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The Beelink X2 is an inexpensive TV box/multimedia player based on Allwinner's H3 SoC.

Identification

Beelink X2
Manufacturer	Roofull Technologies
Dimensions	110mm x 110mm x 17.5mm
Release Date	June 2015
Website	X2 Product Page
Specifications
SoC	H3 @ 1.2Ghz
DRAM	1GiB DDR3 (different batches use different modules)
NAND	8GB (eMMC 4.51), FORESEE NCEFES78-08G
Power	DC 5V @ 2A
Features
Video	HDMI (Type A - full)
Audio	SPDIF
Network	WiFi 802.11 b/g/n (AMPAK AP6181), 10/100Mbps Ethernet (H1601NL PLY)
Storage	µSD
USB	1 USB2.0 Host, 1 OTG as type A
Other	IR receiver for remote
Headers	UART (internal), unknown 4-pin (internal)

"X2" logo embossed on top cover of the device.

In android, under Settings->About box, you will find:

Model Number: XII
Build Number: 4.4.2 KOT49H 20151105 test-keys
Vendor Software Version: 203k4

A newer version shows in Android, (bought 29.09.2016 ships from Germany):

Model Number: XII
Build Number: 4.4.2 KOT49H 20160423 test-keys
Vendor Software Version: 208k4

Another one

Model Number: XII
Build Number: 4.4.2 KOT49H 20160503 test-keys
Vendor Software Version: 209k4

My version shows in Android, (bought 30.06.2017 ships from china

Model Number: X2-A
Firmware Version: Homlet4.4.4-qin2-v1.0release
Build Number: 4.4.2KOT49H 20170608 test-keys
Vendor software version: 300k4

Sunxi support

Current status

Beelink X2 is currently supported by both mainline U-Boot and kernels.

Images

Armbian fully supports Beelink X2 starting with version 5.15 (see the relevant thread for details and tweaks). Given the minor differences when comparing the fex files between several Orange Pis and Beelink X2 it should be relatively easy to provide OS images using mainline kernel later. Only one caveat: Like a few other H3 devices the X2 tends to overheat so unless THS stuff for H3 devices isn't ready in mainline kernel it's not recommended to use kernel 4.x due to missing throttling.

Manual build

You can build things for yourself by following our Manual build howto and by choosing from the configurations available below.

U-Boot

Mainline U-Boot

Use the beelink_gs1_defconfig (supported since v2019.10) build target.

Write u-boot-sunxi-with-spl.bin to an SD card with "dd if=u-boot-sunxi-with-spl.bin of=/dev/[SD] bs=1024 seek=8 conv=notrunc"

Linux Kernel

Mainline kernel

Use the sun8i-h3-beelink-x2.dtb (supported since v4.11) device-tree binary.

Tips, Tricks, Caveats

The X2 is configured to boot from µSD first, so testing an alternative OS is simple. Linux images for other H3 devices can be booted, but provide incorrect GPIO assignments for at least the power LED, USB ports and so on. The most up to date fex file for the device might be in Armbian github repository

FEL mode

The button on the bottom of the PCB triggers FEL mode (to be confirmed). It is reachable through a small hole in the bottom plastic cover. The X2 exposes H3's USB OTG port as a type A receptacle on the back next to the power socket which can be used with a male-to-male type A USB cable. This will also provide power to the X2.

WiFi

PCB revision 3.0 came with AP6181 WiFi which has been replaced by RTL8189ETV (as used on the older H3 Orange Pis, eg. Orange Pi Plus). Pin mapping remained the same so no need to modify fex or device tree contents, just a different driver is needed.

Adding a serial port (voids warranty)

X2 UART pads

The X2 UART runs at 3.3V levels, so you need a level converter (e.g. MAX3323) to connect the board to a regular serial port. Alternatively, a USB-to-UART adapter with 3.3V levels will also work. See the UART howto for details.

Device disassembly

The case is clipped together using plastic tabs on all four sides. Please see the Plastic tool howto for details of opening cases like these. The PCB is held in place by four small Philips-head screws. Make sure to remove the µSD card before taking out the PCB. The H3 chip is attached to an internal heat sink using a thermal pad.

If you are unsure how to open the case, this disassembly video might also help.