GMKtec M8

The GMKtec M8 represents a compelling option in the crowded mini PC market, targeting users who need solid productivity performance with unusual expansion capabilities. Built around AMD’s Ryzen 5 PRO 6650H processor with 6 cores and 12 threads, this compact machine delivers enough power for everyday office tasks, multimedia playback, and even light content creation. What sets the M8 apart from similarly-priced competitors is its OCuLink port, which enables external GPU connectivity for users who occasionally need more graphics horsepower. At around $360, it positions itself as a practical choice for home offices, small businesses, and anyone looking to reduce desktop clutter without sacrificing connectivity.

Pros and Cons of the GMKtec M8

Related Videos

GMKtec M8 Comparison Chart

	GMKtec M8	GMKtec M8
Price	List Price: $359.99 Amazon Prices: Loading prices...	List Price: $389.99 Amazon Prices: Loading prices...
Version	16GB/512GB	16GB/1TB
Perfomance Rating	7.0	7.0
Operating System	Windows 11 Pro	Windows 11 Pro
Processor	Hexa-core 3.30 Ghz (max 4.50 Ghz) AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 6650H	Hexa-core 3.30 Ghz (max 4.50 Ghz) AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 6650H
GPU	Integrated Intel UHD Graphics	Integrated Intel UHD Graphics
RAM	16 GB	16 GB
Internal Storage	512 GB	1 TB
Dimensions width x length x thickness	4.37 x 4.21 x 2.48 inches (111 x 106.93 x 62.99 mm)	4.37 x 4.21 x 2.48 inches (111 x 106.93 x 62.99 mm)
Weight	1.09 lbs (0.5 kg)	1.09 lbs (0.5 kg)
WiFi	Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax)	Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax)
Bluetooth	Bluetooth 5.2	Bluetooth 5.2
Ethernet	2 Ethernet ports at 2.5 Gbps	2 Ethernet ports at 2.5 Gbps
HDMI	1 HDMI Port	1 HDMI Port
DisplayPort	1 DisplayPort	1 DisplayPort
VGA	No VGA Ports	No VGA Ports
USB Ports	1 USB 2.0, 3 USB 3, 1 USB 4, 1 USB-C	1 USB 2.0, 3 USB 3, 1 USB 4, 1 USB-C
Thunderbolt Ports	No	No
Internal SATA Ports	No SATA ports	No SATA ports
Card Reader	No Card Reader	No Card Reader
Headphone Jack	combo	combo
Fanless	No	No
VESA Mount	Yes	Yes
In the Box	Mini PC, power adapter (100W), HDMI cable, user manual	Mini PC, power adapter (100W), HDMI cable, user manual
Expandability	RAM is soldered LPDDR5-6400 (NOT upgradeable). Storage: 2x M.2 2280 slots (1x PCIe 3.0, 1x PCIe 4.0). Removable WLAN module.	RAM is soldered LPDDR5-6400 (NOT upgradeable). Storage: 2x M.2 2280 slots (1x PCIe 3.0, 1x PCIe 4.0). Removable WLAN module.

Detailed Insights into the GMKtec M8

The GMKtec M8 borrows design elements from GMKtec’s premium EVO-X1 series, featuring a metal chassis that feels substantially more premium than budget plastic alternatives. Measuring approximately 4.4 by 4.2 by 2.5 inches and weighing just over a pound, it occupies minimal desk space while providing excellent port accessibility. The front panel houses USB4, two USB 3.2 Gen2 ports, the OCuLink connector, and a 3.5mm audio jack, while the rear accommodates HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort 1.4, another USB 3.2 port, a USB 2.0 port, and dual 2.5GbE LAN ports. This port selection rivals machines costing significantly more.

The AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 6650H delivers capable performance for its class, achieving a PassMark CPU Mark score around 18,000. In real-world use, the M8 handles Microsoft Office applications, web browsing, 4K video playback, and even basic video editing in tools like CapCut with ease. Benchmark testing shows Cinebench R23 multi-thread scores around 9,500 and Geekbench 6 multi-core scores near 7,800. The integrated Radeon 660M graphics proves adequate for older titles and retro gaming emulation up to PS2 and some Wii U games at playable framerates, though modern AAA titles struggle at anything above low settings.

Connectivity stands out as the M8’s strongest suit, with the OCuLink port being the headliner feature. This PCIe 4.0 x4 interface allows connection to external GPU enclosures for users who occasionally need dedicated graphics performance. The dual 2.5GbE ports delivered their rated speeds in testing, making the M8 suitable for NAS applications or network-intensive workflows. WiFi 6E performance exceeded gigabit speeds in range testing, and Bluetooth 5.2 handled peripherals without issue. USB4 provides 40Gbps throughput with DisplayPort alt mode and power delivery, though some reviewers noted compatibility quirks with certain USB-C monitors.

Reviewer Insights on the GMKtec M8

NotebookCheck’s Perspective

NotebookCheck awarded the GMKtec M8 a 71% score, positioning it as an “average” but well-balanced option. Their review praised the relatively cool operating temperatures and easy serviceability for storage upgrades. They noted that “the NucBox M8 isn’t trying to be the fastest mini PC” but rather targets accessibility through competitive pricing while maintaining adequate capability for standard business applications. The OCuLink support was highlighted as uncommon in this price bracket. Their main criticisms focused on the fan’s pulsing behavior under load and the lack of an integrated NPU for AI workloads.

TechRadar’s Perspective

TechRadar was considerably more enthusiastic, awarding 4.5 out of 5 stars and declaring themselves “really surprised by just how powerful the GMKtec NucBox M8 is.” The reviewer found it “fast and capable for all Microsoft applications, such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint” and praised the ultra-compact form factor. For light multimedia editing, the reviewer noted it handled “mobile phone video editing in CapCut without issue,” though Premiere Pro work with mirrorless camera footage struggled due to limited GPU power. They emphasized the OCuLink option and substantial storage upgrade potential as key differentiators.

Lon Seidman’s Perspective

Lon Seidman provided practical insights from hands-on testing, concluding that “you give up upgradeable memory, but for a reasonable price you get unusually fast I/O for the class.” His testing confirmed smooth 4K/60 web browsing with only occasional, barely perceptible dropped frames in YouTube playback. Linux compatibility was excellent, with Ubuntu detecting all hardware without issues. He noted the fan becomes audible in performance mode but remained “not among the loudest tested.” Gaming tests showed Cyberpunk 2077 managed around 30 fps at 1080p low settings, while PS2 emulation ran at full speed.

The reviewer consensus centers on the M8 being an excellent value proposition for its primary use case: productivity and office work in a compact package. All three reviews highlighted the non-upgradeable RAM as the main limitation, while praising the unusual combination of OCuLink, USB4, and dual 2.5GbE at this price point.

Customer Reviews of the GMKtec M8

Amazon customers have rated the GMKtec M8 at 4.3 out of 5 stars across 94 reviews, reflecting generally positive sentiment with some reservations. Purchasers frequently praise the build quality, noting that the metal construction feels premium for the price point. Many reviewers specifically cite the dual Ethernet ports and OCuLink capability as deciding factors, with several using the system for home server and NAS applications. The compact footprint draws consistent praise from users replacing larger desktop towers.

The most common complaints center on fan noise under load, with some users finding it more noticeable than expected for such a small system. A few reviews mention disappointment upon learning the RAM cannot be upgraded, suggesting better product descriptions would help set expectations. Some users experienced initial setup quirks with Windows activation or driver installations, though GMKtec’s customer support receives positive mentions for resolving issues promptly. The included HDMI cable is appreciated as a thoughtful inclusion that many competitors omit.

Overall, customers view the M8 as delivering good value at its price point, particularly for those prioritizing connectivity options over raw performance. Users who understand the soldered RAM limitation before purchase express the highest satisfaction, while those expecting upgradeable memory report some disappointment.

Conclusion

The GMKtec M8 earns its place in the competitive mini PC landscape by offering unusual expansion capabilities at a mainstream price. For home office users, small businesses, and anyone running a compact workstation, the combination of Ryzen 5 PRO performance, OCuLink for occasional GPU needs, and dual 2.5GbE networking provides genuine flexibility that many alternatives lack. The WiFi 6E and USB4 support future-proof the connectivity, while two M.2 slots allow substantial storage expansion over time.

However, the M8 isn’t for everyone. The soldered 16GB RAM represents a hard ceiling that may frustrate power users down the road, and the integrated Radeon 660M graphics won’t satisfy anyone with serious creative or gaming ambitions without connecting an external GPU. If you prioritize upgradeable memory or need more graphics power out of the box, alternatives like the GMKtec G3 Plus or Beelink SER5 Pro may better suit your needs.

At around $360, the GMKtec M8 delivers excellent value for users who understand what they’re getting: a capable, well-connected compact PC that handles everyday tasks with room to grow through storage and external GPU expansion. For those looking to compare options, Starry Hope’s Mini PC Comparison Chart provides a valuable resource for evaluating the M8 against alternatives in its class.

Frequently Asked Questions