GMKtec NucBox 5
Updated on
The GMKtec NucBox 5 is a tiny Intel Celeron N5105 mini PC, barely larger than a deck of cards, aimed at low-power everyday computing: media streaming, web and document work, and retro gaming. It ships with 8GB of soldered LPDDR4 and a small M.2 SSD (128GB or 256GB) that you can swap for a larger drive. It drives two 4K displays at 60Hz over its dual HDMI 2.0 ports and has Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2. GMKtec now sells this same hardware under the name “G5S” on Amazon.
Pros and Cons of the GMKtec NucBox 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Palm-sized and very low power (~18W max) | Entry-level N5105; not for demanding 3D games |
| Dual HDMI 2.0 for two 4K-at-60Hz displays | 8GB RAM is soldered (no upgrade) |
| User-replaceable M.2 SSD | Single small drive slot; tight on storage |
| Three USB 3.2, USB-C, microSD, gigabit LAN | Has a fan (quiet, but not fanless) |
| Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 | Stock Windows 11 feels heavy on this hardware |
| Quiet operation (reviewers’ note) | Gigabit (not 2.5GbE) Ethernet |
Related Videos
GMKtec NucBox 5 Comparison Chart
 GMKtec NucBox 5 | |
| Price | List Price: $139.99 Amazon Prices: Loading prices... |
| Version | 8GB/128GB/Intel N5105 |
| Performance Rating | 4.1 |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Pro |
| Processor | Quad-core 2.00 Ghz (max 2.90 Ghz) Intel Celeron N5105 |
| GPU | Integrated Intel UHD Graphics |
| RAM | 8 GB |
| Internal Storage | 128 GB |
| Dimensions width x length x thickness | 2.83 x 2.83 x 1.75 inches (71.88 x 71.88 x 44.45 mm) |
| Weight | 0.45 lbs (0.2 kg) |
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Ethernet | 1 Ethernet port at 1 Gbps |
| HDMI | 2 Full-Size HDMI Ports |
| DisplayPort | No DisplayPort |
| VGA | No VGA Ports |
| USB Ports | 3 USB 3, 1 USB-C |
| Thunderbolt Ports | No |
| OCuLink | No |
| Internal SATA Ports | No SATA ports |
| Card Reader | microSD Card Reader |
| Headphone Jack | combo |
| Fanless | No |
| VESA Mount | Yes |
| In the Box | GMKtec Nucbox5 Intel Celeron N5105 Mini PC, Power Cable + Adapter, User Manual |
| Expandability | RAM not user-upgradable, storage expandable via M.2 slot |
Related Mini PCs
-
GMKtec NucBox G3 ProA budget mini PC built around the 2019-era Intel Core i3-10110U Comet Lake chip. Its appeal sits in… -
GMKtec NucBox G3The GMKtec NucBox G3 is a compact, low-power Intel N100 mini PC with DDR4 (a single SO-DIMM slot,… -
Beelink Mini SThe Beelink Mini S Mini PC packs a punch with its Intel Celeron quad-core processor, dual 4K HDMI… -
Bmax B3With the Bmax B3 Mini PC, multitask with ease using the Intel Celeron N5095, dual HDMI, and… -
CHUWI HeroBox (2023)The CHUWI HeroBox mini PC runs Windows 11 with LPDDR5 RAM, WiFi 6, and Bluetooth 5.2. It supports… -
KAMRUI AK1 Plus Mini PCThe KAMRUI AK1 Plus is a budget Intel N95 mini PC (also sold with N97 and N100 chips) with dual…
Detailed Information on the GMKtec NucBox 5
The Celeron N5105 (Jasper Lake, up to 2.9 GHz) with Intel UHD graphics and 8GB of LPDDR4 is enough for web browsing, documents, and media, not heavy work. Storage is a single M.2 slot (a 2242 SATA drive ships, and the slot also takes NVMe), user-replaceable for a larger SSD, plus a microSD reader. Despite the size, the port set is full: three USB 3.2, a USB-C power port, two HDMI 2.0, gigabit Ethernet, and a 3.5mm jack, with Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 for wireless. It runs Windows 11 Pro.
The appeal is its efficiency: it draws about 18 watts at most and plays back 4K video smoothly, which makes it a tidy home-theater PC, digital-signage box, or retro-emulation machine. It is not built for modern 3D gaming.
Reviewer Insights on the GMKtec NucBox 5
Three trusted channels reviewed this exact NucBox 5, and they agree it is a quiet, low-power box best for media, light work, and retro emulation.
Retro Game Corps
Russ at Retro Game Corps liked the price-to-performance and walked the ports: “I love the fact that it has two USB ports here in the front, and then on the back we have dual HDMI ports, the USB-C charging port, headphone jack, gigabit ethernet, and then another USB 3.2 port.” He ran 4K playback and a Plex server on it, found it handled 2D games and indie titles and lighter emulation (up to early PlayStation) but struggled with demanding 3D games, and was surprised by the cooling: “Surprisingly, the fan is super quiet.” His verdict was strong value for retro gaming and streaming.
ETA Prime
ETA Prime liked the tiny size and the snappy feel for browsing and video, and ran older games like Minecraft and Skyrim at adjusted settings plus emulation. He noted the standout efficiency, a maximum draw of about 18 watts under full load, and rated it a decent step up over earlier NucBox models for light gaming and emulation.
RetroBreeze
RetroBreeze focused on retro gaming and daily use, praising the size, low power, and quiet operation. He found stock Windows 11 heavy on the N5105 and got a noticeable boost from a lighter Linux OS (Zorin OS), and used it for Batocera retro gaming and a live video call without trouble.
Availability and Owner Feedback
GMKtec has since relisted this hardware on Amazon under the name “G5S” (same Intel N5105, 8GB, dual HDMI), so the original NucBox 5 product page now carries only a handful of owner ratings, too few to summarize into a meaningful score. If you are buying, search for the GMKtec G5S (N5105) listing and confirm the exact RAM and storage configuration before ordering, since GMKtec sells several similar palm-sized models. The grounded read on this box is the three trusted-channel reviews above, which line up well: a quiet, efficient little machine for media, light work, and retro emulation, not gaming.
Conclusion
The NucBox 5 fits a narrow but real niche: a cheap, palm-sized, near-silent box for media streaming, a home-theater or signage PC, light everyday work, and retro emulation. The N5105 and 8GB of RAM cover those tasks at very low power (about 18 watts), and all three reviewers rated it well for the price in that role.
Set expectations on the rest: the RAM is soldered at 8GB, the single drive slot keeps storage tight, and stock Windows 11 feels heavy enough that reviewers suggested a lighter Linux OS. It is not for modern 3D gaming or heavy multitasking. If that is what you need, look at a Ryzen or N150-class box instead. To compare it with other models, use Starry Hope’s Mini PC Comparison Chart.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I upgrade the RAM in the GMKtec NucBox 5?
No, the GMKtec NucBox 5 RAM is soldered onto the motherboard and is not user-upgradable. It has 8GB of DDR4 memory, sufficient for everyday tasks and light gaming.
Does the NucBox 5 support Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2?
Yes, the NucBox 5 is equipped with Wi-Fi 6 for faster and more reliable wireless connectivity. It also supports Bluetooth 5.2, connecting a wide range of peripherals such as keyboards, mice, and headphones.
Can I connect multiple displays to the NucBox 5?
Yes. The NucBox 5 has two HDMI 2.0 ports, each capable of 4K at 60Hz, so you can run a dual-4K-monitor setup.
Is the storage expandable on the NucBox 5?
Yes, the storage is expandable. The NucBox 5 features an M.2 slot, allowing you to easily replace the existing SSD drive for storage expansion. This is particularly useful if you need more applications, games, or media space.
What operating system does the NucBox 5 come with?
The NucBox 5 comes with Windows 11 Pro pre-installed, providing you with the latest features and security updates from Microsoft.
Is the NucBox 5 fanless?
No, the NucBox 5 is not fanless. It has an active cooling system with a quiet fan to maintain optimal temperatures, even under load.
Can I use the NucBox 5 for gaming?
While the NucBox 5 is not designed as a gaming PC, it can handle light gaming and emulation. It can run older titles and indie games well and emulate retro consoles up to the GameCube era. However, it may need help with more demanding 3D games and newer consoles.
Does the NucBox 5 have a VESA mount?
Yes, the NucBox 5 includes VESA mount support, so you can easily attach it to the back of a monitor or TV, keeping your workspace clutter-free.
What comes in the box with the NucBox 5?
Inside the box, you’ll find the GMKtec Nucbox5 Intel Celeron N5105 Mini PC, a power cable and adapter, and a user manual to get you started.
What kind of tasks is the NucBox 5 suitable for?
The NucBox 5 suits everyday tasks like web browsing, document editing, media playback, and video calls, and it works well for streaming and retro emulation. It is not built for modern 3D gaming or heavy multitasking.