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Mini PCs · Head to head

GMKtec K17 Plus (32GB + 1TB) 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
Memory and storage sit at the centre of this one, and the GMKtec K17 Plus (32GB + 1TB) takes the matchup over the Apple Mac Mini (M4 16GB + 512GB).
GMKtec K17 Plus (32GB + 1TB)
Winner
GMKtec K17 Plus (32GB + 1TB)
$1044.99$1099.995% OFFPrime exclusive deal

Last recorded price

Buy on Amazon USA
The GMKtec ships 32 GB of LPDDR5X-8533 and a 1 TB drive against 16 GB of unified memory and 512 GB in the Mac, and it runs Windows 11 Pro with a Core Ultra 7 258V and Arc 140V graphics. The Apple Mac Mini (M4 16GB + 512GB) is the cheaper, better reviewed machine, with a 10-core M4, Thunderbolt 4, Wi-Fi 6E and a near-silent aluminium body. Both use soldered memory and integrated graphics, so neither is upgradeable or built for gaming. Choose the GMKtec K17 Plus (32GB + 1TB) for more memory, storage and Windows software; choose the Apple Mac Mini (M4 16GB + 512GB) for macOS, Thunderbolt 4 and the stronger owner feedback.
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FeatureGMKtec K17 Plus (32GB + 1TB)Apple Mac Mini (M4 16GB + 512GB)Winner
Rating4.64.7Apple Mac Mini (M4 16GB + 512GB)
Memory Capacity32 GB16 GBGMKtec K17 Plus (32GB + 1TB)
Storage Capacity1 TB512 GBGMKtec K17 Plus (32GB + 1TB)
CPU ModelIntel Core Ultra 7 258VM4Different strengths
Memory ConfigurationSoldered (non-upgradeable)Unified MemoryDifferent strengths
GPU ModelIntel Arc 140V10-core GPUDifferent strengths
NPU ModelIntel AI Boost NPU (47 TOPS)16-core Neural EngineDifferent strengths
Warranty1 year1 yearTie
Memory TypeLPDDR5XLPDDR5XTie

What the differences mean

Operating system

The GMKtec K17 Plus (32GB + 1TB) runs Windows 11 Pro and the Apple Mac Mini (M4 16GB + 512GB) runs macOS, so your software decides first. Windows-only applications and most PC games live on the GMKtec; Final Cut, Logic and the Apple ecosystem live on the Mac.

Memory and storage

The GMKtec K17 Plus (32GB + 1TB) pairs 32 GB of LPDDR5X with a 1 TB drive, against 16 GB of unified memory and 512 GB in the Apple Mac Mini (M4 16GB + 512GB). Neither memory can be upgraded, so the GMKtec starts with double the room.

Processor and graphics

The Apple Mac Mini (M4 16GB + 512GB) uses a 10-core M4 with a 10-core GPU and a 16-core Neural Engine, while the GMKtec K17 Plus (32GB + 1TB) uses an Intel Core Ultra 7 258V with Arc 140V graphics and a 47 TOPS NPU. Each is quick in its own ecosystem.

Ports and warranty

The Apple Mac Mini (M4 16GB + 512GB) offers three Thunderbolt 4 ports, HDMI, two front USB-C and a built-in speaker, while the GMKtec K17 Plus (32GB + 1TB) offers USB4, HDMI, DisplayPort over USB4 and a Kensington lock. Both carry one year of warranty, and neither includes a monitor or peripherals.

Which one to buy if

What owners say

Owners of the Apple Mac Mini (M4 16GB + 512GB) describe it as extremely fast for the money, whisper quiet even under load and surprisingly small in person, with several replacing ageing Windows towers or iMacs. The themes that recur most are speed for the price, silence, and a setup they call effortless even as first-time Mac users. Their warnings are about permanence: the 16 GB of unified memory and the storage are soldered, so several owners add an external drive or wish they had configured more at purchase, and the lack of USB-A, an SD reader and a Kensington lock pushes many into buying a dock. The power button on the underside also draws complaints.

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 K17 Plus (32GB + 1TB)
  • Apple Mac Mini (M4 16GB + 512GB)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better overall: GMKtec K17 Plus (32GB + 1TB) or Apple Mac Mini (M4 16GB + 512GB)?

The GMKtec K17 Plus (32GB + 1TB) wins on memory and storage, with 32 GB and a 1 TB drive against 16 GB and 512 GB, plus the newer low-power Intel platform. The Apple Mac Mini (M4 16GB + 512GB) is the cheaper, better reviewed machine inside macOS.

What is the biggest difference between the GMKtec K17 Plus (32GB + 1TB) and the Apple Mac Mini (M4 16GB + 512GB)?

Operating system first, then capacity. The GMKtec K17 Plus (32GB + 1TB) runs Windows with 32 GB and a 1 TB drive, while the Apple Mac Mini (M4 16GB + 512GB) runs macOS with 16 GB of unified memory and 512 GB of storage.

Can you upgrade the memory in the GMKtec K17 Plus (32GB + 1TB) or the Apple Mac Mini (M4 16GB + 512GB)?

No. The GMKtec K17 Plus (32GB + 1TB) uses soldered LPDDR5X and the Apple Mac Mini (M4 16GB + 512GB) uses soldered unified memory, so both keep the configuration you buy.

Which of these two mini PCs has more Thunderbolt or USB4 ports?

The Apple Mac Mini (M4 16GB + 512GB) has three Thunderbolt 4 ports, while the GMKtec K17 Plus (32GB + 1TB) has a single USB4 port, so the Mac is the better hub for multiple fast peripherals.

Who should buy the Apple Mac Mini (M4 16GB + 512GB)?

Buyers inside the Apple ecosystem who want a fast, near-silent macOS desktop with three Thunderbolt 4 ports and do not need to upgrade memory or storage later.

Who should buy the GMKtec K17 Plus (32GB + 1TB)?

Windows users who want 32 GB of memory, a 1 TB drive, a modern low-power Intel chip with a strong NPU, and a compact, light chassis.

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