Winner
Updated September 2026
Data from Amazon and official GMKtec and Apple sites.
2026 verdict
Windows and 32GB of memory against macOS and a higher rating: that is the trade in this comparison, and it goes to the GMKtec NucBox M5 Ultra (32GB + 512GB) on price and double the installed memory over the Apple Mac Mini (M4 16GB + 512GB)'s 16GB. The Apple Mac Mini (M4 16GB + 512GB) counters with a stronger owner rating and faster LPDDR5X unified memory, plus a 10-core M4 chip that outperforms the GMKtec's Ryzen 7 7730U on single-threaded and creative work. Both ship with a 512GB SSD and Wi-Fi 6E, though the Mac Mini adds Thunderbolt 4 and an internal power supply, while the GMKtec keeps two 2.5G Ethernet ports and expandable DDR4 memory the Mac cannot offer. Choose the GMKtec NucBox M5 Ultra (32GB + 512GB) for Windows software, homelab networking and more RAM for less money; choose the Apple Mac Mini (M4 16GB + 512GB) for macOS, Thunderbolt peripherals and Apple's ecosystem.
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| Feature | GMKtec NucBox M5 Ultra (32GB + 512GB) | Apple Mac Mini (M4 16GB + 512GB) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $559.99 | $979.00 | GMKtec NucBox M5 Ultra (32GB + 512GB) |
| Rating | 4.3 | 4.7 | Apple Mac Mini (M4 16GB + 512GB) |
| Memory Type | DDR4 | LPDDR5X | Apple Mac Mini (M4 16GB + 512GB) |
| Memory Capacity | 32 GB | 16 GB | GMKtec NucBox M5 Ultra (32GB + 512GB) |
| CPU Model | AMD Ryzen 7 7730U | M4 | Different strengths |
| Memory Configuration | Dual-channel | Unified Memory | Different strengths |
| GPU Model | AMD Radeon Graphics (8 cores, up to 2000 MHz) | 10-core GPU | Different strengths |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 year | Tie |
| Storage Capacity | 512 GB | 512 GB | Tie |
Winner
$559.99
- + Price: $559.99
- + Memory Capacity: 32 GB
- - Rating: 4.3 vs 4.7
- - Memory Type: DDR4 vs LPDDR5X
$979.00
- + Rating: 4.7
- + Memory Type: LPDDR5X
- - Price: $979.00 vs $559.99
- - Memory Capacity: 16 GB vs 32 GB
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 M5 Ultra (32GB + 512GB)
- Apple Mac Mini (M4 16GB + 512GB)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better overall: GMKtec NucBox M5 Ultra (32GB + 512GB) or Apple Mac Mini (M4 16GB + 512GB)?
The GMKtec NucBox M5 Ultra (32GB + 512GB) wins on price and memory capacity. The Apple Mac Mini (M4 16GB + 512GB) wins on owner rating and memory type, so the pick depends on whether you need Windows or macOS.
What is the biggest difference between the GMKtec NucBox M5 Ultra (32GB + 512GB) and the Apple Mac Mini (M4 16GB + 512GB)?
The operating system and chip architecture. The Apple Mac Mini (M4 16GB + 512GB) runs macOS on Apple's M4 chip with soldered unified memory, while the GMKtec NucBox M5 Ultra (32GB + 512GB) runs Windows 11 Pro on an AMD Ryzen 7 7730U with upgradeable DDR4 memory.
Which one has more memory?
The GMKtec NucBox M5 Ultra (32GB + 512GB), with 32GB against the Apple Mac Mini (M4 16GB + 512GB)'s 16GB, though the Mac Mini's memory is faster LPDDR5X and cannot be upgraded later while the GMKtec's can.
Does either have Thunderbolt?
Only the Apple Mac Mini (M4 16GB + 512GB), which includes three Thunderbolt 4 ports. The GMKtec NucBox M5 Ultra (32GB + 512GB) tops out at USB 3.2 Gen2 but adds two 2.5G Ethernet ports the Mac Mini lacks by default.
Who should buy the GMKtec NucBox M5 Ultra (32GB + 512GB)?
Buyers who need Windows software, dual 2.5G networking for a homelab, or more memory for less money.
Who should buy the Apple Mac Mini (M4 16GB + 512GB)?
Buyers already in the Apple ecosystem, or who want Thunderbolt 4 peripherals and macOS for creative or development work.
Full comparison table
Compare all 86 Mini PCs side by side
You are looking at two of them. The full table lines up all Mini PCs in the catalog with the same specs, so you can filter by what you need and sort by price or rating.
- 86 Mini PCs
- 41 specs compared
- 38 filters
MINISFORUMMS-03 (Ultra 9 64GB + 1TB)
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MINISFORUMMS-A2 (Ryzen 9 9955HX 96GB + 2TB)
$2099.00
AsusNUC 15 Pro+ (Ultra 9 32GB + 1TB)
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AsusNUC 13 Pro Slim (i7 16GB + 512GB)
$989.99
AsusROG GR70 (RTX 5070 32GB + 2TB)
$2599.00
BeelinkSER9 Pro (24GB + 1TB)
$719.00
AppleMac Mini (M4 16GB + 512GB)
$979.00
AppleMac Mini (M4 Pro 24GB + 512GB)
$1569.00
AppleMac Mini (M2 Pro 16GB + 512GB)
$1273.46
GMKtecK17 Plus (32GB + 1TB)
27% OFF$1299.99$949.99
GeekomA9 Mega (128GB + 2TB)
$3999.00
BeelinkMini S13 (N150 12GB + 500GB)
$339.00
BeelinkMini S12 Pro (N100 16GB + 500GB)
$339.00
BeelinkMini S12 (N95 8GB + 480GB)
$279.00
MINISFORUMM1 Pro-125H (32GB + 1TB)
$895.00
MINISFORUMX1 Lite-255 (32GB + 1TB)
$739.00
BeelinkEQi13 (24GB + 1TB)
9% OFF$659.00$599.00
BeelinkME mini (N95 12GB + 64GB)
$329.00
BeelinkSER5 Pro (16GB + 480GB)
13% OFF$449.00$388.99
AsusChromebox 5a (Celeron 4GB + 128GB)
10% OFF$399.00$359.00
Mini PCsGMKtecG10 (16GB + 512GB)
4.2(304)$319.99
Mini PCsGMKtecNucBox G3 Pro (16GB + 512GB)
4.4(1,912)$459.99
Mini PCsGMKtecNucBox G3S (8GB + 256GB)
4.2(1,819)$249.99- Mini PCsGMKtec
K17 Plus (32GB + 1TB)
4.6(53)27% OFF$1299.99$949.99 
Mini PCsGMKtecNucBox M2 Pro S (16GB + 1TB)
4.4(825)$499.98- Mini PCsGMKtec
NucBox M5 Ultra (32GB + 512GB)
4.3(996)$559.99 
Mini PCsGMKtecNucBox M6 Ultra (32GB + 1TB)
4.2(482)21% OFF$799.99$629.99
Mini PCsGMKtecNucBox M7 Ultra (32GB + 512GB)
4.4(1,017)$679.99
- Mini PCsApple
Mac Mini (M2 Pro 16GB + 512GB)
4.6(204)$1273.46 - Mini PCsApple
Mac Mini (M4 16GB + 512GB)
4.7(408)$979.00 - Mini PCsApple
Mac Mini (M4 Pro 24GB + 512GB)
4.7(255)$1569.00 
Mini PCsAppleMac Mini (M4 Pro 48GB + 1TB)
4.4(13)$2199.00
SpeakersAppleHomePod (2nd gen)
4.5(54)$369.99
SpeakersAppleHomePod mini
3.0(1)$99.00
Voice AssistantsAppleHomePod (2nd gen)
4.5(54)$369.99
Voice AssistantsAppleHomePod mini
3.0(1)$99.00