GMKtec NucBox K4

Starry Hope Rating
3.5

Updated on

Photo of GMKtec NucBox K4

The GMKtec NucBox K4 pairs an AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS processor with integrated AMD Radeon 780M graphics in a case that fits in the palm of your hand. Memory and storage are user accessible, so the machine can be taken up to 64GB of DDR5 and a 2TB PCIe 4.0 SSD after purchase.

ProsCons
AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS CPUSevere thermal throttling under sustained load (TechTablets measured 102.5°C)
High-end Radeon 780M graphics for 1080p gamingLimited by HDMI 2.0, lacks HDMI 2.1
Memory upgradeable to 64GB DDR5Case gets very hot during heavy use (56°C measured)
Fast PCIe 4.0 NVMe storage up to 2TBNo secondary storage expansion slot
Toolless pop-off lid for easy upgradesUSB-C port lacks Power Delivery
Weighs 0.93 lbsStandard 1TB storage limited for creative work

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GMKtec NucBox K4 Comparison Chart

GMKtec NucBox K4

GMKtec NucBox K4

GMKtec NucBox K4

GMKtec NucBox K4

Price

List Price: $849.99

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List Price: $797.99

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Version32GB/2TB/AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS32GB/1TB/AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS
Performance Rating9.39.3
Operating SystemWindows 11 ProWindows 11 Pro
ProcessorOcta-core 4.00 Ghz (max 5.20 Ghz)
AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS
Octa-core 4.00 Ghz (max 5.20 Ghz)
AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS
GPUIntegrated AMD Radeon 780MIntegrated AMD Radeon 780M
RAM32 GB32 GB
Internal Storage2 TB1 TB
Dimensions
width x length x thickness
4.84 x 4.4 x 1.7 inches
(122.94 x 111.76 x 43.18 mm)
4.84 x 4.4 x 1.7 inches
(122.94 x 111.76 x 43.18 mm)
Weight0.93 lbs (0.42 kg)0.93 lbs (0.42 kg)
WiFiWi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
BluetoothBluetooth 5.2Bluetooth 5.2
Ethernet1 Ethernet port at 2.5 Gbps1 Ethernet port at 2.5 Gbps
HDMI2 Full-Size HDMI Ports2 Full-Size HDMI Ports
DisplayPortDisplayPort 1.4 over USB-CDisplayPort 1.4 over USB-C
VGANo VGA PortsNo VGA Ports
USB Ports1 USB 2.0, 3 USB 3, 1 USB-C (1 USB4)
(USB-C full-featured, supports USB4.0 up to 40Gbps)
1 USB 2.0, 3 USB 3, 1 USB-C (1 USB4)
(USB-C full-featured, supports USB4.0 up to 40Gbps)
Thunderbolt PortsNoNo
OCuLinkNoNo
Internal SATA PortsNo SATA portsNo SATA ports
Card ReaderNo Card ReaderNo Card Reader
Headphone Jackcombocombo
FanlessNoNo
VESA MountYesYes
In the BoxGMKtec Nucbox K4, Power Adapter, VESA Mount with Screws, HDMI Cable, User ManualGMKtec Nucbox K4, Power Adapter, VESA Mount with Screws, HDMI Cable, User Manual
ExpandabilityMemory and NVMe are user accessible and replaceableMemory and NVMe are user accessible and replaceable

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Upgradeable memory and storage in a 0.93-pound shell

At 4.84 x 4.40 x 1.7 inches and 0.93 lbs, the K4 is easy to carry between desks. A pop-off lid opens the case without tools, and behind it sit the DDR5 memory, which tops out at 64GB, and a single M.2 slot that takes a PCIe 4.0 drive of up to 2TB. There is no second drive bay, so that slot holds all the internal storage the machine will ever have.

Two HDMI 2.0 outputs and a full-featured USB-C port carrying USB4 and DisplayPort 1.4 handle video. Alongside the USB-A ports it has a 2.5G Ethernet jack, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.2. A VESA mount and its screws ship in the box, so the machine can hang behind a monitor rather than sit on the desk.

Windows 11 Pro comes pre-installed and the hardware also runs Linux. Idle power draw sits around 11 watts and climbs to 79 watts under heavy load.

Benchmarks are strong and the CPU hits 102.5°C

Insights from ETA PRIME

ETA PRIME’s review covers the hardware and its performance. He called the Ryzen 9 7940HS APU and Radeon 780M iGPU “the most powerful APU on the market.” He liked the choice between a fully configured system and a bare-bones kit, and the ease of upgrading the components.

He ran demanding games at respectable frame rates and measured a maximum consumption of 79 watts under heavy load. The reviewer concludes that the K4 offers high performance in a small package, suitable for various applications, from casual computing to gaming. The potential to increase the TDP for enhanced performance is also mentioned as an option for power users.

Team Pandory’s Perspective

Team Pandory’s review emphasizes the K4’s compact size and premium feel. The device’s hardware specifications, including the 8-core Ryzen CPU, 32GB of DDR5 RAM, and 1TB PCIe 4 NVMe SSD, are lauded for their ability to easily handle diverse tasks such as 4K video streaming and content production.

The review highlights the machine’s strong multi-core processing capabilities and its prowess in emulation. The possibility of adjusting the TDP in the BIOS is discussed, with a cautionary note about potential overheating. Despite concerns about cooling and early-stage drivers, the K4 is recommended for productivity and emulation enthusiasts.

TechTablets’ Technical Analysis

TechTablets ran thermal tests alongside the benchmarks. Chris praises the toolless design, noting that internal access is achieved by simply removing the pop-off lid, making RAM and SSD upgrades straightforward. The benchmarks show strong performance, with Cinebench R23 scores of 13,037 multi-core and 1,680 single-core.

Under sustained load, the CPU reached a dangerous 102.5°C, causing severe throttling and even forcing the system into sleep mode. The exterior case temperature reached 56°C, prompting the reviewer to comment, “I was very surprised to almost burn myself touching it.” The review concludes that while the K4 performs well for short bursts and gaming sessions, the cooling system struggles with sustained heavy loads.

TechRadar’s Professional Assessment

TechRadar’s review of the K4 (AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS, Radeon 780M) puts it through real-world work including 4K video editing in Premiere Pro. The reviewer most appreciated the understated styling, calling the design “a refreshing departure from the typical gamer-centric aesthetics” that suits creative workspaces, and noted the standard 1TB storage can feel limiting for heavy video and creative work. While the review echoes the thermal concerns, its overall verdict is positive: the K4 is “an excellent choice … if you’re seeking a balance of power, portability, and design.”

Fast in short bursts, throttled at 102.5°C on long loads

The Ryzen 9 7940HS and Radeon 780M cover 1080p gaming, content creation, and multitasking, and the 64GB memory ceiling with a 2TB drive leaves room to grow into. For short bursts of work the K4 posts desktop-class numbers, including that Cinebench R23 multi-core result of 13,037.

On long renders and other sustained loads, TechTablets measured the CPU at 102.5°C and the case at 56°C. HDMI 2.0 caps what the two video outputs can drive, and the USB-C port carries no Power Delivery. Starry Hope’s Mini PC Comparison Chart sets these specs beside other models.

Frequently Asked Questions

What operating system does the GMKtec NucBox K4 come with?

Windows 11 Pro is pre-installed. The hardware also supports Linux.

Can I upgrade the RAM and storage on the NucBox K4?

Yes. Memory goes up to 64GB of DDR5 and the M.2 slot takes a PCIe 4.0 SSD of up to 2TB, both reachable through the pop-off lid.

Does the NucBox K4 support multiple displays?

Three displays run at once, from the two HDMI 2.0 ports and the one USB-C port with DisplayPort 1.4.

What kind of cooling system does the NucBox K4 have?

An active cooler sized for the processor’s 45-watt TDP. It holds short bursts, but TechTablets saw sustained loads push the CPU to 102.5°C and throttle it.

Is the NucBox K4 suitable for gaming?

The Radeon 780M runs many modern games at respectable frame rates at 1080p.

How many USB ports does the NucBox K4 have?

There is 1x USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 port, 1x USB-A 2.0 port, and 1x full-featured USB-C port with USB4.0 support.

Can I mount the NucBox K4 behind a monitor?

Yes. A VESA mount and screws are in the box.

What is the power consumption of the NucBox K4?

Idle draw is around 11 watts, rising to 79 watts under heavy load.

Does the NucBox K4 have Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity?

Wireless is Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2.

Is the GMKtec NucBox K4 easy to set up?

Windows 11 Pro arrives installed, so setup is a matter of plugging in a display, keyboard, and mouse and running through the first-boot wizard.