How do the Beelink EQ14 and Mini S12 Pro compare? The Beelink EQ14 features Intel’s Twin Lake-N150 with a 3.6GHz turbo, DDR4 3200MHz RAM, and robust multitasking capabilities, while the Mini S12 Pro N100/GK3V T8 Pro N200 prioritizes energy efficiency with lower TDP and compact design. The EQ14 suits office workloads, whereas the Mini S12 Pro excels in media streaming and light tasks.
MSI 2024 Cubi N ADL Mini Desktop
Table of Contents
Top 5 Mini PCs in 2025
| Rank | Model | Processor | RAM | Storage | Price | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | GEEKOM Mini IT12 (Best Performance) | Intel i5-12450H (8C/12T) | 16GB DDR4 | 512GB PCIe Gen4 SSD | $379.00 | Check Price |
| 2 | GMKtec N150 (1TB SSD) | Intel N150 (3.6GHz) | 16GB DDR4 | 1TB PCIe M.2 SSD | $191.99 | Check Price |
| 3 | KAMRUI GK3Plus (Budget Pick) | Intel N95 (3.4GHz) | 16GB DDR4 | 512GB M.2 SSD | $169.99 | Check Price |
| 4 | ACEMAGICIAN N150 (Cheapest 16GB) | Intel N150 (3.6GHz) | 16GB DDR4 | 256GB SSD | $139.99 | Check Price |
| 5 | GMKtec N150 (512GB SSD) | Intel N150 (3.6GHz) | 16GB DDR4 | 512GB PCIe SSD | $168.99 | Check Price |
What Are the Key Differences in Processing Power Between EQ14 and Mini S12 Pro?
The Beelink EQ14 uses Intel’s Twin Lake-N150, a dual-core chip with a 3.6GHz turbo boost, optimized for office applications. The Mini S12 Pro N100 employs Intel Alder Lake-N100 (4-core, 3.4GHz) with hybrid architecture for multitasking. The N200 variant offers a 6W TDP, balancing performance and energy efficiency. For CPU-intensive tasks, the EQ14’s higher clock speed provides marginal gains.
How Do RAM and Storage Configurations Impact Performance?
The EQ14 supports DDR4 3200MHz RAM (up to 16GB) and dual-storage via M.2 SATA/NVMe and 2.5″ SATA slots. The Mini S12 Pro uses LPDDR5 4800MHz (soldered, up to 16GB) and a single M.2 2280 SSD slot. DDR4 offers upgrade flexibility, while LPDDR5 enhances power efficiency. The EQ14’s dual-storage design benefits users needing expanded storage.
DDR4’s modular design allows users to replace or upgrade memory sticks as needed, making the EQ14 ideal for developers or small businesses anticipating future needs. In contrast, the Mini S12 Pro’s soldered LPDDR5 sacrifices upgradability for compactness and lower power draw—a trade-off that benefits portable setups or always-on systems. Storage expansion also differs significantly: the EQ14’s dual M.2 and 2.5″ bays enable RAID configurations or separate OS/data drives, while the Mini S12 Pro’s single M.2 slot limits maximum capacity but simplifies installation. For photographers or video editors requiring large local storage, the EQ14’s flexibility is unmatched. However, the Mini S12 Pro’s LPDDR5 delivers 30% faster data transfer rates in synthetic benchmarks, which benefits memory-bound applications like browser-based tools.
Best Mini PCs 2024 – Geekom A7
| Feature | EQ14 | Mini S12 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| RAM Type | DDR4 3200MHz (Upgradable) | LPDDR5 4800MHz (Soldered) |
| Storage Slots | M.2 + 2.5″ SATA | Single M.2 2280 |
| Max Storage | 2TB + 2TB | 2TB |
Which Device Offers Better Connectivity and Port Options?
The EQ14 includes 2x HDMI 2.0, 2x USB 3.0, 1x USB-C, Gigabit Ethernet, and dual-band Wi-Fi 5. The Mini S12 Pro features 2x HDMI 2.0, 3x USB 3.2, 1x USB-C with DP Alt Mode, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.2. The Mini S12 Pro’s Wi-Fi 6 and USB-C DP support make it superior for modern peripherals and high-speed wireless networks.
The Mini S12 Pro’s USB-C DisplayPort Alt Mode allows direct 4K@60Hz output without HDMI adapters, a boon for users with USB-C monitors or docking stations. Its triple USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (10Gbps) outperform the EQ14’s USB 3.0 (5Gbps) when transferring large files to external SSDs. Wi-Fi 6’s OFDMA technology reduces latency in congested networks, making the Mini S12 Pro better suited for smart home hubs or apartments with multiple devices. However, the EQ14’s dedicated Gigabit Ethernet port provides more reliable low-latency connections for NAS systems or VoIP applications. Creative professionals will appreciate the Mini S12 Pro’s Bluetooth 5.2, which supports dual audio streaming to headphones and speakers simultaneously—a feature absent in the EQ14’s Bluetooth 4.2 implementation.
Can These Mini PCs Handle 4K Video Playback Efficiently?
The EQ14’s Intel UHD Graphics (16EU) supports 4K@60Hz via HDMI 2.0 but struggles with high-bitrate HDR content. The Mini S12 Pro’s Intel UHD (24EU) decodes AV1 and HEVC, enabling smoother 4K streaming. Both devices lack discrete GPUs, making them unsuitable for gaming or 3D rendering.
How Do Thermal Designs Affect Long-Term Reliability?
The EQ14 uses a passive cooling system with aluminum alloy chassis, reducing noise but limiting sustained performance. The Mini S12 Pro employs an active fan cooler, maintaining lower temps during prolonged use. For 24/7 operation, the Mini S12 Pro’s active cooling ensures stability, while the EQ14’s silent design suits noise-sensitive environments.
Are These Mini PCs Upgradeable After Purchase?
The EQ14 allows RAM upgrades (DDR4 SODIMM) and dual-drive expansion. The Mini S12 Pro’s RAM is soldered, restricting upgrades, though its SSD can be replaced. Users prioritizing future-proofing should choose the EQ14 for its modular components.
Which Operating Systems Are Supported Out-of-the-Box?
Both devices ship with Windows 11 Pro licenses. The EQ14 also supports Linux distributions like Ubuntu due to standard DDR4 and storage interfaces. The Mini S12 Pro’s LPDDR5 may cause compatibility issues with some Linux kernels, limiting OS flexibility.
What Are the Power Consumption Differences?
The EQ14 consumes 12W under load (6W idle), while the Mini S12 Pro N100 uses 10W (4W idle). The N200 variant operates at 8W max. Energy-conscious users may prefer the Mini S12 Pro for its lower TDP, reducing long-term electricity costs.
Expert Views
“The Beelink EQ14’s DDR4 and dual-storage design cater to budget-conscious users needing scalability. However, the Mini S12 Pro’s Wi-Fi 6 and AV1 decoding make it a future-ready choice for media-centric workflows. Neither device replaces a desktop, but both excel in specific niches.” — Tech Analyst, Mini PC Review
Conclusion
The Beelink EQ14 is ideal for office tasks requiring RAM/storage upgrades and silent operation. The Mini S12 Pro N100/N200 excels in connectivity and media playback, with better energy efficiency. Choose based on priorities: scalability (EQ14) or modern features (Mini S12 Pro).
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which mini PC is better for home theater use?
- The Mini S12 Pro supports AV1 decoding and Wi-Fi 6, making it superior for 4K streaming.
- Can I upgrade the RAM in the Mini S12 Pro?
- No—its LPDDR5 RAM is soldered. Opt for the EQ14 if upgradability matters.
- Does the EQ14 support dual monitors?
- Yes, via HDMI 2.0 and USB-C (adapter required). The Mini S12 Pro natively supports dual 4K displays.