The Beelink GTi13 Ultra is the kind of gadget that makes you stop and think, “Is this really a mini PC?” It’s small, sure, but don’t let its compact size fool you—this thing is a powerhouse. Packed with an Intel Core i9-13900HK processor, up to 96GB of DDR5 RAM, and support for not one but two M.2 NVMe SSDs, it’s clear this isn’t your average tiny computer. What really sets it apart, though, is the EX Docking Station. This nifty add-on lets you hook up an external GPU, turning this little machine into a gaming or content creation beast.
It’s like having a desktop setup without all the bulk—or at least the option to leave the heavy stuff behind when you’re on the go. Add in features like Wi-Fi 6, dual Ethernet ports, and even a built-in fingerprint scanner, and you’ve got a device that feels like it’s straight out of the future. But the real question is, does all this tech actually deliver? That’s exactly what we’re diving into here.
Design and Build Quality
The Beelink GTi13 Ultra feels like a premium device the moment you pick it up. This thing is hefty, and that weight alone gives it an air of quality. It’s not overly large for a mini PC, but it’s definitely on the chunkier side compared to some of the super-compact models out there. That extra size isn’t wasted, though. It allows for better cooling and more room for internal components, which is always a win.
The design leans toward sleek and professional, especially with the frost silver edition. The aluminum casing looks sharp and dissipates heat effectively. The finish feels smooth to the touch, and the whole thing just screams “high-end gadget.” There’s no flex or creaking when you handle it, which reinforces the idea that this is built to last.
On the front panel, you’ve got a USB port capable of 10Gbps speeds, an SD card reader, a USB-C port (also 10Gbps), and a headphone jack. There’s also a fingerprint scanner built into the power button, which works flawlessly for logging in. Those four tiny holes above the button? They’re part of a microphone array designed for voice calls and noise-canceling magic. Speaking of mics, these things pick up sound clearly, even from a distance, thanks to AI-powered noise reduction tech.
Flip it around to the back, and things get even more interesting. Dual Ethernet ports? Check. HDMI and DisplayPort? You bet. Thunderbolt 4? Absolutely. There are enough USB ports to make even a power user happy, and everything feels sturdy and well-placed.
So, you’ll find another USB-C port with Thunderbolt 4 support, meaning it can handle display output, power delivery, and data transfers at lightning-fast speeds. There’s also an HDMI port (4K@60Hz) and a DisplayPort 1.4 (4K@144Hz), making it easy to hook up multiple monitors. Four USB-A ports (all 10Gbps), dual Ethernet jacks, and audio outputs round out the package. Oh, and let’s not forget the cooling vents underneath—these help keep the system whisper-quiet, even under heavy loads. No wobbly connectors or cheap plastic here. Even the power input is integrated, meaning no bulky external brick cluttering up your desk.
One standout feature is the cooling system. Beelink calls it MCS 2.0 with a vapor chamber, and it lives up to the hype. Under heavy load, the fans stay whisper-quiet, and the chassis doesn’t get uncomfortably hot. That’s thanks to the clever vent placement along the sides and bottom, plus the dust filter underneath, which is a thoughtful addition for long-term use. Just remember to clean it occasionally to keep airflow optimal.
Opening the unit reveals another layer of attention to detail. Inside, the RAM slots, M.2 slots, and Wi-Fi module are easily accessible, making upgrades straightforward. It’s not the easiest Mini PC to disassemble, but once you’re in, everything is neatly organized. The dual M.2 slots support PCIe Gen 4 SSDs, so you can go all out with storage speed if you want. And while the wireless antennas might require some tinkering for optimal reception, that’s a minor trade-off for the flexibility the EX Docking Station brings.
The only real downside is the lack of VESA mount support, which might disappoint those looking to attach it behind a monitor or under a desk. Other than that, the design and build quality hit all the right notes.
EX Docking Station Integration
The Beelink GTi13 Ultra takes a bold step forward by introducing the EX Docking Station, and it’s not just some optional add-on—it’s a game-changer. This isn’t your typical eGPU solution where you’re left wondering if it’ll actually work or bottleneck your setup. Instead, the EX Docking Station feels like an integral part of the system, almost as if it was designed from the ground up to complement the Mini PC. The integration is seamless, and that’s not something you hear often when talking about external GPU docks.
First off, attaching the GTi13 Ultra to the EX Docking Station is straightforward but satisfying. You remove a small rubber cover on the bottom of the Mini PC to reveal the PCIe x8 slot, then slide it into place on the dock. It clicks in securely, and there’s even a metal plate with screws to lock everything down tight. No wobbling, no loose connections—just a solid fit that makes you feel confident about moving it around or traveling with it.
Once connected, the docking station transforms the GTi13 Ultra into something entirely new. There’s space for another NVMe SSD inside the dock, which is perfect if you need more storage or want to separate your OS drive from your media files. Plus, there’s a spot for a Wi-Fi card, complete with antenna ports on top of the dock.
Speaking of GPUs, the dock supports triple-slot graphics cards, meaning you can go big if you want. Two 8-pin power connectors are included, ensuring compatibility with high-end models like the RTX 3070 or RX 7700 XT. And because the dock has its own built-in 600W power supply, you don’t have to worry about juggling multiple bricks or cables. Everything is neatly integrated, so all you need is a single power cord for both the Mini PC and the dock. That kind of simplicity is huge, especially for people who value clean desks or hassle-free travel setups.
Setting up the GPU is equally painless. Once you’ve mounted the card onto the dock using the provided brackets and screws, connecting the power cables is a breeze. The instructions are clear, and everything fits snugly without requiring excessive force. After powering on the dock first (a crucial step), followed by the Mini PC, the system boots up smoothly. Sure, there might be a brief delay before the display kicks in, but once it does, you’ll know the GPU is fully recognized and ready to roll.
There are smaller details that make the EX Docking Station stand out too. For example, there’s a USB 2.0 port on top for quick access, along with fan headers if you want to add custom cooling. The design itself is practical yet unobtrusive, with ventilation grills on the sides and back to keep airflow optimal. Even the placement of the power button and status LED feels intuitive, giving you instant feedback about whether the dock is powered on or off.
Hardware Specifications
The Beelink GTi13 Ultra is packed with hardware that makes it stand out in the mini PC world, and it’s clear they didn’t cut corners when designing this thing. At its heart is the Intel Core i9-13900HK, a beast of a processor that screams performance. This chip has 14 cores and 20 threads, which means it can juggle a ton of tasks at once without breaking a sweat. It also boosts up to 5.4 GHz to handle everything with ease. For single-threaded tasks like emulation or older software, the performance is top-notch, and even multicore workloads feel smooth.
Then there’s the RAM situation, which is equally impressive. The model I tested came with 32GB of DDR5 memory running at 5200 MHz, but here’s the kicker—it supports up to 96GB. That’s an insane amount of headroom for future-proofing, especially if you plan to use this machine for demanding applications like video editing or 3D rendering. Dual-channel memory ensures fast data transfer speeds, so multitasking feels buttery smooth, and loading times are practically nonexistent.
Storage is another area where the Beelink GTi13 Ultra shines. Inside, you’ll find two M.2 slots, both supporting PCIe Gen 4 SSDs. The unit I reviewed had a 1TB drive installed. If you need more space, you can slap in another SSD, giving you up to 8TB of internal storage. That’s enough room for your operating system, games, media files, and whatever else you might want to throw at it. Plus, the dual-slot setup means you won’t have to compromise on speed or capacity.
Graphics-wise, the Beelink GTi13 Ultra comes with Intel Iris XE Graphics baked in. Now, don’t expect miracles from integrated graphics—they’re decent for light gaming and everyday tasks, but they won’t replace a dedicated GPU anytime soon. Still, the Iris XE holds its own for older titles or less demanding games. Things get really exciting when you pair the GTi13 Ultra with the EX Docking Station.
Performance Benchmarks
The Beelink GTi13 Ultra looks good on paper and backs it up with some seriously impressive performance numbers. This thing is powered by an Intel Core i9-13900HK, and let me tell you, it doesn’t disappoint. Running benchmarks like Cinebench R23 gives a clear picture of what this machine is capable of. In the multicore test, it scores around 15,570 points, which is no joke. For single-core performance, it hits 2034 points, making it one of the fastest mini PCs out there for tasks that rely heavily on single-threaded power. If you’re into emulation or running older software that doesn’t take full advantage of multiple cores, this is where the GTi13 Ultra truly shines.
But let’s not stop there. The integrated Intel Iris XE Graphics might not be a powerhouse for gaming, but it holds its own in lighter scenarios. Running 3DMark benchmarks shows that it’s decent enough for casual use. In CloudGate, it scores 32,115, while SkyDiver gives it 20,473. Fire Strike puts it at 6,235, and Time Spy lands it at 2,164. These numbers aren’t going to blow anyone away if you’re expecting top-tier gaming performance, but they’re solid for an integrated GPU. It can handle older games and less demanding titles without breaking a sweat, especially at 1080p with optimized settings.
Now, here’s where things get interesting. Adding the EX Docking Station with an external GPU transforms this mini PC into something entirely different. Slap in an RTX 3070, and suddenly you’re looking at a completely new beast. Games like Fortnite jump from playable-but-not-amazing frame rates to buttery-smooth gameplay even with high settings. At 2K resolution on a 32-inch monitor, the GTi13 Ultra paired with the RTX 3070 delivers excellent performance, easily hitting over 100 FPS in demanding scenes. Titles like Valorant become absurdly smooth, with frame rates skyrocketing past 500 FPS in some cases. That’s the kind of performance most gamers would kill for.
For productivity tasks, this setup is equally impressive. Editing video timelines feels snappy, thanks to the strong single-core performance of the i9 processor. Multicore workloads, like rendering or encoding, benefit from the 14 cores and 20 threads. Even without the external GPU, the GTi13 Ultra handles multitasking like a champ. Throw in dual-channel DDR5 RAM running at 5200 MHz, and everything feels lightning-fast. Opening multiple applications, streaming, and working on intensive projects all happen without a hitch.
Storage speeds are another highlight. With a PCIe Gen 4 NVMe SSD installed, read and write speeds are blazing fast. Benchmarks show sequential read speeds of around 5176 MB/s and write speeds of 4732 MB/s. That means loading large files, booting up the system, or launching games happens almost instantly. And since there are two M.2 slots, you can double down on storage if you need more space or want to separate your OS and media files.
Networking performance is rock-solid too. Wi-Fi 6 ensures stable wireless connections, while the dual 2.5GbE Ethernet ports are perfect for those who prefer wired setups. Transferring files over the network or streaming content feels seamless, with no hiccups or slowdowns. Bluetooth 5.2 works reliably for connecting peripherals like headsets, mice, or keyboards.
Even under heavy load, the cooling system keeps things chill—literally. During benchmark runs, the CPU temperature stays well within acceptable limits, and the fans remain whisper-quiet. Watching the power draw during these tests reveals that the system pulls about 90 watts during multicore stress tests and around 46 watts during single-core tasks. That’s efficient for a machine packing this much power.
Running older games like Dirt 3 at 1080p with ultra settings results in smooth gameplay, hovering around 60 FPS. More modern titles, like Shadow of the Tomb Raider, require dialing down the settings a bit, but once you do, the performance is respectable. Even notoriously unoptimized games like Crysis run surprisingly well, though occasional dips below 60 FPS remind you that no system is immune to bad coding.
One thing worth noting is how the system behaves when paired with the EX Docking Station. There’s virtually no bottleneck thanks to the PCIe x8 connection, meaning the external GPU performs as if it were internally installed. This makes the GTi13 Ultra a versatile choice for both gaming and professional workloads.
Software and User Experience
The Beelink GTi13 Ultra ships with Windows 11 Pro right out of the box, and while that might sound like a good thing on paper, the experience is a bit of a mixed bag. Setting it up feels like stepping into familiar territory if you’ve used Windows before, but there are moments where you’ll wonder why things have to be so unnecessarily complicated. For example, during the initial boot process, the system asks you to sign in with a Microsoft account, and if you can’t connect to Wi-Fi for whatever reason, it throws up a roadblock. The manual actually warns about this, suggesting you skip the step and log in later. It’s a small hiccup, but one that could frustrate someone who just wants to get started quickly.
Once you’re past the setup phase, though, things start to smooth out. The fingerprint scanner built into the power button works surprisingly well. Logging in is as simple as pressing the button, and it recognizes your print almost instantly. But here’s the thing—Windows Hello isn’t exactly new or groundbreaking, and it feels like this feature should just work flawlessly without needing praise. Still, it’s reliable enough to make daily use a little more convenient.
The pre-installed version of Windows comes with all the usual bloatware you’d expect. Some of it is useful, like the drivers for the hardware, but other stuff feels unnecessary. You’ll probably spend the first hour uninstalling trial versions of software you’ll never use. Thankfully, once you clean that up, the system feels snappier and more responsive. Opening apps, switching between tasks, and even browsing the web happens without any noticeable lag.
One area where the Beelink GTi13 Ultra shines is its compatibility with Linux. If you’re not tied to Windows, installing a Linux distribution transforms this mini PC into something truly special. Ubuntu and similar distros run beautifully, taking full advantage of the powerful hardware. Drivers for the Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and even the fingerprint sensor work without much fuss, which isn’t always the case with smaller form-factor PCs. For developers, tinkerers, or anyone who prefers open-source software, this flexibility is a huge plus. Even SteamOS runs smoothly if you’re looking to turn this into a dedicated gaming rig.
Final thoughts
The Beelink GTi13 Ultra sits in an interesting spot when you look at its price and what it brings to the table. At first glance, $759 for the base model with 32GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD might feel a bit steep if you’re comparing it to other mini PCs out there. But once you dig into the specs and features, it starts to make more sense. This isn’t just another tiny computer—it’s packing an Intel Core i9-13900HK, which is one of the beefiest mobile processors around. Pair that with DDR5 RAM running at 5200 MHz, dual M.2 slots for storage, and Wi-Fi 6, and suddenly the price feels a lot more reasonable.
Now, here’s where things get even better. If you add the EX Docking Station, you’re looking at $868. That’s a solid deal when you consider the docking station alone costs $109 on its own. With support for PCIe x8 bandwidth, it lets you hook up an external GPU without any of the usual bottlenecks you’d find with Thunderbolt or Oculink setups.
High-end mini PCs with similar specs and capabilities can easily push past $1,000, and they rarely include the kind of expandability the GTi13 Ultra offers. Even standalone desktops with comparable performance would likely cost more once you factor in peripherals, cables, and the space they occupy. So while $759 might seem like a lot upfront, it’s actually a bargain when you weigh it against the alternatives.
