Beelink SER5 (5500U)

The Beelink SER5 (5500U) represents one of the most compelling value propositions in the budget mini PC market. Powered by the AMD Ryzen 5 5500U processor with 6 cores and 12 threads, this compact machine delivers performance that punches well above its price point. Its form factor is remarkably small at just under 5 inches square and 1.65 inches thick, making it ideal for tight spaces or mounting behind a monitor with the included VESA bracket. Whether you need a capable home office machine, a silent media center, or an entry-level gaming system, the SER5 offers impressive versatility for users who prioritize space efficiency and value.

Pros and Cons of the Beelink SER5 (5500U)

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Beelink SER5 (5500U) Comparison Chart

	Beelink SER5 (5500U)
Price	List Price: $289 Amazon Prices: Loading prices...
Version	16GB/512GB
Perfomance Rating	6.3
Operating System	Windows 11 Pro
Processor	Hexa-core 2.10 Ghz (max 4.00 Ghz) AMD Ryzen 5 5500U
GPU	Integrated Intel UHD Graphics
RAM	16 GB
Internal Storage	512 GB
Dimensions width x length x thickness	4.96 x 4.45 x 1.65 inches (125.98 x 113.03 x 41.91 mm)
Weight	0.96 lbs (0.44 kg)
WiFi	Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
Bluetooth	Bluetooth 5.2
Ethernet	1 Ethernet port at 1 Gbps
HDMI	1 HDMI Port
DisplayPort	1 DisplayPort
VGA	No VGA Ports
USB Ports	1 USB 2.0, 3 USB 3, 1 USB-C
Thunderbolt Ports	No
Internal SATA Ports	No SATA ports
Card Reader	No Card Reader
Headphone Jack	combo
Fanless	No
VESA Mount	Yes
In the Box	Mini PC, 57W power adapter, VESA mount bracket, 2x HDMI cables, SATA cable, user manual
Expandability	RAM upgradable via 2x SO-DIMM DDR4-3200 slots (max 64GB), 1x M.2 2280 NVMe slot, 1x 2.5-inch SATA bay

Detailed Insights into the Beelink SER5 (5500U)

The Beelink SER5 features a refined design that belies its budget positioning. The chassis combines metal and plastic materials to create a premium feel that reviewers compare favorably to Intel NUC systems. Weighing just 434 grams (under 1 pound), it is exceptionally portable for those who need to move their workstation between locations. The compact dimensions of 4.96 x 4.45 x 1.65 inches mean it can hide behind a monitor using the included VESA mount, creating an ultra-clean desk setup. All the ports are easily accessible on the front and rear panels, with a combination 3.5mm audio jack for headphones or speakers.

The AMD Ryzen 5 5500U processor inside the SER5 delivers performance that rivals much newer chips in the same class. With 6 cores and 12 threads running up to 4.0 GHz, it handles multitasking, productivity applications, and media encoding with ease. The integrated Radeon Graphics with 7 cores at 1800 MHz provides enough graphical muscle for 4K video playback, casual gaming at 1080p on low settings, and even some esports titles at higher frame rates. Reviewers noted 150+ FPS in Valorant and Overwatch 2 at 1080p low settings, making it a viable budget gaming option for competitive titles.

Connectivity and expansion options are generous for a system at this price point. The single HDMI and DisplayPort outputs support triple 4K displays when combined with the USB-C port’s video output capability. WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 provide solid wireless connectivity, while the Gigabit Ethernet port handles wired networking. Note that despite Amazon listing claims of 2.5G LAN, hardware verification by reviewers confirmed the standard 1G Realtek controller. The dual SO-DIMM slots support up to 64GB of DDR4-3200 RAM, and storage expansion includes both an M.2 2280 NVMe slot (up to 4TB) and a 2.5-inch SATA bay with included cable.

Reviewer Insights on the Beelink SER5 (5500U)

PC Tech Hustle’s Perspective

PC Tech Hustle was impressed by how much performance Beelink packed into such a tiny chassis. In his comprehensive 12-minute review with gaming benchmarks and a full teardown, he noted that “This is a very small PC and not too far off from the size of your standard apple” while praising its ability to handle esports gaming. His testing showed solid 1080p gaming at low settings for most titles, with Valorant hitting 150 FPS and Overwatch 2 reaching 158 FPS. He highlighted the easy upgradeability, showing the dual RAM slots and 2.5-inch SATA bay, and concluded it is “an excellent choice for a minimalist desk setup or a portable workstation/gaming hybrid.”

Small Box Central’s Perspective

Small Box Central focused his review on the thermal and acoustic performance, finding the SER5 to be remarkably quiet. He measured the weight at just 434 grams and was particularly impressed with power efficiency, stating “This thing just sips power… at idle it’s 7 watts.” His testing showed the system remained “absolutely silent” during normal operation while staying cool under load. He praised the included NVMe heatsink and easy internal access, concluding “I don’t know what Beelink are doing, but they’re doing it right.” His recommendation was enthusiastic for productivity and light gaming, though he noted AAA titles would struggle.

NotebookCheck Review

According to NotebookCheck, which reviewed the similar 5560U variant with identical chassis design, the SER5 earned a “Good” rating of 82%. Their professional testing praised the strong build quality “rivaling the Intel NUC series” and noted the processor “performs almost identically to the Ryzen 5 7530U” despite being an older chip. They highlighted the excellent value proposition at $230 with 16GB RAM and 500GB SSD included, though they noted the USB-C port lacks Power Delivery and WiFi 6E was omitted to save costs.

Customer Reviews of the Beelink SER5 (5500U)

Amazon customers have given the Beelink SER5 (5500U) an overall rating of 4.3 stars based on 303 reviews, indicating strong satisfaction among buyers. Customers frequently praise the exceptional value for money, noting that the combination of Ryzen 5 performance, 16GB RAM, and 500GB NVMe storage at under $300 is hard to beat. The compact size and silent operation are recurring highlights, with many using it as an HTPC or home office machine where noise and space are concerns.

Common positive themes include the ease of setup, reliable Windows 11 Pro installation, and the flexibility to upgrade RAM and storage. Several reviewers mention successfully upgrading to 32GB or 64GB RAM and adding larger NVMe drives or 2.5-inch SSDs. The VESA mount receives praise for enabling clean monitor-mounted installations.

On the critical side, some customers note the limitations of integrated graphics for demanding games, though most acknowledge this is expected at the price point. A few reviews mention the Ethernet being 1G rather than the 2.5G advertised in some listings, echoing the spec discrepancy noted by professional reviewers. Overall, the consensus is that the SER5 delivers excellent performance per dollar for users with realistic expectations.

Conclusion

The Beelink SER5 (5500U) stands out as an excellent choice for users seeking a capable, compact, and quiet mini PC without breaking the bank. The AMD Ryzen 5 5500U processor delivers surprisingly strong performance for productivity, media consumption, and light gaming, while the well-designed chassis keeps things cool and silent. The generous connectivity options and excellent upgradeability make it a versatile platform that can grow with your needs.

This mini PC is ideal for home office workers, students, media center enthusiasts, and casual gamers who prioritize space efficiency and value over raw gaming performance. If you need to run demanding AAA titles at high settings or require Thunderbolt connectivity, you should look at higher-tier options like the SER5 Pro or SER5 Max with faster processors. For everyone else seeking a reliable daily driver in a tiny footprint, the SER5 (5500U) represents one of the best values in its class.

For those looking to compare options, Starry Hope’s Mini PC Comparison Chart provides a valuable resource for evaluating the SER5 against other compact systems.

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