We've seen several mini systems recently with an OCuLink port, which enables video cards to be connected externally. OCuLink uses Thunderbolt technology to extend the PCIe bus, but doing that offers less useable bandwidth than an x4 slot. The Beelink GTi12 Ultra is aimed at the same market as those other mini systems but takes an entirely different approach that enables proper PCI cards to be connected externally.

With a slightly larger form factor than the standard NUC, measuring 158mm square and 55.8mm high, this design isn’t meant for monitor mounting. That's still not huge, but the extra space has allowed for an internal PSU and the motherboard to support a full PCIe x8 slot.

The problem, as any person who has built a modern computer might realise, is that being able to physically attach a discrete desktop video card to the GTi12 Ultra is only part of the problem. More powerful video cards need additional power. The Beelink resolution to that problem is the Beelink Multi-Functional EX Docking Station, an external box that the GTi12 Ultra can sit and connect to the PCIe port.

This allows an external GPU to be slotted on and also powered externally. It also does other things that we'll discuss later. This is a unique design, so far, and entirely sidesteps the issue of a mini system being hamstrung by GPU performance by turning it into a small desktop solution.

The GTi12 Ultra is the cheapest of three SKUs for the same design, and even with the GT Ultra addon, it's relativ.