[Device Reviews and Information] Jupit3r:
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PROS

Iris Plus graphics offers impeccable media playback capabilities.

Easy access for upgrades.

Dual-channel memory.

Can hold two drives (one M.2, one 2.5-inch).

CONS

No Thunderbolt.

Relatively weak CPU performance.

For a long time, Intel Celeron or Pentium processors have been considered the best solutions for budget mini PCs because of their cost and low power consumption. While the latest Celeron SoC. may match older-generation Intel Core M or Core i3 chips in terms of CPU performance, but in the graphics department, there’s still a relatively huge gap. For users who want the best overall performance at the lowest price possible, a budget PC with an older Intel Core processor may not be a bad idea, in fact, it might just be the perfect answer.

The SEI8 8109 is the latest addition to Beelink’s mini PC lineup. Powered by an Intel Core i3-8109U processor, dual-channel DDR4 memory and an NVMe derive, it has the potential to be a strong contender in the market of affordable SFF PCs.

Main specs of the Beelink SEI8 8109

Processor: Intel Core i3-8109U

CPU: 2 cores, 4 threads, 3.0-3.6GHz

GPU: Iris Plus 655 Graphics

Process technique: 14nm

OS: Windows 11 Pro

RAM: 8/16/32GB DDR4 2400MHz (32GB in my review)

Storage: 256GB/500GB SSD (500GB in my review)

Network: WiFi5 + BT 4.0 / Ethernet Gigabit

Ports: 4x USB 3.0 / 1x USB-C / 2x HDMI 2.0 / 3.5mm audio jack

Accessories: 19V-3A DC adapter/ 2x HDMI Cable (1m & 0.2m) / User Manual

Packaging

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The SEI8 8109 mini PC comes with simple, but attractive retail packaging.

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Inside the box you will find a mini PC, a VESA mount bracket, a 57-watt power adapter, two HDMI cables, a bag of screws, and a user manual.

Design and build

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The SEI8 8109 is super tiny. Measuring only 124*113*41mm, it is not much bigger than an average TV box, and takes up almost no room on your desk. You can also choose to attach it to the back of a monitor with the supplied VESA mount.

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The SEI8 8109 has a plastic chassis, which is unsurprising considering its price tag, but thanks to the shiny top panel, and beautiful metal-like coating on the side panels, it doesn’t look cheap or plasticky at all. On the contrary, it is one of the better-looking SFF PCs in the market right now.

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The SEI8 8109 is an actively cooled system, and vents can be found on the left, right and rear.

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The SEI8 8109 packs plenty of IO for its size. The front sports two USB 3.0 ports, a multi-function USB-C port, and a 3.5mm audio jack with mic support.

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The rear side plays host to two more USB 3.0 ports, a 1000M Ethernet, two HDMI 2.0, and a DC-in.

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Getting access to the internals couldn’t be easier, just extract the four screws and you will be able to remove the bottom panel. There are two memory slots, an m.2 2280 NVMe SSD slot, as well as a connector and space for a 2.5-inch SATA hard drive.

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The SEI8 8109 weighs only 346g, not much heavier than some of the latest smartphones, and lighter than most tablets. Moving it around in the house or taking it on a trip shouldn’t be too much effort. The build quality is quite good, as the case feels robust, without any sign of flexing under pressure.

System & App

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The SEI8 8109 ships with licensed Windows 11 Pro. Average consumers may not tell the difference between this and the more commonly seen Windows Home Edition. But for power users, Windows 11 Pro offers lots of extra features, such as being able to join a domain, Hyper-V for virtualization, and getting updates from Windows Update for Business. Like all Beelink mini PCs, the Windows OS here is a completely clean version, with no third-party apps or any bloatware.