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Mini PCs · Head to head

Asus Chromebox 5a (Celeron 4GB + 128GB) vs GMKtec NucBox M7 Ultra (32GB + 512GB)

Full Mini PCs comparison in 2026

Updated October 2026
Data from Amazon and official Asus and GMKtec sites.
2026 verdict
A browser-only terminal against a full Windows workstation: the GMKtec NucBox M7 Ultra (32GB + 512GB) is the far more capable machine of this pair.
GMKtec NucBox M7 Ultra (32GB + 512GB)
Winner
GMKtec NucBox M7 Ultra (32GB + 512GB)
$679.99
Buy on Amazon USA
It leads the Asus Chromebox 5a (Celeron 4GB + 128GB) on memory type, memory speed, memory capacity and storage capacity by wide margins. The Chromebox 5a runs an entry-level Celeron 7305 with just 4GB of memory, aimed at classroom and signage deployments where near-instant boot and centralized Google admin management matter more than raw power, and its lower price and higher owner rating reflect that narrower job. The M7 Ultra's eight-core Ryzen 7 PRO 6850U and 32GB of DDR5 make it a genuine Windows desktop for multitasking, something the Chromebox was never built to be. Buyers managing a browser-only fleet or classroom deployment should choose the Asus Chromebox 5a; buyers who need real Windows performance and multitasking headroom should pick the GMKtec NucBox M7 Ultra.
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FeatureAsus Chromebox 5a (Celeron 4GB + 128GB)GMKtec NucBox M7 Ultra (32GB + 512GB)Winner
Price$359.00$679.99Asus Chromebox 5a (Celeron 4GB + 128GB)
Memory TypeDDR4DDR5GMKtec NucBox M7 Ultra (32GB + 512GB)
Memory Speed3200 MT/s4800 MT/sGMKtec NucBox M7 Ultra (32GB + 512GB)
Memory Capacity4 GB32 GBGMKtec NucBox M7 Ultra (32GB + 512GB)
Storage Capacity128 GB512 GBGMKtec NucBox M7 Ultra (32GB + 512GB)
CPU ModelIntel Celeron 7305AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 6850UDifferent strengths
Memory ConfigurationSingle-channelDual-channelDifferent strengths
GPU ModelIntel UHD GraphicsAMD Radeon 680M (12 cores, 2200 MHz)Different strengths
Rating4.54.5Tie

What the differences mean

Operating system and hardware class

The Chromebox 5a runs ChromeOS on an entry Celeron 7305 with 4GB of memory, built for browser and Android app work. The M7 Ultra runs Windows 11 Pro on an eight-core Ryzen 7 PRO 6850U with 32GB of DDR5, a genuine desktop-class chip.

Memory ceiling

The Chromebox 5a tops out at 16GB of DDR4. The M7 Ultra ships 32GB of DDR5 already and can be taken to 64GB.

Storage

128GB on a single replaceable M.2 drive on the Chromebox 5a, up to 512GB if swapped, against 512GB across two M.2 Gen4 bays on the M7 Ultra, with a second bay free.

Expansion port

The M7 Ultra has a front OCuLink port for an external GPU dock later. The Chromebox 5a has no equivalent, and ChromeOS would not use one the same way regardless.

Which one to buy if

What owners say

What GMKtec NucBox M7 Ultra (32GB + 512GB) owners bring up unprompted is how little noise it makes running Proxmox virtual machines, Docker containers or a database load test at the same time, crediting the Hyper Ice Chamber cooling. The front OCuLink port gets called out as a real reason not to replace the machine later, since it opens a proper PCIe lane to an external GPU rather than tunneling over USB, and the tool-free lid makes adding a second NVMe drive trivial. On the other side, a couple of owners needed to email support for a new Windows activation key on first boot, one unit's graphics output died within two months, and the integrated GPU was not enough for one buyer's PC-tethered VR headset.

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 M7 Ultra (32GB + 512GB)

Loading price history...

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better overall: Asus Chromebox 5a (Celeron 4GB + 128GB) or GMKtec NucBox M7 Ultra (32GB + 512GB)?

The GMKtec NucBox M7 Ultra (32GB + 512GB) is the stronger overall pick, ahead on memory type, memory speed, memory capacity 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 and the GMKtec NucBox M7 Ultra?

Operating system and hardware tier. The Chromebox 5a runs ChromeOS on an entry-level Celeron chip with 4GB of memory, while the M7 Ultra runs Windows 11 Pro on an eight-core Ryzen 7 PRO 6850U with 32GB of DDR5.

Can the Asus Chromebox 5a run Windows software?

No. It runs ChromeOS, which covers web apps and Android apps from Google Play but not native Windows programs. The GMKtec NucBox M7 Ultra runs Windows 11 Pro and supports standard desktop software.

Can you upgrade the memory on either machine?

Yes, both are upgradeable. The Asus Chromebox 5a supports up to 16GB of DDR4, while the GMKtec NucBox M7 Ultra supports up to 64GB of DDR5, a far higher ceiling on a faster memory standard.

Who should buy the Asus Chromebox 5a?

Buyers managing a classroom, signage or browser-only fleet who want low maintenance and the lowest price.

Who should buy the GMKtec NucBox M7 Ultra?

Buyers who need Windows software, more memory and storage, and the option to add an external GPU through its front OCuLink port.

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