GMKtec, a relatively new brand under Shenzhen GMK Technology Co., Ltd., has swiftly established a global presence, distributing its Mini PCs across over 70 countries since its inception in 2019. Positioned as a more affordable yet capable alternative to established names like Beelink, GMKtec aims to offer high-performance computing solutions without the premium price tag, making its products, such as the NucBox K10, an intriguing prospect for consumers seeking powerful compact systems.
The GMKtec NucBox K10 distinguishes itself with a departure from the conventional square Mini PC design, opting for a unique black matte exterior that, while having a larger footprint, sacrifices height for enhanced thermal management. This innovative form factor incorporates a substantial grill vent on both the top and front of the unit, a design choice strategically made to facilitate superior heat dissipation, ensuring the powerful internal components operate efficiently under various loads, unlike many smaller “Mac Mini” style alternatives.
Connectivity on the K10 is robust, offering a comprehensive array of ports designed to meet diverse user needs. The front panel features a convenient 3.5mm audio jack, two USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports (10 Gbps), a versatile USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port (10 Gbps with DisplayPort and data capabilities), and two USB 2.0 ports (480 Mbps), alongside the power button. This thoughtful arrangement provides ample peripheral support, ensuring users can connect a wide range of devices without hassle, contributing to its functionality as a central computing hub.
One of the K10’s most user-friendly features is its toolless access to internal components, a significant advantage over many competitors that typically require complex teardowns. A single Philips screw on the bottom grants entry to three NVMe M.2 SSD slots (two PCIe 4.0 x4 and one PCIe 3.0 x3, supporting 2280 size drives) and SODIMM memory. This accessibility simplifies upgrades and maintenance, allowing users to easily expand storage or upgrade RAM, a crucial aspect for long-term usability and performance customization in a compact machine.
The NucBox K10 utilizes an AMIBIOS, offering extensive customization options often locked down in other manufacturers’ systems, providing users with full control over various machine values. However, it notably comes with pre-installed but unlicensed versions of Office 365 and OneNote across 14 languages, consuming significant disk space. While their inclusion is peculiar without activation, users can reclaim gigabytes by removing unwanted language packs, highlighting a minor inconvenience in an otherwise well-considered software setup.
To rigorously assess its capabilities, the GMKtec NucBox K10 underwent a series of industry-standard benchmarks, including Cinebench 2024, 7-Zip, AS SSD, and CrystalDiskMark, evaluating CPU rendering, file compression, and storage performance. Additionally, gaming and productivity metrics were gauged using 3DMark Time Spy and PCMark 10, respectively. Synthetic benchmarks like Geekbench 6 provided a quick performance overview, though Geekbench AI was omitted due to the K10’s lack of a dedicated NPU, ensuring a fair comparison with similar Mini PCs.
Performance results underscore the significant impact of DDR5 memory, with the K10 holding its own against or surpassing Mini PCs with identical CPUs but slower DDR4 configurations, such as the Geekom IT13. Despite intensive testing, the single cooling fan proved remarkably effective, maintaining optimal temperatures, with the highest recorded at 72 °C during 3DMark Time Spy, showcasing superior thermal management compared to smaller, less ventilated designs. However, the absence of thermal pads for the M.2 SSDs is a minor oversight, as one SSD reached 70.8°C, suggesting potential buyers might consider adding one for sustained heavy loads to ensure optimal drive longevity.
While the GMKtec NucBox K10 offers formidable power and a robust build, a few aspects could be improved. The presence of only one Type-C port and the absence of USB 4 support are notable limitations in an era where more versatile connectivity is increasingly expected. Furthermore, despite its larger footprint, the lack of a 2.5-inch drive slot is a missed opportunity for additional, cost-effective storage expansion, which could have further enhanced its utility as a versatile desktop replacement.
Ultimately, the GMKtec K10 presents a compelling value proposition, especially at its current discounted price of under $540. It delivers a powerful and well-built Mini PC experience, capable of handling demanding tasks with its Intel Core i9 processor and DDR5 memory. Despite minor shortcomings in port variety and storage expansion options, its strong performance, efficient cooling, and accessible design make it a highly recommended choice for users seeking a compact yet potent computing solution.
