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The product under review here is the B-Link GTR7, a small form factor PC that enters the market, directly competing with Intel NUCs. What sets it apart is the utilization of AMD Ryzen technology, specifically the current-generation Ryzen processors. This review will delve into various aspects of the B-Link GTR7, assessing its build quality, performance, features, and upgradability.

The B-Link GTR7 has proven to be a welcome surprise, offering a combination of quality and performance. Upon receiving the product, it was immediately apparent that it was well-packaged and constructed with precision.

The device features a metal casing with an aluminum chassis, providing a rigid and aesthetically pleasing exterior. Notably, it comes in four color options, three of which are vibrant and playful, catering to different preferences, while the fourth is a more subdued gray for those seeking a professional appearance in office settings.

While not the tiniest in the realm of mini PCs, the B-Link GTR7 strikes a balance between compactness and functionality. This allows it to accommodate an AMD Horizon 7 7840 HS processor, and there is even a pro model with the more powerful Ryzen 9, operating at 65 Watts compared to the typical 35 to 45 Watts.

This level of processing power is comparable to what one might expect in larger devices like the Asus Rog Zephyrus G14, making the thermal management and fan capabilities crucial. The device manages heat well, with occasional fan noise that is not excessively loud, providing a balance between thermal performance and acoustic comfort.

Furthermore, the B-Link GTR7 offers significant upgradability, allowing users to enhance both RAM and storage. The review emphasizes the appealing pricing, particularly noting a current discount on Amazon. For $859, users receive a comprehensive package that includes 32 gigs of DDR5 RAM, a one-terabyte PCIe 4×4 SSD (Crucial brand), and the operating system pre-installed with Windows 11 Pro. This eliminates the need for additional purchases or installations, offering a turnkey solution for users.

Connectivity is another strong suit of the B-Link GTR7. It incorporates a magnetic disc-style connector, eschewing the traditional barrel jack, and boasts a variety of ports. The rear includes USB-A ports, while the front accommodates both USB-A and USB-C. Additionally, there are headphone jacks on both the front and back, two USB-C 4 ports supporting Thunderbolt 3 speeds, and two 2.5 gigabit Ethernet ports. The device further includes an HDMI 2.1 port and a full-size DisplayPort 1.4, facilitating the connection of up to four monitors.

In terms of graphics, the B-Link GTR7 relies on the AMD Radeon 780m, offering PlayStation-level performance for gaming. The review acknowledges that while the device may not be a dedicated gaming PC, it performs well enough for gaming at 1080p with medium settings. This capability extends to playing graphically demanding titles such as Cyberpunk and older games like The Witcher 3, Assassin’s Creed, and Call of Duty, as well as esports titles.

Beyond gaming, the B-Link GTR7 demonstrates competence in productivity tasks. It is deemed suitable for activities like photo editing in Photoshop, 2D work, and casual video editing up to 4K resolution. The review notes that the device handles thermals efficiently, maintaining CPU temperatures below 80 degrees Celsius during benchmarking and gaming sessions. This stability is particularly commendable, considering the consistent power curve observed in benchmarks.

The review also touches upon the internals of the B-Link GTR7. Accessing the device is straightforward, requiring the removal of four Phillips head screws. Inside, users can find a one-terabyte PCIe 4 SSD, two DDR5 RAM modules (Crucial branded), and a socketed Wi-Fi 6 card. The device accommodates up to 64 gigs of RAM, and a second M.2 slot allows for additional SSD installation, contributing to the overall upgradability of the device.

The B-Link GTR7 includes thoughtful additions such as a VESA mount, allowing users to attach it to the back of a monitor or TV. It comes with an HDMI cable and a short alternative for users opting for a cleaner setup when mounting to a monitor. The power supply, described as not overly bulky, contributes to the overall clean and uncluttered design.

While the device excels in various aspects, the review does highlight a couple of areas where improvements could be considered. It mentions the absence of Wi-Fi 6E, which could have been a beneficial addition to complement the high-end nature of the PC. Additionally, while the 2.5 gigabit Ethernet ports are appreciated, the mention of a 10-gigabit option would have been a welcomed enhancement.

In conclusion, the B-Link GTR7 impresses as a small form factor PC with AMD Ryzen technology, providing a compelling alternative to Intel NUCs. Its blend of build quality, performance, upgradability, and connectivity options, coupled with a competitive price point, positions it favorably in the market. The review reinforces its recommendation for users seeking a powerful and versatile mini PC that excels in both gaming and productivity applications.

The Beelink GTR7 AMD Ryzen Mini PC offers a compelling mix of features, performance, and design, providing users with a versatile and compact computing solution. Below is an extensive list of its pros and cons:

Pros:

1. AMD Ryzen Processing Power: The Beelink GTR7 is equipped with AMD Ryzen processors, providing users with robust and efficient processing capabilities. The availability of both Ryzen 7 and Ryzen 9 options caters to varying performance needs.
2. Quality Build and Aesthetics: The mini PC features a metal casing with an aluminum chassis, offering a durable and visually appealing design. It is available in four colors, including playful options for those seeking a vibrant look.
3. Compact Form Factor: While not the smallest mini PC, the GTR7 maintains a balance between compactness and functionality. Its size allows it to house powerful components without sacrificing thermal performance.
4. Upgradability: The mini PC allows users to upgrade both RAM and storage. With 32GB of DDR5 RAM and a one-terabyte PCIe 4×4 SSD included in the package, users have the option to expand these components according to their needs.
5. Turnkey Solution: The GTR7 offers a turnkey solution, including a pre-installed Windows 11 Pro operating system. This simplifies the setup process for users, eliminating the need for additional purchases or installations.
6. Versatile Connectivity: The device features a variety of ports, including USB-A, USB-C, HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4, and 2.5 gigabit Ethernet ports. This extensive connectivity allows users to connect multiple peripherals and monitors.
7. AMD Radeon Graphics: The inclusion of AMD Radeon 780m graphics provides sufficient performance for gaming at 1080p with medium settings. The device is capable of handling graphically demanding games and esports titles.
8. Efficient Thermal Management: The GTR7 maintains efficient thermal performance, with the CPU temperature rarely exceeding 80 degrees Celsius during benchmarks and gaming sessions. The consistent power curve ensures stability.
9. VESA Mount Compatibility: The mini PC comes with VESA mount support, allowing users to attach it to the back of a monitor or TV for a clean and space-saving setup.
10. Thoughtful Additions: The inclusion of a high-speed HDMI cable and a short HDMI alternative, along with a not-overly-bulky power supply, contributes to a clutter-free and user-friendly experience.
11. Competitive Pricing: With a competitive initial price and the availability of discounts, the GTR7 offers good value for users looking for a powerful mini PC solution.

Cons:

1. No Wi-Fi 6E: The absence of Wi-Fi 6E may be considered a drawback, especially for users who prioritize the latest wireless connectivity standards.
2. 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet: While 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet ports are appreciated, the inclusion of a 10-gigabit option would have been welcomed, particularly for users with higher bandwidth requirements.

In summary, the Beelink GTR7 AMD Ryzen Mini PC stands out as a well-rounded computing solution, offering strong performance, upgradability, and a sleek design. While it may lack certain advanced features like Wi-Fi 6E and 10-gigabit Ethernet, its competitive pricing and versatile capabilities make it a compelling choice for users seeking a mini PC for both productivity and gaming applications.