The Cheapest Mini PC I've Reviewed! GMKtec G3 Review

In this video we take a look at the GMKtec G3 featuring Intel's N100 CPU and entry level storage and memory. It makes for a good introduction to mini PCs and is under $150.
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00:00 - Cheapie
00:53 - Specs & Features
02:11 - Opening It Up
03:06 - Benchmarks
04:22 - Usage Cases
06:00 - BIOS, Power, Temps & Noise
07:39 - Conclusion

[@CaffeineLoaded]

“Instead of doing the same game and multimedia tests on this one…” ETA Prime viewers feel seen. Great video!

[@666Maeglin]

Yeah I dont get this extreme focus on gaming and emulation by ETA prime either. That is not why i would buy a mini PC.. mainly low powered computing, streaming, piholing or routing

[@r0galik]

​@@666Maeglin ETA prime is probably outsourcing 90% of his video production so don't expect high effort

[@karateto1]

Hi , i have GMKtech G3.Good pc for its price.About temperature ...well , open ..repaste CPU and you will be supprised of result.-20 degrees and fan will not rupm up ! . Thanks for the review! .

[@AD34534]

Finally. I was waiting for your review of this since you're the only guy I trust when it comes to mini PCs.

[@CallMeCJorDandy]

this also the easiest review to understand i could ever find about n100 powered mini pc. Thank you !

[@godnyx117]

Thanks for the review!

[@Gareth.W]

Another great video. Hands down this is one of the best channels on KZbin 🤩

[@avidwriter2882]

From one Rob to another, great job.

[@Robtech]

Thanks Rob!

[@TheXeonShock]

We have come from a long way of hauling large pcs and slow hard drives, to small, portable mini pc's and ssd's. :)

[@chromerims]

Really great and helpful info on mini's 👍 Thank you for tons of excellent content. Price of this NucBox G3 makes it easy for me to get several for home tinkering, setting up family members, and outfitting an office team. Confirmed 32gb ram works. I had enabled C-states and set TDP to 15W, too. Great for your audience that you showed how to do BIOS changes (6:02). In Linux with sysbench, I get max CPU package temp of 72°C (in 24°C room temp); idle 48°C. (I did not measure NVMe temp like you.) Also with sysbench and Linux, max power draw using Kill-A-Watt meter is 24W; idle 12W. With the included 12V 3A (36W) power adapter, a max draw of 24W feels right. But what do I know!? If I use Windows, Cinebench and 3DMark, I might update this post. My G3 sits right next to me and is silent; its fan is quiet and turns on infrequently. Did I win a little "silicon lottery" binning with my G3's N100? Dunno. It might be that for the G3's UEFI-BIOS, no mitigations will be needed for CVEs 2023-40238 and 2023-39539 (LogoFAIL). I am still looking into this. Kindest regards, friends and neighbours. P.S. I was surprised that the motherboards as well as ICs and ports are identical for NucBox G3 and Morefine M9 (not M9S or M9 Pro). Besides mobo, other differences between G3 and M9 are their ssd, ram and case materials. G3 mobo faces "up," and M9 faces "down" -- or vice versa from Yukon or Ushuaia.

[@rgrgrg35]

Thanks Rob for another fine review. I have the G3 and it's a wonderful mini PC (I have few N100 PCs for different tasks). I have the green color which is nice touch. plasticky but good one. (Matte finish) I even added a 2242 1TB drive to this as additional storage. (which to me was also a nice feature considering the footprint) In my uses (media server) doesn't get to load often. so barely noticeable and very quiet (again, at least for me) The ease of opening the lid is a treat - and WIFI and LAN performance are super stable. All in all a very reliable N100 implementation.

[@daverhodus]

Is 8GB of RAM enough for me to use this PC as a Windows 11 Plex server?

[@brutaljustin1349]

This is probably best for installing something like Batocera and turning this thing into a retro gaming console.

[@dave_r]

Nice review of this unit; I'd been curious to hear what you had to say about it. The fan ramping up and down often (and noisily) would be a deal-breaker for me but I noticed the comment below by @karateto1 about repasting the CPU having a significant beneficial improvement. I'd have no issue doing that, but many people would, and if that were to prove a common thing (rather than perhaps that unit being an anomaly) then there's no excuse for GMKtek not noticing and fixing this before it went out the door.

[@TimHunold]

I just bought the beelink 12pro with 16gb and 1tb for about $160 USD. It's my first N100 and I'm unimpressed, but for the pricepoint, I can do some webdev and homelab stuff. I think I'll aim for n305 or just real i5 in the future.

[@Noiconnotag]

I really hope next gen chips support dual channel and have a bit more cores and/or speed.

[@Andy_Panda]

Almost perfect I/O. Good to see no PCI lanes wasted on extra ethernet ports. Shame there's no USB-C though.

[@user-nd7rg5er5g]

I admit that I just want this mini pc because of the charming green color lol.

[@robertspotterson5361]

The N100 is really out there killing it. I wonder what other ways there are for some of these mini PCs to differentiate themselves. Maybe integrating CEC support, an infrared sensor, small built-in UPS + solar panel, or maybe a form factor like the raspberry pi 400, that would be great for traveling.

[@Robtech]

Intel NUCs used to include IR sensors, but they didn't seem to hit off with other brands. Being able to use a remote was a nice bonus.

[@darkenergy5686]

These new n100 minis are amazing compared to the Gigabyte Brix n2807 I've been running as a basic desktop for 10 years now on Ubuntu 14.04. I'm thinking it's time for an upgrade!

[@armunro]

Great video. How do you set the auto power on in case the power goes? Thats the setting I need for a mini server.

[@armunro]

Found it: PCH-IO->Wake on power->S0

[@roqeyt3566]

Always love your reviews mate. I bought this PC barebones for 99€ in a sale. I love how they ship it locally, so its 99€ shipped and no import duties required. I added an old 4gb sodimm ddr4 stick and loaded up linux on a 4€ 64gb USB stick, also from a sale. It's a fantastic little media and retro gaming box, easy to work on too because of that clip on top lid.

[@jabonorte]

I've bought, returned or sold several minis over the past two years and the G3 is the only one I've kept. Not because it's the fastest, quietest, or most stylish PC, just because there is no point in selling it. I bought it from GMKTEC as a barebone for about 100 dollars and fitted old memory and an SSD and it runs fine. It's as fast as all the other N100s I've owned (5, maybe?) and I actually like the budget vibe. It doesn't have USB C, so I can't power it from my monitor, but it's hard to get upset with a computer that costs so little. I've used it for work and it's fine. It solves a problem I have with N100 devices, that they aren't cheap enough to fiddle with. Someone else has commented on repasting the chip, which I wouldn't think of doing on anything more expensive in case I broke it, but the G3 is worth peanuts and makes a good hobby unit. Mine has been in its box for over a month (been using my MacBook air for work) and it doesn't matter because I don't feel like I'm wasting any money. I have a plan of things to try on it, including Linux and Plex, but I don't have to rush. At the end of the day, the only real advantage other N100s might have is USB-C, whereas this is dirt cheap and reeks of good value. I even like the industrial green colour. Bargain to the point of almost being theft.

[@Speediestyew]

hey, i’m looking to get a mini pc that I can power with a monitor. (looking for a minimalist set up) I plan on installing linux and don’t need it for any sort of gaming. Just office work type use case. any recommendations? if it has a barebones option that would be a plus, but not a necessity.

[@bryans8656]

I have one of these, and it's surprisingly capable. I did double the RAM to 16GB for better multitasking, and added additional storage.

[@Pavasoz]

Where did you get the ram?

[@bryans8656]

@@Pavasoz Amazon

[@johnnylektric]

I just ordered this G3. By any chance, did you still do a clean install of Windows 11? Do I need to or it's practically Malware free as the review said?

[@bryans8656]

@@johnnylektric I didn't do a clean install, the device is malware free.

[@johnnylektric]

@@bryans8656 appreciate the info! Thank you!

[@electroarcade]

Hey Rob, been watching your PC reviews along with newer console ones. Nice to see some local Aussiel content! Have been debating which n100 to go for on a price/noise level as performance is quite similar across the range, which model would you be pushing towards that supports NVME? Cheers!

[@Robtech]

That's a tough one since quiet is subjective. Anything above 30dBA for me personally is not quiet enough at this low end. It really depends on your tolerance to fan noise.

[@loganwhite6173]

I'm going to be living the hotel life for work for next couple of months, any suggestion on the nest budget pc that could run diablo and poe. Not interested in a laptop

[@N3tigen]

Hi bro, You review every mini pc so far Which one is the best affordable gaming good mini pc in your choice. Tell us 😊😊

[@Robtech]

What's your budget?

[@zupzop9237]

Rob thanks for the review and including minecraft and Roblox. Just one comment. Roblox has a huge variety of games of which certain games (like frontlines ) are way more demanding iGPU wise than others (like natural disaster survival).

[@Robtech]

Which one would you recommend testing next time? Natural disaster survival?

[@zupzop9237]

​@@Robtech Thanks for taking user feedback seriously! The one you currently use seems perfect for light Roblox gaming, but I would recommend to add a heavier title like frontlines to expose the limitation of iGPU's, (Roblox also automatically scales graphics with iGPU, such that a game will look worse and with a reduced view distance on a lower end iGPU compared to a higher end. For instance the difference between an 6900HX with a 680M and a 4800U with Vega are very obvious.)

[@impuls60]

The Firebat T8 plus whatever at 16gb 4800Mhz ddr5 (slower than ddr4 3200??)ram and 512Gb hd at 140usd at Ali is slightly cheaper I feel. I picked one up yesterday for a diy handheld. Now is a company could make a mini gpu that fits in the m.2 slot without adapter that would be killer!

[@Robtech]

The T8 Plus is great. I find people want to buy locally off Amazon though for the easy returns and faster shipping. I buy stuff off AliExpress pretty often though. Make sure the T8 Plus is running memory at 4800 if you haven't already. By default it's less. I have the BIOS tweak in the review.

[@johnnylektric]

Thank you for your great reviews! I just found out about these mini PCs recently. I'm currently choosing between the 16gb ram version of this G3 and (what seems to be) a generic T9 Plus Mini N100 with 16gb LPddr5 ram... I will only use it for browsing, KZbin, media playerr, Documents, and the USB ports to access external storage, no gaming or any heavy task. Which one, for you, would be the safer bet between the two?

[@francyspi4610]

Do you mean the Chatreey T9 Mini ?

[@johnnylektric]

@@francyspi4610 No, it's not that one. The T9 Plus is that even smaller, palm-sized one with the LED lights at the bottom. I've seen different brand names with the exact same look. But I did eventually ordered this GMKtec G3. Still waiting on the delivery

[@francyspi4610]

@@johnnylektric I understood. You meant Ninkear T9 Plus MINI. Anyway I think that the Nuckbox G3 is better since has a wi-fi 6, Upgradable RAM and 2,5 Gigabit speed ethernet. Furthermore you have all the needed driver on GMKTec web-site included the new bios version.

[@akin242002]

Solid for those on an extremely tight budget or living in a country with an extremely low pay scale. Otherwise, pick the other options if someone has the funds available. More modern CPUs and some good iGPUs are: BeeLink SER7, Geekom A7, Minisforum UM780 XTX, Intel NUC 13 Pro, HP EliteDesk 800 G9, or M2 Mac Mini (including 16GB of RAM). All provide an excellent experience at price ranging from $700 to $900.

[@Arnell_Long]

If you had to rate them from Best to Worst when playing demanding games, how would you rank them? 🤔 Without adding a Thunderbolt, GPU, or anything... thanks!

[@akin242002]

@Arnell_Long BeeLink SER7 for most stable. UM780 XTX for pure raw performance, but it will generate fan noise. Geekom A7 for people who play less than 2 hours straight pure day due to mediocre fan. The Mac Mini, HP EliteDesk, and Intel NUC are better suited for those who already own a PS5 or Xbox series S console.

[@Arnell_Long]

@@akin242002 So the UM780 is similar to the HX99G and HX100G? I might pick that up eventually...I have a PS5, Xbox Series X, Switch OLED, and a Legion Go. Not too shabby of a list you have there. 🙏🏽

[@Robtech]

If your priority is gaming, the HX99G and HX100G are miles ahead of any integrated graphics.

[@iandale8062]

I was unable to get mine to run Valorant as it crapped on about secure boot and I didn't know and wasn't game to change anything in the bios. I have two of these and use Ubuntu 22.04 lts as my main computer.

[@DIYtechie]

Can I use the extra m.2 slot for a tpu like Google Coral?

[@LiLBitsDK]

@Robtech if you had to pick one, which would you say is THE BEST N100 machine? (price, noise and performance)? With NVME/SODIMM aka not soldered storage/memory

[@Robtech]

I've got one more to review then I'm hoping to get my updated top 5 2024 video out.

[@LiLBitsDK]

@@Robtech will look forward to it thanks

[@francyspi4610]

Does anyone problem with the Realtek RTL8852BE installed? Sometime the network card network drops if wi-fi is with 2,4ghz mode...

[@samK1XT]

Hi Rob, Can you check if gmktec mini pc's are affected with any malware?

[@Robtech]

I already did in the review. They aren't

[@markwilliamson9199]

AU power supply?

[@ByteMeCompletely]

Instead of rapid-fire talking, it would help if you point to parts. like the nvme drive, and reveal the type and max size, etc. Why is there a M.2 SATA slot? Isn't that MUCH slower than NVME?

[@Robtech]

Most specs are pointed out including the drive brand any type that was included. kzbin.info/www/bejne/g6eQhqSuia9nkMUsi=c3on87pGQdetRa4K&t=259 I don't go over things like lack of PCIe lanes on N100 CPUs limiting the drive speeds in every review.

[@srvuk]

It's OK but I tend to think that the 16Gb models with 512Gb storage are the best way to go if you can afford it.

[@vidarv.9010]

Be careful, crazy fan noise will make you nuts!

[@Robtech]

High fan noise drives me nuts, that's for sure 😅

[@ashtonwoodturnings225]

I use my Beelink as a plex server

[@johnjakson444]

so about the same performance as a quad core 4570 or something like that from 11 years ago, but better graphics & lower power draw

[@Robtech]

I've seen i5-7400 thrown around a lot as similar performance.

[@TohTomajohs]

I want to get a mini pc. I have monitor, keyboard and mouse. Is that all I need to have?

[@Robtech]

That's correct.

[@lucioferro9870]

Do you know a Mini pc with full arch support?

[@lylluzzos]

Arch Linux? Every PC that support a recent Linux distribution (like Ubuntu for example) 99% of the times works with all other distros.

[@wakkip]

That’s still very bad perfomance for Valorant and LoL. Which cheap mini PC would you say is better for people looking to play those games with steady 100+ FPS on high settings?

[@Robtech]

Valorant is heavily CPU bound. I haven't tested high settings, but something like a Ryzen 5500U easily holds above 100FPS at 1080P. The Beelink SER5 5560U is my pick under $250.

[@akilmilo]

does it support higher refresh rates than 60hz?

[@Robtech]

If lower resolution than 4K resolution, yes.

[@akilmilo]

@@Robtech thanks! I have a 1440p screen. Are you planning to review the G5? I am in between this one (G3), the T8 Plus, the Larkbox X and G5

[@marecheau77]

Just bought a G3 after your review. When enabling c-states bios freezes, can't find any info on this, any ideas? it doesn't exactly freeze, I can get to c-states and enable but can'tb go back, just up and down. Just figured it out, have to use the finction key.

[@francyspi4610]

What is the purpose of c-states mode?

[@marecheau77]

@@francyspi4610 I think it's a power saving mode for the processor, Rob says enabling makes it run faster.

[@francyspi4610]

@@marecheau77 Thanks. Are you happy with your g3? What's your view about g5?

[@marecheau77]

@@francyspi4610 Very pleased with the G3, I bought it instead of going from a Raspberry Pi4 to a Pi 5, mainly used for tinkering, looking at alternative OSs etc. ,although it's ersily capable as a working desktop if you are not into gaming. Since it's not a main PC replacement, for me it comes down to price. The G5 is a similar price but there isn't much between the two, the G5 is a bit faster. If I was going for a desktop replacement I'd be looking at an i9 processor.

[@Robtech]

Yeah, seems to affect single core performance by around 15%. Not sure why it isn't enabled by default on every mini.

[@nadtz]

shame it only has 1 ethernet port but not bad for the price.

[@eduardrivas6964]

May Linux/Debian runs stable on this?

[@Robtech]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/g6eQhqSuia9nkMUsi=c5COZ72or1Bl12wq&t=181