Boost Performance with the Ultra-Compact GMKtec NucBox M5 Plus Mini PC Review

GMKtec NucBox M5 Plus: A Budget-Friendly Mini PC with a Lot to Offer

In the world of mini PCs, GMKtec is a name that’s been making waves with its affordable and feature-packed designs. The latest addition to their lineup is the NucBox M5 Plus, a compact powerhouse that’s sure to impress. In this review, we’ll dive into the details of this budget-friendly mini PC and see if it’s the right fit for your needs.

Design and Build

The NucBox M5 Plus has a familiar design that’s reminiscent of many other NUCs from GMKtec. The compact 127mm square box is made of plastic and has a matte finish that’s easy to clean. While it may not be the most stylish device, it’s certainly functional and gets the job done.

Specifications

Under the hood, the NucBox M5 Plus packs a punch with an older Ryzen 7 processor, up to 64GB of RAM, and 16TB of internal storage. The dual M.2 slots and dual 2.5GbE LAN ports make it an ideal candidate for a custom firewall with a suitable Linux distro. The only drawback is the lack of faster ports than USB 3.2 Gen 2, but USB 4.0 or Thunderbolt will cost more than this hardware is priced.

Performance

In our testing, the NucBox M5 Plus performed better than anticipated with Performance mode on. It’s a great option for general office use, embedded presentation, firewall, and mini-server roles. While it may not be the best choice for power users, it’s a great value for the price.

Price and Availability

The GMKtec NucBox M5 Plus is available in Black and Blue color schemes, with three basic SKUs to choose from. The barebones option starts at around £161 or $190, while the pre-installed model with 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage costs £200 or $236. For those looking for a no-nonsense NUC system that can be easily deployed, upgraded, and repurposed, the GMKtec NucBox M5 Plus makes plenty of sense.

Should You Buy It?

If you’re in the market for a budget-friendly mini PC with a lot of features, the GMKtec NucBox M5 Plus is definitely worth considering. Its affordable price, compact design, and impressive specifications make it a great option for general office use, embedded presentation, firewall, and mini-server roles.

Don’t Buy It If…

If you’re a power user who needs the latest and greatest technology, you may want to look elsewhere. The NucBox M5 Plus is an older design, and while it’s still a great value, it may not be the best choice for those who need the latest features and performance.

Also Consider…

If you’re looking for bigger alternatives for professionals, we’ve also reviewed all the best business computers.

Final Verdict

The GMKtec NucBox M5 Plus is a genuine bargain that’s sure to impress. Its affordable price, compact design, and impressive specifications make it a great option for general office use, embedded presentation, firewall, and mini-server roles. While it may not be the best choice for power users, it’s a great value for the price.

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