Mini PCs · Head to head

Asus Chromebox 5a (Celeron 4GB + 128GB) vs GMKtec NucBox G3 Pro (16GB + 512GB)

Full Mini PCs comparison in 2026

Updated October 2026
Data from Amazon and official Asus and GMKtec sites.
2026 verdict
The operating system decides this mini PC matchup before the hardware does, and the GMKtec NucBox G3 Pro (16GB + 512GB) is the more useful machine for most buyers.
GMKtec NucBox G3 Pro (16GB + 512GB)
Winner
GMKtec NucBox G3 Pro (16GB + 512GB)
$309.99$459.9933% OFFPrime exclusive deal

Last recorded price

Buy on Amazon USA
It runs Windows 11 Pro on an Intel Core i3-10110U with 16GB of upgradeable dual-channel DDR4, a 512GB NVMe drive, a free second M.2 slot, 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6 and a VESA mount. The Asus Chromebox 5a (Celeron 4GB + 128GB) wins the owner rating and the memory-speed row, and it brings ChromeOS's low maintenance, seven USB ports, four display outputs and Wi-Fi 6E, but it starts at 4GB of memory and 128GB of storage and cannot run Windows or macOS applications. Pick the GMKtec NucBox G3 Pro (16GB + 512GB) for Windows work and expandability, and the Asus Chromebox 5a (Celeron 4GB + 128GB) for a browser-based kiosk, classroom or digital signage unit.
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FeatureAsus Chromebox 5a (Celeron 4GB + 128GB)GMKtec NucBox G3 Pro (16GB + 512GB)Winner
Price$399.00$309.99GMKtec NucBox G3 Pro (16GB + 512GB)
Rating4.54.4Asus Chromebox 5a (Celeron 4GB + 128GB)
Memory Speed3200 MT/s2666 MHzAsus Chromebox 5a (Celeron 4GB + 128GB)
Memory Capacity4 GB16 GBGMKtec NucBox G3 Pro (16GB + 512GB)
Storage Capacity128 GB512 GBGMKtec NucBox G3 Pro (16GB + 512GB)
CPU ModelIntel Celeron 7305Intel Core i3-10110UDifferent strengths
Memory ConfigurationSingle-channelDual-channelDifferent strengths
GPU ModelIntel UHD GraphicsIntel UHD Graphics (up to 1000 MHz)Different strengths
Memory TypeDDR4DDR4Tie

What the differences mean

Operating system

The GMKtec NucBox G3 Pro (16GB + 512GB) runs Windows 11 Pro, so conventional desktop software works out of the box. The Asus Chromebox 5a (Celeron 4GB + 128GB) runs ChromeOS, which covers web apps and Android apps but cannot run native Windows or macOS programs.

Memory and storage

The Asus Chromebox 5a (Celeron 4GB + 128GB) starts at 4GB of single-channel DDR4 and a 128GB drive, workable for a browser appliance but tight for a desktop. The GMKtec NucBox G3 Pro (16GB + 512GB) ships 16GB of dual-channel DDR4 up to 64GB and a 512GB drive with a free second M.2 slot.

Processor and graphics

The Asus Chromebox 5a (Celeron 4GB + 128GB) uses an entry-level Intel Celeron 7305 with UHD graphics. The GMKtec NucBox G3 Pro (16GB + 512GB) uses a Core i3-10110U, a step up in general responsiveness, though both are modest chips rather than gaming parts.

Ports and networking

The Asus Chromebox 5a (Celeron 4GB + 128GB) leads on ports with seven USB connections, two HDMI 2.1 outputs, DisplayPort 1.4, a micro SD slot and Wi-Fi 6E. The GMKtec NucBox G3 Pro (16GB + 512GB) has four USB-A ports, two HDMI outputs and no USB-C or micro SD, but adds faster 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet.

Price and management

The GMKtec NucBox G3 Pro (16GB + 512GB) is the cheaper, more expandable machine and the better owner rating goes to the Asus. The Asus Chromebox 5a (Celeron 4GB + 128GB) repays that with ChromeOS's background updates and clean resets, which matter most to schools and fleets.

Which one to buy if

What owners say

Owners of the GMKtec NucBox G3 Pro (16GB + 512GB) describe a tiny box that is up and running within minutes, with Windows 11 Pro preinstalled and free of trial software. They value how upgradeable it is for the money: the 16GB of DDR4 arrives as two matched modules in dual-channel, the lid lifts without tools, and the second M.2 slot takes an extra drive. Four USB-A ports, two HDMI outputs and the 2.5 Gigabit LAN earn steady praise, and several report stable daily use for months. Their complaints are the complete absence of USB-C, HDMI 1.4 limiting dual 4K to a low refresh, a fan that becomes audible under load, thin documentation and a few early failures.

Price history compared

Every price change of both, in the same store, so the gap between the two lines is what one costs more than the other.

  • Asus Chromebox 5a (Celeron 4GB + 128GB)
  • GMKtec NucBox G3 Pro (16GB + 512GB)

Loading price history...

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better overall: Asus Chromebox 5a (Celeron 4GB + 128GB) or GMKtec NucBox G3 Pro (16GB + 512GB)?

The GMKtec NucBox G3 Pro (16GB + 512GB) is the better all-round mini PC because it runs Windows, ships 16GB of upgradeable memory and a 512GB drive, and costs less. The Asus Chromebox 5a (Celeron 4GB + 128GB) wins for managed ChromeOS deployments.

Can the Asus Chromebox 5a (Celeron 4GB + 128GB) or the GMKtec NucBox G3 Pro (16GB + 512GB) run Windows applications?

Only the GMKtec NucBox G3 Pro (16GB + 512GB), which ships Windows 11 Pro. The Asus Chromebox 5a (Celeron 4GB + 128GB) runs ChromeOS and cannot install native Windows or macOS programs.

What is the biggest difference between the Asus Chromebox 5a (Celeron 4GB + 128GB) and the GMKtec NucBox G3 Pro (16GB + 512GB)?

The operating system and upgradeability. The Asus Chromebox 5a (Celeron 4GB + 128GB) is a browser appliance on ChromeOS with 4GB of memory, while the GMKtec NucBox G3 Pro (16GB + 512GB) is a Windows desktop with dual-channel DDR4 up to 64GB and a second M.2 slot.

Who should buy the Asus Chromebox 5a (Celeron 4GB + 128GB)?

Schools, businesses and signage installers that want a managed ChromeOS terminal with many ports, four display outputs and almost no maintenance.

Who should buy the GMKtec NucBox G3 Pro (16GB + 512GB)?

Budget buyers who need a small Windows 11 Pro desktop for Office work, browsing and streaming, or a cheap low-power box for Home Assistant and light Linux services.

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