When it comes to compact computing, few options are as intriguing as mini PCs. These pint-sized powerhouses pack the performance of a desktop computer into a chassis that‘s a fraction of the size, making them incredibly versatile for a wide range of applications. Whether you‘re a remote worker seeking to maximize desk space, a content creator who values portability, or an IT professional deploying digital signage solutions, mini PCs offer a compelling blend of power and flexibility.
Two of the most exciting mini PCs on the market today are the Intel NUC 13 Pro and the Beelink SER6 Pro. Both of these systems leverage cutting-edge hardware to deliver outstanding performance in a small form factor, but they also have some key differences that are worth exploring in depth. In this article, we‘ll take a comprehensive look at how these mighty minis stack up, examining everything from design and specs to real-world performance and value proposition.
Before we dive in, let‘s take a moment to appreciate the pedigree of these two contenders. Intel is a titan of the tech industry, with a storied history that spans over five decades. The company introduced the NUC (Next Unit of Computing) line back in 2012, revolutionizing the mini PC market with its innovative design and impressive performance. Since then, each successive generation of NUC has pushed the envelope further, integrating the latest Intel processors and platform technologies.
Beelink, on the other hand, is a relative newcomer to the scene. Founded in 2017, the company has quickly made a name for itself by offering mini PCs that deliver exceptional bang for the buck. The SER6 Pro is one of Beelink‘s most ambitious offerings to date, featuring a cutting-edge AMD Ryzen processor and a host of premium features.
Design and Build Quality
The Intel NUC 13 Pro and Beelink SER6 Pro both sport sleek, minimalist designs that will look right at home in any environment. The NUC 13 Pro features a classic rectangular chassis with a matte black finish and understated Intel branding. Measuring just 4.6 x 4.4 x 2.1 inches (117 x 112 x 54 mm) and weighing a mere 1.6 pounds (0.73 kg), it‘s incredibly compact and easy to tuck away behind a monitor or mount on the back of a display using the included VESA bracket.
One of the standout features of the NUC 13 Pro‘s design is its tool-free access to the internals. Simply push a button on the rear of the device and the top panel pops off, revealing the M.2 SSD and SO-DIMM slots for easy upgrades. The system also features a replaceable lid, allowing you to customize the look of your NUC or add features like wireless charging.
The Beelink SER6 Pro, meanwhile, opts for a more distinctive aesthetic. The mini PC is housed in a sleek, rounded chassis with a dark green finish and a stylish geometric pattern on the top panel. At 5.4 x 5.2 x 1.8 inches (138 x 131 x 46 mm) and 2.2 pounds (1 kg), it‘s slightly larger and heavier than the NUC but still incredibly compact overall.
Like the NUC, the SER6 Pro offers easy access to its internals for upgrades. However, the process is a bit more involved, requiring you to remove several screws to access the M.2 and SO-DIMM slots. One unique feature of the SER6 Pro is its built-in fingerprint reader, which allows you to log in to Windows quickly and securely without a password.
Both mini PCs feature robust cooling solutions to keep temperatures in check during demanding workloads. The NUC 13 Pro uses a single-fan design with a large heatsink and copper heat pipes, while the SER6 Pro opts for a dual-fan setup with a more compact heatsink. In our testing, both systems remained relatively quiet under load, with the SER6 Pro being slightly louder due to its dual fans.
Processing and Graphics Performance
Of course, the real test of any mini PC is how it performs under pressure. The Intel NUC 13 Pro and Beelink SER6 Pro are both equipped with cutting-edge processors that deliver outstanding performance for their size.
The NUC 13 Pro is powered by a 13th Gen Intel Core i7-1360P processor, a 12-core, 16-thread beast with a base clock of 1.2 GHz and a boost clock of up to 5.0 GHz. This chip is part of Intel‘s latest Raptor Lake lineup, which brings significant improvements to both single-threaded and multi-threaded performance thanks to its hybrid architecture combining high-performance and efficiency cores.
In our benchmarks, the NUC 13 Pro delivered impressive results across the board. In Cinebench R23, it scored 1,693 points in the single-core test and 11,743 points in the multi-core test, putting it on par with some high-end desktop processors. It also excelled in real-world applications, encoding a 4K video in Handbrake in just under 10 minutes and achieving a score of 5,825 in PCMark 10‘s productivity test.
The Beelink SER6 Pro, meanwhile, features an AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS processor. This 8-core, 16-thread chip has a base clock of 2.7 GHz and a boost clock of up to 4.7 GHz, making it a formidable contender in its own right. The 7735HS is part of AMD‘s latest Ryzen 7000 series, which brings significant IPC improvements and higher clock speeds compared to the previous generation.
In our tests, the SER6 Pro went toe-to-toe with the NUC 13 Pro in most benchmarks. It scored 1,578 points in Cinebench R23‘s single-core test and 11,215 points in the multi-core test, just slightly behind the NUC. In Handbrake, it encoded our 4K video in 11 minutes, and it achieved a score of 5,731 in PCMark 10.
Both mini PCs also feature capable integrated graphics solutions. The NUC 13 Pro comes equipped with Intel Iris Xe Graphics, while the SER6 Pro features AMD Radeon Graphics. In 3DMark‘s Time Spy benchmark, the NUC 13 Pro scored 1,951 points, while the SER6 Pro managed 1,624 points.
These scores translate to decent gaming performance at lower resolutions and settings. In Fortnite at 1080p and medium settings, the NUC 13 Pro averaged 68 fps, while the SER6 Pro managed 59 fps. Both systems are also capable of handling light content creation tasks like photo editing and 1080p video editing.
It‘s worth noting that neither of these mini PCs is designed specifically for gaming or content creation. If those are your primary use cases, you may be better served by a larger desktop PC or a gaming laptop. However, for general productivity, web browsing, and video streaming, both the NUC 13 Pro and SER6 Pro offer more than enough power.
RAM, Storage, and Connectivity
When it comes to memory and storage, both the Intel NUC 13 Pro and Beelink SER6 Pro offer plenty of flexibility and room for expansion. The NUC 13 Pro supports up to 64GB of DDR4-3200 SO-DIMM memory, while the SER6 Pro supports up to 64GB of faster DDR5-4800 memory.
In terms of storage, the NUC 13 Pro features two M.2 slots (one PCIe 4.0 and one PCIe 3.0) as well as a 2.5-inch SATA bay for adding a traditional hard drive or SSD. The SER6 Pro, meanwhile, has a single M.2 PCIe 4.0 slot as well as a 2.5-inch SATA bay.
Both systems also offer a wide range of connectivity options. The NUC 13 Pro features Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, two Thunderbolt 4 ports, two USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports, two USB 2.0 ports, an HDMI 2.1 port, a Mini DisplayPort 1.4 port, and a 2.5Gb Ethernet port. The SER6 Pro, on the other hand, has Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, one USB 4 port, four USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports, one HDMI 2.1 port, one DisplayPort 1.4 port, and a 2.5Gb Ethernet port.
Both systems support up to four displays, making them well-suited for productivity setups or digital signage applications. They also have sufficient USB ports for connecting peripherals like keyboards, mice, and external storage drives.
Software and User Experience
The Intel NUC 13 Pro and Beelink SER6 Pro both come with Windows 11 Pro pre-installed, offering a familiar and user-friendly experience right out of the box. Both systems also support Linux operating systems for users who prefer more flexibility and customization.
One advantage of the NUC 13 Pro is its integration with Intel‘s NUC Software Studio, a suite of tools for managing and monitoring your mini PC. This includes features like remote power management, automatic driver updates, and system health monitoring. The SER6 Pro doesn‘t offer any comparable software suite, though it does come with a basic hardware monitoring app.
Both mini PCs offer a smooth and responsive user experience overall. In our testing, we didn‘t encounter any significant slowdowns or stutters during everyday use, even with multiple apps running simultaneously. Boot times were also impressively fast on both systems, thanks to their speedy NVMe SSDs.
Value and Conclusion
So, which mini PC is the best choice for you? The answer depends on your specific needs and budget.
The Intel NUC 13 Pro is the more premium option, with a starting price of around $1,000 for a barebones kit (processor, motherboard, and case only). Once you factor in memory, storage, and an operating system, you‘re looking at a total cost of around $1,500 or more. For that price, you‘re getting cutting-edge performance, Thunderbolt 4 support, and a highly upgradeable platform.
The Beelink SER6 Pro, on the other hand, offers excellent value for the money. A fully configured system with 32GB of RAM and a 500GB SSD starts at just $799, making it a much more affordable option for budget-conscious buyers. While it doesn‘t quite match the NUC 13 Pro in terms of raw performance or features, it still delivers impressive results for the price.
Ultimately, both of these mini PCs are excellent choices for anyone seeking a compact, powerful, and versatile computing solution. The Intel NUC 13 Pro is the top pick for demanding users who value top-of-the-line performance and features, while the Beelink SER6 Pro is a fantastic value option that punches well above its weight class.
Regardless of which one you choose, you can rest assured that you‘re getting a highly capable and future-proof mini PC that will serve you well for years to come. Whether you‘re a remote worker, a content creator, an IT professional, or just someone who values a clutter-free workspace, the Intel NUC 13 Pro and Beelink SER6 Pro are two of the best options on the market today.
