My trusty NUC8i3BEK finally tapped out after years of Proxmox service, and one of my 2025 goals (as I shared in The State of My Smart Home 2025) was to add a backup hypervisor. I picked up the Beelink EQi13 Pro and converted it into a Proxmox node for my home lab. It’s been lightning fast and solid for a month, and it slotted into my setup without drama. Here is my full review of the unit.
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Table of Contents
Beelink EQi13 Specifications
- 【Powerful Performance】Beelink EQI13 PRO mini pc is powered by 13th Generation Intel Core i7 13620H Processors(10 Cores 16 Threads,max turbo to 4.9GHz,L3 24MB Cache),which can be widely used for office/design(PPT, AI, PS, PR,3DMAX),home(video,music and web browsing) and games (such as Genshin Impact,Fall Guys,League of Legends).
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| CPU options | Core i7-13620H (10C/16T, up to 4.9 GHz) |
| Memory | 32 GB DDR4-3200 (dual-channel; user-replaceable) |
| Storage | Two M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 x4 slots (one populated from factory) |
| Graphics | Intel UHD 1.5 GHz |
| Networking | Dual 1 GbE (RJ45), Wi-Fi 6 + Bluetooth 5.2 (Intel AX200) |
| Video | 2× HDMI 2.0 (4K60) |
| USB | Front: USB-C 10 Gbps (data-only), USB-A 10 Gbps; Rear: 2× USB-A 10 Gbps, 1× USB-A 2.0 |
| Audio | 3.5 mm combo jack |
| Power | Integrated 85 W PSU |
| Size/weight | ~128 × 128 × 46 mm (about 5.0 × 5.0 × 1.8 in), ~650 g |
These specs are good in this footprint—especially the two NVMe slots and processor.
What’s in the box?
- Beelink EQi13 Pro Mini PC
- User Manual
- HDMI cord
- AC power cord
Ports: front and back tour
Up front, you get a 10 Gbps USB-A port, a 10 Gbps USB-C port (data only, no DisplayPort Alt Mode), 3.5 mm audio, a clear-CMOS pinhole, a power LED, and the power button. Around back: two HDMI 2.0 ports, two 10 Gbps USB-A, one USB 2.0 (handy for keyboard/dongles), dual 1 GbE, and AC power-in for the internal PSU. The mix is great for a compact hypervisor; just plug high-speed peripherals into the USB 3.x ports and reserve the USB 2.0 ports for low-bandwidth accessories.
What I’m using it for
I wiped the Windows it shipped with (mine humorously referenced “Windows 9”) and installed Proxmox VE from a USB stick. Make sure you open the boot menu and select the USB drive, or change the BIOS boot order so it boots from USB first. I use Proxmox to power my home lab—network services, containers, and test VMs—similar to what I’ve outlined in Updating My Home Lab: Proxmox, pfSense, and More.
Opening and adding storage
I added a second NVMe drive for VM storage (this one), and the process was quick:
- Flip the unit over and peel off the four rubber feet—screws are hidden underneath.
- Remove the four screws and pull off the bottom cover.
- Space is tight (it’s a mini PC), but the interior is cleanly laid out.
- To reach the free M.2 slot, remove the small heatsink; the installation is straightforward.
- Reattach the heatsink and cover, then stick the feet back on.
That’s it. I appreciate that Beelink includes proper heatsinking for the NVMe bays.
Installing Proxmox and performance
Proxmox VE installed from USB without a hitch. The EQi13 Pro has been stable and quiet for a month in my lab, hosting lightweight VMs and LXC containers and handling them with ease. For the form factor and power draw, the H-series Intel chip is snappy, and thermals have stayed in check thanks to Beelink’s cooling layout. The integrated PSU means one power brick and less clutter—nice touch for my small home lab shelf.
Networking and the one caveat
Dual NICs are great for Proxmox (separate management/LAN, pfSense experiments, etc.). The only downside: both are 1 GbE, not 2.5 GbE. If you need higher throughput or faster shared storage, check my roundup of Top 2.5 GbE Proxmox Mini PCs. For most home lab tasks, Gigabit is fine; just know the limitation before you plan a 2.5/10 GbE build. All my switches are 1 GbE anyway, so no impact for me. One day I’ll upgrade…
How it fits in my setup
This box replaced my fallen NUC and became a dependable backup hypervisor—part of the plan I laid out for 2025. It also complements the ideas in my roundup of 5 Great Proxmox Small Form Factor Hardware Options. Between the dual NVMe slots, quiet operation, and low power draw, it’s an easy recommendation for a compact Proxmox node.
Editor’s Note: Check out my article on migrating my Home Assistant installation to an HAOS VM running on Proxmox if you want to know more about how I use these mini PCs as virtualization hosts.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Two NVMe (PCIe 4.0) slots in a tiny chassis | Dual NICs are 1 GbE, not 2.5 GbE |
| Integrated PSU = one cable, less clutter | USB-C is data-only (no DP Alt Mode) |
| Quiet, cool, and very stable under Proxmox | One rear USB 2.0 port mixed with faster ports |
| Easy service access; straightforward NVMe upgrade | No USB4/Thunderbolt for high-speed external storage |
USB mix and the lack of DP Alt Mode/USB4 aren’t deal-breakers for a hypervisor, but they’re good to know up front.
Final thoughts
If you’re building a compact Proxmox node or replacing aging lab hardware, the Beelink EQi13 Pro punches above its size. It’s quiet, upgradeable, and fast enough to carry a surprising number of VMs and containers. I’d love 2.5 GbE and USB-C video, but for the price and footprint, this is a smart pick for home labs and edge workloads.
