Mini PCs · Head to head

GMKtec NucBox G3 Pro (16GB + 512GB) vs Apple Mac Mini (M4 16GB + 512GB)

Full Mini PCs comparison in 2026

Updated October 2026
Data from Amazon and official GMKtec and Apple sites.
2026 verdict
Windows versus macOS decides plenty on its own, but on the spec sheet the Apple Mac Mini (M4 16GB + 512GB) is also the higher-rated of these two mini PCs and runs on newer unified memory than the GMKtec NucBox G3 Pro (16GB + 512GB).
Apple Mac Mini (M4 16GB + 512GB)
Winner
Apple Mac Mini (M4 16GB + 512GB)
$995.00

Last recorded price

Buy on Amazon USA
The Mac Mini's 10-core M4 chip and 16-core Neural Engine handle photo editing, coding and heavy multitasking in a 127mm aluminum cube owners describe as whisper quiet. The G3 Pro's real edge is price, and it adds something the Mac Mini cannot offer at all, memory and storage you can open the case and change, since the Mac Mini's are soldered and fixed at the time of purchase. Buyers who want Apple's ecosystem and a quieter, higher-rated machine should choose the Apple Mac Mini (M4 16GB + 512GB); anyone who needs Windows software or the ability to upgrade memory and storage later should pick the GMKtec NucBox G3 Pro (16GB + 512GB).
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FeatureGMKtec NucBox G3 Pro (16GB + 512GB)Apple Mac Mini (M4 16GB + 512GB)Winner
Price$309.99$995.00GMKtec NucBox G3 Pro (16GB + 512GB)
Rating4.44.7Apple Mac Mini (M4 16GB + 512GB)
Memory TypeDDR4LPDDR5XApple Mac Mini (M4 16GB + 512GB)
CPU ModelIntel Core i3-10110UM4Different strengths
Memory ConfigurationDual-channelUnified MemoryDifferent strengths
GPU ModelIntel UHD Graphics (up to 1000 MHz)10-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, opening it to the full Windows software library. The Mac Mini runs macOS, which suits Apple's own apps and ecosystem but needs compatible software for anything Windows-only.

Upgradeable versus soldered

The G3 Pro's memory sits in two DDR4 SO-DIMM slots expandable to 64GB, and its storage adds a free M.2 bay. The Mac Mini's unified memory and SSD are both soldered to the board, so the 16GB and 512GB configuration bought here is permanent.

Ports and docking

The G3 Pro relies on USB 3.2 Type-A ports and two HDMI 1.4 outputs, with no USB-C or Thunderbolt at all. The Mac Mini adds three Thunderbolt 4 ports plus two front USB-C ports and one HDMI.

Power supply

The Mac Mini has an internal power supply, so it runs from a single cable with no brick. The G3 Pro needs an external adapter, one more thing to find room for on the desk.

Which one to buy if

What owners say

GMKtec NucBox G3 Pro (16GB + 512GB) owners praise how quickly it goes from box to working desktop and like that its 16GB ships as two upgradeable DDR4 modules with a free second M.2 bay, though they flag a fan that gets loud under load and the total absence of any USB-C port. Apple Mac Mini (M4 16GB + 512GB) owners describe a performance bargain that replaced ageing towers and iMacs outright, calling it whisper quiet even under sustained work and repeatedly praising how small it is next to what it replaced. Where G3 Pro owners can fix a shortfall by swapping a module or a drive, Mac Mini owners just as often mention wishing they had paid for more memory or storage upfront, since both are soldered in for good, and add a hub to cover the missing USB-A ports.

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 (M4 16GB + 512GB)

Loading price history...

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better overall: GMKtec NucBox G3 Pro (16GB + 512GB) or Apple Mac Mini (M4 16GB + 512GB)?

The Apple Mac Mini (M4 16GB + 512GB) is rated higher by owners and runs on a faster memory type. The GMKtec NucBox G3 Pro (16GB + 512GB) wins only on price.

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

Operating system and upgradeability. The G3 Pro runs Windows 11 Pro with upgradeable DDR4 and a free M.2 bay, while the Mac Mini runs macOS with unified memory and SSD storage soldered in place at purchase.

Can the Apple Mac Mini's memory or storage be upgraded later?

No. Its unified memory and SSD are soldered to the logic board, so the 16GB and 512GB configuration is permanent. The GMKtec NucBox G3 Pro can be upgraded to 64GB of DDR4 and gains a second free M.2 bay.

Which one has more display and dock connectivity?

The Apple Mac Mini, with three Thunderbolt 4 ports plus HDMI and two front USB-C ports. The GMKtec NucBox G3 Pro has only HDMI 1.4 outputs and USB 3.2 Type-A ports, with no Thunderbolt or USB-C.

Who should buy the GMKtec NucBox G3 Pro?

Buyers who need Windows software, want the lowest price, and value the ability to add more memory or storage after purchase.

Who should buy the Apple Mac Mini (M4)?

Buyers already in the Apple ecosystem or switching from an older Mac or Windows tower who want a quiet, fast, compact desktop and do not need internal upgrades.

Full comparison table

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