Celebrate AMD processor fans, the Chinese company Beelink has created a masterpiece for you! The new Mini-PC BEELINK GT-R on RYZEN 5 with impressive specifications can compete with quite powerful personal computers and laptops.
Mini-PC BEELINK GT-R on RYZEN 5: video review
Technical specifications of the device
| Device | Compact Mini-PC BEELINK GT-R |
| Processor | AMD Ryzen 5 3550H 2.1-3.7 GHz 4C/8T L1 384Kb L2 2Mb L3 4Mb |
| Graphics Adapter | Radeon Vega 8 1200 MHz |
| RAM | DDR4 8 /16 GB (maximum 32 GB) |
| Storage | SSD 256 GB/512 GB (M.2) + 1 TB HDD (2.5) |
| ROM Expansion | Yes, replaceable SSD or HDD |
| Memory Card Support | Not required |
| Wired Network | Yes, 2×1 Gbps (2 LAN ports) |
| Wireless Network | Wi-Fi 6 802.11/b/g/n/ac/ax (2.4GHz + 5GHz) 2T2R |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Operating System | Windows 10 |
| Update Support | Yes |
| Interfaces | 2xRJ-45, 2xHDMI, 1xDisplay Port, 6xUSB 3.0, 1xUSB Type-C, mic, 3.5 mm jack, CLR CMOS, Power, DC, fingerprint scanner |
| External Antennas | No |
| Digital Panel | No |
| Price | $600-670 |
Mini-PC BEELINK GT-R on RYZEN 5: first impressions
There have never been questions about the build quality or appearance of Beelink equipment. The Chinese know their craft. Considering that the processor from AMD is not very cool, it’s nice to see a superb cooling system. By the way, the case itself is metal! A proper radiator covering all chips, and two coolers handle heat dissipation well. I would like to point out to manufacturers like Lenovo and Samsung that Beelink’s cooling approach is what portable devices should have.
The BEELINK GT-R gadget cannot be called a console. Essentially, it is a real personal computer enclosed in a small box. Moreover, with upgrade options, where you can replace memory and storage to improve performance. Our technician also claims that soldering the processor chips with other modules is quite possible. So, this device is not just for 2-3 years but can be used longer, provided spare parts are available.
And also, I would like to highlight the package contents. There are 2 HDMI cables (80 and 20 cm), and they are quite good quality. A nice bonus is a 4 GB Flash drive (some reviews in Chinese stores mention an 8 GB version). Not critical. There is a VESA mount – suitable for attaching behind a monitor. And the power supply deserves special mention. Yes, it’s bulky, like for laptops. Still, it’s 19V and 3A (57W). The power supply is certified and suitable for use worldwide. It offers protection against voltage surges, short circuits, and other failures. Finally, the Chinese have equipped the device with a proper accessory.
Platform performance of BEELINK GT-R
The heart of the system is AMD Ryzen 5 3550H. It’s comparable to Intel Core i5 9300H. At least, that’s what laptop manufacturers suggest, offering similar performance within the same product line. The weak point of AMD here is the third-level cache (4 vs. 8 MB). But the price is significantly lower.
The processor’s performance is more than enough for all tasks. After all, it has 4 cores and 8 threads. To slow down the system, you would have to try very hard. This is a full-fledged middle-class device suitable for office tasks, multimedia, and even some games that don’t require many resources.
Don’t expect much from the Radeon Vega 8 graphics card. In fact, it’s a rather old chip. Made in 2017, it’s aimed at competing with Nvidia GeForce MX150. It can’t be said that AMD’s chipset outperforms its competitor, but it’s enough to support 3 displays and transmit a quality signal. It’s important to understand that this is not a gaming console but a working machine for other tasks.
Memory-wise, everything is clear. It uses the current DDR4 format. The minimum configuration is 8 GB (less makes no sense for a PC or laptop). 16 or 32 GB can always be installed at the buyer’s request.
A nice bonus is the combination of SSD+HDD. Not all laptop manufacturers (even in 2020!) do this. A fast M.2 SSD for the system and a spacious HDD for multimedia. Smart. Even if the HDD is for 2.5-inch drives, it’s not a problem – there are disks with 7200 rpm. You can experiment with the combination as you like.
Wired and wireless interfaces of BEELINK GT-R
Just like the RS232 port that Chinese manufacturers attached to the Beelink GT-King Pro. No, it’s not there in the GT-R version. But there are 2 LAN ports. By the way, the RS232, which was intended for developers according to programmers, turned out to be a standard interface for multi-room systems. Not everyone has a modern multi-channel system with an AV processor at home.
Returning to LAN ports. They are not just for backup connection or spare. They are needed for proper multimedia setup. One port is purely for internet access. The second port is for communication with all devices in the house. Not for everyday needs where DLNA protocol runs on the router. The BEELINK GT-R is aimed at smarter and more advanced communications.
A bit disappointing is the absence of an analog video output. Of course, it’s the 21st century, but many users still work with old monitors and TVs with D-Sub. A minor flaw but unpleasant. There are 6 USB 3.0 ports and a Type-C. No issues with connecting gadgets and controllers. Headphones, 2 microphones – multimedia is fine. There is no card slot – it’s not needed here. What to expand and why?
Wireless interfaces are not a problem. The latest Wi-Fi 6 innovation requires a compatible router. The Bluetooth controller is present but not really needed. Even the classic Kensington lock was replaced with a fingerprint scanner. It’s clear that Chinese engineers put a lot of effort into the new BEELINK GT-R.
Gadget for $600 – who needs it
This is a very interesting question. The Mini-PC BEELINK GT-R on RYZEN 5, in terms of technical specifications and price, does not fall into the gaming or office device categories. You can buy a new PC with an AMD chip for 1.5 times less. The absence of a gaming graphics card also limits its use as a console.
However, the full multimedia functionality is implemented. Such an interesting gadget is suitable for people who have a large TV and good acoustics. Owning a mini-PC, you can completely get rid of tablets and laptops. Set up music and video downloads, use wireless controllers, and create a full multimedia center at home. Undoubtedly, this is a very narrow but powerful and functional direction.
