Mini PCs · Head to head

GMKtec NucBox G3S (8GB + 256GB) vs Apple Mac Mini (M2 Pro 16GB + 512GB)

Full Mini PCs comparison in 2026

Updated October 2026
Data from the official GMKtec and Apple sites.
2026 verdict
Apple Mac Mini (M2 Pro 16GB + 512GB)
Winner
Apple Mac Mini (M2 Pro 16GB + 512GB)
Currently unavailable on Amazon USA
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Windows against macOS is the real fork in this mini PC matchup, and on paper the Apple Mac Mini (M2 Pro 16GB + 512GB) also comes out ahead, doubling the memory to 16GB, doubling the storage to 512GB, and carrying a stronger owner rating than the GMKtec NucBox G3S (8GB + 256GB). The Mac Mini runs a 10-core M2 Pro chip with a 16-core GPU, four Thunderbolt 4 ports and Wi-Fi 6E, but its memory and storage are fixed at purchase since both are soldered to the board. The GMKtec NucBox G3S (8GB + 256GB) runs Windows 11 Pro on a four-core Intel N95 instead, far less powerful, but its single SO-DIMM slot and two M.2 storage bays are genuinely user-upgradeable, something the Mac Mini does not offer at any configuration. Buyers set on macOS, Apple's software ecosystem or Thunderbolt-speed peripherals should choose the Apple Mac Mini (M2 Pro 16GB + 512GB); buyers who want a cheap Windows box they can crack open and expand later should choose the GMKtec NucBox G3S (8GB + 256GB).
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The biggest differences

Where these two are furthest apart, and by how much.

  • Memory Capacity2×Apple Mac Mini (M2 Pro 16GB + 512GB)16 GB vs 8 GB
  • Storage Capacity2×Apple Mac Mini (M2 Pro 16GB + 512GB)512 GB vs 256 GB
FeatureGMKtec NucBox G3S (8GB + 256GB)Apple Mac Mini (M2 Pro 16GB + 512GB)Winner
Rating4.24.6Apple Mac Mini (M2 Pro 16GB + 512GB)
Memory TypeDDR4LPDDR5Apple Mac Mini (M2 Pro 16GB + 512GB)
Memory Capacity8 GB16 GBApple Mac Mini (M2 Pro 16GB + 512GB)
Storage Capacity256 GB512 GBApple Mac Mini (M2 Pro 16GB + 512GB)
CPU ModelIntel Processor N95M2 Pro (10-core CPU)Different strengths
Memory ConfigurationSingle-channelUnified MemoryDifferent strengths
GPU ModelIntel UHD Graphics (up to 1200 MHz)16-core GPUDifferent strengths
Warranty1 year1 yearTie

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better overall: GMKtec NucBox G3S (8GB + 256GB) or Apple Mac Mini (M2 Pro 16GB + 512GB)?

The Apple Mac Mini (M2 Pro 16GB + 512GB) is the stronger machine overall, ahead on owner rating, memory type, memory capacity and storage capacity. The GMKtec NucBox G3S (8GB + 256GB) only wins on price.

What is the biggest difference between the GMKtec NucBox G3S and the Mac Mini?

Operating system and chip architecture. The GMKtec NucBox G3S (8GB + 256GB) runs Windows 11 Pro on an Intel N95, while the Apple Mac Mini (M2 Pro 16GB + 512GB) runs macOS on Apple's own M2 Pro silicon with a 10-core CPU and 16-core GPU.

Can you upgrade the memory or storage on either machine?

Only the GMKtec NucBox G3S (8GB + 256GB) can be upgraded after purchase, through its SO-DIMM memory slot and two M.2 storage bays. The Apple Mac Mini (M2 Pro 16GB + 512GB) has soldered memory and a fixed SSD, so its 16GB and 512GB configuration is permanent.

How do the ports compare?

The Apple Mac Mini (M2 Pro 16GB + 512GB) has four Thunderbolt 4 ports plus two USB-A ports and an HDMI output. The GMKtec NucBox G3S (8GB + 256GB) has no Thunderbolt or DisplayPort, offering dual HDMI 2.0 and USB-A ports instead.

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

Buyers who want a low-cost Windows desktop and value being able to add memory or storage later should choose the GMKtec NucBox G3S (8GB + 256GB).

Who should buy the Apple Mac Mini (M2 Pro 16GB + 512GB)?

Buyers already invested in Apple's ecosystem, or who need Thunderbolt 4 peripherals, more memory and more storage out of the box, should choose the Apple Mac Mini (M2 Pro 16GB + 512GB).

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