Beelink SER3
The Beelink SER3 is a compact mini PC that delivers a full Windows 11 Pro experience in a palm-sized package measuring just 4.45 by 4.96 by 1.57 inches. Powered by an AMD Ryzen 3 3200U processor with integrated Radeon Vega 3 graphics, this little machine handles everyday productivity tasks, web browsing, and 4K media playback without breaking a sweat. The metal chassis gives it a premium feel despite the budget-friendly price, and the included VESA mount lets you tuck it behind a monitor for a clutter-free desk setup. With 16GB of DDR4 RAM and a 500GB NVMe SSD included, there’s plenty of headroom for office work, light photo editing, and streaming.
Pros and Cons of the Beelink SER3
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Compact metal chassis with premium build quality | Older Zen+ architecture CPU from 2019 |
| Dual 4K HDMI output for multi-monitor setups | WiFi 5 feels dated compared to newer WiFi 6 models |
| Fully upgradeable RAM with two SO-DIMM slots | No memory card reader |
| Additional 2.5-inch SATA bay for storage expansion | Single-channel RAM may limit GPU performance |
| VESA mount included in the box | Limited gaming capability with Vega 3 graphics |
| Windows 11 Pro pre-installed | USB-C video output can be unreliable |
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Beelink SER3 Comparison Chart
 Beelink SER3 | |
| Price | List Price: $229 Amazon Prices: Loading prices... |
| Version | --- |
| Perfomance Rating | 4.6 |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Pro |
| Processor | Dual-core 2.60 Ghz (max 3.50 Ghz) AMD Ryzen 3 3200U |
| GPU | Integrated Intel UHD Graphics |
| RAM | 16 GB DDR4 SO-DIMM |
| Internal Storage | 500 GB |
| Dimensions width x length x thickness | 4.45 x 4.96 x 1.57 inches (113.03 x 125.98 x 39.88 mm) |
| Weight | 1.08 lbs (0.49 kg) |
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Ethernet | 1 Ethernet port at 1 Gbps |
| HDMI | 2 Full-Size HDMI Ports |
| DisplayPort | No DisplayPort |
| VGA | No VGA Ports |
| USB Ports | 4 USB 3, 1 USB-C |
| Thunderbolt Ports | No |
| Internal SATA Ports | 1 SATA port, includes 2.5" drive bay (2.5-inch SATA bay via ZIF connector) |
| Card Reader | No Card Reader |
| Headphone Jack | 3.5mm combo audio |
| Fanless | No |
| VESA Mount | Yes |
| In the Box | Power adapter, VESA mount bracket, HDMI cable, user manual |
| Expandability | 2x SO-DIMM DDR4 slots (max 64GB), 1x M.2 2280 PCIe 3.0, 1x 2.5-inch SATA bay |
Detailed Insights into the Beelink SER3
The Beelink SER3’s compact metal enclosure measures just over four and a half inches square and about an inch and a half thick, making it easy to hide behind a monitor or slip into a tight entertainment center. The chassis features a mesh ventilation pattern on the top and sides that helps draw air across the internal components without requiring an aggressive fan profile. Build quality is excellent for the price point, with the solid aluminum body feeling substantially more premium than the plastic housings found on many competing budget mini PCs. The front panel houses a power button, 3.5mm audio jack, and two USB 3.0 ports for easy access to peripherals.
Under the hood, the AMD Ryzen 3 3200U provides two cores and four threads with a boost clock up to 3.5GHz, paired with integrated Radeon Vega 3 graphics. This combination handles office productivity, web browsing, video conferencing, and 4K video playback without any issues, though demanding tasks like video editing or 3D rendering will expose the processor’s limitations. The Vega 3 GPU is adequate for retro gaming and older titles, but modern games are out of reach even at reduced settings. Professional reviewers have noted that the system ships with single-channel RAM from the factory, which can bottleneck the integrated graphics; adding a second matching memory stick enables dual-channel mode for measurably better GPU performance.
Connectivity options are solid for a budget mini PC, with dual HDMI 2.0 ports supporting 4K output at 60Hz on both displays simultaneously. The USB-C port offers DisplayPort alternate mode for a potential third 4K display, though some reviewers have reported inconsistent results with USB-C video output. Four USB 3.0 Type-A ports provide ample connectivity for keyboards, mice, external drives, and other peripherals. Gigabit Ethernet delivers wired networking, while the Intel Wireless-AC 7265 card provides WiFi 5 and Bluetooth 5.0 for wireless connectivity.
Reviewer Insights on the Beelink SER3
TechTablets’ Perspective
TechTablets tested the Ryzen 7 variant of the SER3 and found it delivered solid build quality with user-upgradeable internals. The reviewer particularly appreciated the fully unlocked BIOS that allows power users to tweak settings, noting that “we do have with Beelink… a completely unlocked BIOS. This is great.” The compact form factor impressed as well, with the observation that “it can literally fit in the palm of my hand.” However, the review highlighted that conservative power limits in the default configuration restrict performance, and the older WiFi 5 and Bluetooth 4 connectivity feels dated by current standards.
Chigz Tech Reviews’ Perspective
Chigz Tech Reviews praised the SER3’s premium metal construction and versatile connectivity, calling it “basically a full PC experience in a mini compact size.” The reviewer highlighted the triple 4K display capability as a standout feature for productivity users and emphasized the future-proofing aspect of upgradeable RAM and storage. Light gaming tests showed acceptable 1080p performance in older titles like GTA V at 30 FPS, though more demanding emulation tasks like Nintendo Switch games struggled to run smoothly.
PhilsComputerLab’s Perspective
PhilsComputerLab took a more critical view, noting that the single-channel memory configuration from the factory significantly hampers integrated GPU performance. The reviewer observed GPU clock speeds dropping to around 700MHz during gaming instead of the rated 1400MHz, and concluded that “gaming performance unfortunately was disappointing.” The pragmatic takeaway was that “there’s no such thing as a bad mini PC, only a bad price,” suggesting the SER3 can be a good value at the right discount but benefits greatly from a memory upgrade to dual-channel configuration.
NotebookCheck
According to NotebookCheck, the SER3 is a budget-friendly option targeting HTPC applications and basic productivity tasks. Their technical review confirmed precise dimensions of 126 x 113 x 40mm and a unit weight of just 492 grams, making it highly portable. The review emphasized the system’s suitability for web browsing and 4K video streaming rather than demanding workloads.
CNX Software
CNX Software provided an in-depth technical analysis focusing on optimization potential, concluding that “the SER3’s full potential can only be reached with a couple of BIOS tweaks.” Their testing showed that increasing power limits via software tools and upgrading to dual-channel memory dramatically improved benchmark scores, with 3DMark Fire Strike jumping from 1893 to 3165 points. The review also verified Linux compatibility and measured impressively low idle power consumption of just 5.7 watts under Windows.
Customer Reviews of the Beelink SER3
Amazon customers have given the Beelink SER3 a solid 4.4 out of 5 stars based on 241 reviews, indicating generally positive reception. Buyers consistently praise the compact size, quiet operation, and smooth performance for everyday tasks like web browsing, streaming, and office work. Many customers highlight the value proposition, noting that the included Windows 11 Pro license, 16GB RAM, and 500GB SSD represent excellent specifications at this price point. The build quality earns frequent compliments, with users describing the metal chassis as feeling much more expensive than budget alternatives.
Common concerns center on the processor’s age and limited performance ceiling for anything beyond basic productivity tasks. Some customers have experienced inconsistent USB-C video output, echoing the findings from professional reviewers. A few users note that the fan can become audible under sustained workloads, though it remains reasonably quiet during typical use. Those looking to use the SER3 for gaming generally report satisfaction only with older or less demanding titles.
Conclusion
The Beelink SER3 represents a solid entry point into the mini PC market for users who prioritize compact form factor, build quality, and upgradability over raw performance. The AMD Ryzen 3 3200U handles office productivity, media consumption, and web browsing with ease, while the dual HDMI outputs enable productive multi-monitor setups. The user-serviceable design with two RAM slots and a 2.5-inch SATA bay means you can expand storage or upgrade to dual-channel memory without any special tools.
This mini PC is ideal for home office users, HTPC setups, digital signage applications, and anyone who needs a compact Windows machine for basic tasks. The included VESA mount makes it perfect for space-constrained environments where a traditional desktop tower simply won’t fit. However, users with demanding workloads like video editing, 3D modeling, or modern gaming should look at more powerful options in Beelink’s lineup or consider competitors with newer Ryzen 5000 or 7000 series processors.
At around $229, the SER3 delivers reasonable value for a ready-to-use Windows 11 Pro system with 16GB RAM and 500GB storage. For those looking to compare options, Starry Hope’s Mini PC Comparison Chart provides a valuable resource for evaluating specifications across the current market.
Frequently Asked Questions
What processor does the Beelink SER3 use?
The Beelink SER3 comes with an AMD Ryzen 3 3200U processor, which features 2 cores and 4 threads with a boost clock up to 3.5GHz. It includes integrated Radeon Vega 3 graphics and is suitable for everyday productivity, web browsing, and 4K media playback.
Can I upgrade the RAM in the Beelink SER3?
Yes, the Beelink SER3 has two SO-DIMM DDR4 slots that support up to 64GB of RAM total. The stock configuration comes with 16GB in a single module, but adding a second matching stick enables dual-channel mode which improves integrated GPU performance.
How many monitors can the Beelink SER3 support?
The Beelink SER3 can support up to three displays simultaneously using its two HDMI 2.0 ports and USB-C port with DisplayPort output. Both HDMI ports support 4K resolution at 60Hz. However, some users have reported inconsistent results with the USB-C video output.
Can I add additional storage to the Beelink SER3?
Yes, the SER3 includes a 2.5-inch SATA bay in addition to the M.2 2280 NVMe slot for the primary SSD. This allows you to add a traditional SATA SSD or hard drive for additional storage capacity without replacing the original drive.
Is the Beelink SER3 good for gaming?
The Beelink SER3 can handle older games and retro gaming reasonably well, but it struggles with modern titles. The Radeon Vega 3 integrated graphics are limited, and reviewers have noted that single-channel RAM configuration further restricts GPU performance. For anything beyond casual or classic gaming, consider a more powerful mini PC.
Does the Beelink SER3 come with a VESA mount?
Yes, the Beelink SER3 includes a VESA mounting bracket in the box. This allows you to attach the mini PC to the back of a VESA-compatible monitor, saving desk space and creating a cleaner setup.
What operating system does the Beelink SER3 come with?
The Beelink SER3 comes pre-installed with Windows 11 Pro, providing access to professional features like BitLocker encryption, Remote Desktop hosting, and Group Policy management. The system is also compatible with Linux distributions for users who prefer alternative operating systems.