Introduction
The Beelink EX Pro is a dedicated external GPU docking station designed to significantly enhance the graphics performance of compatible mini PCs, specifically all models within the Beelink GTi Series. It features a PCIe 5.0 X8 interface, a robust built-in 600W power supply, and dual PCIe 5.0 signal enhancement chips to deliver turbo-charged performance for demanding applications such as 3D rendering, video editing, graphics-intensive gaming, and local AI computing. Its open cooling design ensures efficient heat dissipation, and it offers flexible compatibility with a wide range of NVIDIA RTX 50 series and AMD RX 9000 series graphics cards.
Package Contents
Please verify that all items are present and in good condition upon unboxing:
- 1 x Beelink EX Pro Docking Station
- 1 x AC Power Cord
- 1 x User Manual
- 2 x 8-Pin double-ended male-male patch cords for graphics card
- 1 x EX-graphics card back plate
- 1 x Metal baffle plate
- 1 x Wi-Fi plate (for optional Wi-Fi module)
- M2.5 Screws (2 packets)
- M3 Screws (1 packet)
Setup Instructions
Important Safety Note: Do NOT perform hot-plugging on the machine or the graphics card during operation. Please ensure the power is OFF before proceeding with any installation steps.
Component Identification
Installation Steps
- Prepare the Docking Station: Remove the PCIe silicone stoppers located at the bottom (gray area) of the EX docking station.
- Connect to Mini PC: Insert the printed circuit board of the EX docking station into the PCIe interface of your mini PC.
- Secure Mini PC: Fix the mini PC with the metal baffle plate and affix it with the provided M2.5 screws.
- Install Graphics Card Back Plate: Install the graphics card back plate as illustrated in the picture and affix it with M2.5 screws.
- Install Graphics Card: Press the snap-fit attachment of the PCIe slot graphics card's holder on the EX docking station. Vertically insert your graphics card into the slot and affix it with M3 screws.
- Connect Graphics Card Power: Insert the two ends of the 8-Pin graphics card power cords into the EX docking station's 8-Pin power supply port and the graphics card power supply port, respectively. Then, connect the graphics card and the monitor using an HD/DisplayPort cable.
- Connect AC Power: Connect the device to power with the AC power cord of the EX docking station.
- Power On: Power on the EX docking station first, and then the mini PC by pressing on their respective power buttons in order.
Removal Note: To remove the docking station or graphics card, always disconnect the power supply first. Then, work through the installation steps in reverse. Please save all removed accessories and screws for future use.
Operating Instructions
The Beelink EX Pro Docking Station is designed to seamlessly integrate with your GTi Series mini PC, providing enhanced graphics capabilities for a variety of tasks.
General Usage
- Once properly installed and powered on, your operating system should detect the external graphics card. You may need to install the latest drivers for your specific graphics card.
- The dual-switch design allows you to use the mini PC and EX docking station separately or together, offering flexibility, saving energy, and potentially extending the products' lifespan.
Supported Applications
- Business & Office: Enhance productivity with multiple high-resolution displays and accelerated computing tasks.
- Graphic Rendering & 3D Modeling: Accelerate rendering times for complex designs and models.
- Video Editing & Live Streaming: Smoothly handle high-resolution video processing and encoding.
- Graphics-Intensive Gaming: Experience higher frame rates and better visual quality in demanding games.
- Local AI Computing: Utilize the powerful GPU for AI tasks such as Stable Diffusion, Fooocus, Krita AI, and ComfyUI.
SSD and Wi-Fi Module Support
The EX Pro Docking Station includes an M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 x1 slot for SSD expansion. It also supports a Wi-Fi module, though the expanded SSD and Wi-Fi module cannot be used simultaneously. External antennas for the Wi-Fi module need to be purchased separately.
Maintenance
Proper maintenance ensures the longevity and optimal performance of your EX Pro Docking Station.
- Cleaning: Regularly clean the exterior of the docking station with a soft, dry cloth. Ensure ventilation openings are free from dust and debris to maintain optimal airflow for the open cooling design.
- Ventilation: Place the docking station in a well-ventilated area to prevent overheating. Do not block the air vents.
- Storage: If storing the device for an extended period, disconnect it from power and store it in a cool, dry place.
- Component Removal: If you need to remove any components (e.g., graphics card, SSD, Wi-Fi module), always disconnect the power supply first and follow the installation steps in reverse. Keep all removed accessories and screws for future use.
Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues with your EX Pro Docking Station, refer to the following common troubleshooting steps:
- No Power:
- Ensure the AC power cord is securely connected to both the docking station and a working power outlet.
- Verify that the power button on the docking station has been pressed.
- Graphics Card Not Detected:
- Ensure the graphics card is fully seated in the PCIe slot and secured with M3 screws.
- Check that both 8-Pin power cords are correctly connected to the graphics card and the docking station's power supply ports.
- Confirm that the HD/DisplayPort cable is securely connected between the graphics card and your monitor.
- Ensure the docking station is powered on before the mini PC.
- Install or update the latest graphics drivers for your specific graphics card from the manufacturer's website.
- Poor Performance:
- Verify that your graphics card is compatible and meets the power requirements (600W or below).
- Ensure proper ventilation to prevent thermal throttling.
- Check that the PCIe 5.0 connection is stable.
- Wi-Fi Module Not Working:
- Ensure the Wi-Fi module is correctly installed.
- Remember that the expanded SSD and Wi-Fi module cannot be used simultaneously. If an SSD is installed, the Wi-Fi module may be disabled.
- External antennas are required for Wi-Fi functionality and must be purchased separately.
Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Dimension | 225mm x 179mm x 64.7mm (Without Rubber Feet) |
| Internal Slot | PCIe X16 Slot (Operating at PCIe 5.0 X8 Speed); Graphics Card 8-Pin Power Connector *2; Antenna Connectors *2; USB 2.0 *1; 4-Pin Fan Connector *1 |
| Interface | M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 X1 Slot, M.2 2230 Slot (Cannot be used simultaneously with M.2 2280 Slot) |
| Power Indicator Light | 1 |
| Power Button | 1 |
| Adapter | Input: 100-240V~; 50-60Hz; 3.5-7A |
| Operating Environment | Temperature: -10°C-45°C, Humidity: 30%-90% |
| Storage Environment | Temperature: -10°C-60°C, Humidity: 10%-90% |
| Accessories | AC Power Cord *1; User Manual *1; EX-Graphics Card Back Plate *1; Metal Baffle Plate *1; Wi-Fi Mini Plate *1; 8-Pin double-ended male-male patch cords for graphics cards *2; M2.5 Screws (2 packets); M3 Screws (1 packet) |
| Additional Functions | Support Desktop Discrete Graphics Card, SSD, Wi-Fi Module, and External Antennas |
Graphics Card Compatibility
The EX Pro Docking Station is compatible with a wide range of graphics cards that require a power supply of 600W or below, including NVIDIA RTX 50 series and AMD RX 9000 series. Refer to the chart below for a non-exhaustive list of compatible cards.
Warranty and Support
For warranty information and technical support, please refer to the official Beelink website or contact your authorized retailer. Keep your proof of purchase for any warranty claims.
User Tips
No specific user tips were available from provided reviews or Q&A for this product. However, general best practices for external GPU setups include:
- Always ensure your mini PC's BIOS/UEFI is updated to the latest version for optimal compatibility and performance with the docking station.
- Regularly check for and install the latest graphics card drivers from NVIDIA or AMD's official websites to ensure the best performance, stability, and access to new features.
- When upgrading or changing graphics cards, always power down and disconnect the docking station and mini PC completely before making any hardware changes to prevent damage.
- For optimal performance, ensure the docking station is placed in an area with good airflow to facilitate efficient cooling.
