Answer: The Beelink EQ14 N150 excels in multitasking with its DDR4 3200MHz RAM and 500GB storage, while the S12 Pro N100/N200 offers better energy efficiency. Choose the EQ14 for gaming/media editing and the S12 Pro for office tasks. Both run Windows 11, but thermal performance differs significantly under load.
How Do Beelink EQ14 and S12 Pro Compare in Hardware Specifications?
The EQ14 features Intel’s Twin Lake N150 processor with 16GB DDR4 RAM clocked at 3200MHz, paired with a 500GB NVMe SSD. In contrast, the S12 Pro uses Intel’s Alder Lake-N chips (N100/N200) with slower DDR4 2933MHz memory and optional SATA SSD configurations. The EQ14’s dual-channel RAM provides 18% higher memory bandwidth for demanding applications.
What Performance Differences Exist Between N150 and N100/N200 Processors?
Intel’s N150 (Twin Lake) offers 6W TDP with 6MB cache and burst frequency up to 3.4GHz, while the N100/N200 (Alder Lake-N) features 6-15W configurable TDP and 3.9GHz max turbo. Benchmark tests show the N200 outperforms N150 by 23% in Cinebench R23 multi-core tests but draws 38% more power under full load.
2025 Best 5 Mini PCs Under $500
| Best Mini PCs Under $500 | Description | Amazon URL |
|---|---|---|
|
Beelink S12 Pro Mini PC  |
Intel 12th Gen Alder Lake-N100, 16GB RAM, 500GB SSD, supports 4K dual display. | View on Amazon |
|
ACEMAGICIAN Mini Gaming PC  |
AMD Ryzen 7 5800U, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, supports 4K triple display. | View on Amazon |
|
GMKtec Mini PC M5 Plus  |
AMD Ryzen 7 5825U, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD, features WiFi 6E and dual LAN. | View on Amazon |
|
Maxtang ALN50 Mini PC ![Maxtang Ryzen 7 7735HS Mini PC [8C/16T up to 4.75GHz] Windows 11 Home Supported 32GB DDR5 Ram 1TB PCIe4.0 Nvme SSD WIFI6 BT5.2 Mini Desktop Gaming Computer](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51oZECsOffL._AC_SX466_.jpg) |
Intel Core i3-N305, up to 32GB RAM, compact design with multiple connectivity options. | View on Amazon |
|
MINISFORUM Venus UM773 Lite  |
Ryzen 7 7735HS, up to 32GB RAM, supports dual displays and has solid performance. | View on Amazon |
Which Mini PC Delivers Better Gaming Performance?
The EQ14’s Intel UHD Graphics (16EU) achieves 41 FPS in DOTA 2 at 720p low settings, compared to S12 Pro’s UHD (24EU) reaching 55 FPS. However, the EQ14 maintains steadier frame rates due to its dual-fan cooling system. Both struggle with AAA titles but handle indie games and emulators up to PlayStation 2 era effectively.
How Does Thermal Management Differ Between These Models?
Beelink EQ14 employs a copper heat pipe + aluminum fin stack with dual 35mm fans, keeping CPU temps below 75°C during sustained loads. The S12 Pro uses a single-blade turbine cooler that reaches 89°C in stress tests. Noise levels differ dramatically – EQ14 operates at 28dB(A) vs S12 Pro’s 41dB(A) under maximum fan speed.
The EQ14’s advanced cooling architecture allows sustained performance during extended gaming sessions or video rendering. Its dual fans create cross-ventilation that reduces hotspot formation on the motherboard. In contrast, the S12 Pro’s compact single-fan design prioritizes space efficiency over thermal headroom, resulting in more frequent thermal throttling during CPU-intensive tasks like code compilation or 3D modeling.
| Thermal Feature | EQ14 N150 | S12 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Cooling Components | Copper pipe + aluminum fins | Aluminum block |
| Max CPU Temp | 75°C | 89°C |
| Noise at Full Load | 28dB(A) | 41dB(A) |
What Connectivity Options Do These Mini PCs Offer?
Both feature dual HDMI 2.0 ports and USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C, but the EQ14 adds a dedicated 2.5G Ethernet port missing in S12 Pro. Wireless connectivity differs: EQ14 uses WiFi 6 (802.11ax) vs S12 Pro’s WiFi 5. The EQ14’s Bluetooth 5.2 supports simultaneous connection of 7 devices versus 5 devices on S12 Pro’s BT 5.0.
The EQ14’s 2.5G Ethernet port enables faster NAS access and local network transfers, achieving 280MB/s versus the S12 Pro’s 1G Ethernet limit of 113MB/s. Its WiFi 6 implementation delivers 40% higher throughput in congested wireless environments, making it better suited for 4K video conferencing. Both models include legacy USB 2.0 ports for peripheral compatibility, though the EQ14 provides more modern USB-C PD support for single-cable docking solutions.
| Port Type | EQ14 N150 | S12 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Ethernet | 2.5G + 1G | 1G only |
| USB 3.2 Gen2 | 3 ports | 2 ports |
| Wireless Standard | WiFi 6 | WiFi 5 |
Which Model Provides Better Upgrade Potential?
The EQ14 allows RAM upgrades up to 32GB via two SO-DIMM slots, while S12 Pro’s memory is soldered. Storage expansion favors EQ14 with dual M.2 2280 slots (PCIe 3.0 x4 + SATA III) versus S12 Pro’s single M.2 2242 slot. Both support USB storage, but EQ14’s internal expansion options are superior for power users.
“While the S12 Pro’s N200 chip shows impressive compute density, the EQ14’s thermal design gives it long-term reliability advantages. Mini PC buyers should prioritize cooling over raw specs – sustained performance matters more than burst speeds in compact systems.”
– Michael Chen, Mini PC Hardware Analyst
Conclusion
The Beelink EQ14 Twin Lake N150 emerges as the better choice for users needing consistent performance in gaming/media scenarios, while S12 Pro N100/N200 suits energy-conscious office use. Consider upgrade needs and noise tolerance – EQ14’s superior cooling justifies its slightly higher price for serious users.
FAQs
- Can These Mini PCs Run Dual 4K Displays?
- Yes, both support dual 4K@60Hz outputs via HDMI 2.0. The EQ14 handles 4K streaming better due to its faster RAM.
- Do They Support Linux Operating Systems?
- Ubuntu 22.04 LTS works on both, but S12 Pro requires additional WiFi driver installations. EQ14 has full out-of-box compatibility.
- Which Has Longer Warranty Coverage?
- Beelink provides 3-year warranty for EQ14 vs 2-year for S12 Pro, reflecting confidence in its thermal design longevity.