Asus Chromebox 5a (Celeron 4GB + 128GB) vs GMKtec NucBox M5 Ultra (32GB + 512GB) comparison

Updated August 2026

Data from Amazon and official Asus and GMKtec sites.

2026 verdict

ChromeOS simplicity or Windows horsepower?

Winner

GMKtec NucBox M5 Ultra (32GB + 512GB)

$559.99

Buy on Amazon USA

For raw capability, the GMKtec NucBox M5 Ultra (32GB + 512GB) wins this comparison, offering eight times the memory at 32GB and four times the storage at 512GB compared with the Asus Chromebox 5a (Celeron 4GB + 128GB)'s 4GB and 128GB. The Asus Chromebox 5a (Celeron 4GB + 128GB) keeps its case on price and owner rating, and it remains the easier machine to manage at scale thanks to ChromeOS's automatic updates and Google admin console. Neither ties on much else: the Chromebox adds more USB ports and newer video outputs, while the GMKtec runs a genuinely capable 8-core Ryzen processor and dual 2.5G Ethernet. Anyone who needs real desktop performance in Windows should pick the GMKtec NucBox M5 Ultra (32GB + 512GB); anyone managing a browser-first fleet should stick with the Asus Chromebox 5a (Celeron 4GB + 128GB).

Asus

Asus Chromebox 5a (Celeron 4GB + 128GB)

10% OFF

$359.00

$399.00

Buy on Amazon USA

Winner

GMKtec

GMKtec NucBox M5 Ultra (32GB + 512GB)

$559.99

Buy on Amazon USA

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Feature	Asus Chromebox 5a (Celeron 4GB + 128GB)	GMKtec NucBox M5 Ultra (32GB + 512GB)	Winner
Price	$359.00	$559.99	Asus Chromebox 5a (Celeron 4GB + 128GB)
Rating	4.4	4.3	Asus Chromebox 5a (Celeron 4GB + 128GB)
Memory Capacity	4 GB	32 GB	GMKtec NucBox M5 Ultra (32GB + 512GB)
Storage Capacity	128 GB	512 GB	GMKtec NucBox M5 Ultra (32GB + 512GB)
CPU Model	Intel Celeron 7305	AMD Ryzen 7 7730U	Different strengths
Memory Configuration	Single-channel	Dual-channel	Different strengths
GPU Model	Intel UHD Graphics	AMD Radeon Graphics (8 cores, up to 2000 MHz)	Different strengths
Memory Type	DDR4	DDR4	Tie
Memory Speed	3200 MT/s	3200 MT/s	Tie

Asus

Asus Chromebox 5a (Celeron 4GB + 128GB)

10% OFF

$359.00

$399.00

Buy on Amazon USA

+ Price: $359.00
+ Rating: 4.4
- Memory Capacity: 4 GB vs 32 GB
- Storage Capacity: 128 GB vs 512 GB

Winner

GMKtec

GMKtec NucBox M5 Ultra (32GB + 512GB)

$559.99

Buy on Amazon USA

+ Memory Capacity: 32 GB
+ Storage Capacity: 512 GB
- Price: $559.99 vs $359.00
- Rating: 4.3 vs 4.4

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better overall: Asus Chromebox 5a (Celeron 4GB + 128GB) or GMKtec NucBox M5 Ultra (32GB + 512GB)?

The GMKtec NucBox M5 Ultra (32GB + 512GB), thanks to vastly more memory and storage capacity. The Asus Chromebox 5a (Celeron 4GB + 128GB) wins on price and owner rating.

What is the biggest difference between the Asus Chromebox 5a (Celeron 4GB + 128GB) and the GMKtec NucBox M5 Ultra (32GB + 512GB)?

The operating system. The Asus Chromebox 5a (Celeron 4GB + 128GB) runs ChromeOS, ideal for browser-based work with low maintenance, while the GMKtec NucBox M5 Ultra (32GB + 512GB) runs Windows 11 Pro, supporting the full range of desktop software.

How much do memory and storage differ?

Substantially. The GMKtec NucBox M5 Ultra (32GB + 512GB) ships with 32GB of memory and a 512GB drive, against the Asus Chromebox 5a (Celeron 4GB + 128GB)'s 4GB and 128GB.

Which has more USB ports and display outputs?

The Asus Chromebox 5a (Celeron 4GB + 128GB), with seven USB ports and dual HDMI 2.1 plus DisplayPort 1.4, against the GMKtec NucBox M5 Ultra (32GB + 512GB)'s more modest port count.

Who should buy the GMKtec NucBox M5 Ultra (32GB + 512GB)?

Buyers who need Windows software, real multitasking power, or dual 2.5G Ethernet for a homelab setup.

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

Schools, reception desks and signage installations that want ChromeOS simplicity and low-maintenance fleet management over raw performance.

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