The new Beelink EQ12 has the Intel N100 (Alder Lake-N) processor manufactured in 10 nm, the first processor of this type that loses the Celeron and Pentium reference. Inside the box we find a SODIMM with 16 GB of RAM DDR5 4800 MHz, a 512 GB NVMe disk drive, in addition we count two Ethernet 2.5 GB and also with triple video output. The operating system installed is Windows 11 but we can also install Linux in one of its versions.
Let’s see how this device behaves in our review and how it fares compared to its competition.
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Product details
Unboxing Beelink EQ12
The computer Beelink EQ12 comes in a basic but well protected cardboard box. Inside we find the small protected computer with its contents, manual, 2x HDMI cable, VESA bracket and charger 12V 3A (36 W).
Description
The small Beelink EQ12 has a roughened top area made with laser as decoration. On the front we have a status LED next to the power button, internal BIOS reset button, audio in/out jack and a USB-C 3.2 data and video (no power). On the rear we find 2x USB-A 3.2 (10Gbps), 1x USB-A 2.0, 2x HDMI 2.1, Ethernet 2.5 GB, Kengsinton lock and for power supply we have a round DC port.
Inside this PC we find the M.2 2230 Wifi 6 + BT 5.2 adapter (Intel AX101) with two internal antennas, we also have installed a 512GB M.2 NVMe 2280 disk and for RAM we have one SODIMM DDR5 slots up to 4800 MHz.
- RAM: 16 GB DDR5 2666MHz max / 1x SODIMM.
- Storage: 512 GB 1x M.2 NVMe 2280 / 1x SATA 3 2.5″.
- Network: Wifi 6 + BT 5.2 (M.2 2230 Intel AX101) / 1x Gigabit Ethernet (Intel i225-v)
System and performance
Environment and user experience
We start the Beelink EQ12 by pressing the front power button that lights up. In a few seconds we arrive at the Windows 11 Pro 64bit desktop that is activated when connected to the internet. We have all the drivers installed correctly and we update it without problems with the Windows Update system. We found that the hardware moves smoothly in a basic use of classic desktop, it is possible to load many tabs navigation without slowdowns. A valid computer to use office, multimedia and design apps with medium or light load.
- OS Version installed: Windows 11 Pro 22H2Â 64bit installed .
- Software pre-installed: None.
- Tutorials: Control the micro PC with your Smartphone / Install Windows 11 / Migrate Windows to SSD
Networks, Storage, RAM and Ports
In the PC connectivity section Beelink EQ12 PC has a Wifi 6 + BT 5.2 (Intel AX101) wireless adapter and two Ethernet 2.5 GBÂ port (Intel i225-v). The results in speed are quite good and we have a correct range.
- Network performance: Two internal Wifi antennas / Range 42 dBm / Link 5G 480-660 Mbps / Bluetooth OK.
We tested the storage speed of the M.2 NVMe 3x 2280 disk installed by default and observed that it behaves normally. For the performance tests we have one SODIMM with 16 GB of RAM DDR5 4800 MHz with Single Channel configuration.
- USB ports: 2x USB-A 3.2 (10 Gbps) / 1x USB-A 2.0 / 1x USB-C 3.2 data and video output (no power)
- Micro PC tutorials: Â Install Windows 11Â / Migrate Windows to a SSD / Tutorial SAMBA on Android networks
Processor, performance and thermal
The new mini PC Beelink EQ12 integrates the Intel N100 (Alder Lake-N) processor manufactured in 10 nm (Intel 7). It has four cores and four threads that moves up to 3.2 GHz. In the graphics section we have an Intel UHD Graphics GPU up to 750 MHz with 24 EU (the N95 has 16 EU). This chip has a power consumption of only 6 W TDP and the performance results are much better than those of its smaller siblings. The GPU performance, however, is limited for multimedia and light gaming use. This computer is suitable for browsing, multimedia playback with KODI, office applications, editing applications and very light 3D games.
Beelink EQ12 Benchmarks
We pass several performance tests with the Beelink EQ12, the performance is in line with these Celeron type processors manufactured in 10 nm, although it is a slight improvement over the previous Intel N5095. The installed Intel UHD Graphics GPU, which as we can see is limited for use with simple 3D games.
This compact PC has good thermals in use, the system keeps the temperatures controlled with its two fans and emits very little noise, at rest it is almost inaudible and in games it is audible but does not raise much more noise. This processor with its 10 nm is efficient and should not worry us in this aspect.
- Power consumption: Off 0.9W / Idle 8W / Basic use 13W / Maximum 19W.
- Thermal: Idle 40ºC / Basic use 42ºC / Maximum 71ºC / CPU 3.2 GHz max / Performance up to 100%.
- Gaming performance: LoL 68ºC / CPU 3.2 GHz on average.
- Noise: 37 dBA Max / Variable RPM / NO Semi-passive.
Games
We checked with a series of performance tests how this Beelink EQ12 works with games, the results are in line with this type of GPU integrated into low-power Intel. As we see Intel UHD Graphics GPU with 24EU is suitable for games in 1080p or 720p quality depending on the 3D load, it is not suitable for heavy AAA games with many 3D elements. As for emulators at most we are left with some simple Wii, PS2 and similar titles, we can not with demanding 3D emulators.
- Setting: High quality / 1080p resolution / No VSync / Play emulators with RetoArch.
* On models with integrated Intel HD GPU on low and 720p resolution.
With this mini PC it is possible to play titles like LoL with a good frame rate, in more demanding games like Fornite with the graphics settings in performance mode is not very playable, as for Diablo immortal we stay at 21/28fps. If we are interested especially in the Gaming section is better to go for a PC with a dedicated GPU and we will have a much smoother experience.
Video and audio tests
Playback test
In the video area the Beelink EQ12 mini PC has an integrated Intel UHD Graphics GPU that features a VPU with hardware decoding support for HEVC and VP9 codecs, have support for the modern AV1 video codec but don’t work with Edge browser. In this processor has support for 10bit color and also has native HDR support. This PC is perfectly valid as a multimedia system to use KODI, IPTV or to use it with PLEX.
- Video outputs: 2x HDMI 2.1 + 1x USB-C / HDR / Adjust image quality in our TV.
- Audio outputs: HDMI up to 7.1 / Stereo audio jack.
- Tutorials: Install KODI with add-ons / Auto refresh rate / Multichannel audio on Windows
Video test
| Formats | Result |
| h.264 / 1080i / 8bit | OK |
| h.264 / 1080p / 4K / 8bit | OK (SW) |
| h.264 / 1080p / 10bit (anime) | OK |
| h.265 / 1080p / 8bit | OK |
| h.265 / 1080p / 10bit (anime) | OK |
| h.265 / 4K / 8bit | OK |
| h.265 / 4K / 10bit HDR | OK |
| VP9 P1 / 4K / 8bit | OK |
| VP9 P2 / 4K / 10bit HDR | OK |
| VP9 P2 / 8K / 10bit HDR | Frameskip (SW) |
| AV1 / 8K@24fps / 10bit | OK |
| Max. Bitrate | 100 Mbps = 12,5 MB/s |
- * The maximum bit rate depends on the internal storage, usb port, Ethernet or the limitations with our SAMBA Network.
- SW = does not have hardware acceleration and may have some frameskip in very heavy files.
| Support | Format |
| Native | Dolby 5.1 – Plus / DTS 5.1 – Master Audio |
| Core | Dolby HD – Atmos / DTS HR – X |
| PCM | All |
- Native – Supports the format directly in our AV receiver or similar / More info.
- Core – Only the 5.1 core of the format is played so we go to the Dolby or DTS base system / More info.
- PCM – Only stereo downmixing from DD or DTS.
Streaming services
We perform tests on the Beelink EQ12 micro PC with the most popular streaming services we pass some test for Youtube, Netflix, HBO Max, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video and others with their native apps or using the most compatible browser. You can consult our guides where we explain in detail all the best known streaming services, how to configure them and what requirements are necessary to see content in FullHD or 4K quality.
- Performance: Has hardware acceleration for AV1 8K codec on Youtube (not with Edge).
- Tutorial: Install Addons in KODI in a simple way / LibreELEC for PC
| Streaming service | Video / Audio |
| Youtube | 4K (2160p) / 5.1 |
| Netflix | 4K (2160p) / 5.1 / Netflix guide for PC |
| HBO Max | FullHD (1080p) / Estéreo / HBO Max guide for PC |
| Disney+ | FullHD (1080p) / 5.1 / Disney+ guide for PC |
| Prime Video | FullHD (1080p) / 5.1 / Prime Video guide for PC |
| Apple TV+ | FullHD (1080p) / 5.1 / Apple TV+ Guide |
| DAZN | HD (720p) / Stereo |
| IPTV | FullHD (1080i) / Stereo |
Conclusions and purchase links
Score
Beelink EQ12
0.00
Pros
- 3x video outputs up to 8K
- 2x Ethernet 2.5GB + Wifi 6
- Efficient and quiet
- NVMe + SATA 2,5"
- Compact and with VESA
Cons
- NVMe could be faster
Opinion
Once we have performed our test on the Beelink EQ12 we find that we are undoubtedly facing a mini PC that works well thanks to the Intel N100 processor. The 10 nm manufacturing process gives us a good performance and low power consumption. This machine offers power for desktop use, we also have two HDMI 2.1 video outputs up to 8K@24fps, plus one USB-C with video output and two 2.5 GB Ethernet ports that allow transferring large files.
The Beelink EQ12 includes as storage a 512 GB NVMe disk that could be faster, we can also mount a SATA 3 2.5″ disk and we have a single SODIMM slot that allows us to expand up to 32 GB RAM. We have installed Windows 11 as OS that allows us to navigate or consume multimedia content quite well with the hardware configuration of this mini PC. The cooling system works well and we do not find performance losses due to overheating thanks to its two quiet internal fans.
It also offers us a good design that looks good anywhere on our desktop in a totally discreet way, it is also possible to hang it from its VESA bracket behind our monitor.
As we can see the Beelink EQ12 is a new complete and efficient mini PC. Thanks to it we can surf, consume multimedia or use office applications comfortably.
Where to buy Beelink EQ12
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Beelink EQ12
0.00
Pros
- 3x video outputs up to 8K
- 2x Ethernet 2.5GB + Wifi 6
- Efficient and quiet
- NVMe + SATA 2,5"
- Compact and with VESA
Cons
- NVMe could be faster
Also it is witten in Product details RAM: 16 GB DDR5 4800 MHz max / 2x SODIMM, which is not the case.
Dear Kim, you have two text errors.
Thanks, fixed.
Thank you for the review.
The pcie x1 m2 is a major disappointment. Is this a limit of the mobo or of the specific ssd unit installed ?
THe usb and ethernet controller also use the pcie interface as far as I know, so if there are not enough pcie lanes on the mobo the performances would be drastically reduced, making pointless to have 10gbps usbs and 2.5gbps ethernet ports.
Are you able to test the max speed of those ports ?
for av1 test youtube, use chrome for test, hw av1 only use cpu < 10% in 8K test av1
I don’t know why is not working with Edge… mysteries.
If you force the resolution to 8K CPU and GPU go high, 4K is no problem.
https://ibb.co/rf4ncY2
use chrome, is support av1 HW better than mozilla for yt streaming av1 codec (8K CPU < 10%), and mpv/smplayer is better than vlc/potplayer support av1 HW decode.
Edge requiring av1 extension from windows store for av1 decode
https://apps.microsoft.com/store/detail/av1-video-extension/9MVZQVXJBQ9V?hl=en-id&gl=id&rtc=1
AV1 codec is installed in my unit