Beelink’s New Mini PC Uses Phone-Like Storage, Yet Packs Ports That Look Overbuilt

Author: Qoo Media

Beelink has pushed deeper into the budget mini PC segment with the EQi Intel Wildcat Lake, a compact system aimed at basic to mid-level workloads. Its most unusual choice is the 512GB UFS 3.1 storage, a format more commonly associated with smartphones than desktop-style PCs.

That decision gives the machine a clear price-focused identity, but it does not make the system feel limited on paper. Beelink still includes two M.2 slots for SSD expansion, leaving room for users who want more capacity or better sustained performance later.

Storage That Sets It Apart

UFS 3.1 is faster than eMMC, but it still sits below the NVMe SSDs used in many mini PCs. In theory, the interface can reach up to 2.1 GB/s and is described as approaching PCIe 4.0 x1 territory.

Beelink appears to be balancing cost and flexibility with this setup. The built-in storage keeps the entry price lower, while the extra SSD slots give buyers a path to upgrade if their workload grows.

Both M.2 slots support SSDs of up to 4TB each. Only one slot offers PCIe 4.0 x2 bandwidth, while the other is limited to x1.

Storage Element Specification Upgrade Notes
Built-in Storage 512GB UFS 3.1 Faster than eMMC, below NVMe SSD
M.2 Slot 1 Supports up to 4TB PCIe 4.0 x2
M.2 Slot 2 Supports up to 4TB Bandwidth limited to x1

RAM Options Depend on the Variant

The memory setup also changes depending on the model. The mid-range and top-tier versions use DDR5, which means the RAM can be replaced if needed.

The base model is less flexible because it uses soldered LPDDR5 memory. Buyers looking for longer-term upgrade potential will likely find the non-base configurations more appealing.

Variant Memory Type Upgradeable
Base Model LPDDR5 No
Mid-Range Model DDR5 Yes
Top-Tier Model DDR5 Yes

Ports Are the Surprise Advantage

Despite its compact body, the EQi Intel Wildcat Lake carries a dense set of connectivity options. Beelink includes 2 Thunderbolt 4 ports, 1 USB Type-C 10Gbps port, 1 USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A port, 1 LAN 2.5G port, 1 LAN 10G port, 2 USB 2.0 Type-A ports, 1 HDMI output with 4K 60Hz support, and 1 3.5mm audio jack.

That port selection is the part of the system that most clearly pushes beyond its budget positioning. For a mini PC, the mix of fast data connections, dual LAN, and 4K video output makes it suitable for a wide range of desk setups and compact work environments.

Port Count Function
Thunderbolt 4 2 High-speed connectivity
USB Type-C 10Gbps 1 Fast USB data transfer
USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A 1 High-speed USB-A
LAN 2.5G 1 Wired networking
LAN 10G 1 High-speed wired networking
USB 2.0 Type-A 2 Legacy peripherals
HDMI 1 4K 60Hz video output
3.5mm audio jack 1 Audio connection

Pre-Orders Are Already Live

Beelink has opened pre-orders for the system, with pricing set at $509 for the 16GB RAM version, $659 for the 24GB RAM version, and $739 for the 32GB RAM version. All three configurations ship with 512GB of UFS 3.1 storage.

The package also includes WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, an 85W power supply, and a quiet cooling system. With the Intel Core 3 304 at the center, the EQi Intel Wildcat Lake is clearly aimed at users who want a modest processor, generous connectivity, and upgrade flexibility rather than peak performance.

That combination gives the mini PC a distinctive pitch in a crowded entry-level market. It may not be built for demanding workloads, but its storage choices, expandable design, and unusually rich port selection make it more capable than its low-cost positioning first suggests.

Source: www.notebookcheck.net
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