Beelink EQi12

The Beelink EQi12 is a compact and powerful Mini PC designed to cater to various computing needs. It offers flexibility for users seeking different performance levels, available in three processor configurations—Intel Core i3-1220P, i5-12450H, and i7-12650H. All versions come with 24GB of LPDDR5 RAM and Intel UHD Graphics, making it suitable for general productivity, multimedia streaming, and light workloads. Storage options include 512GB or 1TB SSDs, with expandability up to 4TB via dual PCIe 4.0 NVMe slots. The EQi12 comes pre-installed with Windows 11 Pro, offering a smooth and user-friendly experience right from the start.

The Mini PC stands out with its compact 4.96 x 4.96 x 1.74-inch design, quiet operation, and robust connectivity options, including dual HDMI ports, dual Ethernet ports, and Wi-Fi 6. While it excels in everyday tasks, its limitations in gaming and high-performance workloads, along with soldered RAM, make it more suitable for users with moderate computing needs rather than those requiring heavy-duty performance.

Detailed Features of the Beelink EQi12 Mini PC

The Beelink EQi12 Mini PC is designed with versatility and performance, offering three processor options—Intel Core i3-1220P, i5-12450H, and i7-12650H—to cater to varying user needs. Paired with 24GB of LPDDR5 RAM running at 5200MHz, the system delivers smooth multitasking and reliable performance for general productivity tasks, multimedia streaming, and light workloads. Its Intel UHD Graphics are sufficient for basic graphical tasks, but they do not require gaming or heavy video editing. Storage options include 512GB or 1TB SSDs, which can expand up to 4TB using dual PCIe 4.0 NVMe slots, making it a flexible choice for users who require additional storage.

Measuring just 4.96 x 4.96 x 1.74 inches and weighing 1.15 pounds, the EQi12 is compact enough to fit into tight spaces or minimalist setups. Despite its small size, it offers robust connectivity options, including dual HDMI ports capable of 4K 60Hz output, three USB 3.0 ports, one USB 2.0 port, and a USB-C port. Including dual Ethernet ports and Wi-Fi 6 ensures reliable and fast networking, though the Ethernet ports are limited to 1Gbps speeds. The internal 85W power supply eliminates the need for an external power brick, reducing cable clutter and enhancing its compact appeal.

The EQi12 also stands out for its thoughtful design features, such as effective cooling for SSDs and nearly silent operation during light use. However, the soldered RAM and the need for significant disassembly to access internal components may deter users seeking easy upgradeability. Pre-installed with Windows 11 Pro, the Mini PC provides a clean and user-friendly experience right out of the box, with support for Linux distributions for those who prefer alternative operating systems.

What Reviewers Are Saying About the Beelink EQi12 Mini PC

HTWingNut’s Review: Beelink EQi12 Mini PC Review

HTWingNut provides a detailed analysis of the Beelink EQi12, emphasizing its strengths as a compact and quiet Mini PC for everyday tasks. The reviewer highlights the system's solid performance for general productivity, multimedia streaming, and light workloads, thanks to its Intel Core i5-12450H processor and 24GB of LPDDR5 RAM. One standout feature noted is the internal 85W power supply, which eliminates the need for an external power brick, making it a unique offering in this category. However, HTWingNut points out that the device struggles with thermal throttling during sustained heavy workloads, such as video encoding or benchmarking tests like Cinebench R23. Adjusting the fan curve in the BIOS can mitigate this issue, but it comes at the cost of increased noise levels.

The review also praises the EQi12's dual PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots, allowing up to 4TB of storage expansion. However, if the user sacrifices the Wi-Fi card, one slot may need to be repurposed. While the cooling system effectively manages temperatures during light to moderate use, the reviewer notes that the all-plastic enclosure and soldered RAM limit upgradeability. HTWingNut concludes that the EQi12 is best suited for users seeking a compact, quiet, and versatile Mini PC for non-gaming tasks, though its thermal performance and lack of 2.5Gbps Ethernet ports are notable drawbacks.

In HTWingNut's words, "The Beelink EQi12 is a quiet and compact Mini PC, ideal for daily desktop tasks, light gaming, and media server use, but it struggles with extended high-CPU workloads due to thermal throttling." You can watch the full review here.

FishBee Productions’ Review: Beelink EQi12 Mini PC - Is It Worth It?

FishBee Productions describes the Beelink EQi12 as a strong mid-range Mini PC, particularly for general productivity and media consumption. The reviewer highlights its sleek, minimalist design, noting the textured top and compact form factor as standout features. The port selection, including dual HDMI, USB-C, and dual Ethernet ports, is praised for its versatility, though the Ethernet ports are again noted as limited to 1Gbps. FishBee Productions also appreciates the easy access to the bottom panel for upgrades, making it user-friendly for those looking to expand storage.

Performance-wise, the EQi12 easily handles tasks like streaming, working from home, and light gaming. However, the review emphasizes that users should manage their expectations, as the integrated Intel UHD Graphics are unsuitable for modern gaming or 4K video editing. Benchmark tests reveal performance comparable to other mid-range Mini PCs, such as the Beelink SER5 Pro, but GPU performance remains entry-level. FishBee Productions concludes that the EQi12 is a reliable option for users seeking a mid-range Mini PC for everyday tasks, provided they are aware of its limitations in gaming and high-performance applications. You can watch the full review here.

Both reviewers agree on the EQi12's strengths in design, quiet operation, and general productivity. However, they also highlight common limitations, such as thermal throttling under heavy workloads, limited gaming performance, and the lack of 2.5Gbps Ethernet ports. These insights make it clear that the Beelink EQi12 is best suited for users with moderate computing needs rather than those requiring high-performance capabilities.

What Customers Are Saying About the Beelink EQi12 Mini PC

Customer reviews for the Beelink EQi12 Mini PC are largely positive, with users praising its compact design, strong performance for everyday tasks, and versatility across various use cases. Many highlight its ability to handle demanding applications like running virtual machines on Proxmox or serving as a networking device with pfSense. The dual 2.5Gb LAN ports are frequently mentioned as a standout feature, particularly for users leveraging the device for networking tasks. Customers also appreciate its upgradability, with some successfully expanding the RAM and storage to meet their specific needs.

However, a few drawbacks are noted. Some users report issues with the included Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip when running Linux or BSD, requiring hardware replacements or workarounds. Others express concerns about the longevity of the Intel processor, citing rapid technological advancements. Despite these minor complaints, the consensus is that the EQi12 offers excellent value for its size and price, making it a reliable choice for various tasks.

One customer summarized their experience by saying, "This thing handles everything easily and runs non-stop without any problems." At the same time, another noted, "The small size is a big plus, fitting perfectly in my setup and giving me plenty of connection options."

Conclusion: Who Should Consider the Beelink EQi12 Mini PC?

The Beelink EQi12 Mini PC is an excellent option for users seeking a compact, quiet, and versatile system for general productivity, multimedia streaming, and light workloads. Its range of processor options, ample 24GB of RAM, and dual PCIe 4.0 NVMe slots make it a flexible choice for tasks like working from home, running virtual machines, or even serving as a media server. The pre-installed Windows 11 Pro and support for Linux distributions add to its appeal for tech enthusiasts and professionals.

However, this Mini PC may not be the best fit for users requiring high-performance capabilities, such as intensive gaming, 4K video editing, or sustained heavy workloads. The soldered RAM, thermal throttling under heavy use, and lack of 2.5Gbps Ethernet ports are limitations to consider. Additionally, those prioritizing GPU performance for gaming or creative tasks may want to explore alternatives.

For users who value compact design, quiet operation, and reliable performance for everyday tasks, the Beelink EQi12 is a solid choice. To explore more Mini PCs and compare their features, check out Starry Hope's Mini PC Comparison Tool.