GMKtec NucBox G3 Ultra Mini PC Launches With Older Intel Pentium Chip and Windows 11 Pro
GMKtec has added another compact desktop to its mini PC lineup with the new NucBox G3 Ultra. While the name may sound like it points to a high-performance machine, the hardware tells a different story. This small-form-factor PC is built around Intel’s Pentium Gold 7505, a processor originally released in 2020 and now discontinued by Intel.
The Intel Pentium Gold 7505 is based on the Tiger Lake architecture and uses Intel’s 10 nm SuperFin manufacturing process. It features two cores, four threads, 4 MB of L3 cache, and a boost clock of up to 3.5 GHz. Graphics are handled by integrated Intel UHD Graphics with 48 execution units.
For everyday tasks such as web browsing, office work, media playback, light multitasking, and basic home computing, the chip should still be capable enough. However, users looking for a mini PC for modern gaming, heavier productivity workloads, video editing, or more demanding software may find its dual-core design limiting.
GMKtec gives users some control over performance and power use with three selectable power modes rated at 8 W, 10 W, and 15 W. To manage heat inside the compact chassis, the NucBox G3 Ultra uses an active cooling system with a fan and copper heatpipe.
The mini PC includes 16 GB of LPDDR4-3200 memory, but the RAM is soldered to the motherboard. That means buyers will not be able to upgrade the memory later, which could be a drawback for anyone hoping to extend the system’s lifespan.
For storage, GMKtec lists models with 256 GB and 512 GB SSD options, while some regional specifications also reference a 1 TB version. The good news is that storage expansion is more flexible than memory. The system includes two M.2 2280 slots: one supports PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSDs up to 8 TB, while the second supports SATA SSDs up to 1 TB.
Connectivity is practical but not especially forward-looking. The NucBox G3 Ultra supports Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, and Gigabit Ethernet. Port selection includes three USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports, one USB 2.0 Type-A port, a 3.5 mm audio jack, and two HDMI 2.0 outputs. Each HDMI port can drive a 4K display at 60 Hz, making the system suitable for dual-monitor productivity setups.
One noticeable omission is USB-C. In 2026, many compact PCs include at least one USB-C port for modern accessories, docks, or faster connectivity, so its absence may be disappointing for some buyers.
The NucBox G3 Ultra is extremely compact, measuring 114 x 106 x 44 mm and weighing just 280 grams. Its small size makes it easy to place behind a monitor, on a desk, or in a home entertainment setup. Windows 11 Pro comes pre-installed, which may appeal to users who want a ready-to-use mini desktop for business, remote work, or home office tasks.
In the US, the GMKtec NucBox G3 Ultra is listed at $270 for the configuration with 16 GB of RAM and a 256 GB SSD. While the compact design, Windows 11 Pro license, and expandable storage are useful features, the aging Intel Pentium processor, fixed memory, and lack of USB-C make the value harder to justify.
For buyers who only need a small Windows PC for basic computing, digital signage, streaming, or lightweight office use, the NucBox G3 Ultra could still be a serviceable option. However, anyone shopping for the best mini PC performance at this price may want to compare it with newer systems powered by Intel N-series chips or AMD Ryzen processors before making a decision.
