GMK NucBox G3 Pro: A Budget Mini PC with Surprising Power

The mini PC market has been dominated by low-power, budget-friendly options powered by Intel's newer Alder Lake-N and Twin Lake processors. But the GMK NucBox G3 Pro takes a different approach, offering surprisingly capable performance in a compact form factor at an attractive price point.

Priced at just $150 for the barebones version (using coupon code G3PV20), this mini desktop computer is powered by an Intel Core i3-10110U processor from the 10th-generation "Comet Lake" family. While this chip was released in 2019, it brings some distinct advantages over newer, lower-power alternatives.

The Processor: Old but Capable

The Intel Core i3-10110U is a 15-watt, 2-core, 4-thread processor that can reach frequencies up to 4.1 GHz. It features an Intel UHD integrated GPU with 23 execution units and supports up to 64GB of dual-channel DDR4-2666 or LPDDR4-2933 memory. The chip is built on a 14nm process.

Compared to Intel's newer N150 processor, the Core i3-10110U shows interesting performance characteristics. In single-core benchmarks, the older chip actually outperforms the newer one, making it potentially better for applications that don't scale well across multiple cores. However, the N150 takes the lead in multi-core performance.

The N150 is a more modern 7nm, 6-watt processor with 4 cores and 4 threads, reaching up to 3.6 GHz. It has a slightly more powerful integrated GPU with 24 execution units and supports faster memory types including DDR4-3200, DDR5-4800, and LPDDR5-4800. However, it's limited to single-channel RAM and a maximum of 32GB.

Memory and Storage Options

Where the NucBox G3 Pro really shines is in its memory capabilities. The system includes two SODIMM slots supporting up to 64GB of combined DDR4-3200 memory - double the maximum of comparable N150-based systems. This makes it an attractive option for users who need to run memory-intensive applications or multiple virtual machines.

Storage is equally flexible with two M.2 slots:

• M.2 2280 slot supporting up to 8TB PCIe 3.0 x4 SSD
• M.2 2242 slot supporting up to 1TB SATA 3.0 SSD

This configuration allows for both high-speed primary storage and additional capacity without sacrificing performance.

Connectivity and Ports

The NucBox G3 Pro comes well-equipped for a mini PC in this price range:

• 2 x HDMI ports for multi-monitor setups
• 4 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports (5 Gbps)
• 1 x 2.5 GbE LAN port (Intel i226) for fast wired networking
• 1 x 3.5mm audio jack
• 1 x DC power input (12V/3A)

Wireless connectivity includes an RTL8852BE card supporting WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2, ensuring modern wireless performance.

Cooling and Design

Despite its compact dimensions of 114 x 106 x 44mm (4.5" x 4.2" x 1.7"), the system includes active cooling with a fan and single copper heat pipe. This cooling solution should help maintain performance under load, though it does mean the system won't be completely silent during operation.

Configuration Options and Pricing

The NucBox G3 Pro is available in three configurations:

• Barebones: $170 ($150 with coupon G3PV20)
• 8GB + 256GB: $240 ($220 with coupon G3PV20)
• 16GB + 512GB: $300 ($280 with coupon G3PV20)

These prices position the NucBox G3 Pro as one of the most affordable options for users who need more than basic computing power in a small form factor.

Who Is This For?

The NucBox G3 Pro represents an interesting middle ground in the mini PC market. It's not as power-efficient as newer N-series chips, but it offers better single-core performance and significantly more memory capacity. This makes it suitable for:

• Users running older software that doesn't scale well across multiple cores
• Those needing large amounts of RAM for virtual machines or memory-intensive applications
• Home theater PC enthusiasts who want more processing power for media transcoding
• Small office environments where performance matters more than absolute power efficiency

While the 10th-gen processor may seem dated compared to the latest offerings, the NucBox G3 Pro demonstrates that sometimes older technology, when paired with thoughtful design and competitive pricing, can still deliver excellent value in today's market.