GMKtec G3 Plus

Starry Hope Rating
3.5

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Photo of GMKtec G3 Plus

The GMKtec G3 Plus is a compact, budget mini PC built on Intel’s N150. It pairs 16GB of DDR4 (the platform maximum for the N150) with a 512GB NVMe SSD and a second M.2 SATA slot for more storage, running Windows 11 Pro. Connectivity is Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, and 2.5Gb Ethernet, and at 3.94 x 3.94 x 1.57 inches it tucks behind a monitor on the included VESA mount.

The G3 Plus offers dual HDMI outputs of 4K at 60Hz, four USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, and a quiet cooling system, making it suitable for light productivity, retro gaming, and home lab environments. While it provides some upgrades over its predecessor, the GMKtec G3, the performance improvements are incremental, which may not justify an upgrade for existing G3 owners. However, for new buyers, the G3 Plus presents a solid option for basic computing needs and experimentation.

ProsCons
Compact and lightweight design with a VESA mountMinimal performance improvement over the original GMKtec G3
Quiet fan operation, even under loadNo USB-C ports
Dual storage options (NVMe and M.2 SATA) for expandabilityAverage Wi-Fi 6 performance compared to other devices
Affordable price point for the features offeredRAM is single-channel, limiting potential performance gains
Excellent Linux compatibility and dual-boot supportLimited gaming performance for modern titles
Energy-efficient with low power consumptionNot entirely fanless, though quieter than its predecessor

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GMKtec G3 Plus Comparison Chart

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GMKtec G3 Plus

GMKtec G3 Plus

Price

List Price: $209.99

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List Price: $229.99

Amazon Prices:

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List Price: $209.99

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List Price: $279.99

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Version16GB/512GB/Intel N1508GB/256GB/Intel N150 (Black)16GB/512GB/Intel N150 (Black)16GB/1TB/Intel N150
Performance Rating4.94.34.94.9
Operating SystemWindows 11 ProWindows 11 ProWindows 11 ProWindows 11 Pro
ProcessorQuad-core 3.60 Ghz
Intel Processor N150
Quad-core 3.60 Ghz
Intel Processor N150
Quad-core 3.60 Ghz
Intel Processor N150
Quad-core 3.60 Ghz
Intel Processor N150
GPUIntegrated Intel UHD GraphicsIntegrated Intel UHD GraphicsIntegrated Intel UHD GraphicsIntegrated Intel UHD Graphics
RAM16 GB8 GB16 GB16 GB
Internal Storage512 GB256 GB512 GB1 TB
Dimensions
width x length x thickness
3.94 x 3.94 x 1.57 inches
(100.08 x 100.08 x 39.88 mm)
3.94 x 3.94 x 1.57 inches
(100.08 x 100.08 x 39.88 mm)
3.94 x 3.94 x 1.57 inches
(100.08 x 100.08 x 39.88 mm)
3.94 x 3.94 x 1.57 inches
(100.08 x 100.08 x 39.88 mm)
Weightunknownunknownunknownunknown
WiFiWi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
BluetoothBluetooth 5.2Bluetooth 5.2Bluetooth 5.2Bluetooth 5.2
Ethernet1 Ethernet port at 2.5 Gbps1 Ethernet port at 2.5 Gbps1 Ethernet port at 2.5 Gbps1 Ethernet port at 2.5 Gbps
HDMI2 Full-Size HDMI Ports2 Full-Size HDMI Ports2 Full-Size HDMI Ports2 Full-Size HDMI Ports
DisplayPortNo DisplayPortNo DisplayPortNo DisplayPortNo DisplayPort
VGANo VGA PortsNo VGA PortsNo VGA PortsNo VGA Ports
USB Ports4 USB 3
(All USB ports are USB 3.2 Gen 2)
4 USB 3
(All USB ports are USB 3.2 Gen 2)
4 USB 3
(All USB ports are USB 3.2 Gen 2)
4 USB 3
(All USB ports are USB 3.2 Gen 2)
Thunderbolt PortsNoNoNoNo
OCuLinkNoNoNoNo
Internal SATA PortsNo SATA portsNo SATA portsNo SATA portsNo SATA ports
Card ReaderNo Card ReaderNo Card ReaderNo Card ReaderNo Card Reader
Headphone Jackcombocombocombocombo
FanlessNoNoNoNo
VESA MountYesYesYesYes
In the BoxNucbox G3 Plus Mini PC, power adapter and cable, HDMI cable, VESA mount with screws, user manual.Nucbox G3 Plus Mini PC, power adapter and cable, HDMI cable, VESA mount with screws, user manual.Nucbox G3 Plus Mini PC, power adapter and cable, HDMI cable, VESA mount with screws, user manual.Nucbox G3 Plus Mini PC, power adapter and cable, HDMI cable, VESA mount with screws, user manual.
ExpandabilityRAM up to 16GB (platform maximum), storage expandable via M.2 2280 NVMe (up to 2TB) and M.2 2242 SATA (up to 2TB).RAM up to 16GB (platform maximum), storage expandable via M.2 2280 NVMe (up to 2TB) and M.2 2242 SATA (up to 2TB).RAM up to 16GB (platform maximum), storage expandable via M.2 2280 NVMe (up to 2TB) and M.2 2242 SATA (up to 2TB).RAM up to 16GB (platform maximum), storage expandable via M.2 2280 NVMe (up to 2TB) and M.2 2242 SATA (up to 2TB).

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Detailed Look at the GMKtec G3 Plus

The GMKtec G3 Plus is built around Intel’s N150 processor, a quad-core chip for energy efficiency and light computing tasks. Paired with 16GB of DDR4 RAM running at 3200MHz, the system can handle everyday applications like web browsing, video streaming, and office productivity software. The N150 platform tops out at 16GB of RAM, so there is no memory headroom beyond what it ships with; if local AI is on your list, our guide to which Gemma 4 variant a mini PC can run shows what a box in this class realistically handles. Storage is another highlight, with a fast 512GB NVMe SSD included and the option to add up to 2TB of additional storage through either an M.2 2280 NVMe or M.2 2242 SATA slot.

Connectivity is modern, featuring Wi-Fi 6 for wireless networking, Bluetooth 5.2 for peripherals, and a 2.5Gb Ethernet port for high-speed wired connections. The device includes two HDMI 2.0 ports capable of outputting 4K resolution at 60Hz, making it suitable for dual-monitor setups. Four USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports provide ample connectivity for external devices, though the lack of USB-C may be a limitation for some users. The G3 Plus also includes a combo headphone jack and a VESA mount, making it adaptable for various use cases, from home offices to media centers.

At just 3.94 x 3.94 x 1.57 inches and with quiet fan operation, the G3 Plus is an unobtrusive addition to a workspace. The device’s low power consumption (from 12W at idle to 32W under load) adds to its appeal as an energy-efficient solution for home labs, media servers, or light computing tasks. This efficiency is one reason N150-class mini PCs have become the default choice in the self-hosting renaissance. The same wattage profile has made boxes like this one popular as always-on AI agent servers, where leaving a machine running around the clock is the whole point. It is not built for gaming or intensive workloads, but for light, always-on tasks it is a practical, efficient choice.

What reviewers found

The mainstream tech press has not tested the G3 Plus; the one credible hands-on review is from Lon Seidman.

Lon Seidman bought the unit himself and called it a mini PC that “really punches above its weight.” He praised the cooling as “practically silent even when the system is under load,” measured low power draw (12 to 14W idle, 30 to 32W under load), and liked the easy access to the RAM and the two storage slots (NVMe plus M.2 SATA) and the clean Linux support for dual-booting alongside Windows 11 Pro. At “$159 as configured” he rated it a strong budget pick for home labs, retro gaming, and basic computing.

His main caveat was that the N150 is barely a step up from the N100: the clock bump is “not enough that most people will notice the difference,” and he found the Wi-Fi 6 only average, on par with other cheap mini PCs. Existing G3 owners, he said, have little reason to upgrade.

Customer Reviews of the GMKtec G3 Plus

One caveat first: the Amazon listing that carried this model’s owner reviews has since been relisted by GMKtec as a different machine (the G3 PRO with an Intel Core i3-10110U), so the live star count there now mixes two products and is no longer a clean read on the N150 G3 Plus. The feedback below is from owners who were clearly describing the N150 G3 Plus.

The positive reviews cluster on the same points: a small, quiet, low-power box for basic computing, streaming, and light gaming with Windows 11 Pro. Peter, a verified buyer, wrote “Great low power PC that’s small, quiet, and powerful enough for basic tasks all day!” and uses it as a home theater PC. Several owners flag the same caveats: Bluetooth that did not work on first setup (texasute and Stoney both hit this), and ZElectronics, who rated it four stars, noted it “seemed to struggle with my 4K monitor running at 60 Hz.”

The negative experiences are worth naming plainly: multiple verified buyers reported units that failed outright. Len on the cob wrote that “my first unit went bad about 8 months after purchase” and would not boot, and Chris Munger’s unit locked up during a Windows update and boot-looped within the first day or two. What recurs alongside those failures is praise for GMKtec’s support: Len gave the company “an A+++ for their response” after a free replacement, and Stoney described a similar prepaid-return and brand-new-replacement outcome. The pattern is a capable, inexpensive mini PC with a real reliability tail, paired with responsive warranty support when a unit fails.

Conclusion: Who Should Consider the GMKtec G3 Plus?

The GMKtec G3 Plus is a sensible pick for an affordable, compact, low-power machine for basic computing, retro gaming, or a home lab. Its quiet operation and easy upgrade access (RAM plus two storage slots) suit an always-on box. One practical note: the Amazon listings we tracked for the N150 G3 Plus have been relisted by GMKtec as a different model, so check that you are buying the N150 version before you order. If you are buying it for a parent or a less tech-savvy family member, our guide on mini PCs for less tech-savvy users walks through the support and durability argument in detail. Its solid Linux compatibility and dual-boot support also suit tinkerers experimenting with different operating systems. If you came here cross-shopping a Raspberry Pi, our look at the mini PCs that replace the delayed Pi 6 puts a box like this in context.

Users who want top-tier performance, USB-C, or real gaming should look elsewhere. Existing owners of the original GMKtec G3 might also find the performance improvements too incremental to justify an upgrade. Buyers weighing this against Apple’s compact desktop will find a full Mac Mini M4 value breakdown useful for seeing exactly where each machine pulls ahead. Shoppers who keep landing on the MacBook Neo as an alternative can read our mini PC versus MacBook Neo piece, which uses this exact box to walk the real numbers. Those evaluating the emerging Windows 365 thin-client hardware will find the cloud PC vs mini PC breakdown worth reading before committing. For more Mini PC options and to compare models, check out Starry Hope’s Mini PC Comparison Tool.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the RAM be upgraded on the GMKtec G3 Plus?

The G3 Plus ships with 16GB of DDR4, which is the maximum the Intel N150 platform supports, so there is no higher-capacity upgrade. (The 8GB configuration can be taken up to 16GB.)

What storage options are available, and can they be expanded?

The G3 Plus includes a 512GB NVMe SSD and dual storage options. It has one M.2 2280 NVMe slot (occupied) and one M.2 2242 SATA slot (empty). Both slots support drives up to 2TB, allowing for significant storage expansion.

Does the GMKtec G3 Plus support dual monitors?

Yes, the G3 Plus has two HDMI 2.0 ports capable of 4K resolution at 60Hz. This makes it ideal for dual-monitor setups for work or entertainment purposes.

Is the GMKtec G3 Plus suitable for gaming?

The G3 Plus handles light gaming and retro emulation: older and less demanding titles at low settings, and emulators for older consoles. It is not designed for modern, graphically intensive games.

Does the Mini PC include a fan, and is it noisy?

Yes, the G3 Plus has a fan for cooling, but it operates quietly, even under load. This significantly improved over its predecessor, making it suitable for noise-sensitive environments.

What operating systems are supported?

The GMKtec G3 Plus comes pre-installed with Windows 11 Pro. It also has excellent Linux compatibility, allowing users to dual-boot or switch to Linux without hardware issues.

Does the G3 Plus have USB-C ports?

No, the G3 Plus does not include USB-C ports. However, it features four USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, which provide fast data transfer speeds for most peripherals.

What’s included in the box?

The package includes the GMKtec G3 Plus Mini PC, a power adapter and cable, an HDMI cable, a VESA mount with screws, and a user manual. This makes it ready to use right out of the box.

Is the G3 Plus energy-efficient?

Yes, the G3 Plus is energy-efficient, drawing about 12-14 watts at idle and 30-32 watts under load, which suits an always-on machine.