Beelink EQ14

The Beelink EQ14 is a compact and budget-friendly Mini PC designed for users seeking a reliable solution for everyday computing tasks. Powered by Intel's N150 processor, this device offers a modest performance boost over its predecessor, the N100, with a turbo clock speed of up to 3.6 GHz and integrated Intel UHD Graphics. It comes with 16GB of DDR4 RAM, a 512GB M.2 SATA SSD, and a range of connectivity options, including dual HDMI ports, dual gigabit Ethernet, and Wi-Fi 6. The EQ14 is well-suited for light productivity tasks, media playback, and basic gaming, making it a practical choice for home offices, media centers, or casual users.

The Mini PC features a compact design with an integrated power supply, eliminating the need for an external power brick. While it offers expandability through dual M.2 slots and supports up to 4TB of storage, it is limited to single-channel DDR4 memory despite the N150's compatibility with DDR5. Its quiet operation and low power consumption further enhance its appeal for users who prioritize efficiency and minimal noise.

Pros	Cons
Compact design with integrated power supply, reducing cable clutter.	Limited to DDR4 RAM despite DDR5 compatibility, restricting memory performance.
Dual M.2 slots for storage expansion, supporting up to 4TB.	Single-channel RAM configuration may hinder multitasking and memory-intensive applications.
Quiet operation with efficient cooling, even under load.	Marginal performance improvement over the N100 processor, making it a minor upgrade.
Wide range of connectivity options, including dual HDMI, USB-C, and dual Ethernet ports.	Lacks a VESA mount, limiting mounting options for certain setups.
Low power consumption, ideal for energy-conscious users.	The entry-level integrated graphics limit gaming and GPU-intensive tasks.
Pre-installed Windows 11 Pro with no bloatware for a clean user experience.	SSD speeds are slightly reduced due to bandwidth sharing between the two M.2 slots.

Detailed Look at the Beelink EQ14 Mini PC

The Beelink EQ14 is powered by Intel's N150 processor, a quad-core CPU with a turbo clock speed of up to 3.6 GHz. This processor offers slight improvements in CPU and GPU clock speeds compared to its predecessor, the N100, making it suitable for light computing tasks such as web browsing, media playback, and basic productivity. Paired with 16GB of DDR4 RAM running at 3200 MHz in a single-channel configuration, the EQ14 provides adequate performance for everyday use. However, it lacks the dual-channel memory support that could enhance multitasking capabilities. The integrated Intel UHD Graphics, clocked at 1,000 MHz, can handle lightweight gaming and emulation but struggle with more demanding titles.

Storage and expandability are standout features of the EQ14. It includes two M.2 slots—one PCIe 3.0 x4 and one PCIe 3.0 x1—allowing users to expand storage up to 4TB. The pre-installed 512GB M.2 SATA SSD provides ample space for most users, though its SATA interface limits speeds compared to NVMe options. Connectivity is robust, with dual HDMI ports supporting 4K at 60 Hz, dual gigabit Ethernet ports, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, and multiple USB ports, including a 10 Gbps USB-C port. These features make the EQ14 versatile for various setups, whether as a media center, lightweight workstation, or even a small server.

Another highlight is the EQ14's compact design. It fits easily into tight spaces, measuring just 4.92 x 4.92 x 2.91 inches. The integrated power supply eliminates the need for an external power brick, reducing cable clutter and enhancing portability. Its efficient cooling system ensures quiet operation, even under load, making it a great choice for users who prioritize a silent workspace. While the lack of a VESA mount may limit mounting options, the device's size and design make it easy to integrate into most environments.

What Reviewers Are Saying About the Beelink EQ14 Mini PC

ETA Prime's Review: Intel Twin Lake N150 Mini PC! Beelink EQ14 Hands On Review

ETA Prime highlights the Beelink EQ14 as a solid budget-friendly Mini PC, particularly for basic tasks like web browsing, 4K media playback, and light gaming. The review praises the device's compact design, integrated power supply, and quiet cooling system. ETA Prime notes that the EQ14's Intel N150 processor offers slight performance improvements over the N100, with a higher CPU clock speed of 3.6 GHz and a GPU clocked at 1,000 MHz. However, the reviewer points out that the real-world performance difference between the N150 and N100 is minimal, making it a modest upgrade at best.

One standout feature mentioned is the device's expandability, with dual M.2 slots supporting up to 4TB of storage. ETA Prime also appreciates the robust connectivity options, including dual HDMI ports, dual gigabit Ethernet, and USB-C. However, the review criticizes using DDR4 RAM instead of DDR5, which limits the EQ14's potential performance. Gaming tests reveal that while the EQ14 can handle lightweight games and emulation at lower settings, it struggles with more demanding titles. ETA Prime concludes that the EQ14 is a good choice for new buyers seeking an affordable Mini PC but not a significant upgrade for those already using an N100-based device.

Robtech's Review: Not What You Think - Beelink EQ14 Review

Robtech provides a more critical take on the Beelink EQ14, describing it as a "premium budget" Mini PC that falls short in performance. While the review acknowledges the device's quiet operation, good cooling, and dual M.2 slots, it emphasizes that the N150 processor offers only marginal improvements over the N100. Benchmarks show slight gains in single-core performance but no noticeable improvements in multi-core tasks or GPU-bound applications. Robtech also highlights the lack of DDR5 support as a significant drawback, especially at this price point.

The review notes that the EQ14 is well-suited for basic productivity tasks, such as 1080p video editing and document handling, but struggles with gaming and intensive workloads. The device's design and build quality are functional but uninspired, with cumbersome access to internal components. Robtech concludes that while the EQ14 is a capable Mini PC, its higher price than N100-based alternatives makes it a tough sell for users seeking better value or performance.

Elevated Systems' Review: The Quietest Mini PC Yet? The Sub $200 Beelink EQ14 Tested!

Elevated Systems offers a balanced perspective on the Beelink EQ14, praising its quiet operation, efficient cooling, and suitability for basic productivity tasks. The review highlights the device's compact size and energy efficiency, making it an excellent choice for home offices or media centers. Elevated Systems notes that the EQ14 excels in real-world tasks like document conversion and web browsing, outperforming its predecessors in some productivity benchmarks. However, the review also points out that the N150 processor's performance gains over the N100 are minimal, particularly in GPU-intensive tasks.

One of the standout features mentioned is the EQ14's ability to handle multiple browser tabs, Office applications, and light multitasking without lag. Elevated Systems also appreciates Beelink's thoughtful compromises, such as opting for DDR4 and SATA SSDs to maintain affordability. While the EQ14 is not designed for gaming or heavy content creation, the review concludes that it offers excellent value for users seeking a budget-friendly Mini PC for everyday tasks.

Technically Unsure's Review: Beelink EQ14 N150 Mini PC In-Depth Review and Teardown

Technically Unsure provides a detailed and largely positive review of the Beelink EQ14, focusing on its versatility and low power consumption. The reviewer praises the device's compact design, integrated power supply, and quiet operation, making it suitable for various use cases, including light gaming, multimedia playback, and productivity. The review highlights the EQ14's dual M.2 slots and support for up to 8TB of storage as key advantages, though it notes that SSD speeds are slightly limited due to bandwidth sharing between the two slots.

The EQ14 performed well in benchmarks and real-world tasks, with smooth 4K video playback and acceptable performance for light gaming. Technically Unsure also tested the device with Linux, finding it compatible with Windows 11 and Ubuntu. However, the review mentions that the N150 processor's performance is modest, making it a better fit for entry-level users. Technically Unsure recommends the EQ14 for users seeking a compact, energy-efficient Mini PC for everyday tasks.

Lifting Linux's Review: Linux on Intel’s N150: Beelink EQ14 Tested!

Lifting Linux focuses on the Beelink EQ14's compatibility with Linux, offering a positive review for experienced users. The reviewer highlights the EQ14's compact design, energy efficiency, and feature-rich hardware, including dual M.2 slots, dual gigabit Ethernet, and a 10 Gbps USB-C port. However, the review notes that the N150 processor offers only marginal performance improvements over the N100 and requires kernel updates for full Linux compatibility, making it less suitable for beginners.

The EQ14 performed well in Linux benchmarks, particularly with lightweight distributions like Arch Linux. Real-world tasks like document exporting and spreadsheet sorting were faster on Linux than on Windows. While the device excelled in basic productivity and media playback, the review emphasizes that the EQ14 best suits experienced users who are comfortable with kernel upgrades. For beginners, Lifting Linux recommends the Beelink EQ13, which offers better out-of-the-box Linux support.

What Customers Are Saying About the Beelink EQ14

Customer reviews for the Beelink EQ14 highlight its practicality and value for everyday computing tasks. Many users appreciate its compact design and quiet operation, making it an excellent choice for home offices or media centers. The pre-installed Windows 11 Pro is frequently praised for its clean setup without unnecessary bloatware, allowing users to get started quickly. Customers also commend the device's expandability, particularly the dual M.2 slots, which provide flexibility for storage upgrades.

However, some users express disappointment with the EQ14's single-channel DDR4 RAM configuration, noting that it limits multitasking performance. A few reviewers mention that while the device handles basic tasks well, it struggles with more demanding applications, such as gaming or video editing. Overall, the EQ14 receives positive feedback for its affordability, energy efficiency, and suitability for light workloads, though it may not meet the needs of power users.

Conclusion: Who Should Consider the Beelink EQ14?

The Beelink EQ14 is a well-rounded Mini PC designed for users seeking a compact, energy-efficient device for basic computing tasks. Its Intel N150 processor, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB SSD make it a solid choice for web browsing, media playback, and light productivity. The dual M.2 slots and robust connectivity options enhance its versatility, allowing for easy storage expansion and integration into various setups. Its quiet operation and low power consumption make it particularly appealing for home offices or as a media center.

The EQ14 may not be the best choice for users with more demanding needs. The single-channel DDR4 RAM and entry-level integrated graphics limit its performance in multitasking, gaming, and GPU-intensive tasks. Additionally, those seeking significant performance improvements over the N100-based Mini PCs may find the EQ14's upgrades too incremental to justify the cost. For users who need more power or dual-channel memory, alternatives like the Beelink EQ13 with an N200 processor or other DDR5-compatible Mini PCs might be worth exploring.

For more options, users can explore Starry Hope's Mini PC Comparison Tool to find the best Mini PC for their needs.