Introduction
Five years ago, Beelink launched the EQ series of mini PCs, named after their core philosophy -"Energy saving & Quiet." Designed for light office use, the EQ series stands out for its silent operation, dual Ethernet ports, and a compact form factor-ideal tasks like media streaming, basic office workloads, and general everyday computing.
Through multiple iterations, the EQ series branched into the Intel-powered EQi lineup and the AMD-powered EQR lineup, continuing to focus on the silent office niche. Today, the EQi family welcomes a new member---the EQi12 1235U. As the successor of the EQi12 12450H, this model marks the next step in the lineup's gradual upgrade.
Some users might question the "upgrade" designation, since the 12450H appears to offer higher raw performance than the 1235U. But when it comes to real-world office use, the Intel Core i5-1235U's processor architecture is better optimized for efficiency and responsiveness. Let's dive into the key enhancements of the EQi12 1235U.
01 -- Striving for Total Silence: From Subtle Airflow to Near-Silent Operation
If the previous EQi12 12450H was like a strong athlete-relying on brute strength, then the new EQi12 1235U is more like a strategic performer who knows how to manage its energy for maximum efficiency.
| Specification | EQi12 12450H | EQi12 1235U | Upgrade |
|---|---|---|---|
| CPU | 8 cores / 12 threads (4P + 4E) | 10 cores / 12 threads (2P + 8E) | Core count +25% (Efficiency cores +100%) |
| Integrated GPU | Intel UHD Graphics | Intel Iris Xe Graphics | Theoretical performance +67% |
| Memory Support | DDR4 3200MHz, up to 64GB | DDR4 3200MHz, up to 64GB | No change |
| Storage | Dual M.2 PCIe 4.0, up to 4TB per drive | Dual M.2 PCIe 4.0, up to 8TB per drive | Max capacity +100% |
| Ports | USB3.2 ×3, Type-C (10Gbps) ×1, HDMI ×2 | USB3.2 ×3, Type-C (10Gbps) ×1, HDMI ×2 | No change |
| Noise | Standard level | Quieter (average noise reduced by 8%) | Quieter |
| Power Design | Built-in power supply | Built-in power supply | No change |
| Wireless | WiFi 6 + Bluetooth 5.2 | WiFi 6 + Bluetooth 5.2 | No change |
| Networking | 1000M LAN ×2 | 1000M LAN ×2 | No change |
Significantly Increased Core Count:
- 12450H: 8 cores (4 performance cores + 4 efficiency cores)
- 1235U: 10 cores (2 performance cores + 8 efficiency cores)
Efficiency cores doubled --- from 4 to 8 --- a 100% increase.
What does this mean in real-world use? Tasks like document editing, web browsing, and emails can now be handled entirely by the 8 "hardworking yet quiet" efficiency cores. This allows the performance cores (P-cores) to remain idle during light worklaods, significantly lowering power consumption and heat output, which in turn reduces fan activity.
This intelligent allocation of resources ensures the system to stay nearly silent during most office tasks. Even when handling large spreadsheets or multiple apps, the 8 E-cores are more than capable. Performance cores only kick in during peak loads, resulting in an average of 8% reduction in noise compared to the previous generation.
Measured Noise Performance Comparison:
| Scenario | 12450H (dB) | 1235U (dB) | Reduction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power Off | 32 (ambient noise) | 32 (ambient noise) | 0.00% |
| Idle | 34 | 33.5 | 1.47% |
| Full Load (10 min) | 37.5 | 34.5 | 8.00% |
This near-silent performance is due not only to the processor's excellent power efficiency but also to the Beelink's advanced MSC 2.0 cooling system.
Beelink's custom-designed large heat pipe and dense fin array, paired with a silent fan, keep the CPU cool while avoiding unwanted noise. The oversized SSD heatsink covers the entire surface of the SSDs, while the airflow system---drawing cool air from the bottom and expelling hot air through the rear---efficiently removes heat from the system.
This streamlined airflow design enables efficient heat dissipation with just a single fan. By keeping the internal structure clean and minimal, it avoids the chaotic airflow, diminished cooling performance, and extra noise that can often come with multiple fans inside a mini PC.
02 -- Performance Leap: From UHD to Iris Xe for Ultra-Smooth Graphics
If you occasionally edit images or videos, this GPU upgrade is made for you. Tailored for graphics tasks and light creative workloads, the new integrated GPU delivers a significant performance boost.
The EQi12 1235U steps up from entry-level Intel UHD Graphics to the more powerful Iris Xe Graphics, a mid-range iGPU offering a major leap in both performance and architecture---with theoretical gains of up to 67%. This upgrade not only ensures the EQi12 1235U's smooth handling of everyday office tasks, but also makes it adept at light creative tasks and casual gaming.
The Positioning and Architecture of Intel's Three Types of Integrated Graphics:
| Comparison Dimension | Intel UHD Graphics | Intel Iris Xe Graphics | Intel Arc Graphics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Gen 12 | Xe LP (Low-Power Architecture) | Xe HPG (High-Performance Gaming Architecture) |
| Positioning | Light office work/ web page browsing/ video conferencing | Light gaming/ video editing/ light creative design | Mid-to high-end gaming/ 4K video production/ professional creative design |
Execution units increased dramatically: from 48 EUs to 80 EUs (+32), bringing a major boost in parallel graphics processing power, whether it's 4K video decoding, light editing, or real-time rendering. This translates into smoother performance for creative workflows and a noticeably more responsive experience in everyday use.
| GPU Name* | Intel® UHD Graphics for 12th Gen Intel® Processors | Intel® Iris® Xe Graphics eligible |
|---|---|---|
| Max Dynamic Frequency | 1.20 GHz | 1.20 GHz |
| Graphics Output | eDP 1.4b, DP 1.4a, HDMI 2.1 | eDP 1.4b, DP 1.4a, HDMI 2.1 |
| Execution Units | 48 | 80 |
| Max Resolution (HDMI)* | 4096 x 2304 @ 60Hz | 4096 x 2304 @ 60Hz |
| Max Resolution (DP) † | 7680 x 4320 @ 60Hz | 7680 x 4320 @ 60Hz |
| Max Resolution (eDP - Integrated Flat Panel) ‡ | 4096 x 2304 @ 120Hz | 4096 x 2304 @ 120Hz |
| DirectX* Support | 12.1 | 12.1 |
| OpenGL* Support | 4.6 | 4.6 |
| OpenCL™ Support | 3 | 3 |
Video decoding capabilities of the two GPUs are completely identical in terms of resolution support:
1. All decoders support SD (Standard Definition), HD (High Definition), and FHD (Full High Definition)
2. Most modern codecs --- including VC1, H.264, HEVC, VP9, and AV1 --- support 4K resolution
3. HEVC, VP9, and AV1 decoders additionally support 8K resolution
3DMark Time Spy Benchmark：
| Testing Environment: Windows 11 Pro, Ambient Temperature 26°C DDR4-3200Mhz 32GB RAM, PCIe4.0x4 500GB SSD | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Testing Software | Testing Item | EQ12 1235U | EQ12 12450H | Performance Improvement |
| 3D Mark | Time Spy | 1378 | 975 | 41.33% |
| Fire Strike | 3483 | 2774 | 25.56% | |
According to the chart, while it didn't quite hit the theoretical 67% performance boost, but it still achieved an impressive 41.33% improvement in 3Dmark Time Spy benchmark. So, what does that mean?
1. Accelerated video decoding
- Faster performance in light video editing and rendering
- Supports 8K HDR hardware decoding for smooth playback
2. Multitasking
- Faster loading of multiple images in Photoshop
- Faster complex calculations in Excel -- even with millions of rows
3. Support for light creative work and gaming
- Smoother zooming of CAD drawings
- Increased average frame rate in lightweight games (such as LOL)
Let's take a look at the real-world application comparison.
| Metric | 12450H | 1235U | Improvement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4K Video Transcoding Speed | 27.2s | 22s | 19.12% |
| PS Large Project File Loading Time | 7s | 4s | 42.85% |
| LOL Light Gaming FPS | 91FPS | 101FPS | 10.99% |
03 -- Desktop Aesthetics: Say Goodbye to Power Bricks, Embrace Simplicity
A messy desk filled tangled cables and bulky power adapters can disrupt both focus and productivity. Compared to conventional desktop towers, the EQi12 1235U embodies Beelink's minimalist design philosophy, while further optimizing the power solution to create an even cleaner, more professional workspace for mini PC users.
Compact Size:
With compact dimensions of just 126 × 126 × 44.2 mm--- smaller than an A4 sheet, the EQi12 1235U fits perfectly on your desk as a stylish modern decoration.
Built-in Power Supply Unit:
Say goodbye to bulky external power bricks. The PSU frees up valuable desk space and keeps your power setup neat.
Single Cable Design:
With just one streamlined power cable, the EQi12 1235U eliminates the need for extra wiring---cutting desktop clutter by up to 50%
Minimalism is the core of modern workspace aesthetics. It's time to ditch oversized, unattractive adapters. One clean power cable is all it takes to power your day.
04 -- Appearance and I/O Overview
Beyond the three key upgrades, here's a quick look at the EQi12's exterior and I/O design.
Material & Build:
Constructed from high-quality ABS engineering plastic, offering excellent durability, light weight, scratch resistance, and strong resistance to heat and corrosion.
Dimensions:
At just 126 × 126 × 44.2 mm and a total volume of just 0.7 liters, the EQi12 is over 30 times smaller than a conventional desktop tower
Design:
The top features a laser-engraved black Beelink logo and a recessed square-texture pattern for visual appeal and added grip.
Front I/O:
- 1 × USB 3.2 Gen2 (10Gbps)
- 1 × 3.5mm audio jack
- 1 × USB-C 10Gbps (data)
- 1 × Power button
High-speed USB ports make it easy to connect external hard drives or USB flash drives for data transfer, and the front audio jack is suitable for connecting headphones or microphones.
Rear I/O:
- 2 × USB 3.2 Gen2 (10Gbps)
- 1 × USB 2.0
- 2 × HDMI 2.0 (4K@60Hz)
- 2 × 1000M LAN ports
- 1 × AC power port
Three large exhaust vents on the rear side dissipate heat efficiently through black nano-coated heat sink fins.
Although the rear panel is compact, it houses a surprisingly rich selection of ports. Three USB ports provide reliable connectivity for peripherals such as keyboards, mice, and external storage. Dual HDMI 2.0 outputs support 4K dual-screen independent displays, enhancing productivity for multi-tasking users. The two gigabit LAN ports are ideal for separating internal and external enterprise networks and can also support advanced functions such as soft routing and network redundancy.
Bottom Design
The bottom panel features the EQ series branding alongside large ventilation inlets designed to create efficient airflow. Two rubber feet are seamlessly integrated into the base using injection molding, which slightly increases cost but greatly improves the visual quality and overall finish. After removing the screw covers at each corner, the internal screws are revealed. The unit also retains the signature rubber pull tab for easy disassembly.
In Summary: Three Key Upgrades of Beelink EQi12 1235U
Ultra-Silent Experience
2x E-cores deliver near-silent operation for daily office tasks.
Graphics Boost
Upgraded to Intel Iris Xe graphics for much smoother content creation and casual gaming.
Built-in Power Supply
Removes the need for bulky adapters, giving you a cleaner, more organized workspace.
Other than these three core upgrades, most other specifications remain consistent with the 12450H version, making the EQi12 1235U a seamless and reassuring upgrade for existing users.
Learn more about EQi12 1235U: https://www.bee-link.com/products/beelink-eqi12-intel%C2%AE-core-1220p-12450h-12650h
If you encounter any issues or have any questions, please feel free to contact the Beelink official support team at support-pc@bee-link.com
Thank you for your support and understanding. We will continue to strive to provide you with better products and services!
