GMKtec Nucbox G3S

Updated on

Starry Hope Rating
3.5
GMKtec Nucbox G3S lifestyle

The GMKtec Nucbox G3S is an ultra-compact mini PC for everyday computing. Its Intel N95 processor turbos to 3.4GHz, which covers web browsing, office work, and light media playback. The unit weighs 0.57 pounds and measures 4.49 x 4.17 x 1.73 inches, small enough to sit behind a monitor. Dual HDMI 2.0 ports drive 4K displays, three USB 3.2 ports handle peripherals, and VESA mounting hardware comes in the box, so the same machine works in a home office or as digital signage.

Pros and Cons

ProsCons
Windows 11 Home preinstalled and activatedIntel N95 processor is entry-level, not suited for demanding tasks
Compact and light at 260gRAM maxes out at 16GB DDR4 with single SO-DIMM slot
Dual M.2 slots support up to 10TB total storageWiFi 5 instead of the newer WiFi 6 standard
Dual 4K display output via HDMI 2.0No USB-C, Thunderbolt, or USB4 ports
VESA mount bracket included in the boxNo 2.5-inch drive bay for traditional SATA storage
Quiet cooling system under everyday loadsOne buyer found the USB slots hard to push peripherals into

GMKtec Nucbox G3S Comparison Chart

GMKtec Nucbox G3S

GMKtec Nucbox G3S

GMKtec Nucbox G3S

GMKtec Nucbox G3S

Price

List Price: $224.99

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Version------
Performance Rating3.12.7
Operating SystemWindows 11 ProWindows 11 Pro
ProcessorQuad-core 3.40 Ghz (max 3.40 Ghz)
Intel Processor N95
Quad-core 3.40 Ghz (max 3.40 Ghz)
Intel Processor N95
GPUIntegrated Intel UHD GraphicsIntegrated Intel UHD Graphics
RAM16 GB DDR48 GB DDR4
Internal Storage512 GB SSD256 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)
Weight0.57 lbs (0.26 kg)0.57 lbs (0.26 kg)
WiFiWi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
BluetoothBluetooth 5.0Bluetooth 5.0
Ethernet1 Ethernet port at 1 Gbps1 Ethernet port at 1 Gbps
HDMI2 Full-Size HDMI Ports2 Full-Size HDMI Ports
DisplayPortNo DisplayPortNo DisplayPort
VGANo VGA PortsNo VGA Ports
USB Ports1 USB 2.0, 3 USB 31 USB 2.0, 3 USB 3
Thunderbolt PortsNoNo
OCuLinkNoNo
Internal SATA PortsNo SATA portsNo SATA ports
Card ReaderNo Card ReaderNo Card Reader
Headphone Jack3.5mm3.5mm
FanlessNoNo
VESA MountYesYes
In the BoxMini PC, Power adapter, VESA mount bracket, User manualMini PC, Power adapter, VESA mount bracket, User manual
Expandability1x SO-DIMM DDR4 2666 MT/s (max 16GB), 2x M.2 slots1x SO-DIMM DDR4 2666 MT/s (max 16GB), 2x M.2 slots

Related Mini PCs

Two M.2 slots in a half-pound chassis

Connectivity features of a compact mini PC

The G3S comes in a plain black plastic enclosure. At 4.49 x 4.17 x 1.73 inches and barely over half a pound, it disappears behind a monitor or tucks 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.

The Intel N95 is a quad-core Alder Lake processor with a PassMark score of 5,283. That covers productivity applications, video streaming, and basic multitasking, while video editing, gaming, and other compute-intensive workloads stay out of reach. The 16GB DDR4 RAM gives typical office tasks enough headroom, and the single SO-DIMM slot means you cannot add more memory later.

The G3S has two M.2 slots. 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, so a system this size can hold 10TB of internal storage. WiFi 5 and Bluetooth 5.0 handle wireless connectivity, and the 1Gbps Ethernet port provides a wired alternative.

Reviewer Insights

Performance tier graphic for an entry-level mini PC

Video coverage of the G3S is thin. The model launched globally in September 2025. 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 uses the Intel N95 processor and targets a lower price than either sibling.

NotebookCheck’s Perspective

NotebookCheck places the GMKtec Nucbox G3S in 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. It lists $139.99 for the 8GB/256GB configuration and $159.99 for the 16GB/512GB model. The article highlights the compact design, VESA mount support, a “quiet cooling setup”, and dual-display support as the main selling points.

Customer Reviews

Owner feedback on the G3S skews positive. Five-star reviews name the small footprint, the easy out-of-box setup, the four USB ports alongside two HDMI outputs, and the value of the Intel N95 it ships with. 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.”

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.”

A signage and office box on an entry-level chip

The G3S suits anyone who needs a simple, reliable computer for basic tasks without paying for power they won’t use. It covers web browsing, office productivity, digital signage, thin client deployments, and duty as a secondary machine for media playback. The two M.2 slots hold up to 10TB between them, and the VESA mount ships in the box.

Video editing, virtual machines, and modern games are past what the N95 can carry. If you need that headroom, the GMKtec Nucbox G3 Plus runs an Intel N150, and mini PCs built on AMD Ryzen or Intel Core chips go further still. Starry Hope’s Mini PC Comparison Chart lines up budget options side by side.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the GMKtec Nucbox G3, G3S, and G3 Plus?

The main difference is the processor. The G3 uses the Intel N100, the G3S uses the Intel N95, and the G3 Plus uses the Intel N150. The G3S is the least expensive option with slightly lower performance, while the G3 Plus offers the best performance of the three at a higher price point.

Can I upgrade the RAM in the GMKtec Nucbox G3S?

The G3S has a single SO-DIMM slot that supports up to 16GB DDR4 2666MHz RAM. If your unit came with less RAM, you can replace the existing module with a larger one, but 16GB is the maximum supported capacity.

How many monitors can the GMKtec Nucbox G3S support?

The G3S can drive two 4K displays simultaneously through its dual HDMI 2.0 ports. Both ports support 4K resolution at 60Hz for dual-monitor productivity setups or digital signage applications.

Is the GMKtec Nucbox G3S good for gaming?

The G3S is not designed for gaming. The Intel N95’s integrated graphics can handle very light games and older titles at low settings, but modern games will not run well. If gaming is important to you, consider a mini PC with a dedicated GPU or a more powerful integrated graphics solution.

Does the GMKtec Nucbox G3S come with Windows pre-installed?

Yes, the G3S comes with Windows 11 Home pre-installed and activated. It’s ready to use out of the box after completing the initial Windows setup process.

How loud is the GMKtec Nucbox G3S during operation?

The G3S keeps noise levels low during normal operation. One verified buyer, GK, praised its “Silent operation,” and the fan only becomes noticeable under sustained heavy loads.

Can I mount the GMKtec Nucbox G3S behind my monitor?

Yes, the G3S includes a VESA mount bracket in the box. This allows you to attach the mini PC to the back of any monitor with a standard 75x75mm or 100x100mm VESA mount pattern, freeing up desk space and creating a cleaner setup.