Unboxing Beelink EQi 304 Wildcat Lake Core 3 Mini PC
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Meet Beelink EQi 304 Wildcat Lake Core 3 Mini PC – Intel 18A Mini PC with AI Ambitions, Serious Connectivity and a Very Practical Design
The Beelink EQi 304 is one of those mini PCs that looks simple at first glance, but becomes much more interesting once you start looking at the hardware decisions behind it. This is not just another compact office box built around a low-power processor. Beelink has designed the EQi 304 around Intel’s new Wildcat Lake Core 3 304 platform, an Intel 18A-based chip positioned for efficient everyday computing, AI-assisted workloads and low-noise operation. The configuration I am looking at here comes with 16GB LPDDR5 memory and 512GB UFS 3.1 storage, packed into a compact 126 x 126 x 44.2mm chassis with an integrated 85W power supply, dual Thunderbolt 4 ports, dual LAN with 10GbE + 2.5GbE, HDMI, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2 and a cooling system designed to keep the whole machine quiet at around 32dB. In typical Beelink fashion, the EQi 304 is built around practicality. It is small, clean, efficient and surprisingly well connected, but it also makes a few unusual choices, especially around storage, that are worth understanding before buying.
The Beelink EQi 304 gives the impression of a product designed to be installed quickly and used immediately. The mini PC itself is compact and dense, with a grey chassis, rounded edges and a textured top panel that gives it a more refined appearance than a basic plastic office mini PC. What I appreciate most during the first setup is the absence of a large external power brick. Beelink integrates an 85W power supply inside the chassis, so the device only needs a standard AC power cable. For a desk setup, this matters more than it sounds. Fewer cables, fewer adapters and less clutter make the EQi 304 easier to place behind a monitor, on a shelf, next to a router or inside a compact workstation corner. The front panel is clean and useful. There is a power button, a small white power indicator, a USB-C 10Gbps port, a USB 3.2 10Gbps port and a 3.5mm audio jack. This gives you immediate access to the ports you are most likely to use for external drives, headsets, USB-C accessories or quick file transfers. Around the back, the EQi 304 becomes much more serious. You get two Thunderbolt 4 ports rated at 40Gbps, HDMI with up to 4K 60Hz output, two USB 2.0 ports, dual Ethernet with one 10GbE port and one 2.5GbE port, plus the AC power input. For a machine this small and lightweight, the rear I/O selection is one of its strongest selling points.
The EQi 304 has a compact square footprint, but it does not feel like a fragile or cheap mini PC. The chassis measures 126 x 126 x 44.2mm and weighs around 500g, which makes it easy to move, but still substantial enough to sit securely on a desk. The design language is restrained. There are no unnecessary gaming accents, no oversized RGB lighting and no aggressive styling. It is the kind of mini PC that can fit just as naturally in a home office, a small business workstation, a network cabinet or a living room media setup. The top surface has a subtle textured pattern and the Beelink logo sits discreetly in the middle. The front-facing ports are arranged logically, while the rear section is reserved for permanent connections such as LAN, display, power and Thunderbolt accessories. The internal layout is also worth mentioning. Beelink uses a cooling fan, CPU heatsink, heat pipe, heat dissipation fins and a dedicated SSD heatsink. The bottom panel is perforated for airflow, with cool air entering from the lower side and warm air being exhausted through the rear ventilation area. This approach is practical because it allows the mini PC to remain compact without completely sacrificing thermal stability.
At the heart of the Beelink EQi 304 is the Intel Wildcat Lake Core 3 304 processor, built on Intel’s 18A process. This is clearly positioned as a modern low-power platform, but Beelink is presenting it as something more capable than older entry-level mini PC chips, especially for AI-assisted everyday use. The headline figure is 24 TOPS of AI performance. For daily users, this does not automatically mean the EQi 304 becomes a workstation-class AI machine, but it does make it better aligned with the direction Windows PCs are moving in. AI-enhanced productivity tools, local assistants, image processing, background effects, transcription and similar accelerated workloads should benefit from this newer architecture. For traditional computing, the EQi 304 is aimed at office work, web browsing, content management, media playback, light creative tasks, multitasking, remote work and network-heavy workflows. It is not designed to replace a high-end gaming PC or a full workstation, but it does feel like a much more modern alternative to older N-series and basic low-power mini PCs. The 16GB LPDDR5-5600 memory configuration is well matched for general use. Since this base model uses soldered LPDDR5 memory, it is not upgradeable, so buyers should choose carefully. For many users, 16GB is still enough for browser-based work, office suites, streaming, communication apps, light editing and daily multitasking. However, users who want to run heavier workloads or keep many large applications open may prefer the higher-end DDR5 versions, which support removable memory and upgrades up to 64GB.
One of the most interesting decisions in the Beelink EQi 304 is storage. The reviewed configuration includes 512GB of UFS 3.1 flash storage instead of a standard NVMe SSD. This choice makes sense from a pricing and product-positioning perspective. UFS 3.1 is much faster than older eMMC storage, so the EQi 304 does not feel like a slow budget machine in the way many older low-cost mini PCs did. Boot times, app launching and everyday file access should feel responsive for normal use. At the same time, UFS 3.1 is not a replacement for a modern PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD. Users who regularly move large video files, work with heavy project folders, run virtual machines or need high sustained write speeds should understand this limitation. Fortunately, Beelink does not lock the user into the internal UFS storage. Inside the EQi 304, there are two M.2 2280 PCIe SSD expansion slots. This is an important advantage because it gives the system a real upgrade path. The slots are limited to PCIe 4.0 x2 and PCIe 4.0 x1 bandwidth, so they will not fully exploit the fastest NVMe drives on the market, but they are still very useful for expanding storage capacity and improving flexibility. For me, this is the right way to handle UFS in a mini PC. Beelink uses UFS 3.1 to keep the base model affordable and responsive, while still giving advanced users the option to install additional SSD storage later.
Connectivity is one of the strongest parts of the Beelink EQi 304. Many compact mini PCs still compromise heavily on ports, but this model feels more like a serious productivity and network device. The dual Thunderbolt 4 ports are the highlight. With 40Gbps bandwidth, DisplayPort Alt Mode and data support, they open the door to fast external storage, docking stations, high-resolution displays and professional peripherals. Combined with HDMI, the EQi 304 can support up to three independent 4K displays at 60Hz, which is excellent for productivity. The network configuration is even more impressive. A 10GbE LAN port and a 2.5GbE LAN port on a compact entry-level AI mini PC is not something I would normally expect. This makes the EQi 304 especially attractive for users who work with NAS systems, local servers, media libraries, backups, homelab setups, small business networks or high-speed wired internet connections. Wireless connectivity is handled by Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2. Wi-Fi 6 is good enough for most home and office environments, while Bluetooth 5.2 covers keyboards, mice, headphones and other wireless accessories. The only modest part of the port selection is the presence of two rear USB 2.0 ports. These are fine for keyboards, mice, dongles and simple accessories, but not ideal for fast external drives. Thankfully, the front USB-C and USB-A ports both support 10Gbps speeds, so fast temporary connections are still easy.
The EQi 304 is designed around low-noise operation, and Beelink claims around 32dB. In practical terms, this puts the device in the “quiet enough to disappear into the background” category for most office and home environments. The internal cooling system is more elaborate than what the compact chassis might suggest. Beelink uses a fan, heat pipe, heat dissipation fins, CPU heatsink, SSD heatsink and bottom air intake. The airflow path is logical: cool air comes in from below, passes through the internal thermal structure and exits through the rear ventilation area. This matters because small PCs often suffer from two problems: either they are quiet but throttle too aggressively, or they maintain performance but produce noticeable fan noise. The EQi 304 appears designed to balance those two priorities. For office tasks, browsing, media playback and general productivity, it should remain very quiet. Under heavier loads, the fan will naturally become more active, but the overall thermal structure looks more capable than the cooling systems used in many ultra-budget mini PCs. The dedicated SSD heatsink is also a good detail. Even though the built-in storage is UFS, the expansion slots can host M.2 SSDs, and keeping those drives cooler helps with sustained performance and long-term reliability.
My first impression of the Beelink EQi 304 is that it feels like a mini PC designed by people who understand real desks and real workflows. It is small enough to stay out of the way, but it does not feel under-equipped. It has the right front ports for quick access, the right rear ports for a permanent setup and enough internal expansion to avoid becoming obsolete too quickly. The system feels best suited for users who want a quiet and efficient daily computer rather than a compact gaming machine. For office work, web publishing, light image editing, content management, remote desktop use, document handling, video conferencing and media playback, the EQi 304 makes a lot of sense. For a China Gadgets Reviews-type workflow, it is especially interesting as a compact editorial machine. It can handle browser-heavy work, article preparation, image transfers, cloud tools, external storage, NAS access and multi-monitor setups without needing a large desktop tower. The 10GbE port is particularly useful for anyone working with local storage or transferring large files across a wired network. The AI angle is also worth mentioning, but with realistic expectations. The 24 TOPS capability makes the EQi 304 more future-facing than older mini PCs, but this is still a compact Core 3-class machine. I see the AI performance as a useful bonus for modern software acceleration, not as a reason to expect workstation-level local AI model performance.
Over longer use, the strengths of the EQi 304 become clearer. The most important advantage is not one single benchmark number, but the way the whole machine behaves as a compact everyday system. It is quiet, easy to place, simple to cable-manage and much more flexible than its size suggests. The built-in power supply continues to be one of my favorite practical details. Mini PCs are supposed to save space, but many still come with bulky external adapters that make the setup feel less elegant. The EQi 304 avoids this problem and makes the desk cleaner. The dual LAN configuration also becomes more valuable over time. A 2.5GbE port is already useful for modern networks, but the inclusion of 10GbE gives the EQi 304 a more advanced use case. It can serve as a compact workstation connected to a NAS, a small server, a network appliance, a media management box or a fast backup station. The storage configuration is the only area where buyers should think carefully. The 512GB UFS 3.1 storage is fine for the operating system, daily apps and normal files, but I would not treat it as the final storage solution for heavier use. The good news is that the two M.2 2280 slots solve this problem elegantly. Adding an NVMe SSD for projects, media, games or backups makes the EQi 304 much more versatile. The 16GB LPDDR5 version is efficient and fast enough for daily use, but because the RAM is soldered, it is not the best choice for users who already know they need 32GB or more. For those buyers, the DDR5 models with upgradeable memory are the better long-term investment.
Although the Beelink EQi 304 is not designed as a dedicated gaming Mini PC, it can still provide a very enjoyable experience with lighter and less graphically demanding titles. Casual games, indie releases, platformers, racing games, older PC titles and many games available through cloud gaming services run well within the limits of the integrated Intel Graphics solution. I paired the Mini PC with a Bluetooth gamepad, and the entire process was quick and uncomplicated. The controller was detected immediately, the wireless connection remained stable and input response felt precise during gameplay. Used with a large monitor or television, the EQi 304 becomes a surprisingly pleasant compact entertainment system. It is especially suitable for relaxed gaming sessions from the sofa, retro game emulation and titles that prioritize gameplay over demanding visual effects. Naturally, recent AAA games require reduced resolutions and low graphics settings, while some will remain beyond the capabilities of this hardware, but light gaming is an enjoyable bonus rather than merely a theoretical feature.
The Beelink EQi 304 also performs extremely well as a compact streaming and multimedia computer. YouTube videos played smoothly at 4K resolution, with fast loading, fluid navigation and no distracting interruptions during playback. The same comfortable experience extended to popular subscription services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, SkyShowtime and HBO Max, making the Mini PC a practical alternative to a conventional smart TV platform or dedicated streaming box. Switching between services, browsing large content libraries and returning to Windows applications felt responsive, while the quiet cooling system remained unobtrusive during long viewing sessions. The HDMI 2.0 output makes connection to a 4K television straightforward, while Bluetooth 5.2 can be used with wireless headphones, speakers, soundbars or remote-control accessories. Thanks to its compact dimensions, low noise and integrated power supply, the EQi 304 can be placed discreetly beside a television and used as a complete entertainment hub for streaming, local media playback, web browsing and light gaming.
One area that deserves more attention is how effectively the EQi 304 can serve as the centre of a complete desktop workstation. The combination of HDMI and two Thunderbolt 4 ports allows the Mini PC to operate with up to three independent displays, which significantly expands its usefulness beyond basic office work. A multi-monitor configuration is valuable for content creators, editors, programmers, financial users and anyone who regularly works with several browser windows, documents or communication platforms at the same time. The Thunderbolt 4 ports also make it possible to connect docking stations, fast external SSDs, additional displays and professional peripherals through a single cable. This gives the EQi 304 an unusually flexible upgrade path for such a compact system. It can begin as a simple Mini PC connected to one monitor and later become the core of a more advanced workstation without replacing the computer itself. Combined with the dual high-speed Ethernet interfaces, this docking and display flexibility is one of the features that most clearly separates the EQi 304 from ordinary entry-level Mini PCs.
The Beelink EQi 304 stands out because it combines a compact body with unusually strong connectivity. Dual Thunderbolt 4, HDMI, 10GbE, 2.5GbE, Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 make it far more flexible than many mini PCs in its class. I also like the integrated 85W power supply, the quiet 32dB-focused cooling design, the clean industrial look and the storage expansion options. The use of UFS 3.1 may be unusual, but Beelink balances it by including two M.2 SSD slots, which makes the system much easier to adapt over time.
The main limitation is that UFS 3.1, while faster than eMMC, is not as fast as a modern PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD. Users who expect high-end storage speeds out of the box should be aware of this. The base 16GB LPDDR5 model also has soldered memory, so RAM upgrades are not possible on that version. For light and moderate users, this is fine, but for heavier multitasking or long-term professional use, the 24GB or 32GB DDR5 variants make more sense. The rear USB 2.0 ports are acceptable for peripherals, but I would have preferred at least one more high-speed USB-A port on the back for external drives or professional accessories.
The Beelink EQi 304 is a compact, quiet and very well-connected mini PC that feels more mature than many entry-level systems. Its Intel Wildcat Lake Core 3 304 processor, 24 TOPS AI capability, LPDDR5-5600 memory, UFS 3.1 storage, dual Thunderbolt 4 ports, 10GbE + 2.5GbE networking and integrated 85W power supply make it a very practical machine for modern everyday computing. It is not a gaming PC, and it is not a high-end workstation. It is better understood as a smart, efficient and highly connected mini PC for office productivity, home workstations, media use, network-heavy environments, light creative workflows and AI-ready daily computing. The 512GB UFS 3.1 storage is a calculated compromise, but not a deal-breaker, especially because Beelink includes two M.2 2280 expansion slots. The 16GB LPDDR5 model is best for users who want a quiet, compact and efficient machine without needing RAM upgrades, while heavier users should consider the DDR5 versions. Overall, the Beelink EQi 304 is a convincing example of where compact PCs are going: smaller, quieter, more efficient, more connected and increasingly ready for AI-assisted workloads. For users who want a mini PC that can sit quietly on the desk while offering serious ports and modern hardware, the EQi 304 is one of Beelink’s most interesting compact systems yet.
Beelink EQi 304 Wildcat Lake Core 3 Mini PC BIOS
The Beelink EQi 304 Wildcat Lake Core 3 Mini PC uses an American Megatrends BIOS identified by the firmware version ELWL001. The tested unit was manufactured under the AZW name, while the BIOS build is dated June 26, 2026. I created a complete BIOS backup using the supplied Aptio AFUWINGUI v5.15.03.0081 utility. It is always advisable to save a copy of the original, fully functional BIOS before changing advanced settings, testing alternative firmware or performing any BIOS-related experiments. The backup can be created directly from Windows by using the Save function available in AFUWINGUI. This method does not require opening or disassembling the Mini PC. A complete BIOS dump can be especially useful if an incorrect configuration causes problems with USB devices, boot settings or other firmware-controlled components. In certain situations, restoring a known-good BIOS image, including the NVRAM area, may return the firmware configuration to its original state. However, this Windows-based recovery method is only possible while the EQi 304 can still boot correctly into Windows. A Mini PC that no longer starts may require an external SPI programmer or hardware-level recovery procedure. BIOS flashing and restoration always involve a degree of risk. An incorrect BIOS file, an interrupted flashing process or incompatible firmware can permanently prevent the Mini PC from booting. All subsequent BIOS-related operations are therefore performed entirely at your own risk. Download the BIOS backup file & AFUWINGUI utility from here.
BIOS details
Archive name: Beelink EQi 304 BIOS Backup
Archive content: Original BIOS backup file and Aptio AFUWIN64 utility
Suggested BIOS filename: Beelink_EQi_304_ELWL001_Backup.rom
BIOS manufacturer: American Megatrends
BIOS version / Firmware ID: ELWL001
BIOS date: June 26, 2026
AFUWINGUI version: 5.15.03.0081
Core version: 05.39
Project version: 00.01
BIOS chip name: Winbond 25X/Q Series
Total BIOS size: 14,680,064 bytes — approximately 14 MB
Main BIOS size: 7,663,616 bytes
Boot Block size: 6,553,600 bytes
NVRAM size: 393,216 bytes
Firmware GUID: ccebce8c-7f91-4949-b811-73f00ca7e4f7
Motherboard manufacturer: AZW
Motherboard model: EQi
Operating system used: Microsoft Windows 11 Pro 64-bit, version 25H2, build 10.0.26200
Beelink EQi 304 Wildcat Lake Core 3 Mini PC Drivers
The Beelink EQi 304 Mini PC came with Windows 11 Pro 25H2 64-bit edition, OS Build 26200.7462. Windows was already activated, and the operating system worked correctly from the first boot. Device Manager displayed no missing drivers, unidentified hardware or warning icons. Drivers were correctly installed for Audio inputs and outputs, Audio Processing Objects, Bluetooth, Computer, Disk drives, Display adapters, Firmware, Human Interface Devices, Keyboards, Mice and other pointing devices, Monitors, Network adapters, Neural processors, Ports, Print queues, Processors, Security devices, Software components, Software devices, Sound, video and game controllers, Storage controllers, System devices and Universal Serial Bus controllers. The system uses Intel integrated graphics, Realtek and Intel audio components, a MediaTek Bluetooth adapter, MediaTek wireless connectivity, as well as Intel and Realtek wired network controllers. During testing, all the detected devices were operating normally.
I used Double Driver to create a complete backup of the Windows 11 Pro drivers installed on the Beelink EQi 304. You can download the driver archive from here. Run the included Double Driver application as Administrator, select Restore, locate the extracted backup folder and install any missing drivers. This backup can be particularly useful after reinstalling Windows or if Windows Update does not automatically identify one of the Mini PC’s newer Wildcat Lake components.
About System
Device name: EQi
Manufacturer: AZW
Model: EQi
Processor: Intel Core 3 304
Architecture: Wildcat Lake, Intel 18A
CPU configuration: 5 cores and 5 threads – 1 Performance core and 4 Low Power cores
Maximum CPU frequency: Up to 4.30GHz
Graphics: Intel Graphics Family
Audio: Realtek High Definition Audio (SST), Intel USB Audio and MStar Display Audio
Bluetooth: MediaTek Bluetooth Adapter
Wireless network: MediaTek wireless adapter
Wired network: Intel and Realtek Ethernet controllers
Neural processor: Intel integrated neural processing unit
Installed RAM: 16GB LPDDR5-5600
Storage: 512GB UFS 3.1, approximately 476.66GB detected by Windows
System type: 64-bit operating system, x64-based processor
Pen and touch: No pen or touch input is available for this display
Edition: Windows 11 Pro
Version: 25H2
OS build: 26200.7462
BIOS version: ELWL001
BIOS date: June 26, 2026
Beelink EQi 304 Wildcat Lake Core 3 Mini PC Ports
1 x Power On / Off button
1 x CMOS reset button (RTC / CLR CMOS pinhole)
1 x Power LED indicator
1 x AC power input port (internal 85W power supply)
1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A port (10Gbps, front)
1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port (10Gbps, Data & Video, front)
2 x Thunderbolt 4 USB Type-C ports (40Gbps, DisplayPort Alt Mode & Data)
2 x USB 2.0 Type-A ports (480Mbps, rear)
1 x HDMI 2.0 port (up to 4K at 60Hz)
1 x RJ45 10 Gigabit Ethernet port
1 x RJ45 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port
1 x 3.5mm Headphone Audio Jack
2 x M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 slots (internal SSD expansion)
1 x VESA mount support
Beelink EQi 304 Wildcat Lake Core 3 Mini PC Specs
CPU: Intel® Core™ 3 Processor 304, Wildcat Lake, Intel 18A (5 cores / 5 threads – 1 Performance-core + 4 Low Power Efficient-cores, up to 4.3GHz, 6MB Intel Smart Cache, 15W base power / 35W maximum turbo power)
NPU: Integrated Intel AI accelerator with up to 15 TOPS; up to 24 TOPS combined local AI performance from the NPU and GPU
GPU: Intel® Graphics based on the Xe3-LPG architecture, 1 Xe-core, up to 2.3GHz, 9 TOPS, DirectX 12, AV1 hardware encoding and decoding
Memory: 16GB onboard LPDDR5 5600MT/s memory, non-upgradable
Storage: 512GB UFS 3.1 flash storage; 2 x M.2 2280 slots for additional SSD storage, supporting up to 4TB per slot (SSD1 PCIe 4.0 x2 / SSD2 PCIe 4.0 x1)
WiFi: Wi-Fi 6 802.11ax, MediaTek MT7922, up to 2.4Gbps
Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.2
LAN: Dual Ethernet – 1 x 10GbE LAN + 1 x 2.5GbE LAN
Video Support: Simultaneously supports up to three displays through 1 x HDMI 2.0 port and 2 x Thunderbolt 4 ports; HDMI output supports up to 4K at 60Hz
Thunderbolt: 2 x Thunderbolt 4 ports with up to 40Gbps data transfer, DisplayPort 1.4 video output and external device support
Audio: 3.5mm headphone audio jack, Intel Smart Sound and Realtek audio
System: Microsoft Windows 11 Pro 25H2 64-bit, Build 10.0.26200, pre-installed
BIOS: ELWL001, dated June 26, 2026
Power Input: 100–240V AC, 50/60Hz, 1.9A
Power Supply: Built-in 85W power supply; no external power brick required
Cooling System: Low-speed cooling fan, heat pipe, heatsink and bottom air intake for efficient heat dissipation; rated noise level of approximately 32dB
Additional Functions: Wake on LAN / Auto Power On through BIOS settings
Color: Milky Grey
Dimensions: 126 x 126 x 44.2mm, without rubber feet
Weight: Approximately 500g
Package Content
1 x Beelink EQi 304 Wildcat Lake Core 3 Mini PC
1 x AC power cord with EU plug
1 x HDMI cable
1 x User manual
1 x “Hello” card
1 x USB power supply settings card
1 x Retail Packaging Box
About Beelink. Beelink was established in 2014 in Shenzhen, China Futian, specializing in home entertainment equipment (DONGLE, BOX, remote control, game consoles, home cloud, one machine, MINI PC) product definition,development, production and sales. Our company own brand as “Beelink”. R & D The company has more than 20 front-line researchers, from the hardware circuitry, wiring, commissioning. into the upper layer driver and software application functionality implemented. BeeLink Brand philosophy: through management innovation, technological innovation and market innovation, and worldwide partners and customers to establish long-term stable cooperative relations, Andrews micro and you win the future.
For those unfamiliar with Beelink products, you can visit the Beelink website to view detail information:
Beelink official website: www.bee-link.com
Beelink order: azw.en.alibaba.com
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