GMKtec Nucbox G3S

Updated on June 21, 2026

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	GMKtec Nucbox G3S
Price	List Price: $224.99 Amazon Prices: Check Price on Amazon	List Price: Amazon Prices: Check Price on Amazon
Version	---	---
Performance Rating	4.9	4.3
Operating System	Windows 11 Pro	Windows 11 Pro
Processor	Quad-core 3.40 Ghz (max 3.40 Ghz) Intel Processor N95	Quad-core 3.40 Ghz (max 3.40 Ghz) Intel Processor N95
GPU	Integrated Intel UHD Graphics	Integrated Intel UHD Graphics
RAM	16 GB DDR4	8 GB DDR4
Internal Storage	512 GB SSD	256 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)	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)	0.57 lbs (0.26 kg)
WiFi	Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)	Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
Bluetooth	Bluetooth 5.0	Bluetooth 5.0
Ethernet	1 Ethernet port at 1 Gbps	1 Ethernet port at 1 Gbps
HDMI	2 Full-Size HDMI Ports	2 Full-Size HDMI Ports
DisplayPort	No DisplayPort	No DisplayPort
VGA	No VGA Ports	No VGA Ports
USB Ports	1 USB 2.0, 3 USB 3	1 USB 2.0, 3 USB 3
Thunderbolt Ports	No	No
OCuLink	No	No
Internal SATA Ports	No SATA ports	No SATA ports
Card Reader	No Card Reader	No Card Reader
Headphone Jack	3.5mm	3.5mm
Fanless	No	No
VESA Mount	Yes	Yes
In the Box	Mini PC, Power adapter, VESA mount bracket, User manual	Mini PC, Power adapter, VESA mount bracket, User manual
Expandability	1x SO-DIMM DDR4 2666 MT/s (max 16GB), 2x M.2 slots	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 the system's 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. The article highlights the compact design, VESA mount support, a "quiet cooling setup", and dual-display support as the main selling points.

Customer Reviews of the GMKtec Nucbox G3S

Owner feedback on the G3S skews positive. The five-star reviews cluster on the same points: a small footprint, easy out-of-box setup, plenty of ports (four USB plus two HDMI), and value for the Intel N95 it ships with. Reviewers repeatedly frame it as a light-duty machine for streaming, browsing, and office work rather than gaming. A verified buyer named nick wrote that the unit "runs on an Intel N95 and does not slouch in the processing department," adding that "Multi-tasking with common applications (MS office, browsing, streaming, etc) is no problem at all," while noting "This particular build does not feature Ethernet/LAN or USB C." Another verified buyer, GK, called it "perfect for checking emails and web surfing, i.e. not gaming," and praised the "Silent operation."

The reviews are not all positive, and one failure report is worth naming. A verified buyer posting as No Limit Enterprises, Inc. titled their review "Avoid at all costs" and wrote that the "PC stopped working after 2 months. Like many other reviewers, the onboard display stopped working which essentially bricks the PC," describing warranty support routed through China as "a nightmare." A separate five-star reviewer, Ted F., still flagged a hardware annoyance: "The only drawback was that the USB slots seemed extremely hard to insert peripherals." So while most owners report a fast, quiet, inexpensive little PC for everyday use, the spread includes a stiff-port complaint and at least one early hardware failure with slow support. The original Amazon listing for this 16GB/512GB configuration is currently showing as unavailable.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions