Beelink EQi13 Pro Mini PC Review: 13th-Gen H CPUs, Dual NVMe & HDMI

The Beelink EQi13 Pro lands squarely in the compact Windows mini‑PC segment by offering 13th‑Gen Intel H‑series silicon, a dual‑M.2 NVMe design, dual HDMI outputs, and an internal 85 W power supply — all at a street price that undercuts many similarly spec’d small form‑factor PCs. This first instalment digs into the EQi13 Pro’s specifications, unboxing, user‑serviceable internals, and first‑boot experience, and places those findings against what Beelink advertises and independent coverage of the product.

Background / Overview​

Beelink’s EQi13 Pro is a follow‑on to a line of affordable, office‑oriented mini PCs that aim to balance everyday performance, expandability, and price. The model ships in configurable SKUs built around two Intel Raptor Lake H‑series processors: the Intel Core i5‑13500H or the Core i7‑13620H, paired with dual SODIMM DDR4 memory slots and two M.2 2280 PCIe Gen4 x4 SSD sockets. Beelink’s product page lists the main options and factory SKUs, and independent hands‑on reporting corroborates the core platform choices and port layout. (bee-link.com, cnx-software.com)
Why this matters: vendors such as Beelink are increasingly stuffing mini‑PCs with mobile H‑series laptop CPUs to hit a performance sweet spot for multitasking, light content work, and compact workstation duties. This strategy places the EQi13 Pro in the “lower mid‑range” category — more powerful than typical Atom/Celeron mini PCs, but lacking some of the high‑end connectivity found on pricier boxes (Thunderbolt/USB4, 2.5/10 GbE, or DisplayPort Alt‑Mode on USB‑C). Context from other mini‑PC reviews shows this is a common tradeoff for budget‑friendly designs.

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What Beelink claims — Specifications at a glance​

The EQi13 Pro specification sheet (manufacturer SKU page) and the CNX Software hands‑on list the following headline features:

• CPUs: Intel Core i5‑13500H (12C/16T, up to 4.7 GHz) or Intel Core i7‑13620H (10C/16T, up to 4.9 GHz).
• Graphics: integrated Intel Iris Xe (i5 SKU) or Intel UHD (i7 SKU) as listed by Beelink.
• Memory: 2 × DDR4‑3200 SODIMM sockets; common retail SKUs are supplied with 32 GB (16 GB × 2).
• Storage: Dual M.2 2280 PCIe Gen4 x4 slots; units ship with a single 500 GB or 1 TB NVMe SSD and are expandable.
• Displays: 2 × HDMI 2.0 outputs (each supporting up to 4K @ 60 Hz).
• USB: 1 × front USB‑C (10 Gbps, data), 3 × USB 3.0 Type‑A (10 Gbps) and 1 × USB 2.0 Type‑A (480 Mbps).
• Networking: 2 × Gigabit Ethernet RJ‑45, Intel AX200 Wi‑Fi 6 + Bluetooth 5.2.
• Cooling & Power: “MSC 2.0” cooling (heat pipe + fins + silent fan + SSD heatsink) and an internal 85 W AC power supply (100–240 V input).
• Size / Weight: roughly 128 × 128 × 46 mm and ~650 g for the unit tested.
• OS: Ships with Windows 11 Pro (24H2 on the review sample). (bee-link.com, cnx-software.com)

Two independent sources (Beelink’s official product page and hands‑on reporting) align on these core details, which lends confidence to the specification claims. Tech coverage identifies the same CPU options, port layout and core behaviour, and notes the product’s competitive price point in the mini‑PC market. (techradar.com, bee-link.com)

Quick verification and caution​

• Beelink states theoretical Wi‑Fi throughput “up to 2.4 Gbps” referencing AX200 capability; that figure is the theoretical PHY maximum on high‑quality channels and will rarely be achieved in real networks — treat it as a best‑case specification, not an everyday guarantee. (bee-link.com)
• The front USB‑C is listed as a 10 Gbps data port (no DisplayPort Alt‑Mode claimed). This means the EQi13 Pro relies on its two HDMI ports for display output rather than offering display over USB‑C. Verify your monitor and docking plans accordingly. (bee-link.com, cnx-software.com)

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Unboxing — what you get out of the retail box​

The retail kit for the reviewed sample (US‑plug SKU) is straightforward and built for immediate desktop use:

• Beelink EQi13 Pro mini PC (frost silver finish).
• US power cord (the unit uses an internal PSU so only a standard mains cable is provided).
• HDMI cable (basic, single cable included).
• Quick start manual and a small “Hello” card (the card’s purpose is unclear from the unit tested). (cnx-software.com)

Beelink’s packaging is tidy and the company includes a basic HDMI cable — a useful inclusion for users who may be mounting the device behind a display. The unit ships wrapped in a protective film and a printed note on the film suggests a workaround for account setup problems during Windows out‑of‑box experience; CNX’s reviewer reported this was unnecessary on their sample, which suggests it may be a precautionary note in the packing process rather than a systemic issue. (cnx-software.com)

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First impressions of the external design and I/O​

The EQi13 Pro’s industrial design is conservative and functional: a compact metal shell with bottom intake vents, top vents on the rear, and an easily accessible bottom panel for service. The front panel presents:

• 1 × USB 3.0 Type‑A (10 Gbps)
• 1 × 3.5 mm analog audio jack
• 1 × USB‑C (10 Gbps, data only)
• Power button and white power LED
• A clear CMOS pinhole

The rear I/O stack is dense for the chassis size: two USB‑A (10 Gbps) ports, two HDMI 2.0 outputs, one USB‑A 2.0 port, two Gigabit Ethernet jacks, and the mains inlet. The presence of dual RJ‑45 ports is noteworthy — Beelink advertises link aggregation and soft‑routing use cases — but they are standard 1 Gbps Ethernet ports rather than 2.5/10 GbE. (bee-link.com, cnx-software.com)
Practical note: tech coverage flagged that the single USB‑2.0 port is physically identical to the 10 Gbps ports and is not labelled differently on some units, which may lead to peripheral confusion if users expect the same transfer speeds across all A‑type ports. Check port labelling before heavy data transfers. (techradar.com)

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Teardown and internal serviceability​

Beelink has made the EQi13 Pro approachable for basic upgrades, but it’s not a one‑screw, instant‑access design.

• The bottom cover is secured under four sticky rubber feet and four screws; removing those grants access to the main internals.
• Internally you will find two SODIMM sockets populated in the review sample with 16 GB modules each, two M.2 2280 slots (one populated), a 2230 M.2 Wi‑Fi card, and the integrated AC power supply.
• The SSD in the review unit is a PHISON‑based NVMe (PHISON PS5021‑E21‑48 controller identified on the drive), and the Wi‑Fi module is an Intel AX200NGW as advertised. (cnx-software.com)

Serviceability notes from the teardown:

• RAM and the second M.2 socket are user‑accessible, making straightforward upgrades (more RAM, larger or second SSD) feasible.
• Removing the SSD heatsinks and certain internal shields required loosening additional screws and a hex standoff, so while user‑serviceable it’s not a no‑tool swap operation for all components. Beelink’s packaging includes warnings not to open the integrated power supply enclosure — a prudent safety instruction given the unit contains mains circuitry. (cnx-software.com)

Practical impact: for users planning to expand storage or memory, the EQi13 Pro delivers meaningful flexibility. For more invasive modifications (power‑supply or motherboard work) the internal warnings and the integrated PSU both suggest leaving deeper repair to qualified technicians.

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First boot and Windows setup — out of the box experience​

The review sample booted normally. Key first‑boot observations:

• Windows 11 Pro (24H2) setup proceeded through Microsoft’s standard out‑of‑box experience without reported problems on the CNX unit. Network connectivity over Wi‑Fi (AX200) worked immediately.
• System → About reported the machine name as “EQ” and identified the CPU, base frequency, and the installed 32 GB of RAM.
• Beelink ships the device with drivers compatible enough for the Windows 11 desktop experience; further driver and firmware updates may be obtained via Beelink’s support resources or Windows Update. (cnx-software.com, bee-link.com)

User tip: if you plan to run Linux as a secondary OS (the CNX review indicates a follow‑up will test Ubuntu 24.04), remember to check for firmware options and driver coverage for the integrated Intel graphics and Wi‑Fi; Intel hardware generally enjoys good Linux support, but dual‑boot setups always benefit from kernel and firmware updates before production use.

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Comparative positioning — where EQi13 Pro fits in the mini‑PC market​

• Strength: The EQi13 Pro brings H‑series laptop CPU performance into a compact desktop form and pairs that with two M.2 PCIe4 slots and dual HDMI outputs. It’s targeted at users who want a responsive Windows 11 Pro desktop for office productivity, light media work, and modest creative tasks at a sub‑$500 price range in many retail configurations. Beelink’s direct SKUs list attractive starting prices and promotional discounts that make this model competitive. (bee-link.com, techradar.com)
• Tradeoffs: Compared with higher‑end mini PCs, the EQi13 Pro omits USB4/Thunderbolt, lacks a 2.5/10 GbE option, and the USB‑C port does not advertise DisplayPort Alt‑Mode. That limits docking flexibility (for displays via USB‑C) and high‑speed LAN workflows (NAS, Proxmox/virtualization networks) out of the box. For workflows that need Thunderbolt peripherals, discrete GPU throughput, or multi‑gigabit wired networking, a pricier small‑form‑factor desktop or a different vendor SKU will be a better fit. (bee-link.com, cnx-software.com)
• Relative performance: independent coverage indicates the Raptor Lake H‑series parts used here deliver solid multi‑thread and single‑thread performance for the segment, often outperforming older U‑series and Atom‑class mini PCs, but they do trail full‑sized desktop CPUs and multi‑core workstation parts on sustained heavy loads due to thermal and power limits in a small chassis. Expect excellent day‑to‑day responsiveness and reasonable burst compute power, with throttling possible under long, continuous heavy loads.

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Notable strengths​

• Balanced performance for office and light content workloads: H‑series CPUs give the EQi13 Pro an edge over low‑power mini PCs. (bee-link.com, cnx-software.com)
• Dual M.2 NVMe sockets: Easy expansion path for storage-heavy users and scratch‑disk workflows. (bee-link.com)
• Internal 85 W PSU: Cleaner desk setup without an external brick. This is a convenience many buyers appreciate. (bee-link.com)
• Dual HDMI outputs and dual Ethernet: Useful for multi‑display workstations and simple soft‑routing/link‑aggregation experiments without external adapters. (bee-link.com)

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Potential risks and downsides​

• Acoustic & thermal limits: compact designs force tradeoffs; sustained CPU‑heavy workloads will push the cooling system and may trigger thermal throttling or higher fan noise. Independent reviewers stress the importance of long‑run thermal and acoustic measurements before relying on the unit for heavy renders.
• Networking limits: the dual RJ‑45 ports are 1 GbE — fine for many office tasks, but inadequate for heavy multi‑gigabit NAS or server usage without external hardware. Buyers wanting multi‑gigabit should look to units with 2.5/10 GbE out of the box. (bee-link.com)
• USB port inconsistency: one rear USB‑A is USB 2.0 while adjacent ports are USB 3.0 — the identical physical appearance and lack of visible labelling on some retail units have already caused confusion in independent reporting. If you routinely use fast external drives, verify port labelling and use the marked 10 Gbps ports. (techradar.com)
• No USB‑C display alt‑mode or Thunderbolt: the front USB‑C is data only; users expecting to carry video via a single USB‑C cable to a monitor/dock will be disappointed. Two HDMI outputs handle display connectivity instead. (bee-link.com)
• Warranty and support expectations: Beelink’s one‑year warranty and direct‑to‑consumer shipping model is common for this class of device; buyers who prioritize long‑term enterprise support should confirm warranty terms and local service options prior to purchase. (bee-link.com)

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Practical recommendations for prospective buyers​

• If your priority is a compact Windows 11 Pro desktop for office productivity, multi‑tab browsing, and light media editing at a budget under $500, the EQi13 Pro is a compelling value proposition. (bee-link.com, techradar.com)
• If you rely on Thunderbolt peripherals, GPU‑heavy rendering, multi‑gigabit networking, or want display over USB‑C, consider stepping up to a higher‑end mini PC or a small SFF desktop with discrete I/O. (bee-link.com)
• For upgrades, plan to add an NVMe drive into the spare M.2 slot for large media projects or scratch disk performance; buying a preconfigured 1 TB or larger SKU can be more convenient but is costlier up front. (cnx-software.com)

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Conclusion — initial verdict and what to expect next​

The Beelink EQi13 Pro is a pragmatic mini‑PC: it packages capable 13th‑Gen Intel H‑series performance, meaningful internal expandability, and a clean design at an aggressive price point. Its strengths are immediate — snappy Windows 11 responsiveness, dual NVMe slots, and a compact footprint that suits home offices and lightweight creator workflows. Its limitations are also clearly defined: the lack of USB4/Thunderbolt and multi‑gigabit Ethernet limits suitability for pros who rely on those specific interfaces.
This review’s teardown and first‑boot confirm Beelink’s specification claims in practice, while independent coverage raises useful cautions about port labelling and real‑world throughput expectations. Expect follow‑up coverage focused on Windows 11 performance testing, sustained thermals and noise under load, and a Linux (Ubuntu 24.04) compatibility deep‑dive in Parts 2 and 3 of the review series. (cnx-software.com, bee-link.com, techradar.com)

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Acknowledgment: the insights above draw on the hands‑on teardown and first‑boot reporting from the CNX Software review and Beelink’s official product information, with independent commentary from recent coverage to test vendor claims and highlight practical considerations. (cnx-software.com, bee-link.com, techradar.com)

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Source: CNX Software Beelink EQi13 Pro mini PC review - Part 1: specifications, unboxing, teardown, and first boot - CNX Software