Beelink EQi 304 brings Intel Wildcat Lake to $509 mini PC market

Beelink has launched the EQi 304 mini PC, bringing Intel's budget Wildcat Lake architecture to the consumer market at aggressive price points. The system uses smartphone-grade UFS 3.1 storage to hit a starting price of $509, creating a value-focused option for users who prioritize compact form factors and low entry costs. This approach trades the high throughput of traditional desktop SSDs for significant cost savings, appealing to buyers who need a capable daily driver without the premium price tag of high-end builds.

Mobile storage and dual LAN define the new budget Wildcat Lake option

The EQi 304 is built around the Intel Core 3 Processor 304, which Beelink identifies as an Intel 18A chip on the Wildcat Lake platform. This processor serves as the central hub for the system, handling everyday computing tasks while maintaining the energy efficiency typical of Intel's budget-oriented mobile silicon. The compact design integrates all necessary components into a small chassis, making it suitable for desk setups where space is at a premium.

Specifications

• Processor: Intel Core 3 Processor 304 (Intel 18A)
• Storage: 512GB UFS 3.1
• Memory: 16GB LPDDR5 / 24GB DDR5 / 32GB DDR5
• Connectivity: Dual Thunderbolt 4, 10G + 2.5G dual LAN
• Power: Built-in 85W

Beelink lists 512GB of UFS 3.1 storage as the base configuration, a mobile-class interface that differs from standard M.2 NVMe drives found in many desktops. The system offers memory choices of 16GB LPDDR5, 24GB DDR5, or 32GB DDR5, all running at 5600MHz to support the processor's performance needs. Connectivity includes dual Thunderbolt 4 ports and a dual LAN setup featuring 10G and 2.5G speeds, providing robust options for network and peripheral expansion.

Despite using mobile storage for the base model, the EQi 304 retains two M.2 expansion slots with PCIe 4.0 x2 and PCIe 4.0 x1 lanes for future upgrades. The unit weighs 500 grams and includes a built-in 85W power supply, eliminating the need for an external brick and reducing desk clutter. These features allow users to upgrade storage later if they require faster speeds or larger capacities than the initial UFS configuration provides.

Pricing starts at $509 for the 16GB LPDDR5 model, rises to $659 for the 24GB DDR5 version, and reaches $739 for the 32GB DDR5 configuration. These prices reflect the cost-saving measures taken with the base storage and memory types, offering a clear path for buyers to balance budget against performance requirements. We looked at ASUS Launches NUC 16 Mini PC earlier while tracking Beelink launches, noting the growing competition in the Intel Wildcat Lake mini PC segment.

The EQi 304 confirms Beelink's strategy of leveraging Intel's budget architecture to deliver affordable, compact computing solutions with upgradeable internals. Buyers can choose between lower-cost mobile storage and higher-capacity traditional upgrades, tailoring the system to their specific needs and budgets. This release provides concrete options for consumers seeking a Wildcat Lake-based mini PC under $750.