GMKtec NucBox G: An In-Depth Look at Its Versatility and Performance

The GMKtec NucBox G9 is an intriguing mini PC that dares to challenge conventions, offering a unique blend of features aimed at developers, home lab enthusiasts, and even those seeking a budget-friendly network-attached storage (NAS) solution. From its dual-boot operating system to its flexible storage options, the G9 is tailored to those who need adaptability on a small scale without breaking the bank.

This article delves into the features, performance, and versatility of the GMKtec NucBox G9, analyzing its potential in various environments. Whether you’re considering it for personal development, home lab experimentation, or even NAS storage, this mini PC packs a lot of promise at an affordable price.

GMKtec NucBox G9: A Mini PC That Breaks Norms

At first glance, the GMKtec NucBox G9 stands out for its unconventional approach. It’s a mini PC that can dual-boot between Windows 11 Pro and Ubuntu, offering flexibility that most mini PCs at this price range can’t match. The ability to switch between two different operating systems is a rare feature, particularly for those who may want to explore development tasks or test various configurations.

The design is compact, yet practical. Weighing just 336 grams and measuring a mere 146.6 x 100.25 x 38.75 mm, the NucBox G9 is small enough to be easily portable while still offering the potential for high performance. It comes with the latest Intel Twin Lake N150 CPU and Intel Super Core Graphics, offering good processing power for office tasks and light development work.

What really sets the NucBox G9 apart, however, is its storage capacity. It includes four M.2 slots, supporting up to 16TB of storage. This, coupled with the 64GB eMMC storage preloaded with Ubuntu, creates a powerful base for experimentation. The small size and extensive storage flexibility make this device ideal for home labs or as a budget-friendly NAS solution. Although not intended for gaming or creative work, it excels in more practical uses like file serving, media streaming, and lightweight development tasks.

What Undercode Says: Performance & Versatility in a Tiny Package

The GMKtec NucBox G9 is an affordable powerhouse for developers and home lab enthusiasts. While its performance may not stand up to high-end gaming or heavy creative tasks, the G9 proves itself as a solid machine for other purposes. Here’s why:

Dual-Boot OS Flexibility: Having the ability to run both Windows 11 Pro and Ubuntu out of the box is a major selling point. For developers, this flexibility allows them to switch between environments without the hassle of rebooting into a single OS. Ubuntu, being a lightweight OS, boosts performance, particularly when compared to Windows 11 for certain tasks.
Storage Options for the Win: With four M.2 slots supporting up to 16TB of storage, the G9 offers far more capacity than most other mini PCs. This is ideal for users who need extensive file storage or want to create a NAS system at home. The ability to set up a RAID array with M.2 drives and access shared folders over the network is a powerful feature, particularly for those in need of affordable, expandable storage solutions.
Home Lab Potential: For those wanting to experiment and test their IT skills, the G9 is a perfect choice. Unlike older PCs that might be used for home labs, the G9 is a modern, pre-configured platform with the latest hardware, making it a solid base for software testing, IT training, and other development tasks. Installing a NAS OS like OpenMediaVault or TrueNAS CORE transforms the NucBox G9 into a capable home server.
Compact Design: Despite packing in so many features, the NucBox G9 remains incredibly compact. It’s an ideal option for those who need something portable but don’t want to sacrifice storage or functionality. The minimalistic design adds to its appeal, fitting into almost any workspace without being an eyesore.
Affordable Flexibility: At its price point, the GMKtec NucBox G9 offers exceptional value for money. Many mini PCs with similar features and storage capacity would cost significantly more, making the G9 an attractive option for both individuals and small businesses on a budget.

However, there are some limitations. While the Intel Twin Lake N150 CPU is decent for light office tasks and development, it struggles with more resource-intensive applications, such as heavy gaming, 3D modeling, or video editing. If you’re looking for a machine to handle such tasks, the NucBox G9 might not be the right choice.

Fact Checker Results

Dual Boot: The G9 supports dual booting with both Windows 11 Pro and Ubuntu, offering flexibility for various use cases, but it’s not ideal for NAS-specific tasks without further configuration.
Storage Flexibility: The G9’s four M.2 slots offer up to 16TB of storage, a significant advantage over other mini PCs at this price point.
Performance: While the Intel Twin Lake N150 CPU is adequate for office and light development work, the system is not designed for gaming or high-end creative applications.