MS-A1

Effectively what you have is an expensive deconstructed ITX desktop that takes up MORE desk space, but with poorer cooling and CPU power limits imposed by the small form factor chassis along with the inherent downsides of Oculink as a display connection technology. I'm a fan of the MS-A1 on it's own

What BIOS version did you get with the replacement? I got my MS-A1 too from Amazon last week, and it came with 1.06. I did a quick test that everything is running ok, then I immediately flashed it with the latest version 1.11 from the Minisforum site. The update seems progressed normally, then it sh

Due to reputation & build quality, Minisform no longer finds the respect they once received on this subReddit. Native SFF-8612 i4 OCuLink has given way to brands akin to GMKtec, where the MS-A1 provides SFF-8612, the MS-A1 doesn't. The AI X1 Pro use greater heat dissipation/reduced bandwidth SODIMM

In recent history, Minisforum build quality & customer service, notably when it comes to their 2-year warranty, has been questionable at best. I read your comment on the MS-A1, depending on the terms of the seller's 5-year warranty, would make the best deal "of the bunch". Unless it's a full refund