Beelink EQR5

The Beelink EQR5 offers exceptional value for budget-conscious users, with its Ryzen 7 5825U variant ($289) delivering 30% faster multi-threaded performance than the 5650U ($279) in Cinebench R23 (11,342 vs. 8,753 points). Both CPUs leverage Zen 3/3+ architecture and 7nm efficiency, but the 5825U's higher clock speeds (4.5GHz vs. 4.2GHz) and extra cores make it ideal for content creation, while the 5650U suffices for office tasks. The integrated Vega GPUs (RDNA 1-based) handle light gaming (GTA V at 720p/30fps) but struggle with modern titles like Cyberpunk 2077.

The 0.7L chassis prioritizes functionality with dual M.2 slots and tool-free SSD upgrades, though RAM replacement requires removing 10 screws. The MSC 2.0 cooling system keeps temperatures below 75°C under load, but the fan becomes audible (~42dB) during sustained workloads. Dual HDMI ports enable 4K multi-monitor setups, but the lack of USB4/Thunderbolt limits eGPU or high-speed peripheral options. At 32dB idle, it's quieter than competitors like the GMKtec K8 (35dB), making it suitable for office environments.

The EQR5's $10 price gap between the 5650U and 5825U makes the latter the clear choice for power users, though both trail newer Ryzen 7030/8040 series in AI and GPU performance. The built-in 85W PSU and dustproof mesh filter are standout features, but the plastic chassis feels less premium than aluminum rivals like the Minisforum UM560. For under $300, it's a compelling option for productivity, though gamers should consider models with RDNA 2/3 iGPUs.

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