Russian state-owned enterprise Rostec is taking a break from defense contracting and is moving to the mini-PC market. Rostec has announced the finalization of its MP21 computer, a self-proclaimed Raspberry Pi 5 competitor running on an Elbrus 2S3 processor. The problem for Rostec is that TSMC has not manufactured Elbrus chips since Russian sanctions began in 2022.
The MP21 is a 95x95mm mini-PC like a Pi computer, albeit with noticeably larger dimensions. The MP21, the smallest computer ever to be powered by the Elbrus 2S3, will come equipped with up to 8GB RAM and an SSD between 60 and 480GB of non-soldered SSD storage. The mini-computer will consume 40W of power, much more than the Pi 5's maximum 10W in our testing. Russian news outlet CNews requested images of the computer, as well as details on when production will start; Rostec refused both requests.
