GMKtec Nucbox G3S

The GMKtec Nucbox G3S is an ultra-compact mini PC designed for users who need a basic computing solution without taking up desk space. Powered by the Intel N95 processor with a turbo boost up to 3.4GHz, it handles everyday tasks like web browsing, office work, and light media consumption with ease. The unit weighs just 0.57 pounds and measures only 4.49 x 4.17 x 1.73 inches, making it one of the smallest PCs you can buy that still delivers decent performance. With dual HDMI 2.0 ports supporting 4K displays, three USB 3.2 ports, and included VESA mounting hardware, it offers flexibility for home offices, digital signage, or as a secondary workstation.

Pros and Cons of the GMKtec Nucbox G3S

GMKtec Nucbox G3S Comparison Chart

	GMKtec Nucbox G3S
Price	List Price: $224.99 Amazon Prices: Loading prices...
Version	---
Perfomance Rating	4.9
Operating System	Windows 11 Pro
Processor	Quad-core 3.40 Ghz (max 3.40 Ghz) Intel Processor N95
GPU	Integrated Intel UHD Graphics
RAM	16 GB DDR4
Internal Storage	512 GB SSD
Dimensions width x length x thickness	4.49 x 4.17 x 1.73 inches (114.05 x 105.92 x 43.94 mm)
Weight	0.57 lbs (0.26 kg)
WiFi	Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
Bluetooth	Bluetooth 5.0
Ethernet	1 Ethernet port at 1 Gbps
HDMI	2 HDMI 2.0 Ports
DisplayPort	No DisplayPort
VGA	No VGA Ports
USB Ports	1 USB 2.0, 3 USB 3
Thunderbolt Ports	No
Internal SATA Ports	No SATA ports
Card Reader	No Card Reader
Headphone Jack	3.5mm
Fanless	No
VESA Mount	Yes
In the Box	Mini PC, Power adapter, VESA mount bracket, User manual
Expandability	1x SO-DIMM DDR4 2666 MT/s (max 16GB), 2x M.2 slots

Detailed Insights into the GMKtec Nucbox G3S

The GMKtec Nucbox G3S features a minimalist black enclosure that prioritizes function over flash. At just 4.49 x 4.17 x 1.73 inches and weighing barely over half a pound, it’s designed to disappear behind a monitor or tuck into tight spaces. The front panel houses the power button and a 3.5mm audio jack, while the rear provides access to dual HDMI 2.0 ports, three USB 3.2 ports, one USB 2.0 port, and a Gigabit Ethernet connection. The included VESA mount bracket lets you attach the unit directly to the back of compatible monitors, effectively creating an all-in-one setup.

Under the hood, the Intel N95 is a quad-core Alder Lake processor that delivers respectable performance for its price point. With a PassMark score of around 5,400, it handles productivity applications, video streaming, and basic multitasking without breaking a sweat. However, this is not a machine for video editing, gaming, or other compute-intensive workloads. The 16GB DDR4 RAM provides adequate headroom for typical office tasks, though the single SO-DIMM slot means you cannot add more memory later.

Storage flexibility is one of the G3S’s stronger points, with dual M.2 slots offering room to grow. The primary PCIe 3.0 2280 slot can accommodate NVMe drives up to 8TB, while the secondary SATA 2242 slot supports drives up to 2TB. This means you could theoretically have 10TB of internal storage, which is impressive for a system this size. WiFi 5 and Bluetooth 5.0 handle wireless connectivity, and while WiFi 6 would have been nice, the 1Gbps Ethernet port provides a reliable wired alternative for stable network access.

Reviewer Insights on the GMKtec Nucbox G3S

The GMKtec Nucbox G3S is a relatively new product that launched globally in September 2025, which means comprehensive video reviews are not yet available. The related GMKtec Nucbox G3 (which uses the Intel N100 processor) and G3 Plus (which uses the Intel N150) have received extensive coverage from reviewers like ETA PRIME, Lon.TV, and Robtech, but those are different models with different specifications. The G3S distinguishes itself by using the Intel N95 processor and targeting an even lower price point than its siblings.

NotebookCheck’s Perspective

According to NotebookCheck, the GMKtec Nucbox G3S represents GMKtec’s latest effort to capture the ultra-budget mini PC market. The publication describes the Intel N95 as “aging” technology but acknowledges that the system offers compelling value at its price point. Starting at $139.99 for the 8GB/256GB configuration, or $159.99 for the 16GB/512GB model, it undercuts many competitors while still providing dual 4K display support and dual M.2 slots for storage expansion. The review highlights the compact 114 x 106 x 44mm chassis and quiet cooling as selling points, though it notes the lack of modern connectivity options like WiFi 6 and Thunderbolt as limitations.

Customer Reviews of the GMKtec Nucbox G3S

Amazon customers have given the GMKtec Nucbox G3S a solid 4.3-star rating across over 1,600 reviews, suggesting strong satisfaction for a budget mini PC. Many buyers praise the compact form factor and quiet operation, noting that the system runs cooler and quieter than expected given its small size. The VESA mount compatibility and plug-and-play setup are frequently mentioned as highlights, with users appreciating how easily it integrates into existing workspaces.

Common concerns center on the entry-level performance of the N95 processor and the limited upgrade path. Some reviewers note that while it handles basic tasks well, attempting to run multiple demanding applications simultaneously can result in slowdowns. The WiFi 5 limitation also draws occasional criticism, particularly from users in environments where WiFi 6 routers are standard. Overall, the consensus is that the G3S delivers exactly what it promises at its price point, with most negative feedback relating to unrealistic performance expectations rather than actual product defects.

Conclusion

The GMKtec Nucbox G3S is an excellent choice for users who need a simple, reliable computer for basic tasks without paying for power they won’t use. It’s ideal for web browsing, office productivity, digital signage, thin client deployments, or as a secondary machine for specific tasks like media playback. The dual M.2 slot configuration provides unusual storage flexibility for a system in this price range, and the included VESA mount adds practical value.

However, the G3S is not the right choice if you need to edit video, run virtual machines, play modern games, or handle other demanding workloads. Users who require more performance should consider the GMKtec Nucbox G3 Plus with its Intel N150 processor, or step up to a more powerful mini PC with an AMD Ryzen or Intel Core processor. For those comparing budget options, Starry Hope’s Mini PC Comparison Chart provides a valuable resource for evaluating alternatives.

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