GMKtec NucBox M3 (Core i5-12450H) review / Mini PC for office work
In search of a low-cost computer that can do minimal office work, I acquired the GMKtec NucBox M3, a Core i5 machine that can be purchased on Amazon for 51,000 yen (USD360), and I would like to introduce it to you.-
GMKtec M3 Mini PC Intel Core i5 12450H
GMKtec 2023/07 USD398.99
Features 12th Gen Intel Core i5-12450H, Intel UHD Graphics 1.20 GHz, 8 Processor Cores, 12 threads, 12MB Smart Cache, 45W TDP, Cores: Up to 4.4GHz Turbo. Compared with Intel's previous generation mobile processor i7-10810U, the single-core performance of the i5-12450H has improved by approximately 31%, multi-core performance by approximately 48%. Single-core performance is comparable to AMD R9 6900HX.
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(UK)
Introduction of GMKtec NucBox M3
Overview
Equipped with Intel 12th generation Core i5-12450H CPU (released in 2022). Memory is 16/32GB. If you replace it, you can install up to 64GB. Storage is equipped with M.2 2280 SSD 512GB/1TB. (The entire storage capacity is allocated to the C drive.) Since Windows11 Pro edition is preinstalled, remote desktop connection is possible as is, making it convenient for server use. It has the performance of an average modern office computer. On the other hand, the graphics engine is poor, so it is not suitable for enjoying 3D games.
GMKtec NucBox M3 has three types of models shown in the table below and a barebone model.
| CPU | Memory | Storage (M.2 2280) |
|---|---|---|
| i5-12450H | 32GB | 1TB SSD |
| i5-12450H | 16GB | 1TB SSD |
| i5-12450H | 16GB | 512GB SSD |
Exterior
The size is small, palm-sized with an actual footprint of 114.3 x 106.4 mm. The color of the case is aluminum silver, and the top surface is white with a glass-like finish, a bright color that fits not only the office but also the living room at home. You can also use the Vesa mount to hang it behind the display.
Performance
It has the performance of an average modern office computer. There is absolutely no inconvenience in using it for business. On the other hand, the graphics engine is weak and not powerful enough to enjoy 3D games. It's at a level where you can manage to play only light 3D games. Note that the fan rotates only under very high loads and is normally stopped. Therefore, the operating sound is almost silent.
Scalability
There is an empty M.2 2242 SSD slot (up to 1TB) inside the main unit to expand storage capacity. Up to 3 displays can be connected using 2 HDMI (4K compatible) ports and 1 USB port (DisplayPort). It also has built-in Wi-Fi6 and Bluetooth5.2.
It arrives in a sturdy and beautifully finished box.
This is a size comparison with an iPhone.
The box contains something like this photo.
From the top left: instruction manual (Japanese, English, Chinese), support card, and Vesa mount panel.
From the bottom left, the HDMI cable, PC main unit, AC adapter, and power cable.
The detailed specifications of GMKtec's machines are not clearly stated on the official website, and the instruction manual cannot be downloaded. Users who want to know detailed specifications may avoid purchasing this machine. I look forward to future improvements.
I compared the body size with the iPhone.
The top size is 114.3 x 106.4mm, which I think is especially small among mini PCs.
The casing is aluminum silver, and the top surface is white with a glass-like (acrylic?) finish.
This is a photo seen from the front.
From the left are two USB 3.2 Gen 2 (Type-A) ports and a power button.
The green power button design is a bit uncool.
This is a photo seen from the right side.
The entire surface has slits for air intake.
This is a photo seen from the back.
The top line is the exhaust port. Airflow is a pattern that is often seen in general mini PCs, where air is taken in from the intake ports on the left and right sides of the body and exhausted from the back. For ventilation, it is necessary to leave a large area around the PC installation location. However, the fan only spins under really high load. Usually silent.
The interfaces on the back are, from the left, a DC port for power input, 3.5mm audio jack (headphones & microphone), HDMI2.0 (4K@60Hz), 2.5G LAN, USB 2.0 and USB 3.2 Gen 1 (both Type-A) ports, USB Type-C and HDMI2.0 (4K@60Hz).
The USB Type-C port also supports video output, so you can connect a display using an HDMI or DisplayPort conversion cable. The specifications of the Type-C port are written as (DP/DATA), but the communication speed specifications are unknown. It's probably USB 3.2 Gen 1, like the Type-A port.
The two USB Type-A ports are specified as USB 2.0 and USB 3.2 Gen 1, but the connectors are both blue. I don't know which one is USB 2.0 because there is no indication. From the diagram in the instruction manual, it looks like the upper row is USB 2.0, but it is not clearly written.
By the way, in the unit I obtained, the upper USB Type-A port had a poor connection and did not work stably.
This is a photo seen from the left side.
This also has slits on the entire surface for intake.
This is a photo seen from the bottom.
To access the interior, remove the screws on the four rubber feet.
The top direction of this photo is the front.
When you remove the bottom cover, it will look like this photo.
This PC is a model equipped with 16GB of memory and 512GB of storage.
What you can see on the left is M.2 SSD with form factor 2280 (512GB: Lexar NM620), and on the right is DDR4 memory (8GBx2: PC4-3200 Wooposit WPBH32D408SWD-8G). Both are easily replaceable.
Between the M.2 2280 SSD and the memory is an empty M.2 2242 (M Key) SSD slot.
The battery is visible under the M.2 SSD and can be easily replaced.
However, it does not have a 2.5" SATA HDD/SSD slot, which is common in other companies' mini PCs.
This is a photo of the AC adapter.
Input is 100~240V, 1.8A. Output is 20V, 5A, 100.0W.
The size of the AC adapter is approximately 128mm x 52mm x 31mm. Weight is 407g including cable.
It's about the same as an AC adapter for a recent laptop computer.
The outlet is a 2-pin type, which is common in Japan.
Windows 11 setup
This site explains how to set up Windows 11. Please see each page below.How to install a SSD
One M.2 2242 SSD (M Key) can be added to this PC.
Remove the four screws circled in red in the figure and remove the bottom cover.
M.2 2242 SSD (M Key) is installed as shown in the photo.
First, remove the module fixing screw (diameter 2mm x length 3.8mm) attached to the board.
Insert the module diagonally into the socket and secure it with the screw from above.
Please note that the module cannot be inserted horizontally.
In the right photo example, a Transcend 1TB PCIe SSD M.2(2242) NVMe PCIe Gen3×4 M Key TS1TMTE400S (Amazon) is installed.
For information on how to make Windows recognize the added HDD/SSD, see
How to add an SSD or hard disk to a Windows 11 computer/How to change the drive name
.
GMKtec NucBox M3 BIOS
After pressing the power button, you can open the BIOS screen by repeatedly hitting the [Del] key before Windows starts.
The installed BIOS is AMI UEFI BIOS.
The installed memory speed is 3200MTs.
When you open the Advance tab, you can check information about the installed SSD.
The SSD is Lexar's NM620, 512GB.
Note that the Chipset tab has Wake On Lan settings. The initial value is "Enabled".
Intel UHD Graphics performance and graphics memory capacity
(To display the screen on the right, open the [Settings] - [System] - [Display] - [Advanced Display Settings] screen, and select "Display adapter properties for Display 1" in the "Display Information" column. )
GMKtec NucBox M3 startup time
Booting Windows and launching applications is blazing fast thanks to the M.2 SSD. Windows boot time is about 15 seconds from pressing the power button to displaying the desktop screen. In addition, the free office suite " LibreOffice " can be started in about 3 seconds, and Writer and Calc can be started in 2 - 3 seconds from that menu.However, boot time may slow down as you use your PC more.
GMKtec NucBox M3 benchmark test results
Here, I tried running the representative benchmark programs, Geekbench, Cinebench, PCMark 10, and 3DMark (Time Spy).During testing, only one HDMI connector was used to connect only one display with a resolution of WQHD (2560x1440). No adjustments have been made to the BIOS, drivers, or other parameters; they remain in their factory settings. For reference, I have also listed the values of three recently released GEEKOM PC models, GPD gaming PC Win Max2 (2023) (AMD Ryzen 7 7840U), and a machine equipped with Core i7-6700 (2015) + RTX3060 (12GB Desktop).
In terms of CPU performance and processing performance for office programs, this PC has average performance among general office PCs. On the other hand, as a 3D gaming PC, the performance is completely lacking. It's at a level where you can run very light games.
If you are considering replacing this PC, please compare the benchmark execution results on your machine.
Geekbench
First, I tried running
Geekbench
. This is the system information screen.
The CPU Benchmark result was 2258(Single) / 7884(Multi).
The performance of the CPU alone is decent, but the multi-core performance is not so good.
| System | Result (Single) | Result (Multi) |
|---|---|---|
| GEEKOM Mini IT13 Corei9-13900H, Memory 32GB, Iris Xe | 2407 | 11416 |
| GEEKOM A5 AMD Ryzen 7 5800H, Memory 32GB, Radeon Vega 8 | 2019 | 9411 |
| GMKtec NucBox M3 Core i5-12450H, Memory 16GB, Intel UHD Graphics | 2258 | 7884 |
| GEEKOM Mini IT11 Corei7-11390H, Memory 32GB, Iris Xe | 2231 | 6153 |
| GPD Win Max2 AMD Ryzen 7 7840U, Memory 64GB, AMD Radeon 780M | 2481 | 10997 |
| Core i7-6700(2015), Memory 16GB, GeForce RTX3060(12GB Desktop) | 1351 | 4626 |
GPU Benchmark result was 8326.
This is a fairly low value for modern PCs. Performance cannot be expected for applications that use graphics, such as games.
| System | Result |
|---|---|
| GEEKOM Mini IT13 Corei9-13900H, Memory 32GB, Iris Xe | 16294 |
| GEEKOM A5 AMD Ryzen 7 5800H, Memory 32GB, Radeon Vega 8 | 17636 |
| GEEKOM Mini IT11 Corei7-11390H, Memory 32GB, Iris Xe | 11008 |
| GMKtec NucBox M3 Core i5-12450H, Memory 16GB, Intel UHD Graphics | 8326 |
| GPD Win Max2 AMD Ryzen 7 7840U, Memory 64GB, AMD Radeon 780M | 28750 |
| Core i7-6700(2015), Memory 16GB, GeForce RTX3060(12GB Desktop) | 89112 |
Cinebench
Next, I tried running
Cinebench(2024)
, a 3DCG rendering test using only CPU provided by Maxon.
It is doing well, with better results than the previous generation Core i7. However, MP Ratio is low. When checking with the resource monitor, even during the single test, about 2 logical CPUs are operating, so the MP Ratio is about half the number of cores.
| System | Result (GPU) | Result (Multi) | Result (Single) | Result (MP Ratio) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GEEKOM Mini IT13 Corei9-13900H, Memory 32GB, Iris Xe | (none) | 663 | 102 | 6.47 |
| GEEKOM A5 AMD Ryzen 7 5800H, Memory 32GB, Radeon Vega 8 | (none) | 604 | 85 | 7.10 |
| GMKtec NucBox M3 Core i5-12450H, Memory 16GB, Intel UHD Graphics | (none) | 427 | 98 | 4.34 |
| GEEKOM Mini IT11 Corei7-11390H, Memory 32GB, Iris Xe | (none) | 313 | 83 | 3.75 |
| GPD Win Max2 AMD Ryzen 7 7840U, Memory 64GB, AMD Radeon 780M | (none) | 714 | 96 | 7.41 |
| Core i7-6700(2015), Memory 16GB, GeForce RTX3060(12GB Desktop) | 7937 | 286 | 61 | 4.72 |
This is the execution result of Cinebench Release 23.
| System | Result (Multi) | Result (Single) | Result (MP Ratio) |
|---|---|---|---|
| GEEKOM Mini IT13 Corei9-13900H, Memory 32GB, Iris Xe | 12122 | 1717 | 7.06 |
| GEEKOM A5 AMD Ryzen 7 5800H, Memory 32GB, Radeon Vega 8 | 10305 | 1416 | 7.28 |
| GMKtec NucBox M3 Core i5-12450H, Memory 16GB, Intel UHD Graphics | 7873 | 1651 | 4.77 |
| GEEKOM Mini IT11 Corei7-11390H, Memory 32GB, Iris Xe | 5648 | 1524 | 3.71 |
| GPD Win Max2 AMD Ryzen 7 7840U, Memory 64GB, AMD Radeon 780M | 12369 | 1729 | 7.16 |
| Core i7-6700(2015), Memory 16GB, GeForce RTX3060(12GB Desktop) | 5005 | 1009 | 4.96 |
| Core i7-2600(2011), Memory 8GB, GeForce GTX1060(3GB) | 3004 | 687 | 4.37 |
PCMark 10
Before installing PCMark 10 and 3DMark, you need to register and install a game platform: Steam . We recommend registering a new Steam account from your iPhone's
(Safari), as it often results in a CAPCHA error if you do it on a computer.
Next, I tried running
PCMark 10
.
In this bench, you can see the performance of the entire PC assuming various use cases.
Even in this test, it performed well, with better results than the previous generation Core i7.
| System | Result | Essentials | Productivity | Digital Content Creation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GEEKOM Mini IT13 Corei9-13900H, Memory 32GB, Iris Xe | 5847 | 10499 | 6842 | 7553 |
| GEEKOM A5 AMD Ryzen 7 5800H, Memory 32GB, Radeon Vega 8 | 6247 | 10281 | 9345 | 6286 |
| GMKtec NucBox M3 Core i5-12450H, Memory 16GB, Intel UHD Graphics | 5073 | 9773 | 6995 | 5204 |
| GEEKOM Mini IT11 Corei7-11390H, Memory 32GB, Iris Xe | 4759 | 9223 | 6648 | 4771 |
| GPD Win Max2 AMD Ryzen 7 7840U, Memory 64GB, AMD Radeon 780M | 6517 | 10341 | 8604 | 8442 |
| Core i7-6700(2015), Memory 16GB, GeForce RTX3060(12GB Desktop) | 5168 | 7579 | 6737 | 7336 |
The ranking looks like this.
It ranks in the top 46% of all users who tried PCMark 10.
As a general business computer, it is considered to have approximately intermediate performance.
3DMark(Time Spy)
Finally, I tried running
3DMark
(Time Spy) to see the performance as a gaming PC.
On this bench, you can see the rendering performance of 3D graphics, mainly assuming recent heavyweight games.
At WQHD (2560x1440) resolution, the frame rate was around 4-5FPS in the heavy Time Spy demo. The performance is only about half that of a machine equipped with Intel Iris Xe.
| System | Time Spy Score | Result (Graphics) | Result (CPU) |
|---|---|---|---|
| GEEKOM Mini IT13 Corei9-13900H, Memory 32GB, Iris Xe | 1946 | 1705 | 9898 |
| GEEKOM A5 AMD Ryzen 7 5800H, Memory 32GB, Radeon Vega 8 | 1655 | 1449 | 8600 |
| GEEKOM Mini IT11 Corei7-11390H, Memory 32GB, Iris Xe | 1487 | 1330 | 4520 |
| GMKtec NucBox M3 Core i5-12450H, Memory 16GB, Intel UHD Graphics | 992 | 864 | 6293 |
| GPD Win Max2 AMD Ryzen 7 7840U, Memory 64GB, AMD Radeon 780M | 2984 | 2678 | 8482 |
| Core i7-6700(2015), Memory 16GB, GeForce RTX3060(12GB Desktop) | 7734 | 8831 | 4539 |
The ranking looks like this.
It ranks in the bottom 0%! (lowest level) of all users who have tried 3DMark (Time Spy).
Specifications of GMKtec NucBox M3
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| CPU | 12th Generation Intel Core i5-12450H (3.30 to 4.40GHz Turbo Boost, 8C/12T, 12 MB L3 Cache) |
| Graphics | Intel UHD Graphics 1.20 GHz |
| Memory | 16GB (Dual Channel 2*8GB DDR4 3200 MT/s SO-DIMM) |
| Storage | 512GB PCIe 3.0 M.2 2280 SSD (Read: 3000MB/S & Write: 2500MB/S) |
| Storage expansion I/F | 1 x M.2 2242 SATA SSD slot (Max 1TB) |
| Wi-Fi | WiFi 6（802.11ax） |
| LAN | Ethernet 2500Mbps Giga LAN RJ45 |
| Video output | 3 display outputs, dual HDMI 2.0 (4K@60Hz) + Type-C DP |
| Audio output | Audio jack (HP&MIC) x 1 |
| Adapter | DC IN（5.5/2.5mm）、20V/5A 100W |
| OS | Pre-installed Win 11 Pro (Compatible with Win10, Ubuntu, Linux) |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth® v5.2 |
| I/O Ports | Power button x 1, DC IN x 1, USB 3.2 port x 3, USB 2.0 port x 1, HDMI port x 2, Type-C (DP/DATA) x 1, RJ45 2500Mbps x 1, Audio jack (HP & MIC) x 1 |
| Size | 114.3 x 106.4 x 43.5 mm (actual measurement) |
| Weight | 435g (actual measurement) |
| List price | $269.99 / JPY52,784 (Sale price) |
| What’s In The Box | 1 x GMKtec Nucbox M3 Intel Core i5-12450H Mini PC, 1 x Power Adapter, 1 x VESA Mount (with screws), 1 x HDMI Cable, 1 x User Manual |
Various GMKtec mini PCs
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GMKtec NucBox K4 AMD Ryzen9 7940HS
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Small form factor Desktop Micro Mini Computer with an AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS (8C/16T up to 5.2Ghz) processor. The process rule has improved from the previous generation of 7nm to 4nm, with Zen 4+ architecture, the computer can handle heavy computing tasks smoothly and better for multitasking. It widely used for games, image editing, browsing, watching movies, programming etc.
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GMKtec NucBox K1 AMD Ryzen7 6800H 32G+1T NVMe SSD
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Powered by AMD Ryzen 7 6800H processor (3.2-4.7 GHz) with Windows 11 Pro，8 Cores 16 Threads. This mini computer with 32GB DDR5 1TB M.2 2280 PCIe SSD is more powerful performance and smoother.The first choice to play video games.
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GMKtec NucBox M5 AMD Ryzen™ 7 5700U
GMKtec 2023/02 USD399.99
Equipped with the powerful AMD Ryzen 7 5700U processor, 8 Cores/16 Threads, Boost up to 4.30GHz, Based on the ZEN 2+ architecture, preinstalled with Windows 11 pro, this small but powerful mini pc delivers satisfying results in productivity, office work, and gaming. 30% Performance increase over previous AMD Ryzen 5 5600U 5560U 5500U.
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GMKtec NucBox M4 Intel i9-11900H(4.9GHz) 8C/16T
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Built-in 11th Gen Intel Core i9-11900H processor (8 cores/16 threads, 24MB cache, up to 4.9GHz) with Intel Super core Graphics, 32GB DDR4 RAM (Maximum 128GB) Dual SO-DIMM channels, M.2 2280 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD storage (up to 2TB). This configuration make your productivity and ensures work efficiency with satisfying performance.
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-
GMKtec M3 Mini PC Intel Core i5 12450H
GMKtec 2023/07 USD398.99
Features 12th Gen Intel Core i5-12450H, Intel UHD Graphics 1.20 GHz, 8 Processor Cores, 12 threads, 12MB Smart Cache, 45W TDP, Cores: Up to 4.4GHz Turbo. Compared with Intel's previous generation mobile processor i7-10810U, the single-core performance of the i5-12450H has improved by approximately 31%, multi-core performance by approximately 48%. Single-core performance is comparable to AMD R9 6900HX.
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(UK)
-
GMKtec NucBox M2 Mini PC Intel Core i7-11390H
GMKtec 2023/02 USD341.99
Equipped with 11th generation Intel Core i7-11390H processor, main frequency up to 5.0 GHz, 4 cores, 8 threads, 12MB cache, running much faster than i7-10810U, i5-12450H and i5-8259U, Windows PC series The power is only 35W, supporting your daily work with less power consumption, without delaying daily tasks
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GMKtec NucBox G3 Intel Alder Lake N100
GMKtec 2023/09 USD179.89
The 12th Gen Intel Alder Lake N100 mini pc is 4 Core 4 Threads 6MB cache, base frequency burst speed up to 3.4GHz. More powerful performance and smoother running than J4125/N5095/N5100/N5105/N95. Ideal for routine tasks, office work and home entertainment,which is more convenient than traditional desktop pc.
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-
GMKtec NucBox G2 Intel N100 (Up to 3.4GHz) 4C/4T
GMKtec 2023/01 USD179.89
The 12th Gen Intel Alder Lake N100 mini pc is 4 Core 4 Threads 6MB cache, base frequency burst speed up to 3.4GHz. More powerful performance and smoother running than J4125/N5095/N5100/N5105/N95. Ideal for routine tasks, office work and home entertainment,which is more convenient than traditional desktop pc.
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