Mini PCs · Head to head

GMKtec NucBox G3 Pro (16GB + 512GB) vs Apple Mac Mini (M2 Pro 16GB + 512GB)

Full Mini PCs comparison in 2026

Updated October 2026
Data from Amazon and official GMKtec and Apple sites.
2026 verdict
As a creative workstation, the Apple Mac Mini (M2 Pro 16GB + 512GB) is in a different class from the GMKtec NucBox G3 Pro (16GB + 512GB) in this pair.
Apple Mac Mini (M2 Pro 16GB + 512GB)
Winner
Apple Mac Mini (M2 Pro 16GB + 512GB)

Last recorded priceJul 31, 2026$1273.46

Currently unavailable on Amazon USA
See on Amazon USA
It is built around Apple silicon and four Thunderbolt 4 ports the G3 Pro has no equivalent for, and its 10-core M2 Pro, 16-core GPU and 200GB/s of memory bandwidth handle editing, 3D work and audio production that the G3 Pro's two-core Core i3-10110U was never designed for. It also drives three displays at once through its Thunderbolt array, where the G3 Pro tops out at two over HDMI 1.4. The G3 Pro answers with real flexibility the Mac Mini cannot match, two upgradeable DDR4 SO-DIMM slots and two M.2 storage bays, since the Mac Mini's memory and SSD are both fixed at the time of purchase. Choose the Apple Mac Mini (M2 Pro 16GB + 512GB) for macOS creative work, and the GMKtec NucBox G3 Pro (16GB + 512GB) for cheap, upgradeable Windows software.
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FeatureGMKtec NucBox G3 Pro (16GB + 512GB)Apple Mac Mini (M2 Pro 16GB + 512GB)Winner
Rating4.44.7Apple Mac Mini (M2 Pro 16GB + 512GB)
Memory TypeDDR4LPDDR5Apple Mac Mini (M2 Pro 16GB + 512GB)
CPU ModelIntel Core i3-10110UM2 Pro (10-core CPU)Different strengths
Memory ConfigurationDual-channelUnified MemoryDifferent strengths
GPU ModelIntel UHD Graphics (up to 1000 MHz)16-core GPUDifferent strengths
Warranty1 year1 yearTie
Memory Capacity16 GB16 GBTie
Storage Capacity512 GB512 GBTie

What the differences mean

Operating system

The G3 Pro runs Windows 11 Pro on x86 hardware, compatible with any Windows software. The Mac Mini runs macOS on Apple silicon, which does not run Windows programs natively.

Ports

Four Thunderbolt 4 ports plus two USB-A on the Mac Mini dwarf the G3 Pro's four USB-A ports and total absence of USB-C, DisplayPort or Thunderbolt.

Power supply

The Mac Mini has its power supply built into the chassis, so only a power cord runs to the wall. The G3 Pro relies on an external brick.

Upgradeable memory and storage

The G3 Pro's DDR4 sits in two SO-DIMM slots and scales to 64GB, with a second free M.2 bay. The Mac Mini's memory is soldered and fixed at purchase, and its SSD cannot be changed afterward.

Display outputs

The Mac Mini drives three displays at once through Thunderbolt and HDMI. The G3 Pro tops out at two over HDMI 1.4, limited to 24Hz at dual 4K.

Which one to buy if

  • your work lives in macOS creative apps for video, audio or photo editing
    Apple Mac Mini (M2 Pro 16GB + 512GB)

    The Mac Mini's M2 Pro chip, 16-core GPU and Thunderbolt array are built for exactly that.

  • the budget is the priority and Windows software is required
    GMKtec NucBox G3 Pro (16GB + 512GB)

    The GMKtec NucBox G3 Pro is far cheaper and runs any Windows application.

  • you want to upgrade memory or storage yourself later
    GMKtec NucBox G3 Pro (16GB + 512GB)

    The G3 Pro's DDR4 and second M.2 bay are user-serviceable; the Mac Mini's configuration is fixed for life.

  • Thunderbolt peripherals and a single professional dock matter
    Apple Mac Mini (M2 Pro 16GB + 512GB)

    The Mac Mini's four Thunderbolt 4 ports have no equivalent on the G3 Pro.

What owners say

GMKtec NucBox G3 Pro (16GB + 512GB) owners are typically replacing an ageing office tower on a tight budget, and say it handles Word, Excel, browsing and school work without complaint for months at a time. They are pleasantly surprised the 16GB ships as two genuine 8GB modules rather than a single soldered stick, which leaves room to upgrade later. Their frustration is the complete absence of USB-C on the machine, which stands out even more next to a Mac built entirely around Thunderbolt, along with a fan that gets audible under any sustained load.

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.

  • GMKtec NucBox G3 Pro (16GB + 512GB)
  • Apple Mac Mini (M2 Pro 16GB + 512GB)

Loading price history...

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better overall: GMKtec NucBox G3 Pro (16GB + 512GB) or Apple Mac Mini (M2 Pro 16GB + 512GB)?

The Apple Mac Mini (M2 Pro 16GB + 512GB) is the far stronger machine for creative work, with a 10-core M2 Pro chip and four Thunderbolt 4 ports. The GMKtec NucBox G3 Pro (16GB + 512GB) wins on price and stays upgradeable.

What is the biggest difference between the GMKtec NucBox G3 Pro and the Apple Mac Mini M2 Pro?

Operating system and port array. The G3 Pro runs Windows 11 Pro with HDMI-only video output, while the Mac Mini M2 Pro runs macOS with four Thunderbolt 4 ports, letting it drive three displays at once with far more bandwidth for external storage.

Can the Apple Mac Mini M2 Pro's memory be upgraded?

No. Its unified memory is soldered to the chip and capped at 32GB on this chip, so the 16GB configuration tested here is permanent. The GMKtec NucBox G3 Pro can be upgraded to 64GB of DDR4 through its two SO-DIMM slots.

Does the GMKtec NucBox G3 Pro have an internal power supply like the Mac Mini?

No. The G3 Pro uses an external power brick, while the Apple Mac Mini M2 Pro has the power supply built into the chassis, so only a standard power cord runs to the wall.

Who should buy the Apple Mac Mini M2 Pro?

Buyers doing video editing, 3D work or audio production who want a quiet, compact machine with strong Thunderbolt connectivity and multi-display support.

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