GMKtec NucBox K4
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In a world where desk space is at a premium, and the demand for powerful yet compact computing solutions is ever-growing, the GMKtec NucBox K4 Mini PC emerges as a noteworthy contender. This diminutive device packs a punch with its AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS processor and integrated AMD Radeon 780M graphics. Ideal for multitaskers and performance seekers, the NucBox K4 promises to deliver desktop-level power in a form factor that fits in the palm of your hand.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Robust AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS CPU | Severe thermal throttling under sustained load (TechTablets measured 102.5°C) |
| High-end Radeon 780M graphics for 1080p gaming | Limited by HDMI 2.0, lacks HDMI 2.1 |
| Expansive support for up to 64GB DDR5 RAM | Case gets very hot during heavy use (56°C measured) |
| Fast PCIe 4.0 NVMe storage up to 2TB | No secondary storage expansion slot |
| Toolless pop-off lid for easy upgrades | USB-C port lacks Power Delivery |
| Ultra-compact at only 0.93 lbs | Standard 1TB storage limited for creative work |
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GMKtec NucBox K4 Comparison Chart
![]() GMKtec NucBox K4 | ![]() GMKtec NucBox K4 | |
| Price | List Price: $849.99 Amazon Prices: Loading prices... | List Price: $797.99 Amazon Prices: Loading prices... |
| Version | 32GB/2TB/AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS | 32GB/1TB/AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS |
| Perfomance Rating | 9.3 | 9.3 |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Pro | Windows 11 Pro |
| Processor | Octa-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 |
| GPU | Integrated AMD Radeon 780M | Integrated AMD Radeon 780M |
| RAM | 32 GB | 32 GB |
| Internal Storage | 2 TB | 1 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) |
| Weight | 0.93 lbs (0.42 kg) | 0.93 lbs (0.42 kg) |
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Ethernet | 1 Ethernet port at 2.5 Gbps | 1 Ethernet port at 2.5 Gbps |
| HDMI | 2 Full-Size HDMI Ports | 2 Full-Size HDMI Ports |
| DisplayPort | DisplayPort 1.4 over USB-C | DisplayPort 1.4 over USB-C |
| VGA | No VGA Ports | No VGA Ports |
| USB Ports | 1 USB 2.0, 3 USB 3, 1 USB 4, 1 USB-C | 1 USB 2.0, 3 USB 3, 1 USB 4, 1 USB-C |
| Thunderbolt Ports | 1 | 1 |
| Internal SATA Ports | No SATA ports | No SATA ports |
| Card Reader | No Card Reader | No Card Reader |
| Headphone Jack | combo | combo |
| Fanless | No | No |
| VESA Mount | Yes | Yes |
| In the Box | GMKtec Nucbox K4, Power Adapter, VESA Mount with Screws, HDMI Cable, User Manual | GMKtec Nucbox K4, Power Adapter, VESA Mount with Screws, HDMI Cable, User Manual |
| Expandability | Memory and NVMe are user accessible and replaceable | Memory and NVMe are user accessible and replaceable |
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In-Depth Look at the GMKtec NucBox K4
The GMKtec NucBox K4 is a mini PC that defies expectations with its size-to-performance ratio. Measuring just 4.84 x 4.40 x 1.7 inches and weighing a mere 0.93 lbs, it epitomizes portability without sacrificing capability. The ability to upgrade to 64GB of DDR5 RAM and 2TB of storage ensures that the NucBox K4 remains relevant as your computing needs evolve.
Adept at maintaining a balance between power and efficiency, the NucBox K4’s cooling system is engineered to dissipate heat effectively, keeping the performance steady. The array of ports, including USB-C with DisplayPort 1.4 and 2.5G Ethernet, caters to diverse connectivity needs, while the VESA mount inclusion is a nod to space-saving ergonomics.
Energy-conscious users will appreciate the NucBox K4’s idle power draw of around 11 watts. Its prowess extends to high-demand applications such as 3D gaming and content creation, supported by Windows 11 Pro’s modern features and Linux compatibility for those who prefer an alternative OS.
Expert Reviews of the GMKtec NucBox K4 Mini PC
Insights from ETA PRIME
ETA PRIME’s review of the GMKtec NucBox K4 highlights its powerful hardware and performance. The Ryzen 9 7940HS APU and Radeon 780M iGPU are praised as “the most powerful APU on the market.” The flexibility to choose between a fully configured system or a bare-bones kit is appreciated, as is the ease of upgrading the device’s components.
The Mini PC’s gaming performance is notable, with the ability to run demanding games at respectable frame rates. Power efficiency is also a strong suit, with a maximum consumption of 79 watts under heavy load. The reviewer concludes that the GMKtec NucBox K4 offers high performance in a small package, making it 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 NucBox 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 music production.
The review highlights the Mini PC’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 NucBox K4 is recommended for productivity and emulation enthusiasts.
TechTablets’ Technical Deep Dive
TechTablets provides a comprehensive technical review with detailed thermal testing that reveals critical information for potential buyers. 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.
However, the thermal testing uncovered significant concerns. 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.” For users planning extended workloads, this thermal behavior is an important consideration. The review concludes that while the K4 performs exceptionally for short bursts and gaming sessions, the cooling system struggles with sustained heavy loads.
TechRadar’s Professional Assessment
TechRadar’s review offers extensive benchmark data and real-world testing. Their evaluation highlighted the K4’s ability to handle demanding tasks like 4K video editing in Premiere Pro, with GeekBench multi-core scores reaching 12,584 and PCMark hitting 7,532. The reviewer appreciated the professional design, calling it “a refreshing departure from typical gamer-centric aesthetics” that suits creative workspaces.
Power efficiency testing showed idle consumption of just 11 watts, with gaming averaging 67 watts and peak consumption reaching 79 watts. While praising the performance-to-size ratio, the review echoes thermal concerns and notes that the standard 1TB storage “feels limited for video and creative work.” Overall, TechRadar describes it as “an excellent choice if you’re seeking a balance of power, portability, and design.”
All reviews consistently praise the NucBox K4’s exceptional performance from its AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS and Radeon 780M combination, along with its compact form factor and upgradeability. The recurring theme across reviewers is the thermal management challenge, which potential buyers should consider based on their intended workloads.
Customer Reviews on the GMKtec NucBox K4 Mini PC
Customers have expressed satisfaction with the GMKtec NucBox K4, citing its compact design and powerful performance that adeptly manages tasks like 3D gaming, image editing, and video processing. The Mini PC’s 4K display capabilities and robust GPU are highlighted for their contribution to an enhanced gaming experience.
While the thermal management system is generally praised, some users have reported overheating issues leading to performance throttling. DIY modifications, such as external cooling enhancements, have addressed this. GMKtec’s customer service is commended for their prompt and supportive responses to issues.
The NucBox K4’s quick operation, energy efficiency, and silent performance are additional praise points. The VESA mount and Linux compatibility are thoughtful inclusions that add to the device’s appeal. Overall, the GMKtec NucBox K4 is viewed as a competitive option for those seeking a minimalist yet powerful desktop setup.
Conclusion and Recommendations
The GMKtec NucBox K4 is tailored for users seeking a high-performance Mini PC that doesn’t compromise portability. Its AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS processor and Radeon 780M graphics make it a formidable choice for gaming, content creation, and multitasking. The upgradeability of RAM and SSD storage positions it as a future-proof investment.
However, alternative Mini PCs with more robust cooling or external graphics capabilities may be more suitable for users desiring the latest in display connectivity or who may face thermal challenges. The NucBox K4 strikes a balance between performance and form factor, appealing to those who desire a desktop replacement or portable workstation. Users can utilize Starry Hope’s Mini PC Comparison Chart for a broader comparison.
Frequently Asked Questions
What operating system does the GMKtec NucBox K4 come with?
The GMKtec NucBox K4 is pre-installed with Windows 11 Pro and supports Linux, offering flexibility for various user preferences.
Can I upgrade the RAM and storage on the NucBox K4?
Yes, the NucBox K4 supports up to 64GB of DDR5 RAM and up to 2TB of PCIe 4.0 M.2 SSD storage, providing ample room for upgrades.
Does the NucBox K4 support multiple displays?
Indeed, the NucBox K4 can support up to three displays using its two HDMI 2.0 ports and one USB-C port with DisplayPort 1.4 functionality.
What kind of cooling system does the NucBox K4 have?
The NucBox K4 features an efficient cooling system to handle the 45-watt TDP of the processor, ensuring stable performance under load.
Is the NucBox K4 suitable for gaming?
The NucBox K4 can handle many modern games at respectable frame rates, especially at 1080p, thanks to its powerful processor and integrated graphics.
How many USB ports does the NucBox K4 have?
The NucBox K4 includes 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?
The NucBox K4 has a VESA mount for a tidy and space-efficient setup.
What is the power consumption of the NucBox K4?
The NucBox K4 is power-efficient, idling at around 11 watts and reaching up to 79 watts under heavy load.
Does the NucBox K4 have Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity?
The NucBox K4 features Bluetooth 5.2 and Wi-Fi 6 for fast and reliable wireless connections.
Is the GMKtec NucBox K4 easy to set up?
The NucBox K4 is designed for easy setup, with Windows 11 Pro pre-installed and various ports for quick connection to peripherals.
