Beelink EQi Brings 10GbE Networking to a $509 Mini PC

Beelink's new EQi mini PC does something the category has been slow to deliver: it brings 10-Gigabit Ethernet down to entry-level pricing. Built around Intel's new 5-core Core 3 304 "Wildcat Lake" chip and starting at $509, the EQi puts fast networking, dual Thunderbolt 4, and a near-silent chassis within reach of home-lab builders who previously had to spend far more. Reviewers who spent time with it came away impressed.

• Processor: Intel Core 3 304 (Wildcat Lake), 5 cores, strong single-core performance
• Networking: 10GbE plus 2.5GbE RJ45, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.2
• Expansion: up to 32GB DDR5, dual M.2 PCIe Gen4 slots, two Thunderbolt 4 / USB4 ports, and three 4K display outputs
• Price: from $509 with an integrated 85W power supply and quiet operation

Why 10GbE at $509 Is a Real Milestone

For years, 10-Gigabit Ethernet in a compact machine meant a premium workstation or an add-in card. The EQi bakes it in at a price that makes multi-gig home labs and fast NAS links genuinely affordable. Paired with the 2.5GbE port, you get flexible networking for a storage server, a virtualization host, or a homelab node — the kind of build our mini computer readers put together constantly. It is a welcome complement to workstation-class options like the MINISFORUM MS-03 we covered recently.

How Does Wildcat Lake Perform in Everyday Use?

Reviewers highlighted the Core 3 304's excellent single-core performance, which keeps the desktop snappy for the browser-and-office workloads most mini PCs actually run. Full 10GbE and Wi-Fi 6 throughput held up in testing, and the machine stayed quiet and power-efficient thanks to its integrated 85W supply. Dual Thunderbolt 4 ports add fast external storage and docking, while three 4K outputs make it a tidy multi-monitor driver.

One Small Caveat, Easily Managed

One reviewer noted the EQi did not detect an external GPU over Thunderbolt — a minor limitation for anyone hoping to attach an eGPU, and not something most home-lab or desktop buyers will miss. For its intended role as a fast, compact, always-on machine, the EQi delivers exactly what it promises. If local AI is your goal, our best mini PC for local LLMs guide is a useful companion read.

With genuinely fast networking, modern Thunderbolt connectivity, and a sub-$550 starting price, the Beelink EQi lowers the barrier to a proper 10GbE home lab — a quietly significant step for the whole mini PC space.

Sources: CNX Software — July 12, 2026; Liliputing — July 2026.