Beelink SER5 MAX Mini PC

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Beelink SER5 MAX Mini PC lifestyle

The Beelink SER5 MAX Mini PC is a flexible and compact computing solution powered by an AMD Ryzen 7 5800H processor. It is designed for users who need a balance between high performance and space efficiency, capable of efficiently handling demanding applications and multitasking. Pre-installed with Windows 11 Pro, this Mini PC is ready for a modern and streamlined user experience. It supports up to 64GB of DDR4 RAM and comes with a 512GB NVMe SSD, expandable to 2TB, offering generous storage and memory options. With integrated AMD Radeon Graphics, it can drive up to three 4K displays at 60Hz, catering to multi-monitor setups. The inclusion of Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 ensures fast and reliable wireless connectivity.

ProsCons
Compact design supporting three 4K displaysNoticeable fan noise under heavy load
Strong AMD Ryzen 7 5800H processorIntegrated graphics may not suffice for intensive tasks
Upgradable RAM and storageSome user concerns about product longevity
High-speed Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2Potential slow QLC NVMe write speeds during heavy loading

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Beelink SER5 MAX Mini PC Comparison Chart

Beelink SER5 MAX Mini PC

Beelink SER5 MAX Mini PC

Beelink SER5 MAX Mini PC

Beelink SER5 MAX Mini PC

Beelink SER5 MAX Mini PC

Beelink SER5 MAX Mini PC

Beelink SER5 MAX Mini PC

Beelink SER5 MAX Mini PC

Beelink SER5 MAX Mini PC

Beelink SER5 MAX Mini PC

Price

List Price: $499.00

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List Price: $479.00

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List Price: $459.00

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List Price: $439.00

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List Price: $299.00

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Version32GB/1TB/Ryzen 7 5800H32GB/512GB/Ryzen 7 5800H16GB/1TB/Ryzen 7 5800H16GB/512GB/Ryzen 7 5800H24GB/500GB/Ryzen 7 6800U
Perfomance Rating8.18.17.47.47.9
Operating SystemWindows 11 ProWindows 11 ProWindows 11 ProWindows 11 ProWindows 11 Pro
ProcessorOcta-core 3.20 Ghz (max 4.40 Ghz) AMD Ryzen 7 5800HOcta-core 3.20 Ghz (max 4.40 Ghz) AMD Ryzen 7 5800HOcta-core 3.20 Ghz (max 4.40 Ghz) AMD Ryzen 7 5800HOcta-core 3.20 Ghz (max 4.40 Ghz) AMD Ryzen 7 5800HOcta-core 3.20 Ghz (max 4.40 Ghz) AMD Ryzen 7 5800H
GPUIntegrated AMD Radeon GraphicsIntegrated AMD Radeon GraphicsIntegrated AMD Radeon GraphicsIntegrated AMD Radeon GraphicsIntegrated AMD Radeon Graphics
RAM32 GB32 GB16 GB16 GB24 GB
Internal Storage1 TB512 GB1 TB512 GB500 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)
4.96 x 4.45 x 1.65 inches
(125.98 x 113.03 x 41.91 mm)
4.96 x 4.45 x 1.65 inches
(125.98 x 113.03 x 41.91 mm)
4.96 x 4.45 x 1.65 inches
(125.98 x 113.03 x 41.91 mm)
4.96 x 4.45 x 1.65 inches
(125.98 x 113.03 x 41.91 mm)
Weightunknownunknownunknownunknownunknown
WiFiWi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
BluetoothBluetooth 5.2Bluetooth 5.2Bluetooth 5.2Bluetooth 5.2Bluetooth 5.2
Ethernet1 Ethernet port at 1 Gbps1 Ethernet port at 1 Gbps1 Ethernet port at 1 Gbps1 Ethernet port at 1 Gbps1 Ethernet port at 1 Gbps
HDMI1 Full-Size HDMI Port1 Full-Size HDMI Port1 Full-Size HDMI Port1 Full-Size HDMI Port1 Full-Size HDMI Port
DisplayPort1 DisplayPort1 DisplayPort1 DisplayPort1 DisplayPort1 DisplayPort
VGANo VGA PortsNo VGA PortsNo VGA PortsNo VGA PortsNo VGA Ports
USB Ports1 USB 2.0, 3 USB 3, 1 USB-C1 USB 2.0, 3 USB 3, 1 USB-C1 USB 2.0, 3 USB 3, 1 USB-C1 USB 2.0, 3 USB 3, 1 USB-C1 USB 2.0, 3 USB 3, 1 USB-C
Thunderbolt PortsNoNoNoNoNo
Internal SATA Ports1 SATA port, includes 2.5" drive bay1 SATA port, includes 2.5" drive bay1 SATA port, includes 2.5" drive bay1 SATA port, includes 2.5" drive bay1 SATA port, includes 2.5" drive bay
Card ReaderNo Card ReaderNo Card ReaderNo Card ReaderNo Card ReaderNo Card Reader
Headphone Jackcombocombocombocombocombo
FanlessNoNoNoNoNo
VESA MountYesYesYesYesYes
In the BoxMini PC, 2 x HDMI Cables, Power Adapter, VESA Mount with Screws, User ManualMini PC, 2 x HDMI Cables, Power Adapter, VESA Mount with Screws, User ManualMini PC, 2 x HDMI Cables, Power Adapter, VESA Mount with Screws, User ManualMini PC, 2 x HDMI Cables, Power Adapter, VESA Mount with Screws, User ManualMini PC, 2 x HDMI Cables, Power Adapter, VESA Mount with Screws, User Manual
ExpandabilityRAM expandable up to 64GB, m.2 storage expandable up to 2TB, 2.5" SATA SSD/HDD bay.RAM expandable up to 64GB, m.2 storage expandable up to 2TB, 2.5" SATA SSD/HDD bay.RAM expandable up to 64GB, m.2 storage expandable up to 2TB, 2.5" SATA SSD/HDD bay.RAM expandable up to 64GB, m.2 storage expandable up to 2TB, 2.5" SATA SSD/HDD bay.RAM expandable up to 64GB, m.2 storage expandable up to 2TB, 2.5" SATA SSD/HDD bay.

Related Mini PCs

Beelink SER5 MAX connectivity: WiFi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.2, 1 Gbps Ethernet, multiple USB ports

The Beelink SER5 MAX combines performance with user-centric design. Its chassis, primarily plastic with a metal bottom plate, ensures durability without sacrificing style, featuring a fabric-like material on top for a distinctive look. Measuring just 4.96 x 4.45 x 1.65 inches and weighing approximately 680 grams, the compact footprint belies the computing power within. Effective airflow is maintained through mesh sides, which is crucial for cooling the powerful internal components. The dual-fan cooling system keeps temperatures manageable during sustained workloads, with independent testing showing the unit remains below 39dB during typical gaming sessions, though the fan does become more audible under heavy sustained loads.

Connectivity is a standout feature, with various ports, including three USB 3.2 ports and one USB 2.0 port on the rear, a USB-C port that supports both data transfer and video output, HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort 1.4, Gigabit Ethernet, and a combo headphone jack. The triple display output capability through HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB-C allows for versatile multi-monitor configurations, all supporting 4K resolution at 60Hz. For wireless connectivity, Wi-Fi 6 provides modern speeds and improved performance in congested networks, while Bluetooth 5.2 handles peripherals with minimal latency. These options allow for various peripherals and displays, promoting an efficient and productive workspace. The included VESA mount enables the Mini PC to be discreetly installed behind monitors or TVs, freeing up valuable desk space.

Internally, the SER5 MAX is built for future upgrades. The AMD Ryzen 7 5800H processor delivers 8 cores and 16 threads with base clocks of 3.2 GHz boosting to 4.4 GHz, providing substantial multitasking headroom for productivity applications. Easy access to the two DDR4 SODIMM slots allows RAM expansion up to 64GB, while NVMe storage can be upgraded to 2TB. A 2.5-inch SATA drive bay provides additional storage expansion for those needing extra capacity without replacing the primary drive. The included NVMe drive delivers satisfactory performance for most tasks, though some reviewers note the stock SSD uses entry-level components that may exhibit slower write speeds during heavy data transfers. The swappable Wi-Fi module adds to the system’s longevity, allowing users to upgrade to newer wireless standards as they become available. Despite its size, the SER5 MAX rivals many desktop PCs in performance-to-size ratio, an attractive proposition for those with space constraints seeking desktop-class computing power in a fraction of the footprint.

Beelink SER5 MAX performance class: POWER USER - optimized for development, gaming, video editing, and multitasking

Robtech’s Analysis: Performance and Design

Robtech’s review of the Beelink SER5 MAX highlights the device’s hardware capabilities, particularly the Ryzen 5800H CPU’s 54-watt configuration, which outperforms the SER5 Pro. The design, featuring a plastic body and a metal bottom plate, is appreciated, though an all-metal chassis would be preferred. The SER5 Max’s port selection, including a DisplayPort, is commended. Quality internal components like AZW-branded memory and a Crucial P3 Plus NVMe drive are noted.

The SER5 Max is recognized for its 20% improvement in multi-core CPU workloads compared to the Pro model, though it trails behind the latest Ryzen CPUs by about 13%. The integrated graphics need to be updated, with minimal improvement over the Pro model. However, the SER5 Max excels in CPU-intensive tasks like emulation and gaming. The trade-off for increased power is higher power consumption and fan noise, which Robtech considers a drawback. The review concludes by acknowledging the SER5 Max’s competitive price but points out that newer CPU options present intense competition. Robtech’s review

Tech4All’s Take: A Mini PC Masterpiece

Michael from Tech4All describes the Beelink SER5 Max as a “mini PC masterpiece,” offering impressive Ryzen 7 performance at a competitive price. The design, mesh sides for airflow and the array of ports are praised for functionality and convenience. The SER5 Max’s upgradability, particularly the ease of accessing internal components, is a highlight. The performance is slightly boosted due to the full utilization of the CPU’s TDP, which also benefits the integrated GPU.

The device handles 1080p gaming and multimedia tasks effectively, but Michael notes that video editing and other intensive tasks may be limited by the absence of a dedicated GPU. Fan noise is mentioned as a con, but it can be managed in the BIOS. Michael concludes the SER5 Max is a solid value for those seeking Ryzen 7 performance with reasonable power consumption. However, he does not recommend it as an upgrade for current SER5 Pro owners due to the marginal performance increase. Tech4All’s review

FishBee Productions’ Evaluation: Strong Everyday Performance

Brian from FishBee Productions evaluates the Beelink SER5 MAX, emphasizing its strong performance for everyday tasks such as video editing, graphic design, and gaming. The device’s build quality and design, including the fabric-like material on top, are commended. Good results in Geekbench and 3DMark Time Spy benchmarks and the ability to handle 4K video playback and gaming at acceptable frame rates are praised.

The mini PC’s cooling system, which includes a dual-fan design, effectively manages heat without excessive noise. Brian notes that the SER5 MAX, marketed as an upgrade from the Surf 5 Pro with a 10% performance boost, showed performance nearly identical to the Pro model in his tests. In conclusion, the SER5 MAX is recommended as one of the better mini PCs tested, suitable for various tasks, and offering good value. FishBee Productions’ review

EVO Tech’s Gaming Performance Analysis

EVO Tech put the Beelink SER5 MAX through its paces with an impressive 15-game benchmark test, providing valuable insight into the integrated Radeon Graphics capabilities. Testing popular titles at 1080p with various settings, the review demonstrates that while the SER5 MAX handles casual and older titles competently, more demanding games require lowered settings to achieve playable frame rates. Titles like CS:GO and Rocket League run smoothly at medium settings, while heavier games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Red Dead Redemption 2 require significant compromises to reach 30 fps. The comprehensive gaming analysis makes this video particularly useful for anyone considering the SER5 MAX as a casual gaming solution.

MiniPC Review’s Technical Deep Dive

MiniPC Review provides one of the most thorough written analyses of the Beelink SER5 MAX, including detailed benchmark data and thermal testing. J. Iban describes the device as “quiet, fast, and perfect for intensive productivity and entertainment,” praising the clean Windows 11 installation with minimal bloatware and the modular design that allows easy RAM and SSD upgrades. The review highlights strong Cinebench R23 multi-core scores of 11,324 and Geekbench 5 multi-core of 8,126, confirming the Ryzen 7 5800H’s competitive performance. However, the review identifies a critical limitation: during combined CPU and GPU loads, the system experiences TDP throttling that drops power delivery to 15-16W instead of the expected 54W maximum, causing significant performance dips. Under sustained thermal stress, temperatures reach 86.5°C at the full 54W TDP, though the fan remains below 39dB even during gaming sessions.

The reviewers generally agree that the Beelink SER5 MAX excels for productivity workloads, multitasking, and media consumption. For gaming, it handles casual titles and emulation well, but those expecting dedicated GPU-level performance will need to temper expectations. The consensus points to excellent value for users prioritizing compact size and CPU performance over graphics capability.

Customer reviews of the Beelink SER5 MAX consistently highlight the impressive performance-to-size ratio as the standout feature. Users frequently praise the clean Windows 11 Pro installation with minimal bloatware, allowing for immediate productivity out of the box. The AMD Ryzen 7 5800H processor receives particular acclaim from users upgrading from older systems, with many reporting substantial performance improvements in demanding applications like Photoshop, video editing software, and development environments. The compact form factor enables a tidy workspace without compromising on computing power, making it a popular choice for home offices and living room setups.

The upgradeability options earn consistent praise from technically inclined users. Customers appreciate the easy access to RAM slots and storage bays, with several reviews documenting successful upgrades to 64GB RAM or faster NVMe drives. The 2.5-inch SATA bay provides additional flexibility for those needing extra storage capacity. Many users note that the VESA mounting capability allows discrete installation behind monitors, creating a clean aesthetic for desk setups.

However, some areas draw criticism from customers. The most common complaints center on fan noise during heavy workloads, with some users describing the fans as audible though not excessive during gaming or rendering tasks. A subset of customers report concerns about power supply reliability, particularly units that have failed after the warranty period. One recurring suggestion is to purchase directly from Beelink rather than third-party sellers for better warranty support and customer service response. While the integrated graphics handles casual gaming and media consumption well, customers with higher graphics expectations note the limitations for demanding games, a trade-off inherent to all mini PCs in this category.

Conclusion

The Beelink SER5 MAX Mini PC is an excellent choice for users looking for a compact yet powerful computing solution. Ideal for video editing, graphic design, and multitasking with demanding applications, it also supports multiple 4K displays, making it great for complex workspace setups.

However, there may be better options for gaming enthusiasts or those who need silent operation. Users can explore options using Starry Hope’s Mini PC Comparison App for a broader range of Mini PCs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What operating system does the Beelink SER5 MAX Mini PC come with?

It comes pre-installed with Windows 11 Pro, providing a rich feature set.

Can I upgrade the RAM on the Beelink SER5 MAX?

Yes, the Mini PC supports RAM upgrades up to 64GB with two DDR4 SODIMM modules.

Does the Beelink SER5 MAX support multiple monitors?

It supports up to three 4K displays at 60Hz through its HDMI and DisplayPort outputs.

Is the storage on the Beelink SER5 MAX expandable?

It features a 500GB NVMe SSD expandable up to 2TB and a 2.5” SATA bay for additional storage.

What kind of cooling system does the Beelink SER5 MAX use?

The Mini PC uses a dual-fan design to cool the CPU and system components efficiently.

How does the Beelink SER5 MAX handle gaming?

It can manage casual gaming and some AAA titles at 1080p, but the integrated AMD Radeon Graphics may need more high-end gaming.

Is the Beelink SER5 MAX fanless?

No, it has a dual-fan cooling system to manage the heat from its powerful Ryzen 7 processor.