Mini PCs are having a moment right now. I ordered a GMKTek G3 with an Intel N100 processor, 8GB RAM, and a 256 GB M.2 NVMe SSD a few days ago for only $150 direct from GMKTek. My parents' TV service via fiber is going away next year so I'm going to experiment with making it a Channels DVR server running Linux and integrating RUclips TV via TV Everywhere. I've already been playing with it on my Linux laptop and I've been very pleased with it. The only drawback is NBC channels are encrypted so there are extra steps involved to integrate those.
I love mine. Use it as my WIN box next to my Beelink Linux box. It is very, very good. The only bad part is WIN11. I run my Focusrite Scarlette 6i6 for audio work and it does that excellently. I watch tons of movies with my Corsair headset and everything is beautiful. I am very happy with it. Cannot comment on WiFi as I have it on Gigabit wired.
Hey Lon. I know mini PCs are restricted when it comes to streaming video in the highest quality but I'm all I want is 4k HDR Netflix. I've tested 3 mini PCs and none of them will play Netflix in 4k HDR. Mini PCs tested: Minisforum UM780 XTX with AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS processor & AMD Radeon 780M graphics Beelink EQI12 Mini PC,Intel 12th Gen Core i3-1220P Beelink S12 Pro Mini PC, Intel 12th Gen Alder Lake- N100(up to 3.4GHz) They all have Windows 11 with HEVC video extension. I have the premium Nextflix Plan. I'm using Edge and the Netflix app. My TV is 4k HDR ready and this works fine on my PC with i7-12700 and RTX 3070. The mini PCs play RUclips in 4k HDR with no problems Any clue why this is not working? Have you had any luck with this?
You need to have ONLY a HDMI HDCP 2.2 monitor/TV plugged in for it to maybe work. Only 1 of them. It doesn't work with DisplayPort. That is what I quickly read on Reddit.
Lon, what would you use for a storage option to connect to a mini pc? Im looking at your n100 intel video, but I don't know what to use for my two 14gig hard drives. I am looking for low power solutions to replace my intel haswell plex server.
Great video Lon. Seeing that it's "similarly priced" to the M4. Would you recommend this over the M4 for a windows user. I would like to try Apple, but would hate to get it and have to revert. Thanks for all your hard work Lon. Blessings
I'd say go for the M4 Mac Mini base model. I just got mine on sale at Costco for $500! If you don't like it, you could easily sell it for close to what you bought it for. 😅
It's really worth trying it compared to Windows. But you should be aware about what software you are using and whether it's available and how much you have pay for it. As an alternative you can even try out Linux (e.g. Linux Mint) where most the software is available for free and you can do everything you want.😊
This one is decent and unlike the Mac is upgradeable. The only hesitation with any of these PCs is that they do not have domestic support should something go wrong. Beelink has been around for awhile so they're a little better than some of the other off brands. I recommend buying through Amazon just for an added layer of protection.
I just bought the SER8 Device, and I'm having issues with the audio - any game that I run the in-game audio is "stuttering" or "choppy". But any audio outside games is perfectly fine. What could be the cause of this?
Are you using Bluetooth to connect to speakers or earphones? Maybe that is why. I experience similar problems with my Bluetooth. I have ordered a Bluetooth USB adapter to address this problem.
LONBALL PLUS, my team evaluated this PC only to learn there is no level 2 for the level 2 cache. Clippy is a full time resident on level 2. I don’t think it’s fair he gets free rent and there is no level 2 cache.
@@GameSackyeah I mean it's basically a small box though what other shape would it be in? Apple certainly popularized it but just like they didn't invent phones with flat sides they didn't invent many PCs that show up in a box like design. The utilitarian design by nature. The only other real option is to just build a dinner and taller rectangle. Other than that you're losing any bit of utilitarianism for just bizarre aesthetics.
@@michaelcorcoran8768 Nah man the silver metallic (right down to the shade of silver) with the curved edges is certainly very Apple. PCs usually tend to come in different colored boxes with hard corners (and often plastic) which is still plenty utilitarian. Your post would have me believe that this design would be all over the place, but it isn't.
@@GameSack So now Apple didn't event only the color white but also silver? 🤣🤣 Grow up man, Apple is just a protective, overpriced brand. A Beelink SER8 AMD Ryzen 7 8745HS / 32gb/1tb costs only €519,00. A Mac Mini 10 core 32gb/ 1tb is €1639. But the price isn't even the biggest issue, that's Apple's eco-system that forces people into their walled garden.
Hi, i just need a hdmi 2.1 4k 120hz port, expecting zero lag when browsing, using office apps like office and a small, quite device. Im thinking this one, am i on the right way?
I just got mine but with some issues and much slower then my trigkey s6 ....the SER8 WIFI, CANT INSTALL ONE IMPORTANT UPDATE, NO OPTION TO CHANGE REFRESH RATE WITH CRUCIAL P5 PLUS, PC WILL NOT SLEEP, NO GPU TEMP DISPLAY, USB HAVE TO DISCONNECT AND RECONNECT MOUSE the only good things is the pc stays cool no more then 60c when gaming even after a fresh install of windows issues are still there i think it works best on linux distro like you show.
*Bought this 3 days ago HONEST review after using this for 5 days 01/02/2025* 1) TPM 2.0 firmware version is almost 5 years old and it's supposed to be a new product... 2) if you want to install Linux good look re-installing Windows on it, it's a *pain* there website is not updated so you have to email them. 3) there customer service reps are *very respectful* the SER8 is very fast and looks modern but...
Two USB-A ports limited to 480Mb/sec USB 2 speed? That’s practically an insult, given that very common 10Gb/sec USB 3 can be 20 times faster, and Thunderbolt 5 (found on the new M4 Mac mini) can be well over 100 times faster than USB 2. I’m using more high-speed devices that need at least USB 3 speed.
I’m aware that the other ports are faster. I now understand that those two super slow ports are probably intended for a wired keyboard and mouse. I’m just out of touch with that because I’ve been using a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse for years, which do not need to consume any ports. I don’t see the point in 2.4GHz wireless input devices because of potential interference and using up a port, again because I use Bluetooth. So I guess, as someone satisfied with Bluetooth input devices and needing more higher-speed ports, I’m not the target market for this basic PC. (I do own a 2012 Mac mini, but even its ports are faster than this thing...)
@@brightboxstudio Instead of complaining about the fewer high speed USB-A ports, get a USB-C hub and plug it to the type-C port at the back, which has a bandwidth of 40Gbps. There are endless options in the market. You don't need to do this if your monitor has an inbuilt USB hub. Case closed.
I’m not really complaining, I’m just a little surprised that some still make PCs with ports that slow. About the hub…I already know and do that, and it is a flawed solution. You get 40Gb/sec for the one USB 4 port, and because of that, nothing behind the hub can get that much bandwidth alone, because everything behind that hub must fight for a share of the one port’s 40Gb/sec.(Of course, that’s not a big deal if you’re putting low bandwidth devices on it like a keyboard.) One major advantage of providing more high-speed ports is potentially having more I/O buses/controllers, if the computer is designed that way. If you have a high bandwidth device, you can plug it into a port that’s on a different bus so that it isn’t competing with anything and can take it all. For example, on some Macs each port has its own full bandwidth bus. (On lower-end Macs, a pair of ports might share a bus.)
Garbage Chinese products. I got the GTR7 PRO, and the Bluetooth didn't work out of the box. I had to buy an external USB Bluetooth adapter. After six months of use, there's no video output on any port. Now, I just use it as a paperweight.
Bluetooth sounds like a faulty mini card. Easy enough to fix. The no video out on the other hand is harder. I have a GPD Win Max 2 7840u. I liked the form factor and performance when it worked. It would always freeze up on me needing a hard reset. Finally a new bios came out, and everything works as it should now. If you buy something make sure it's from a reputable seller that has easy returns.
For real, stop feeding these ewaste distributors. Save up and buy something quality. Or even just use a gaming handheld from a reputable brand. They were all on sale for crazy low prices this holiday season. They are about the same volume as these mini PCs. Just dock them permanently if all you want is a small desk or TV PC.
HI LON I PRODUCE MY OWN MUSIC USING CUBASE AND PROTOOLS, USUALLY NO MORE THAN 5-6 TRACKS. IS THIS BEELINK GOOD ENOUGH FOR MUSIC PRODUCTION? SO IF I AM USING WIFI THERE MAY BE AN ISSUE GETTING DISCONNECTED? IF THATS THE CASE....MINI MAC!...OR BITE THE BULLET AND GO FOR THE MINI MAC4 GET LESS FOR MORE $$$... BUT FROM COMMENTS THIS MAY BE A BETTER COMPUTER FOR MY NEEDS? THANKS! FROM MY EXPERIENCE LOOKING FOR A MONTH OR SO AT THE GAMIMG MINI PC'S I'VE COME TO THE CONCLUSION FROM REVIEWS THEY ARE NOT SO GOOD! CHINA IS PUMPING THEM OUT DOMINATING THIS MARKET. THE PROBLEM WITH THE MAC MINI 4 IS THE EXPENCE! GET LESS FOR MORE MONEY! IT'S NOT A GAMING COMPUTER AND PROBABLY BUILT BETTER THAT ALL THESE OTHER CHINESE MINI COMPUTERS. I ALMOST BOUGHT A BEELINK BUT THE REVIEWS AREN'T POSITIVE. RESULT: I'M STILL LOOKING! I NEED A COMPUTER FOR MUSIC PRODUCTION WAS THINKING WITH THE SPECS ON THESE MINI COMPUTERS THEY MAY BE GOOD. HP USED TO BE GOOD, DELL POSSIBLY...MAC MINI? $$$ FOR LESS! APPLE NEEDS TO COMPETE MORE NOT BE A PIG COMPANY!
Thanks Lon. Hp? Dell? Or just get mini Mac 4 and add crucial t500? Sweetwater music said get the m4….just need extra storage to buy. I subscribed to your channel 👍🎵🎸 Thanks again
![BLACK BAG - Official Trailer [HD] - Only in Theaters March 14](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Du0Xp8WX_7I/mqdefault.jpg)
Mini PCs are having a moment right now. I ordered a GMKTek G3 with an Intel N100 processor, 8GB RAM, and a 256 GB M.2 NVMe SSD a few days ago for only $150 direct from GMKTek. My parents' TV service via fiber is going away next year so I'm going to experiment with making it a Channels DVR server running Linux and integrating RUclips TV via TV Everywhere. I've already been playing with it on my Linux laptop and I've been very pleased with it. The only drawback is NBC channels are encrypted so there are extra steps involved to integrate those.
@@stemlator just spend 499 and get the Apple. Grow up.
@ericB3444 The more you buy, the more you save, Apple edition.
@@drewnewby So that's where Ngreedia got their motto from haha
@@ericB3444 Apple what? Apple TV? Mac Mini? Enlighten me, o wise one.
@@stemlator I mean we’re talking about the Mac mini. I don’t understand what the confusion is.
I love mine. Use it as my WIN box next to my Beelink Linux box. It is very, very good. The only bad part is WIN11. I run my Focusrite Scarlette 6i6 for audio work and it does that excellently. I watch tons of movies with my Corsair headset and everything is beautiful. I am very happy with it. Cannot comment on WiFi as I have it on Gigabit wired.
Is there a WiFi to Ethernet adapter you recommend for these WiFi impaired devices? Especially the ones that come with WiFi ac?
Your link is not for the SER8. It's for the 5800H.
I got the geekom ax8 pro pretty fast only problem is the plug in charger is cheaply made pops right out
Hey Lon. I know mini PCs are restricted when it comes to streaming video in the highest quality but I'm all I want is 4k HDR Netflix. I've tested 3 mini PCs and none of them will play Netflix in 4k HDR.
Mini PCs tested:
Minisforum UM780 XTX with AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS processor & AMD Radeon 780M graphics
Beelink EQI12 Mini PC,Intel 12th Gen Core i3-1220P
Beelink S12 Pro Mini PC, Intel 12th Gen Alder Lake- N100(up to 3.4GHz)
They all have Windows 11 with HEVC video extension. I have the premium Nextflix Plan. I'm using Edge and the Netflix app. My TV is 4k HDR ready and this works fine on my PC with i7-12700 and RTX 3070. The mini PCs play RUclips in 4k HDR with no problems
Any clue why this is not working? Have you had any luck with this?
It’s why I don’t recommend them.. really hard to get it working as well as a tv box unfortunately
You need to have ONLY a HDMI HDCP 2.2 monitor/TV plugged in for it to maybe work. Only 1 of them. It doesn't work with DisplayPort. That is what I quickly read on Reddit.
Lon, what would you use for a storage option to connect to a mini pc? Im looking at your n100 intel video, but I don't know what to use for my two 14gig hard drives. I am looking for low power solutions to replace my intel haswell plex server.
Great video Lon. Seeing that it's "similarly priced" to the M4. Would you recommend this over the M4 for a windows user. I would like to try Apple, but would hate to get it and have to revert. Thanks for all your hard work Lon. Blessings
I'd say go for the M4 Mac Mini base model. I just got mine on sale at Costco for $500! If you don't like it, you could easily sell it for close to what you bought it for. 😅
After you buy all the accessories you'll want/need for the M4 Mini base model (i.e. external storage, kb, mouse, usb hub), it's really closer to $800.
It's really worth trying it compared to Windows. But you should be aware about what software you are using and whether it's available and how much you have pay for it. As an alternative you can even try out Linux (e.g. Linux Mint) where most the software is available for free and you can do everything you want.😊
This one is decent and unlike the Mac is upgradeable. The only hesitation with any of these PCs is that they do not have domestic support should something go wrong. Beelink has been around for awhile so they're a little better than some of the other off brands. I recommend buying through Amazon just for an added layer of protection.
Good job showing that NPU is somewhat useless at the moment.
@@jaredhuang2225 it’s actually called a CPU. An NPU is what a Nerf ball has inside to make it throw a spiral evenly.
Can I power a 30W display from USB 4? I have read that the Beelink SER8 can power up to 15W.
Given the limited budget of the power supply I’d say unlikely
I just bought the SER8 Device, and I'm having issues with the audio - any game that I run the in-game audio is "stuttering" or "choppy". But any audio outside games is perfectly fine. What could be the cause of this?
Are you using Bluetooth to connect to speakers or earphones? Maybe that is why. I experience similar problems with my Bluetooth. I have ordered a Bluetooth USB adapter to address this problem.
LONBALL PLUS, my team evaluated this PC only to learn there is no level 2 for the level 2 cache. Clippy is a full time resident on level 2. I don’t think it’s fair he gets free rent and there is no level 2 cache.
Did you check level 3?
@ level 3 is an Apple Store in this product.
PC makers are really running with this Mac Studio form. Is it the exact same size?
It's really close - but in fairness to Beelink they had this design before Apple's new mini came out!
@@LonSeidman Right, but Apple has used that shape for the Mac Mini forever, just a bit larger. This Beelink looks more like a Mac Studio.
@@GameSackyeah I mean it's basically a small box though what other shape would it be in? Apple certainly popularized it but just like they didn't invent phones with flat sides they didn't invent many PCs that show up in a box like design. The utilitarian design by nature. The only other real option is to just build a dinner and taller rectangle. Other than that you're losing any bit of utilitarianism for just bizarre aesthetics.
@@michaelcorcoran8768 Nah man the silver metallic (right down to the shade of silver) with the curved edges is certainly very Apple. PCs usually tend to come in different colored boxes with hard corners (and often plastic) which is still plenty utilitarian. Your post would have me believe that this design would be all over the place, but it isn't.
@@GameSack So now Apple didn't event only the color white but also silver? 🤣🤣
Grow up man, Apple is just a protective, overpriced brand.
A Beelink SER8 AMD Ryzen 7 8745HS / 32gb/1tb costs only €519,00.
A Mac Mini 10 core 32gb/ 1tb is €1639.
But the price isn't even the biggest issue, that's Apple's eco-system that forces people into their walled garden.
Hi, i just need a hdmi 2.1 4k 120hz port, expecting zero lag when browsing, using office apps like office and a small, quite device. Im thinking this one, am i on the right way?
Hello, thanks for asking! Our SER8 has the HDMI 2.1 4K 120Hz port, which can meet you needs.
I just got mine but with some issues and much slower then my trigkey s6 ....the SER8 WIFI, CANT INSTALL ONE IMPORTANT UPDATE, NO OPTION TO CHANGE REFRESH RATE WITH CRUCIAL P5 PLUS, PC WILL NOT SLEEP, NO GPU TEMP DISPLAY, USB HAVE TO DISCONNECT AND RECONNECT MOUSE the only good things is the pc stays cool no more then 60c when gaming even after a fresh install of windows issues are still there i think it works best on linux distro like you show.
Did you mention fan noise?
I did
*Bought this 3 days ago HONEST review after using this for 5 days 01/02/2025* 1) TPM 2.0 firmware version is almost 5 years old and it's supposed to be a new product... 2) if you want to install Linux good look re-installing Windows on it, it's a *pain* there website is not updated so you have to email them. 3) there customer service reps are *very respectful* the SER8 is very fast and looks modern but...
Two USB-A ports limited to 480Mb/sec USB 2 speed? That’s practically an insult, given that very common 10Gb/sec USB 3 can be 20 times faster, and Thunderbolt 5 (found on the new M4 Mac mini) can be well over 100 times faster than USB 2. I’m using more high-speed devices that need at least USB 3 speed.
As stated there are two USB 2.0 ports and the rest of the USB-A's are 10 gigabit. Not unusal for mini pcs to have that mix.
I’m aware that the other ports are faster. I now understand that those two super slow ports are probably intended for a wired keyboard and mouse. I’m just out of touch with that because I’ve been using a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse for years, which do not need to consume any ports. I don’t see the point in 2.4GHz wireless input devices because of potential interference and using up a port, again because I use Bluetooth. So I guess, as someone satisfied with Bluetooth input devices and needing more higher-speed ports, I’m not the target market for this basic PC. (I do own a 2012 Mac mini, but even its ports are faster than this thing...)
@@brightboxstudio Instead of complaining about the fewer high speed USB-A ports, get a USB-C hub and plug it to the type-C port at the back, which has a bandwidth of 40Gbps. There are endless options in the market. You don't need to do this if your monitor has an inbuilt USB hub. Case closed.
I’m not really complaining, I’m just a little surprised that some still make PCs with ports that slow. About the hub…I already know and do that, and it is a flawed solution. You get 40Gb/sec for the one USB 4 port, and because of that, nothing behind the hub can get that much bandwidth alone, because everything behind that hub must fight for a share of the one port’s 40Gb/sec.(Of course, that’s not a big deal if you’re putting low bandwidth devices on it like a keyboard.)
One major advantage of providing more high-speed ports is potentially having more I/O buses/controllers, if the computer is designed that way. If you have a high bandwidth device, you can plug it into a port that’s on a different bus so that it isn’t competing with anything and can take it all. For example, on some Macs each port has its own full bandwidth bus. (On lower-end Macs, a pair of ports might share a bus.)
I bought the SER8 few months ago, it is quite fast and smooth on the data transportation.
Use some hand cream Bud !
How is this for gaming?
Watch the video :)
Put some lotion on your hands
Unabhängiger Oculink belegt keinen NVMe-Steckplatz,
Ultra leiser AMD Ryzen 9 6900HX (8C/16T, bis zu 4,9 GHz), 32 GB DDR5 (4800 MHz) 1T SSD, Mini-Computer, NVME*3
1. Ryzen 9 6900HX / 32G RAM DDR5 + 1T SSD M.2 2280 PEIC4.0
2.Unabhängige Oculink/HDMI2.1-Schnittstelle, unterstützt Dreifach-Bildschirmanzeige
3.Nur 0,6 l Volumen, platzsparend/„Forest 2.0“-Geräuschloses Kühlsystem
4.Lokale Servicezentren in Deutschland und Amazon FBA-Lager, WiFi 6 2,5G LAN 8K Dreifach-Bildschirm
Unabhängiger Oculink belegt keinen NVMe-Steckplatz,
Ultraleiser AMD Ryzen 7 5825U (8C/16T, bis zu 4,5 GHz), 32 GB DDR4 1T SSD, Minicomputer, NVME*3
1. Ryzen 7 5825U/32G Ram DDR5+1T SSD M.2 2280 PEIC4.0
2.Unabhängige Oculink/HDMI2.1-Schnittstelle, unterstützt Dreifach-Bildschirmanzeige
3.Nur 0,6 l Volumen, platzsparend/„Forest 2.0“-Geräuschloses Kühlsystem
4.Lokale Servicecenter in Deutschland & Amazon FBA-Lager, WiFi 6 2,5G LAN 8K Triple Display.
Do you think this could run Fortnite?
256GB of RAM! My NEW Dell laptop that I paid almost $600.00 is stuck with 8GB. Can't upgrade it. %#&^@!!! Thanks, Dell!
Soldered ram😂
8gb is not enough nowadays😂
@@rexonpadre864 It wasn't enough 5 years ago.
@@estusflask982 minimum ram is 16gb now
@@rexonpadre864 I would say, buy as much ram as you can. It isn't that expensive. It will be usable much longer over time.
Garbage Chinese products. I got the GTR7 PRO, and the Bluetooth didn't work out of the box. I had to buy an external USB Bluetooth adapter. After six months of use, there's no video output on any port. Now, I just use it as a paperweight.
Bluetooth sounds like a faulty mini card. Easy enough to fix. The no video out on the other hand is harder. I have a GPD Win Max 2 7840u. I liked the form factor and performance when it worked. It would always freeze up on me needing a hard reset. Finally a new bios came out, and everything works as it should now. If you buy something make sure it's from a reputable seller that has easy returns.
How does it work as a paperweight?
@akingsley Typically by placing it on top of papers.
/s facts
For real, stop feeding these ewaste distributors. Save up and buy something quality. Or even just use a gaming handheld from a reputable brand. They were all on sale for crazy low prices this holiday season. They are about the same volume as these mini PCs. Just dock them permanently if all you want is a small desk or TV PC.
Gotta research find the bt drivers
First. 🙃
You even beat the porn bots !
@LonSeidman A moment worthy of screenshotting! 🎉
500 is too much.. not more than 200..😅😅
RAM for 200 LOL
@kdta91 got used mac mini m2 for 250 lol works perfectly..
@@longsho2796 Yeah right. As long you don't install much which you will do over time.
HI LON I PRODUCE MY OWN MUSIC USING CUBASE AND PROTOOLS, USUALLY NO MORE THAN 5-6 TRACKS. IS THIS BEELINK GOOD ENOUGH FOR MUSIC PRODUCTION? SO IF I AM USING WIFI THERE MAY BE AN ISSUE GETTING DISCONNECTED? IF THATS THE CASE....MINI MAC!...OR BITE THE BULLET AND GO FOR THE MINI MAC4 GET LESS FOR MORE $$$... BUT FROM COMMENTS THIS MAY BE A BETTER COMPUTER FOR MY NEEDS? THANKS!
FROM MY EXPERIENCE LOOKING FOR A MONTH OR SO AT THE GAMIMG MINI PC'S I'VE COME TO THE CONCLUSION FROM REVIEWS THEY ARE NOT SO GOOD! CHINA IS PUMPING THEM OUT DOMINATING THIS MARKET. THE PROBLEM WITH THE MAC MINI 4 IS THE EXPENCE! GET LESS FOR MORE MONEY! IT'S NOT A GAMING COMPUTER AND PROBABLY BUILT BETTER THAT ALL THESE OTHER CHINESE MINI COMPUTERS. I ALMOST BOUGHT A BEELINK BUT THE REVIEWS AREN'T POSITIVE.
RESULT: I'M STILL LOOKING! I NEED A COMPUTER FOR MUSIC PRODUCTION WAS THINKING WITH THE SPECS ON THESE MINI COMPUTERS THEY MAY BE GOOD. HP USED TO BE GOOD, DELL POSSIBLY...MAC MINI? $$$ FOR LESS! APPLE NEEDS TO COMPETE MORE NOT BE A PIG COMPANY!
I've found Macs to be a little friendlier for creative activities
Thanks Lon. Hp? Dell? Or just get mini Mac 4 and add crucial t500?
Sweetwater music said get the m4….just need extra storage to buy.
I subscribed to your channel 👍🎵🎸
Thanks again