Winner
Updated October 2026
Data from Amazon and official Beelink site.
2026 verdict
Networking is where this pair separates, and the Beelink EQi 304 (24GB + 512GB) is the more interesting mini PC for a fast home network.
It pairs a 10 Gigabit Ethernet port with a 2.5 Gigabit one and adds two Thunderbolt 4 ports, a built-in 85W power supply, 24 GB of DDR5 against 16 GB of DDR4, and 512 GB of onboard UFS flash with two free M.2 slots. The Beelink EQR5 (5500U 16GB + 480GB) wins on price and on its owner rating, and it counters with a stronger six-core Ryzen 5 5500U, a three-year warranty and two Gigabit ports suited to network separation. The EQi 304 runs an efficiency chip, so it is not built for heavy work. Choose the Beelink EQi 304 (24GB + 512GB) for a 10G file server or a tidy always-on box, and the Beelink EQR5 (5500U 16GB + 480GB) for a cheaper desktop that has to multitask.
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| Feature | Beelink EQi 304 (24GB + 512GB) | Beelink EQR5 (5500U 16GB + 480GB) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $629.00 | $389.00 | Beelink EQR5 (5500U 16GB + 480GB) |
| Rating | 4.3 | 4.4 | Beelink EQR5 (5500U 16GB + 480GB) |
| Memory Type | DDR5 | DDR4 | Beelink EQi 304 (24GB + 512GB) |
| Memory Capacity | 24 GB | 16 GB | Beelink EQi 304 (24GB + 512GB) |
| Storage Capacity | 512 GB | 480 GB | Beelink EQi 304 (24GB + 512GB) |
| CPU Model | Intel Core 3 304 | AMD Ryzen 5 5500U | Different strengths |
| GPU Model | Intel Xe3-LPG | AMD Radeon Graphics (7 CUs) | Different strengths |
| Warranty | 3 years | 3 years | Tie |
What the differences mean
Wired networking
The Beelink EQi 304 (24GB + 512GB) has a 10 Gigabit Ethernet port plus a 2.5 Gigabit one, so it can move large files across a fast home network. The Beelink EQR5 (5500U 16GB + 480GB) has two Gigabit ports, better for separating networks than for raw speed.
Thunderbolt and displays
The Beelink EQi 304 (24GB + 512GB) carries two Thunderbolt 4 ports that handle external SSDs, docks and displays, driving up to three screens. The Beelink EQR5 (5500U 16GB + 480GB) has no USB4 or Thunderbolt and only two HDMI outputs at 4K 60Hz.
Memory
The Beelink EQi 304 (24GB + 512GB) ships 24 GB of DDR5 and takes up to 64 GB, while the Beelink EQR5 (5500U 16GB + 480GB) ships 16 GB of DDR4. The newer memory type and the larger starting size both favour the EQi 304.
Processor
The Beelink EQR5 (5500U 16GB + 480GB) runs a six-core Ryzen 5 5500U with Radeon graphics, a more capable chip for multitasking. The Beelink EQi 304 (24GB + 512GB) uses a five-core Core 3 304 tuned for efficiency rather than peak speed.
Price and rating
The Beelink EQR5 (5500U 16GB + 480GB) is the cheaper of the two and the better rated by owners, while the Beelink EQi 304 (24GB + 512GB) charges more for its networking, Thunderbolt ports and newer memory.
Which one to buy if
- you move large files on a 10 Gigabit network
Only the Beelink EQi 304 (24GB + 512GB) has the 10 Gigabit Ethernet port that makes that possible.
- you want a cheaper desktop that multitasks well
The Beelink EQR5 (5500U 16GB + 480GB) has a six-core Ryzen 5 and costs less than the EQi 304.
- you want fast external storage or an external dock
The Beelink EQi 304 (24GB + 512GB) has two Thunderbolt 4 ports for docks and fast drives.
- you run a Proxmox or Docker host
The Beelink EQR5 (5500U 16GB + 480GB) pairs six cores with two Gigabit ports, memory to 64 GB and quiet cooling.
- you want a tidy box for a media cabinet
The Beelink EQi 304 (24GB + 512GB) is a 500 g box with its power supply built in and no brick on the shelf.
Winner
$629.00
- + Memory Type: DDR5
- + Memory Capacity: 24 GB
- + Storage Capacity: 512 GB
- - Price: $629.00 vs $389.00
- - Rating: 4.3 vs 4.4
13% OFF
Prime exclusive deal$389.00
$449.00
- + Price: $389.00
- + Rating: 4.4
- - Memory Type: DDR4 vs DDR5
- - Memory Capacity: 16 GB vs 24 GB
What owners say
Beelink EQR5 (5500U 16GB + 480GB) owners use theirs for two very different jobs and rate it highly for both: an everyday Windows desktop for browsers, documents and 4K video, and a headless Proxmox host running virtual machines, Docker containers and small game servers. They praise the quiet running, the dual Gigabit ports, the built-in power supply that removes the brick and the free second M.2 slot, and one owner added a 2 TB drive without trouble. Their warnings are that BIOS updates are hard to find, that a clean Windows install may need a key from Beelink, and that the USB-C port is data only with no USB4 or DisplayPort.
Price history compared
Every price change of both, in the same store, so the gap between the two lines is what one costs more than the other.
- Beelink EQi 304 (24GB + 512GB)
- Beelink EQR5 (5500U 16GB + 480GB)
Loading price history...
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better overall: Beelink EQi 304 (24GB + 512GB) or Beelink EQR5 (5500U 16GB + 480GB)?
The Beelink EQi 304 (24GB + 512GB) wins on networking and expansion, with 10 Gigabit Ethernet, two Thunderbolt 4 ports, DDR5 and two free M.2 slots. The Beelink EQR5 (5500U 16GB + 480GB) wins on price, owner rating, warranty and raw processor power.
What is the biggest difference between the Beelink EQi 304 (24GB + 512GB) and the Beelink EQR5 (5500U 16GB + 480GB)?
Connectivity against processor. The Beelink EQi 304 (24GB + 512GB) has 10 Gigabit Ethernet and dual Thunderbolt 4 but an efficiency chip, while the Beelink EQR5 (5500U 16GB + 480GB) has a six-core Ryzen 5 but only Gigabit ports and dual HDMI.
Does the Beelink EQi 304 (24GB + 512GB) really have 10 Gigabit Ethernet?
Yes. It has two wired ports, one at 10 Gigabit and one at 2.5 Gigabit, which makes it well suited to a file server on a fast home network. The Beelink EQR5 (5500U 16GB + 480GB) has two Gigabit ports instead.
Can both be used as a home server?
Yes. The Beelink EQi 304 (24GB + 512GB) is the better fit for fast file serving with its 10G port, while the Beelink EQR5 (5500U 16GB + 480GB) is the cheaper and more powerful host for virtual machines and containers.
Who should buy the Beelink EQi 304 (24GB + 512GB)?
Buyers who want a low-power always-on box, a 10 Gigabit file server or Thunderbolt 4 for external storage and docks.
Who should buy the Beelink EQR5 (5500U 16GB + 480GB)?
Anyone who wants the cheaper, faster desktop or home server, with a three-year warranty, dual Gigabit ports and quiet cooling.
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