GMKtec Mini PC Windows 11 Pro Intel 11th Gen N5105, 10nm 8GB RAM 128GB SSD M.2 2242 Micro Desktop Computer with Dual HDMI 4K, Dual DDR4, Dual WiFi, Giga, BT4.2& Cooling Fans

Very please with performance, highly recommend
I wanted to move our Home Automation System software from a Raspberry PI to a Virtual Machine operating on Windows 11.I discovered a review of the GMKtec Mini PC Windows 11 Pro Intel N5105, 8GB RAM 128GB Hard Drive Desktop Mini Computer for under $140. Though I’d give it a chance…Wow! Initial setup went quickly and smoothly. Performance surprisingly quick. Installed the VM software, created the Virtual Machine and proceeded with Home Assistant software installation and setup.Everything went smoothly. The system has been in service for 60 days and operating flawlessly! The computer is quiet and runs cool. I am very pleased and impressed!The only drawback is actually on me. The 128GB SSD is the bare minimum and space is limited. Thank goodness for the MicroSD Slot where I installed a 256GB MicroSD Card. In hindsight, I should have purchased the next level up with the 256GB SSD.…ADDITIONAL INFO:Now a second opportunity arrived.I use a Windows 10 PC for operating a small CNC Machine. This computer is Windows 11 incompatible. The motherboard and processor could be upgraded at a cost of $200.I decided to purchase the next level up, the GMKtec Mini PC N97 Windows 11 Pro, G5 Micro, 12th Gen Intel Alder Lake N97 (up to 3.60GHz) 12GB DDR5 256GB Hard Drive Mini Desktop Computer for $150.Again, initial setup went quickly and smoothly. Performance surprisingly quick. All but one software package installed smoothly and quickly. The only drawback is the Arduino IDE software, which stalls when opening. I intend to troubleshoot; I believe it is due to incompatible video driver. Should be easy to solve…PROS:Great performance for the priceRuns quietRuns coolVery small footprintWired and Wireless WiFi connectivity (wireless WiFi works very well in a location where other wireless devices have trouble with weak signal)Bluetooth connectivityMicroSD SlotCONS:Specialty software (Arduino IDE) incompatibility, possibly due to incompatible video driver.

The NucBox G5 is a remarkable feat of engineering, fitting a very capable processor and lots of ports into an incredibly tiny package that will fit anywhere, or that you could easily take with you in a bag (more on that below).As an existing owner of the NucBox G3, the G5’s baby(?) brother (G3 = lesser power, bigger size), I was already impressed with what GMKTec has been able to do with a mini-PC, but the G5 blows that out of the water.Size Comparison with NucBox G3:The NucBox G5 is remarkably compact, measuring just 72 x 72 x 44.5mm and weighing less than a small and light coffee mug (168 grams). To put that in perspective, it’s about 2/3 the lenght of a deck of cards, and about twice as thick. When you compare it to its predecessor, the NucBox G3 (see photo), it’s clearly much smaller, and about the same weight. The G5 manages to maintain its power while taking up even less space on your desk… or frankly anywhere you want to put it. I had my G3 and now have my G5 mounted on the back of a monitor (see photos) – just be careful to ensure adequate ventilation so the unit doesn’t overheat.Performance and Use Cases:Inside the NucBox G5, you’ll find an Intel N97 processor, a step up vs. the N100 in the G3. The 3.6 GHz CPU has 4 cores and 4 threads . Now there’s no way it can compete with high-end desktop or laptop processors, but it’s more than capable for everyday computing tasks. I’ve also used it with zero perceptible latency with an external FocusRite interface and Neural DSP Archetype plugins (CPU-heavy guitar amp and effects modelling software) that has choked some of my older laptops and it’s capable of light work without a huge number of layers in Affinity Designer (pro-level vector graphics design software). If you haven’t used those types of demanding software, that’s genuinely a huge achievement for something that costs less than $300 CAD.For day-to-day activities like office work, web browsing, and multimedia playback, the NucBox G5 works very well too. It can handle running at least a dozen browser tabs at once in MS Edge or Chrome. Its small size, combined with built-in WiFi and Bluetooth, makes it easy to integrate into your setup. Comes with Windows 11 Pro baked-in, so setup is straightforward even for non-IT professionals. The OS loads quickly, and basic tasks are smooth.Let’s set realistic expectations though. If you’re planning heavy image or video processing, the NucBox G5 might struggle. Stick to light to medium-weight office tasks, and you’ll be pleased with its performance.Connectivity, Ports and Power ConsumptionThe NucBox G5 offers many connectivity options, but it is a bit disappointing to see that all USB 3.2 ports are Type A (no USB C connectivity without adapters). It has limited upgrade options, so consider your needs carefully before purchasing – you can basically upgrade the hard drive size and that’s it. Given the size of the unit, the RAM (memory) is hard-soldered to the motherboard, but at 12GB for most purchase options, it’s got plenty for most applications.If you’re looking for a lightweight machine for on-site work, off-grid systems, or even van life, the NucBox G5’s power draw (15-25W) through its single USB-C port makes it an excellent choice.Packaging:The G5 comes nicely boxed and the box is highly protective of the G5 itself. (The box did take some minor dings in transit as seen in the photos, but the contents were pristine.) I was also pleasantly surprised that GMKtec fixed the absolutely airtight NucBox G3 box that was almost impossible to open. This one is snug to open, but doesn’t require a prybar to get into.In summary, the GMKtec NucBox G5 is a worthy upgrade from the G3, offering an impressive blend of compact design, powerful performance, and affordability. If you need a mini PC that fits almost anywhere without compromising too much on capability, this little box is worth considering. Just be mindful of its intended use, and you’ll appreciate what it brings to the table!

It is fast, small, cool. Perfect for Digital SignageOnly complain is – while WoL works perfectly, there are NO lights on the card while machine is off (so it does look like it would not work). But that is just visual

working perfictly