Beelink EQ12 Mini PC

Updated on January 26, 2026

The Beelink EQ12 Mini PC is a compact, cost-effective computing solution that packs a punch with the latest Intel N100 CPU. It fits a range of user needs and is available in configurations of 8GB or 16GB DDR5 memory paired with a 500GB NVMe drive. Its design is reminiscent of the Mini S12 but with enhanced port selection, including a USB-C port with display output, multiple USB 3.0, dual 2.5Gb LAN, and dual HDMI 2.0 ports, supporting up to three 4K 60Hz displays. Pre-installed with Windows 11 Pro, the Beelink EQ12 is ready for use right out of the box, and it’s expandable thanks to a 2.5-inch SATA drive slot and an Intel Wi-Fi 6 card. Designed for home and office use, this Mini PC is a versatile choice for those seeking performance and affordability.

Pros and Cons of the Beelink EQ12 Mini PC

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Beelink EQ12 Mini PC Comparison Chart

	Beelink EQ12 Mini PC	Beelink EQ12 Mini PC	Beelink EQ12 Mini PC
Price	List Price: $279.00 Amazon Prices: Check Price on Amazon	List Price: $249.00 Amazon Prices: Check Price on Amazon	List Price: $279.00 Amazon Prices: Check Price on Amazon
Version	16G/500GB/Intel N100/Grey	8G/500GB/Intel N100/Blue	16G/500GB/Intel N100/Blue
Perfomance Rating	5.0	4.3	5.0
Operating System	Windows 11 Pro	Windows 11 Pro	Windows 11 Pro
Processor	Quad-core 3.40 Ghz (max 3.40 Ghz) Intel Processor N100	Quad-core 3.40 Ghz (max 3.40 Ghz) Intel Processor N100	Quad-core 3.40 Ghz (max 3.40 Ghz) Intel Processor N100
GPU	Integrated Intel UHD Graphics	Integrated Intel UHD Graphics	Integrated Intel UHD Graphics
RAM	16 GB	8 GB	16 GB
Internal Storage	512 GB	512 GB	512 GB
Dimensions width x length x thickness	4.88 x 4.44 x 1.53 inches (123.95 x 112.78 x 38.86 mm)	4.88 x 4.44 x 1.53 inches (123.95 x 112.78 x 38.86 mm)	4.88 x 4.44 x 1.53 inches (123.95 x 112.78 x 38.86 mm)
Weight	unknown	unknown	unknown
WiFi	Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)	Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)	Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
Bluetooth	Bluetooth 5.2	Bluetooth 5.2	Bluetooth 5.2
Ethernet	2 Ethernet ports at 2.5 Gbps	2 Ethernet ports at 2.5 Gbps	2 Ethernet ports at 2.5 Gbps
HDMI	2 Full-Size HDMI Ports	2 Full-Size HDMI Ports	2 Full-Size HDMI Ports
DisplayPort	Display available through USB Type-C port	Display available through USB Type-C port	Display available through USB Type-C port
VGA	No VGA Ports	No VGA Ports	No VGA Ports
USB Ports	3 USB 3, 1 USB-C	3 USB 3, 1 USB-C	3 USB 3, 1 USB-C
Thunderbolt Ports	No	No	No
Internal SATA Ports	1 SATA port, includes 2.5" drive bay (Supports up to 2TB for the 2.5 inch drive, includes bay with cooling fan)	1 SATA port, includes 2.5" drive bay (Supports up to 2TB for the 2.5 inch drive, includes bay with cooling fan)	1 SATA port, includes 2.5" drive bay (Supports up to 2TB for the 2.5 inch drive, includes bay with cooling fan)
Card Reader	No Card Reader	No Card Reader	No Card Reader
Headphone Jack	combo	combo	combo
Fanless	No	No	No
VESA Mount	Yes	Yes	Yes
In the Box	Mini PC, short and long HDMI cables, power supply, manual, monitor mount and screws	Mini PC, short and long HDMI cables, power supply, manual, monitor mount and screws	Mini PC, short and long HDMI cables, power supply, manual, monitor mount and screws
Expandability	RAM maxed at 16GB, storage can be expanded with M.2 NVMe up to 2TB and 2.5 inch SATA drive up to 2TB.	RAM maxed at 16GB, storage can be expanded with M.2 NVMe up to 2TB and 2.5 inch SATA drive up to 2TB.	RAM maxed at 16GB, storage can be expanded with M.2 NVMe up to 2TB and 2.5 inch SATA drive up to 2TB.

Detailed Information on the Beelink EQ12 Mini PC

The Beelink EQ12 Mini PC balances size and power, making it an attractive option for those requiring a compact system without sacrificing performance. Equipped with the Intel N100 processor, it delivers reliable performance for various tasks. The DDR5 memory in a single-channel configuration has decent multitasking capabilities, though the single-channel limitation means graphics-intensive applications like video editing won’t reach their full potential. For everyday office work, web browsing, and media playback, the performance feels snappy and responsive. The Intel N100’s four efficient cores handle multitasking admirably, keeping multiple browser tabs, office documents, and background applications running smoothly without noticeable slowdown.

Connectivity is a strong suit for the Beelink EQ12, boasting dual 2.5Gb LAN ports for robust networking. This, along with Wi-Fi 6 technology, positions the Mini PC as an excellent choice for users with high-speed internet or demanding home network requirements. Professional reviewers have consistently highlighted these dual Ethernet ports as the standout feature, enabling everything from network-attached storage builds to DIY router configurations running pfSense or OPNsense. The combined networking throughput approaches 5Gbps when both ports are utilized, making this one of the most capable networking platforms in the budget mini PC segment.

The design of the Beelink EQ12 emphasizes functionality and user convenience, with a port arrangement that minimizes cable clutter. A 2.5-inch SATA drive slot with a cooling fan further enhances the system’s expandability, allowing for additional storage as needed. The VESA mount bracket included in the box enables clean mounting behind a monitor, transforming any display into an all-in-one workstation. While the plastic exterior may not appeal to everyone, the build quality is solid, and the sleek design ensures it blends seamlessly into any workspace. At just 4.88 x 4.44 x 1.53 inches, the EQ12 occupies minimal desk space while providing desktop-class functionality.

Thermal management deserves special mention. Independent testing by CNX Software recorded CPU temperatures peaking at 64 degrees Celsius under stress, with exterior temperatures remaining comfortable at 42 degrees. The cooling system maintains remarkably quiet operation, with noise levels measured at just 34.3 dBA maximum. For home office environments or living room media center setups, this near-silent operation proves invaluable. Power efficiency also impresses, with idle consumption at 12.1W and typical usage around 17.8W, making the EQ12 an excellent candidate for 24/7 operation as a home server or network appliance.

For users considering alternative operating systems, the Beelink EQ12 demonstrates broad Linux compatibility. Ubuntu and Debian installations work smoothly, though users should note that the Intel AX101 WiFi card may require manual driver configuration on some Linux distributions. The system has been successfully deployed running TrueNAS for network storage, pfSense for routing and firewall duties, and Proxmox for virtualization. This versatility extends the EQ12’s appeal well beyond typical Windows desktop use cases into the home lab and enthusiast markets.

Reviewer Insights on the Beelink EQ12 Mini PC

Robtech’s Evaluation

Robtech’s review of the Beelink EQ12 Mini PC underscores its standing as an exceptional budget-friendly option. The reviewer recommends the 16GB DDR5 model for its marginal price increase, noting the device’s superior performance in benchmark tests against similar models like the Morphine M9. The EQ12’s thermal performance is lauded for staying cool under pressure, and its ability to handle casual gaming and emulation is highlighted as a notable advantage. Despite the plastic casing, Robtech endorses the EQ12 as the budget mini PC to beat among Alder Lake N minis.

Chigz Tech Reviews’ Assessment

Chigz Tech Reviews delves into the Beelink EQ12, highlighting its affordability and 12th Gen Intel Alder Lake N100 quad-core processor. The review emphasizes its suitability for general office tasks, web browsing, and streaming and its capability to handle casual gaming. The mini PC’s build quality, with its textured finish, is satisfactory for its price point. Chigz Tech Reviews concludes that the Beelink EQ12 offers a good balance of features and affordability for users with modest performance expectations.

RandomGaminginHD’s Gaming Perspective

RandomGaminginHD provides a gaming-focused review that challenges expectations about what an entry-level mini PC can accomplish. While acknowledging that the EQ12 sits “at the opposite end of the spectrum” from high-performance machines, the reviewer demonstrates surprising gaming capabilities on older and competitive titles. The inclusion of DDR5 memory earns praise, even in a single-channel configuration. RandomGaminginHD concludes that “the Beelink EQ12 would definitely make for a solid everyday system” and is “ideal for anyone who’s more power consumption conscious.” The reviewer notes that while modern AAA games are out of reach, casual gamers who “want to fire up Skyrim or GTA every so often and don’t mind lowest of the low settings” will find the EQ12 capable enough.

CNX Software’s Multi-OS Testing

Ian Morrison of CNX Software conducted one of the most comprehensive tests of the EQ12, evaluating it across Windows 11, Ubuntu, pfSense, and TrueNAS. His verdict: “I really like the Beelink EQ12. For a ‘cheap’ mini PC the performance under Windows 11 is perfectly adequate.” The review particularly highlights the dual 2.5Gb Ethernet ports, noting they “scream home IT lab or DIY router/security gateway material.” In PROXMOX virtualization testing with pfSense and TrueNAS VMs, the system maintained temperatures in the mid-40s Celsius during sustained file transfers. Power consumption measured at just 12.1W idle and 28.9W maximum, while noise stayed remarkably low at 34.3 dBA maximum.

Fossbytes’ Budget Analysis

Devin McElheran’s review for Fossbytes takes a unique perspective on the EQ12’s value proposition. While acknowledging that “the Intel Celeron N100 CPU” presents limitations for demanding workloads, McElheran emphasizes the exceptional connectivity bandwidth for the price point. The review concludes that “Beelink’s EQ 12 is an unexpectedly virtuous budget PC, even if for even less expected reasons,” positioning it as an excellent choice for home IT labs and network appliances rather than general computing. Storage benchmarks showed the NVMe SSD delivering random 4K performance “on par with a lot of mid-market SSDs.”

Across all reviews, a clear consensus emerges: the Beelink EQ12 excels as a compact, efficient solution for home networking, light office work, and media duties. Reviewers consistently praise the dual 2.5GbE ports, quiet operation, and expandability while noting the single-channel memory and processor limitations for intensive tasks.

Customer Feedback on the Beelink EQ12 Mini PC

Customers have expressed satisfaction with the Beelink EQ12 Mini PC, noting its performance, affordability, and versatility. Users have found it to be a cost-effective solution for networking needs, with one reviewer successfully using it as a router capable of handling 2.5Gbps speeds. The device’s ability to maintain low temperatures and operate almost silently has been highlighted, with users also appreciating its snappy performance with Windows 11.

Another customer favored the Beelink EQ12 for its compatibility with Debian 12 and low power consumption, comparing it favorably to a Raspberry Pi 4. The device’s quietness, cool operation, and efficiency were also commended. A third reviewer, who used the mini PC as a PFsense router, was impressed with including 16GB of RAM and a 500GB hard drive at a competitive price point, concluding that the Beelink EQ12 offers more for less.

Conclusion

The Beelink EQ12 Mini PC stands as a compelling option for users seeking a compact, cost-effective computing solution that punches above its price point. The Intel N100 processor paired with DDR5 RAM delivers responsive performance for everyday tasks, while the comprehensive connectivity including dual 2.5GbE ports, Wi-Fi 6, and triple 4K display support creates flexibility rare in this price bracket. Professional reviews consistently highlight its excellence as a home lab platform, whether running pfSense for routing, TrueNAS for storage, or Proxmox for virtualization experiments.

While not suited for demanding gaming or professional video editing, the Beelink EQ12 excels precisely where budget mini PCs should: office productivity, web browsing, media streaming, and always-on server duties. The combination of near-silent operation, low power consumption averaging under 18W, and solid thermal management makes it an ideal candidate for living room setups or spaces where noise would be unwelcome. Home office users will appreciate the VESA mounting option that keeps desks clutter-free.

The EQ12 represents one of the best values in the Intel N100 mini PC segment, though rising DRAM and component costs have started to push prices upward across this category. It still offers expandable storage, robust networking capabilities, and proven reliability across multiple operating systems. For those interested in comparing the Beelink EQ12 with other mini PCs, Starry Hope’s Mini PC Comparison Tool is an excellent resource for finding the perfect match for your specific needs.