Mini PCs · Head to head

GMKtec NucBox G3S (8GB + 256GB) vs GMKtec NucBox K13 (Ultra 7 256V 16GB + 512GB)

Full Mini PCs comparison in 2026

Updated October 2026
Data from Amazon and official GMKtec site.
2026 verdict
A modern eight-core chip and twice the memory decide this: the GMKtec NucBox K13 (Ultra 7 256V 16GB + 512GB) wins over the cheaper GMKtec NucBox G3S (8GB + 256GB).
GMKtec NucBox K13 (Ultra 7 256V 16GB + 512GB)
Winner
GMKtec NucBox K13 (Ultra 7 256V 16GB + 512GB)
$589.99
Buy on Amazon USA
The GMKtec NucBox K13 runs an Intel Core Ultra 7 256V with Arc 140V graphics and a 47 TOPS NPU on 16GB of LPDDR5X-8533 and a 512GB drive, and it adds dual USB4 ports, 5 Gigabit Ethernet and Wi-Fi 6E. The GMKtec NucBox G3S is a deliberately basic Windows box on an Intel N95 with 8GB of DDR4 in a single slot capped at 16GB and a 256GB drive, but it is the more affordable option of the pair, practically silent, and its two HDMI 2.0 ports run dual 4K at 60Hz. Choose the GMKtec NucBox K13 for a desktop that will not feel slow next year, and the GMKtec NucBox G3S for the cheapest honest Windows machine for browsing and streaming.
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FeatureGMKtec NucBox G3S (8GB + 256GB)GMKtec NucBox K13 (Ultra 7 256V 16GB + 512GB)Winner
Price$249.98$589.99GMKtec NucBox G3S (8GB + 256GB)
Rating4.24.7GMKtec NucBox K13 (Ultra 7 256V 16GB + 512GB)
Memory TypeDDR4LPDDR5XGMKtec NucBox K13 (Ultra 7 256V 16GB + 512GB)
Memory Capacity8 GB16 GBGMKtec NucBox K13 (Ultra 7 256V 16GB + 512GB)
Storage Capacity256 GB512 GBGMKtec NucBox K13 (Ultra 7 256V 16GB + 512GB)
CPU ModelIntel Processor N95Intel Core Ultra 7 256VDifferent strengths
Memory ConfigurationSingle-channelSoldered (non-upgradeable)Different strengths
GPU ModelIntel UHD Graphics (up to 1200 MHz)Intel Arc 140VDifferent strengths
Warranty1 year1 yearTie

What the differences mean

Processor

The GMKtec NucBox K13 runs an Intel Core Ultra 7 256V with eight cores on the Lunar Lake platform, while the GMKtec NucBox G3S uses a four-core Intel N95. The K13 covers heavier multitasking and light creative work; the G3S is aimed at browsing, office apps and video.

Memory

The GMKtec NucBox K13 ships 16GB of LPDDR5X-8533, soldered and fast. The GMKtec NucBox G3S ships 8GB of DDR4 in a single SO-DIMM slot that tops out at 16GB, so it is both slower and much harder to grow.

Storage

The GMKtec NucBox K13 has a 512GB drive against 256GB in the GMKtec NucBox G3S. The K13's second slot runs PCIe, while the G3S pairs its PCIe 3.0 slot with an M.2 2242 SATA slot.

Graphics and AI

The GMKtec NucBox K13 pairs Intel Arc 140V graphics with a 47 TOPS NPU. The GMKtec NucBox G3S uses Intel UHD graphics with no NPU, so on-device AI features and anything GPU-heavy are out of reach.

Networking

The GMKtec NucBox K13 connects over 5 Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2. The GMKtec NucBox G3S makes do with Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.0, which is fine for streaming but slower for file transfers.

Video outputs

The GMKtec NucBox G3S actually has two HDMI 2.0 ports that run dual 4K at 60Hz, while the GMKtec NucBox K13 offers one HDMI 2.1 output plus display over its two USB4 ports.

Which one to buy if

What owners say

Owners of the GMKtec NucBox G3S (8GB + 256GB) describe a Windows desktop that is practically silent and ready in minutes, with the pre-installed Windows 11 Pro taking around ten minutes to set up. The Intel N95 does more than its price suggests: browsing, documents, 4K streaming and even older titles at 60 fps, and some run it as a home theatre box or a small Plex server. They like the two M.2 slots, the VESA mount and the 260 g body. The recurring warnings are the single memory slot capped at 16GB, Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.0 rather than newer standards, no USB-C, and listing variants that ship with less memory and storage than buyers expected.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better overall: GMKtec NucBox G3S (8GB + 256GB) or GMKtec NucBox K13 (Ultra 7 256V 16GB + 512GB)?

The GMKtec NucBox K13 (Ultra 7 256V 16GB + 512GB) is the better mini PC, with a newer Intel Core Ultra 7 processor, Arc 140V graphics, a 47 TOPS NPU, twice the memory, twice the storage, dual USB4 and 5 Gigabit Ethernet. The GMKtec NucBox G3S (8GB + 256GB) wins on price, on dual HDMI 2.0 outputs and on how quiet it is.

What is the biggest difference between the GMKtec NucBox G3S (8GB + 256GB) and the GMKtec NucBox K13 (Ultra 7 256V 16GB + 512GB)?

The platform and the memory. The GMKtec NucBox K13 (Ultra 7 256V 16GB + 512GB) uses an eight-core Intel Core Ultra 7 256V with 16GB of LPDDR5X-8533, while the GMKtec NucBox G3S (8GB + 256GB) uses a four-core Intel N95 with 8GB of slower DDR4 in a single slot.

Can the memory be upgraded on the GMKtec NucBox G3S (8GB + 256GB) or the GMKtec NucBox K13 (Ultra 7 256V 16GB + 512GB)?

The GMKtec NucBox G3S (8GB + 256GB) has one DDR4 SO-DIMM slot with a 16GB ceiling, so there is a single upgrade step. The GMKtec NucBox K13 (Ultra 7 256V 16GB + 512GB) has 16GB of LPDDR5X soldered, so its memory cannot be changed.

Do either of these mini PCs have USB4 or USB-C?

The GMKtec NucBox K13 (Ultra 7 256V 16GB + 512GB) has two USB4 Type-C ports carrying data, display and 100W power delivery. The GMKtec NucBox G3S (8GB + 256GB) has no USB-C at all, with three USB 3.2 Type-A ports and one USB 2.0 port.

Who should buy the GMKtec NucBox G3S (8GB + 256GB)?

Buyers who want the least expensive competent Windows 11 Pro desktop for browsing, office work, 4K streaming or a home theatre box, and who do not need more than 16GB of memory or USB-C.

Who should buy the GMKtec NucBox K13 (Ultra 7 256V 16GB + 512GB)?

Anyone who wants a compact Windows 11 Pro desktop with a current Intel Core Ultra processor, USB4, 5 Gigabit Ethernet and a 47 TOPS NPU, and who needs twice the memory and storage of a budget N95 box.

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