Minisforum EliteMini M2 Pro Debuts with Panther Lake CPU and Competitive Arc B390 Graphics

Minisforum has unveiled its EliteMini M2 Pro mini PC at CES 2026, positioning it as a compact powerhouse leveraging Intel's upcoming Panther Lake architecture. The flagship configuration pairs the Intel Core Ultra X9 388H processor with Intel's Arc B390 integrated graphics, a combination that delivers unexpected gaming capabilities in a palm-sized chassis.

Initial benchmark data indicates the Arc B390 iGPU performs comparably to NVIDIA's RTX 4050 Laptop GPU, translating to smooth 1080p gaming experiences without discrete graphics hardware. This positions the EliteMini M2 Pro uniquely among mini PCs, which typically require external GPU enclosures for serious gaming. For expanded graphics performance, dual USB4 ports support Thunderbolt 4 eGPU solutions.

The Core Ultra X9 388H processor anchors the top configuration, while an entry-level model features the Core Ultra 5 338H with Arc 370 graphics. Both configurations support up to 96GB of LPDDR5x RAM running at 9,600MHz - unusually high capacity for compact systems. Connectivity includes three USB4/Thunderbolt 4 ports, dual Ethernet (2.5G and 10G), HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB Type-A ports.

Visually, the EliteMini M2 Pro adopts the industrial design language of Minisforum's AI X1 Pro, maintaining a compact footprint suitable for desk setups or media centers. The aluminum chassis features efficient thermal management to handle the Panther Lake silicon.

Gamers seeking a living-room-friendly 1080p gaming solution without bulky hardware will find the EliteMini M2 Pro compelling. Content creators needing portable workstation-grade performance in compact form factors also stand to benefit, especially given the Thunderbolt 4 expandability. The dual Ethernet ports additionally make it viable as a network appliance or home server.

Pricing and availability remain undisclosed following the CES showcase, but retail availability is expected within Q1 2026. When released, the EliteMini M2 Pro could redefine expectations for integrated graphics performance in the mini PC segment.

Image source: TechPowerUp