Geekom A9 Max (HX 370) vs GMKtec NucBox M5 Ultra (32GB + 512GB)

The Geekom A9 Max (HX 370) wins overall, running faster DDR5 memory, a longer warranty and more storage than the GMKtec NucBox M5 Ultra (32GB + 512GB). The M5 Ultra answers with a lower price for a capable eight-core processor, which is why it remains popular for home labs.

Memory generation and expansion. The Geekom A9 Max (HX 370) runs DDR5 memory and adds dual USB4 Type-C ports with a 50 TOPS NPU, while the GMKtec NucBox M5 Ultra uses older DDR4 memory and has no USB4, Thunderbolt or NPU at all.

No. Its fastest ports are USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A and a single USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, so external GPU docks or 40Gbps peripherals are not supported the way they are on the Geekom A9 Max (HX 370).

Both have dual 2.5G Ethernet, so networking is equally capable either way. The GMKtec NucBox M5 Ultra costs noticeably less for a capable eight-core processor, which is why it is the more common pick for Proxmox and pfSense builds specifically.

Buyers building a budget home server, Proxmox node or pfSense router who do not need USB4, Thunderbolt or on-device AI acceleration.

Buyers who want DDR5 memory speed, a 50 TOPS NPU for local AI work, dual USB4 expansion and more onboard storage.