Minisforum MS-A1 and Ryzen 9000

[mevermeulen]

I am exploring using the Minisforum MS-A1 with Ryzen 9700x.

According to the Minisforum page, Ryzen 9000 will be supported with a BIOS update. I haven't seen one posted yet, but Ryzen 9000 became available this month.

My question is likely what steps I need to do in order to update the BIOS. For example: do I need a supported CPU to do a BIOS update?

If answer to the question is yes, then presumably I need to get a second CPU for long enough to do the BIOS update and then switch in the new CPU? If the answer to the question is no, then any other likely barriers?

 

[bfmorgan]

I purchased the barebone unit. I first tried to use a Ryzen 9700x with 96GB of Crucial 5600mhz memory and a few Samsung PRO m.2 ssd drives. The unit would not POST, even after 30 minutes. Minisforum told me that a BIOS update would be needed updated for the 9700x. I then got a hold of 8700g and put it in the chassis. The unit would still not POST.

After two weeks of back and forth email, I still can't get either the unit to POST/boot or convince Minisforum to let me return the unit for another one. They now are asking me to produce a video showing the trouble shooting steps. I have spent almost 24 hours trouble shooting.

At $279 for the bare bones unit, my time spent so far is exceeded this amout. I have a specific use case for this have commited to use this box. I think I just have to spend another $279 and hope for the best.

To answer your question about the BIOS update chicken and egg situation, I was told that it should boot to the BIOS and from there you can update the BIOS.

Worst customer support EVER!

 

[ibphantom]

"
At present, there is no internal update BIOS out, I only have an unofficial BIOS version, you can try, but if not, you need to wait for the official version

A5WSR_1.03_240527a

MediaFire is a simple to use free service that lets you put all your photos, documents, music, and video in a single place so you can access them anywhere and share them everywhere.

minisforum.mediafire.com

7950X
7600
9950X
9900X
Need to flash the firmware.
8700G
8600G
8500G
"

via Minisforum Email Support

 

[bfmorgan]

Update on my ms-a1 trials and tribulations:

I recieved the replacement ms-a1 yesterday and have installed the Ryzen 9700x cpu. As I am waiting on the replacement Crucial 96 GB memory, i placed a single 16 GB 5200 mhz memory and a single Samsung EVO Pro 2 TB SSD into the chassis.

It booted and the BIOS is 1.06 with a build date of 8/16/2024. The BOIS recognized the SSD. My next attempt will be to load Windows so as to see if the "Firmware" and driver updates can be run. Some how I think that the "Firmware" update is older than the 1.06 BIOS or the same as the file date on the Minisforum site is 8/19/2024. But the Windows drivers will be needed.

Stay tuned.

 

[Vtec9000]

Update on my ms-a1 trials and tribulations:


Hi, I'm thinking re Barebone and same processor so very interested to see how you get on.

On product page Q&A I see the below re TDP
"A:Single CCD CPUs like 8700G/8600G/7600G support 65W, while dual CCD CPUs such as 7950X/7900X support 100W."

As a big difference between 65 & 100W interested to know if with latest bios/drivers you can get full 100W TDP with 7900x, No point me buying a 65W 7900 as they cost more due to bundled cooler. Test if you can please.

I also need an oculink to m.2 NVME (female, socket) adapter to suit an eGPU I already have, must be PCIe 4.0 x 4 speed, I have only found gen 3 so far, just in case you know of one.

Anyway good luck with your system!

When MF support are not helping, the MF could stand for something else!

 

[Vtec9000]

Update I found this ADT-F4D for Oculink to m.2 NVME 4.0 x 4

 

[kikin-sama]

Hey @bfmorgan, may I inquire as to where did you found version 1.06? I'm at 1.03 and no luck posting the 9700x

 

[bfmorgan]

Hey @bfmorgan, may I inquire as to where did you found version 1.06? I'm at 1.03 and no luck posting the 9700x

It was loaded onto the unit I recieved from MS after I returned by defective one. I would contact them directly and ask if the "Firmware" upgrade file is the 1.06 or 1.03 version.

 

[totemoz]

 

[bfmorgan]

The readme in both of these "BIOS" files says this is not a BIOS update.

 

[bfmorgan]

The readme in both of these "BIOS" files says this is not a BIOS update.

View attachment 39568

Also, I ran it on the MS-A1 that has BIOS version 1.03 and it didn't update the BIOS to the 1.06 version on my other MS-A1.

 

[hwillson]

@bfmorgan how did things work out with your 9700X? I'm considering the same CPU with my MS-A1.

 

[kikin-sama]

I think that if you buy a new MS-A1 unit, the BIOS version 1.06 comes preinstalled. I had to replace one of the units I bought because the socket was mangled (damn those LGA sockets) and it came with 1.06. That version supports Ryzen 9000 without a problem, although there should be an easy to find option for restricting TDP to 65W.

 

[hwillson]

Thanks @kikin-sama - that's my understanding as well. My MS-A1 arrives today so we'll see which BIOS it has. I just talked to Minisforum support about this and asked for the updated BIOS installer just in-case, which they sent me. I'm curious to know how @bfmorgan is finding the 9700X specifically, as that CPU seems like an ideal choice to stay just under 100W TDP (max power draw for the chip is 88W).

 

[bfmorgan]

Thanks @kikin-sama - that's my understanding as well. My MS-A1 arrives today so we'll see which BIOS it has. I just talked to Minisforum support about this and asked for the updated BIOS installer just in-case, which they sent me. I'm curious to know how @bfmorgan is finding the 9700X specifically, as that CPU seems like an ideal choice to stay just under 100W TDP (max power draw for the chip is 88W).

That was my experience as well. The performance with 96 GB of 5600 mhz memory is exceptional.

 

[hwillson]

Thanks @bfmorgan! Exciting - I'm going to pull the trigger on ordering a 9700X. I'll report back on how things work out.

 

[RobertC]

Hey all, did your MS-A1's come with the U.2 adapter installed or is it in the packing box? I can not find one in the box MicroCenter shipped to me.
I emailed minisforum and no reply after 1.5 days.

Also, mine crashed after 30 hours of AIDA64. I have about 12 more days to return it..

Any thoughts?

 

[hwillson]

No, I didn't get a U.2 adapter with mine. Ouch on it crashing with AIDA64 - I've only had mine up and running for a few hours, so now I'm worried. I'm surprised mine hasn't crashed yet as when I opened the packaging I found that the AM5 socket cover came off during shipping and bounced around inside the case the entire time managing to bend about 4 pins in the socket. I straightened them out and seem to have full performance but we'll see.

 

[RobertC]

Well poop.. I really wanted to keep my Optane boot drive. Still no answer from Minisforum on the support request. Holding the Del key down seems to get into the BIOS. Zero boot info, solid black until my windows animation shows up.

Could it be some kind of dual use socket for the m.2 / u.2? Not sure I want to fiddle with opening it if I need to return it. Take a quick look for me if you still have it open. Was it tricky at all opening? I did see a couple of youtube video reviews about it. They mentioned MANY screws, etc.

Thanks.

 

[hwillson]

I think you should be able to use your U.2 drive with a U.2 to M.2 adapter - the MS-A1 has enough space inside for that configuration. You can take a look at the MS-A1 user manual linked here - it has instructions for using a U.2 to M2. adapter specifically, with a few diagrams. Note that depending on which iteration of the MS-A1 you have the diagrams might be a little different (mine is at least), but the general idea should still be the same. It's a pretty straightforward case to open to add / remove things and there aren't that many screws. But again the user manual diagrams don't appear to line up with all cases, so just a warning there.