Mini PCs · Head to head

GMKtec NucBox G3 Pro (16GB + 512GB) vs Apple Mac Mini (M4 Pro 24GB + 512GB)

Full Mini PCs comparison in 2026

Updated October 2026
Data from Amazon and official GMKtec and Apple sites.
2026 verdict
Compact and cheap against compact and fast: the Apple Mac Mini (M4 Pro 24GB + 512GB) is the higher-rated mini PC of this pair, leading on memory type, memory speed and memory capacity against the GMKtec NucBox G3 Pro (16GB + 512GB).
Apple Mac Mini (M4 Pro 24GB + 512GB)
Winner
Apple Mac Mini (M4 Pro 24GB + 512GB)

Last recorded priceOct 6, 2026$1499.00

Currently unavailable on Amazon USA
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Its 12-core M4 Pro chip, 16-core GPU and 24GB of fast unified memory handle video editing, compiling and local AI work that the G3 Pro's four-core Intel Core i3-10110U was never built for, and three Thunderbolt 5 ports drive large displays without an adapter chain. The G3 Pro's advantage is price, and it pairs that with something the Mac Mini cannot offer at all, upgradeable DDR4 memory and two M.2 storage bays, since the Mac Mini's memory and SSD are soldered and fixed at purchase. Buyers who need workstation-class performance for creative or development work should choose the Apple Mac Mini M4 Pro, while anyone who wants the lowest price and the ability to upgrade memory and storage later should pick the GMKtec NucBox G3 Pro.
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FeatureGMKtec NucBox G3 Pro (16GB + 512GB)Apple Mac Mini (M4 Pro 24GB + 512GB)Winner
Rating4.44.8Apple Mac Mini (M4 Pro 24GB + 512GB)
Memory TypeDDR4LPDDR5XApple Mac Mini (M4 Pro 24GB + 512GB)
Memory Speed2666 MHz8533 MT/sApple Mac Mini (M4 Pro 24GB + 512GB)
Memory Capacity16 GB24 GBApple Mac Mini (M4 Pro 24GB + 512GB)
CPU ModelIntel Core i3-10110UM4 Pro (12-core)Different strengths
Memory ConfigurationDual-channelUnified MemoryDifferent strengths
GPU ModelIntel UHD Graphics (up to 1000 MHz)16-core GPUDifferent strengths
Warranty1 year1 yearTie
Storage Capacity512 GB512 GBTie

What the differences mean

CPU class and operating system

The GMKtec NucBox G3 Pro runs a four-core Intel Core i3-10110U on Windows 11 Pro, aimed at light everyday tasks. The Apple Mac Mini M4 Pro runs a 12-core Apple silicon chip with a 16-core GPU on macOS, built for video editing, development and local AI work.

Memory upgradeability

The Apple Mac Mini M4 Pro's 24GB of unified memory is soldered to the chip package, so the configuration bought is permanent. The GMKtec NucBox G3 Pro uses two DDR4 SO-DIMM slots and can be upgraded to 64GB later.

Thunderbolt versus HDMI-only video

The Apple Mac Mini M4 Pro has three Thunderbolt 5 ports plus HDMI, supporting multiple high-resolution displays. The GMKtec NucBox G3 Pro has no Thunderbolt, DisplayPort or USB4, only HDMI 1.4 and USB 3.2 Type-A ports.

Storage expansion

The GMKtec NucBox G3 Pro has a free M.2 2242 SATA slot alongside its 512GB drive, so a second drive adds capacity without replacing the first. The Apple Mac Mini M4 Pro's SSD is fixed at purchase and cannot be replaced.

Which one to buy if

  • the work is video editing, software development or local AI
    Apple Mac Mini (M4 Pro 24GB + 512GB)

    The Apple Mac Mini M4 Pro's 12-core chip, 16-core GPU and fast unified memory are built for exactly that; the GMKtec NucBox G3 Pro is not.

  • you want the lowest price with room to upgrade memory and storage later
    GMKtec NucBox G3 Pro (16GB + 512GB)

    The GMKtec NucBox G3 Pro's DDR4 memory and second M.2 slot are both user-replaceable, unlike the Mac Mini M4 Pro's soldered components.

  • you already own Thunderbolt peripherals and multiple displays
    Apple Mac Mini (M4 Pro 24GB + 512GB)

    The Apple Mac Mini M4 Pro's three Thunderbolt 5 ports handle docks and displays the GMKtec NucBox G3 Pro's HDMI-only video output cannot.

  • the box needs to run Home Assistant or Linux services headless
    GMKtec NucBox G3 Pro (16GB + 512GB)

    The GMKtec NucBox G3 Pro's 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet and free M.2 slot suit that role at a fraction of the Mac Mini M4 Pro's price.

What owners say

Owners of both machines agree on one thing: each is unusually quiet for what it can do. GMKtec NucBox G3 Pro (16GB + 512GB) owners buy it for Word and Excel, browsing and 4K streaming, and single out how upgradeable it is for the price, the memory is not soldered and a free M.2 slot takes a second drive, while flagging the total lack of USB-C and a fan that gets moderate to loud under sustained load. Apple Mac Mini (M4 Pro 24GB + 512GB) owners talk about effortless performance on demanding creative and development work and near-silent operation even under load, crediting the compact aluminium body and the value of putting the money entirely into the chip, memory and SSD, but note that the 24GB and 512GB are fixed forever at purchase and that no display, keyboard, mouse or HDMI cable comes in the box.

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 Pro 24GB + 512GB)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better overall: GMKtec NucBox G3 Pro (16GB + 512GB) or Apple Mac Mini (M4 Pro 24GB + 512GB)?

The Apple Mac Mini (M4 Pro 24GB + 512GB) is rated higher by owners and ahead on memory type, memory speed and memory capacity. The GMKtec NucBox G3 Pro (16GB + 512GB) wins only on price.

GMKtec vs Mac Mini: which one should I buy?

For video editing, development or local AI work, the Apple Mac Mini M4 Pro is the stronger machine. For the lowest price and the ability to upgrade memory and storage later, the GMKtec NucBox G3 Pro is the better fit.

What is the biggest difference between the GMKtec NucBox G3 Pro and the Apple Mac Mini M4 Pro?

CPU class and operating system. The G3 Pro runs a four-core Intel Core i3-10110U on Windows 11 Pro, aimed at light everyday tasks, while the Mac Mini M4 Pro runs a 12-core Apple silicon chip with a 16-core GPU on macOS, built for video editing, development and local AI work.

Can the Apple Mac Mini's memory be upgraded after purchase?

No. Its 24GB of unified memory is soldered to the chip package, so the configuration bought is permanent. The GMKtec NucBox G3 Pro uses two DDR4 SO-DIMM slots and can be upgraded to 64GB later.

Who should buy the GMKtec NucBox G3 Pro?

Budget buyers who need Windows software, the lowest price, and the option to upgrade memory and storage after purchase.

Who should buy the Apple Mac Mini M4 Pro?

Buyers doing video editing, software development or local AI work who already own a monitor, keyboard and mouse and want serious performance in a small, quiet box.

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