The GMKtec M3 Pro mini PC, powered by an Intel Core i5-13500H processor, serves as a capable budget option for general computing, light gaming, and home server tasks. Priced starting at $329 for the barebones model, it utilizes older DDR4 memory and lacks modern high-speed ports like Thunderbolt or USB4, limiting its data transfer speeds and external GPU compatibility. In testing, the system handled basic 4K video editing and web browsing with ease, achieving a Speedometer score of 29.6. However, its local AI performance is slow, generating only 12 tokens per second on a Gemma 2 6B model due to the slower DDR4 RAM. Gaming performance is comparable to a Steam Deck, scoring 1,644 in 3DMark Time Spy and running Cyberpunk 2077 at around 20 frames per second at 1080p low settings. The device features excellent thermal management, maintaining temperatures around 69°C under heavy load without significant fan noise. It also boasts full hardware compatibility with Ubuntu Linux.
The GMKtec M3 Pro features an older Intel Core i5-13500H processor and relies on DDR4 memory. Pricing starts at $329 for the barebones unit, with configured models ranging up to $699.
The system lacks Thunderbolt and USB4 ports, limiting the USB-C port to 10Gbps data speeds. Local AI performance is slow, yielding only 12 tokens per second on a Gemma 2 6B model.
Gaming performance is comparable to the Steam Deck, scoring 1,644 in 3DMark Time Spy. The mini PC maintains stable thermals around 69°C under load with quiet fan operation.
The hardware is fully compatible with Ubuntu 24.04 Linux out of the box.
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Worth noting
- The reviewer received the GMKtec M3 Pro free of charge from GMKtec for review purposes.
- Wi-Fi 6 performance was mediocre in testing, reaching only around 450 Mbps download speeds.