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Mini PCs · Head to head

Asus Chromebox 5a (Celeron 4GB + 128GB) vs GMKtec NucBox G3S (8GB + 256GB)

Full Mini PCs comparison in 2026

Updated November 2026
Data from the official Asus and GMKtec sites.
2026 verdict
GMKtec NucBox G3S (8GB + 256GB) comes out ahead on paper in this mini PC matchup, costing less than the Asus Chromebox 5a (Celeron 4GB + 128GB) while doubling its memory to 8GB and its storage to 256GB.
GMKtec NucBox G3S (8GB + 256GB)
Winner
GMKtec NucBox G3S (8GB + 256GB)
$249.99$349.9929% OFF
Buy on Amazon USA
That comparison only tells half the story, because the two run completely different operating systems: the GMKtec is a Windows 11 Pro desktop built around a four-core Intel N95, while the Chromebox runs ChromeOS on an Intel Celeron 7305, trading raw specs for near-instant boots, automatic background updates and management through the Google admin console, which is exactly why owners rate the Asus Chromebox 5a (Celeron 4GB + 128GB) higher despite its lower memory and storage. The Chromebox also answers with far more connectivity, seven USB ports, four display outputs and Wi-Fi 6E against the GMKtec's dual HDMI and Wi-Fi 5. Buyers deploying a managed browser fleet for a classroom, kiosk or reception desk should choose the Asus Chromebox 5a (Celeron 4GB + 128GB); buyers who need a real Windows desktop for general use, even a basic one, should choose the GMKtec NucBox G3S (8GB + 256GB).
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The biggest differences

Where these two are furthest apart, and by how much.

  • Memory Capacity2×GMKtec NucBox G3S (8GB + 256GB)8 GB vs 4 GB
  • Storage Capacity2×GMKtec NucBox G3S (8GB + 256GB)256 GB vs 128 GB
FeatureAsus Chromebox 5a (Celeron 4GB + 128GB)GMKtec NucBox G3S (8GB + 256GB)Winner
Price$398.00$249.99GMKtec NucBox G3S (8GB + 256GB)
Rating4.54.2Asus Chromebox 5a (Celeron 4GB + 128GB)
Memory Capacity4 GB8 GBGMKtec NucBox G3S (8GB + 256GB)
Storage Capacity128 GB256 GBGMKtec NucBox G3S (8GB + 256GB)
CPU ModelIntel Celeron 7305Intel Processor N95Different strengths
GPU ModelIntel UHD GraphicsIntel UHD Graphics (up to 1200 MHz)Different strengths
Memory ConfigurationSingle-channelSingle-channelTie
Memory TypeDDR4DDR4Tie

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better overall: Asus Chromebox 5a (Celeron 4GB + 128GB) or GMKtec NucBox G3S (8GB + 256GB)?

By spec sheet, the GMKtec NucBox G3S (8GB + 256GB) is ahead on price, memory capacity and storage capacity. The Asus Chromebox 5a (Celeron 4GB + 128GB) has the higher owner rating, which reflects how well it fits its narrower ChromeOS role rather than raw hardware.

What is the biggest difference between the Asus Chromebox 5a and the GMKtec NucBox G3S?

Operating system. The Asus Chromebox 5a (Celeron 4GB + 128GB) runs ChromeOS, built for browser-based and Android apps with low maintenance, while the GMKtec NucBox G3S (8GB + 256GB) runs Windows 11 Pro and supports standard desktop software.

Can the Asus Chromebox 5a run Windows programs?

No. It runs ChromeOS, which covers web apps and Android apps from Google Play but not native Windows software. The GMKtec NucBox G3S (8GB + 256GB) runs Windows 11 Pro and handles regular desktop applications.

Which has more ports and display outputs?

The Asus Chromebox 5a (Celeron 4GB + 128GB), by a wide margin: seven USB ports and four display outputs (dual HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort and USB-C) against the GMKtec NucBox G3S (8GB + 256GB)'s four USB ports and two HDMI 2.0 outputs.

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

Buyers managing a classroom, kiosk or signage deployment who want low maintenance, automatic updates and central management through ChromeOS should choose the Asus Chromebox 5a (Celeron 4GB + 128GB).

Who should buy the GMKtec NucBox G3S (8GB + 256GB)?

Buyers who need a general-purpose Windows desktop with more memory and storage at a lower price should choose the GMKtec NucBox G3S (8GB + 256GB).

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