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

Updated September 2026

Data from Amazon and official Asus and GMKtec sites.

2026 verdict

Winner

$599.99

A browser-only terminal against a full Windows workstation: the GMKtec NucBox M7 Ultra (32GB + 512GB) is rated higher by owners and 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 reflects 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.

Asus

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

10% OFF

$359.00

$399.00

Buy on Amazon USA

Winner

GMKtec

GMKtec NucBox M7 Ultra (32GB + 512GB)

$599.99

Buy on Amazon USA

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Feature	Asus Chromebox 5a (Celeron 4GB + 128GB)	GMKtec NucBox M7 Ultra (32GB + 512GB)	Winner
Price	$359.00	$599.99	Asus Chromebox 5a (Celeron 4GB + 128GB)
Rating	4.4	4.5	GMKtec NucBox M7 Ultra (32GB + 512GB)
Memory Type	DDR4	DDR5	GMKtec NucBox M7 Ultra (32GB + 512GB)
Memory Speed	3200 MT/s	4800 MT/s	GMKtec NucBox M7 Ultra (32GB + 512GB)
Memory Capacity	4 GB	32 GB	GMKtec NucBox M7 Ultra (32GB + 512GB)
Storage Capacity	128 GB	512 GB	GMKtec NucBox M7 Ultra (32GB + 512GB)
CPU Model	Intel Celeron 7305	AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 6850U	Different strengths
Memory Configuration	Single-channel	Dual-channel	Different strengths
GPU Model	Intel UHD Graphics	AMD Radeon 680M (12 cores, 2200 MHz)	Different strengths

Asus

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

10% OFF

$359.00

$399.00

Buy on Amazon USA

+ Price: $359.00
- Rating: 4.4 vs 4.5
- Memory Type: DDR4 vs DDR5

Winner

GMKtec

GMKtec NucBox M7 Ultra (32GB + 512GB)

$599.99

Buy on Amazon USA

+ Rating: 4.5
+ Memory Type: DDR5
+ Memory Speed: 4800 MT/s
- Price: $599.99 vs $359.00

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, rated higher by owners and ahead on memory type, memory speed, memory capacity and storage capacity. The Asus Chromebox 5a (Celeron 4GB + 128GB) wins only on price.

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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