MCU 0x410, is about adding manual memory frequency settings, improvement of legacy ssds compatibility in some edge cases

User JaxJiang on this forum represents Minisforum, in order to acccess you will be asked about problems, memory type/size/sn and devices serial number

Sorry if my question is already asked and I am repeating it. What is the best way to update the BIOS (without having Windows)? Is it possible to use a Live Bootable FreeDOS or Windows USB drive? I appreciate for your help and suggestion If there is better way to do it.

YES.

A. Windows

1. Disable "secure boot" in BIOS
2. Run as administrator run "AfuWinFlash.bat"


B. In BIOS UEFI SHELL

1. Unzip file to root of FAT32 format disk.
2. Disable "secure boot" in BIOS
3. Boot into U disk, with uefi shell(F7 to choose boot disk)
3. Use "FS1:" "FS2:" to find your BIOS udisk. (you can use command "ls" to check files exists)
4. Run AfuEfiFlash.nsh.

 

[The Sus Walrus]

1.23/1.24 are test bioses, therefore not public.
1.23 MCU 0x410, was about temprature sensors accuracy improvement
1.24 MCU 0x410, is about adding manual memory frequency settings, improvement of legacy ssds compatibility in some edge cases

User JaxJiang on this forum represents Minisforum, in order to acccess you will be asked about problems, memory type/size/sn and devices serial number

Thank you! I contacted him and gave him all the details and he gave me the 1.24 BIOS. I've just installed it on all 4 of my machines and adjusted settings as instructed. Hopefully this will stop my crashing. I haven't been able to use them to even a 1/4 of their capabilities before. Here's to hoping!!!!

 

[RexInTheCity]

Anyone have tips with dealing with Minisforum support? Been emailing them since 7/26 trying to get a replacement for one of my i5 systems. I only get a response every couple days.

 

[r3dux]

Regarding 13900H ( CPUID: B06A2 ) stability and security besides RAM downclock to 4800MT or 4400MT stock BIOS is on MCU 0x410C

For windows users it is possible to create Windows microcode update package with VMware CPU Microcode Update Driver

similiar to how it was done for 13900HX (I have no access to post there asking for similiar package - for different CPUID)

[INTEL]-How To Update Your Microcode for Intel HX 13/14th Gen. CPUs Laptops/Mobile Easily.

Let me start with a small background info... Since we know all Intel's fiasco about what is happening with Raptor Lake/Raptor Lake Refresh which is Intel's codename for the 13th and 14th generations of Intel Core processors, Most OEM/Vendors doesn't want to provide BIOS update that includes...

www.techpowerup.com

VMware CPU Microcode Update Driver

This Fling is a Windows driver that can be used to update the microcode on a computer system’s central processor(s) (“CPU”). This type of update is most commonly performed by a system’s firmware (“...

web.archive.org

VMware Flings Flings

VMware Flings Flings

web.archive.org

How to update AMD CPU microcode using VMware CPU Microcode Update Driver utility?

Hello all, I’m just new to this forum and come here to try to find some clue about how to install latest microcode(s) from here. I was the one who created this video long ago (also edited the pack creating two separates installers), but as I switched to a new PC platform, also changed from CPU...

winraid.level1techs.com

MCU 0x4121 (Raptor Lake H)

Affected Processors: Transient Execution Attacks & Related Security...

Review the impact of transient execution attacks and select security issues on currently supported Intel products.

www.intel.com

GitHub - platomav/CPUMicrocodes: Intel, AMD, VIA & Freescale CPU Microcode Repositories

Intel, AMD, VIA & Freescale CPU Microcode Repositories - platomav/CPUMicrocodes

github.com

[Guide] Intel/AMD CPU Microcode conversion and utilization without modding the BIOS

Although this is the BIOS Modding forum, I think this guide will be beneficial to some. It explains how to utilize newer CPU microcode versions without having to mod your machine’s BIOS, and provides (information about) two utilities to convert microcode binary to text format and vice versa, as...

winraid.level1techs.com

 

[biacsid]

I just finished installing 3x MS-01 i5-12600H.

Parts used:

• 64 GB Corsair Vengeance (CMSX64GX5M2A4800C40)
• 1x Lexar NM620 512GB (boot drive - mounted in A+E wifi slot via riser)
• 2x Lexar NM620 2TB (mounted in PCIe 3.0 x2 and x4 M.2 slots)
• 1x Lexar NM790 2TB (mounted in PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 slot)
• 1x KALEA-INFORMATIQUE M.2 NGFF Riser Extension for Mounting a PCIe M Key AHCI or NVMe M2 SSD to an M2 E A Key Port with 20cm Wide Flexible Ribbon Cable

Works like a charm

Some pictures:
View attachment 38315
View attachment 38316
View attachment 38317
View attachment 38318
View attachment 38319
View attachment 38320

Awesome solution! Would the KALEA-INFORMATIQUE M.2 NGFF Riser Extension for Mounting a PCIe M Key AHCI or NVMe M2 SSD to an M2 E A Key Port with 20cm Wide Flexible Ribbon Cable work to boot ESXi 8?

 

[ndodude]

Awesome solution! Would the KALEA-INFORMATIQUE M.2 NGFF Riser Extension for Mounting a PCIe M Key AHCI or NVMe M2 SSD to an M2 E A Key Port with 20cm Wide Flexible Ribbon Cable work to boot ESXi 8?

Yes, it certainly would. The drive connected via the riser is recognized by the BIOS just like any other drive, so you can boot anything from it.

 

[biacsid]

I got this thing: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006957238570.html

It is very hot, the connection starts cutting out unless I point a fan directly at it.

I would recommend using SFP+ at both ends if you can, unless you only plan to only connect temporarily for specific tasks.

I've ordered one of these so I can go SFP+ to SFP+ from my MS-01 and RJ45 to RJ45 from my desk: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006222506874.html

It has an internal heatsink on the 10Gb RJ45 so hopefully it'll be okay.

--------

Heat has been a bit of an issue for me because I'm allergic to noise. It's mostly the NVMe fan on the bottom. It sounds like a mosquito and I can hear it through the cupboard door.

I've removed the NVMe fan now and put heatsinks on my drives. The whole unit is sitting on a 140mm Noctua fan on a ventilated rack shelf, so it can draw air in from underneath. It's actually running cooler now.

Someone on Reddit made and shared this 3D model of a bottom plate that fits a 140mm fan. I'm getting one printed so I can connect the fan permanently: Printables

View attachment 37862

(edit - tidied the Ali Express link)

Awesome! Which Noctua fan did you use? Do you use this USB 5V to 12V cable for powering the fan? https://www.amazon.de/dp/B0C7B4M84L

 

[jhbball2002]

Yes, it certainly would. The drive connected via the riser is recognized by the BIOS just like any other drive, so you can boot anything from it.

What speed is that slot? This is a great idea, cool mod.

 

[ndodude]

What speed is that slot? This is a great idea, cool mod.

It's PCIe 3.0 x1. Hence the choice of the NVMe drives.

=> The Lexar NM620 is PCIe 3.0 x4, so it will work at 1/4 speed in the riser slot, at 1/2 speed in the first PCIe slot on the mobo and at full speed in the second slot on the mobo.​

=> The NM 790 is PCIe 4.0 x4, so it works at full speed in the 3rd slot on the mobo.​

​

Optimal choice of hardware

 

[r3dux]

 

[biacsid]

Awesome! Which Noctua fan did you use? Do you use this USB 5V to 12V cable for powering the fan? https://www.amazon.de/dp/B0C7B4M84L

Anybody can suggest a Noctua fan for this case mod please?