Intel Alder Lake N97 Mini PC–NucBox G5
Tiny, Affordable, Fast. Perfect for Plex server, Kodi,Routers etc. Money-wise. Pocket-sized. Lower power consumption.
$69.98 – $89.98
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As an existing owner of the NucBox G3, the G5's baby(?) brother (G3 = lesser power, bigger size), I was already impressed with what GMKTec has been able to do with a mini-PC, but the G5 blows that out of the water.
Size Comparison with NucBox G3:
The NucBox G5 is remarkably compact, measuring just 72 x 72 x 44.5mm and weighing less than a small and light coffee mug (168 grams). To put that in perspective, it’s about 2/3 the lenght of a deck of cards, and about twice as thick. When you compare it to its predecessor, the NucBox G3 (see photo), it's clearly much smaller, and about the same weight. The G5 manages to maintain its power while taking up even less space on your desk... or frankly anywhere you want to put it. I had my G3 and now have my G5 mounted on the back of a monitor (see photos) - just be careful to ensure adequate ventilation so the unit doesn't overheat.
Performance and Use Cases:
Inside the NucBox G5, you’ll find an Intel N97 processor, a step up vs. the N100 in the G3. The 3.6 GHz CPU has 4 cores and 4 threads . Now there's no way it can compete with high-end desktop or laptop processors, but it’s more than capable for everyday computing tasks. I've also used it with zero perceptible latency with an external FocusRite interface and Neural DSP Archetype plugins (CPU-heavy guitar amp and effects modelling software) that has choked some of my older laptops and it's capable of light work without a huge number of layers in Affinity Designer (pro-level vector graphics design software). If you haven't used those types of demanding software, that's genuinely a huge achievement for something that costs less than $300 CAD.
For day-to-day activities like office work, web browsing, and multimedia playback, the NucBox G5 works very well too. It can handle running at least a dozen browser tabs at once in MS Edge or Chrome. Its small size, combined with built-in WiFi and Bluetooth, makes it easy to integrate into your setup. Comes with Windows 11 Pro baked-in, so setup is straightforward even for non-IT professionals. The OS loads quickly, and basic tasks are smooth.
Let’s set realistic expectations though. If you’re planning heavy image or video processing, the NucBox G5 might struggle. Stick to light to medium-weight office tasks, and you’ll be pleased with its performance.
Connectivity, Ports and Power Consumption
The NucBox G5 offers many connectivity options, but it is a bit disappointing to see that all USB 3.2 ports are Type A (no USB C connectivity without adapters). It has limited upgrade options, so consider your needs carefully before purchasing - you can basically upgrade the hard drive size and that's it. Given the size of the unit, the RAM (memory) is hard-soldered to the motherboard, but at 12GB for most purchase options, it's got plenty for most applications.
If you’re looking for a lightweight machine for on-site work, off-grid systems, or even van life, the NucBox G5’s power draw (15-25W) through its single USB-C port makes it an excellent choice.
Packaging:
The G5 comes nicely boxed and the box is highly protective of the G5 itself. (The box did take some minor dings in transit as seen in the photos, but the contents were pristine.) I was also pleasantly surprised that GMKtec fixed the absolutely airtight NucBox G3 box that was almost impossible to open. This one is snug to open, but doesn't require a prybar to get into.
In summary, the GMKtec NucBox G5 is a worthy upgrade from the G3, offering an impressive blend of compact design, powerful performance, and affordability. If you need a mini PC that fits almost anywhere without compromising too much on capability, this little box is worth considering. Just be mindful of its intended use, and you’ll appreciate what it brings to the table!