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GMKTec NucBox Ok10: 30-second overview
The GMKtec NucBox Ok10 is a mini PC with a concentrate on workspace. With the Ok10, GMKtec utilises barely older expertise so as to ship a strong and well-balanced workstation. It runs all Microsoft Windows apps higher than nearly some other mini PC I’ve checked out and might even deal with a good quantity of multimedia enhancing and 4K video manufacturing so long as the edits usually are not too concerned.
There’s loads to love in regards to the design, with loads of ports and upgradeability in the case of each the RAM and the interior storage; the one factor that actually lets down this machine general is the truth that it makes use of the older Iris Xe built-in graphics. The graphics limitations begin to present when taking part in again 4K video inside Premiere Pro in addition to with the most recent video games the place graphics processing is vital.
When it involves the bodily design of the Ok10, it immediately strikes you as one thing a bit totally different, with a bigger kind issue than most mini PC and a higher footprint that takes up extra invaluable desktop area. While the machine is comparatively slim in peak, it is a disgrace that GMKtec hasn’t included some type of vertical stand to enhance this fashion of design.
That bigger kind issue additionally allows this machine to have loads of ports on each the back and front, with a complete of eight USB Type-A ports of various generations and three show ports on the again, that are matched by a USB Type-C port on the entrance that helps each show and information, though sadly, it does not assist energy supply.
There are just a few different options that actually make the Ok10 stand out. Unlike most different mini PCs, the Wi-Fi antennas screw in on the again to spice up the reliability and power of any wi-fi indicators. This grew to become particularly obvious throughout testing, with a powerful Wi-Fi connection even within the studio, with sooner switch speeds than I’d normally anticipate.
The different side in regards to the machine that I actually preferred was that coupled with the marginally older however nonetheless highly effective Intel Core i9 CPU, there was loads of processing energy and area for as much as three M.2 SSDs. Obviously, a type of slots is taken up by the working system, however that also leaves two free to vastly develop inner storage. So, in case you’re desirous about a company machine for video enhancing, then whereas it is not going to sort out massive jobs because of the restricted GPU, for functions like social media edits, this machine is totally going to fly, utilizing CapCut, brief edits in Premiere Pro, or DaVinci Resolve.
Windows purposes run as easily as I’ve ever seen, actually highlighting simply how well-optimised this machine has been for workplace use. With the RJ45 port enabling quick networking into the native space community and the flexibility to attach as much as 4 screens, there’s loads of potential.
Although not examined on this overview as a result of lack of want, there’s additionally a COM port, which can be utilized in industrial purposes, one thing many companies, particularly engineering, might be eager about.
Overall, by the top of testing, I used to be impressed by the efficiency of this machine on the value level. With the flexibility to improve each RAM and inner storage, it may be optimised for no matter sort of labor is required.
While it would wrestle with the most recent video games and 4K video edits, the CPU and the pace of the provided M.2 SSD be certain that most video games will play again comparatively properly. It’s solely when taking part in the most recent graphics-intensive titles that you will actually see the system begin to wrestle.
As a strong office mini PC, there’s loads to love in regards to the GMKtec NucBox Ok10. As one of many best mini PCs for the house or workplace, it would enchantment to dwelling customers, in case you’re simply desirous about multimedia and day-to-day workplace duties, then this NucBox might be completely very good.
GMKTec NucBox Ok10: Price and availability
- How a lot does it value? From £569 / $569
- When is it out? Available now
- Where are you able to get it? Directly from gmktec.com and on-line retailers.
The GMKtec NucBox Ok10 will be bought instantly from the GMKtec web site by clicking here, beginning at $419 for the barebones system. Versions with 32GB and 64GB RAM, each with a 1TB SSD, take the value as much as $569 or $589, respectively.
For that small enhance in value, it is most likely value choosing the 64GB model, particularly if you are going to be doing video enhancing or extra demanding workplace duties. The Ok10 can be accessible from many main retailers, together with Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk.
GMKTec NucBox Ok10: Specs
CPU: 13th Gen Intel Core i9-13900HK
Graphics: Intel Iris Xe Graphics
RAM: DDR5 5200MHz, 32GB
Storage: PCIe x4 NVMe M.2 2280 2TB (1 x Gen 4 x4, 1 x Gen 3 x2 M.2 2280)
Front Ports: 3.5mm, 2 x USB-A 3.2, 2 x USB-A 2.0, USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (DP/Data)
Rear Ports: USB-A 3.2, 2 x USB-A 2.0, 2 x HDMI 2.0, DP, RJ45 2.5G, COM Port
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2
Audio: 3.5mm
Camera: N/A
Size: 38.9 x 188.6 x 178mm
OS Installed: Windows 11 Pro
Accessories: Power Supply, VESA Mount
GMKTec NucBox Ok10: Design
The GMKtec NucBox Ok10 is one thing somewhat bit totally different in the case of mini PCs. First and foremost, it has a bigger footprint, though in peak, it’s barely slimmer than most, with complete dimensions of 38.9 x 188.6 x 178 mm and weighing in at 1065g.
Like many premium mini PCs, it incorporates a full steel case, however slightly than aiming for a smooth client look, it is clearly designed for the office, with a extra industrial look and two massive antennas protruding the again.
These antennas arrive within the field alongside the machine and screw instantly into the 2 ports on the again, enhancing wi-fi and Bluetooth connections.
Checking over the physique of the machine, there’s a wide variety of ports throughout the entrance, together with two USB-A 3.2 and two USB-A 2.0 ports, with a USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 port within the center. This helps show and information, however sadly, not energy supply. To the proper of all of the ports is the ability button within the distinctive GMKtec inexperienced.
Switching round to the again of the machine, you possibly can see there is a good quantity of venting on the prime, entrance, and rear. Again, we discover two USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 ports, two USB-A 2.0 ports, two HDMI 2.0 ports, a ShowPort, an RJ45 networking port, and a COM port used for industrial purposes.
One of the options I actually like, particularly in case you work in an IT division for a small enterprise, is how straightforward it’s to entry the internals. Flip the machine over, unscrew a small bolt, and the complete backside plate slides ahead and lifts away.
Inside, you may discover twin channel RAM slots stuffed with 2 x 16GB DDR5 5600 SO-DIMM modules; these will be upgraded to a most of 96GB.
To the proper are the three M.2 2280 slots. The two closest to the sting are Gen 4 x4, whereas the third, nearer to the centre, is Gen 3 x2. For sooner SSDs, you may need to use the outer two slots, whereas the third can assist bigger storage drives. Having three M.2 slots in a machine of this measurement is extraordinarily uncommon and permits for as much as 12TB of inner storage, which is big for a mini PC.
The design and construct of the NucBox Ok10 could be very work-focused. It does not have the fashionable design you’d anticipate from a client unit, however for workplace or industrial use, it’s totally user-friendly, significantly for IT departments.
Alongside the machine within the field comes the same old VESA mount, so you possibly can repair it to the wall or the again of a monitor. Interestingly, there are additionally two extra mounts on the bottom of the pc, permitting it to be mounted into one other sort of system if wanted.
GMKTec NucBox Ok10: Features
The GMKtec NucBox Ok10 is a mini PC workstation that has been distinctly designed for the office. At its core is an Intel Core i9-13900HK processor with 14 cores and 20 threads, a 24MB inner good cache, a 5.4GHz turbo enhance, and a 45–70W TDP.
What’s fascinating right here is which you could alter the efficiency, and there are three efficiency modes: the bottom efficiency is Silent at 45W; a Balanced mode will increase this to 54W; and the Performance mode, used throughout benchmarks, attracts between 65 and 70 watts.
Coupled with that Intel Core i9 is the Intel Iris Xe Graphics 96EU. While each CPU and GPU are somewhat previous, the GPU nonetheless allows some respectable graphics processing for an built-in chip, significantly suited to Microsoft Office and different office-based purposes.
One of the options that actually marks this out as a office machine is the flexibility to improve each the RAM and storage. As coated within the design part, you’ve got obtained the choice to incorporate as much as three M.2 2280 SSDs with a most mixed capability of 12TB and dual-channel DDR5 SO-DIMMs with as much as 96GB potential utilizing two 48GB modules.
When it involves show, there’s loads of flexibility, with two HDMI 2.0 ports, ShowPort, and USB-C, all in a position to join at as much as 4K at 60Hz. If you are utilizing a single show, you possibly can even attain 8K at 60Hz. For a machine of this scale, that is good and completely suited to purposes like DaVinci Resolve for video enhancing in addition to extra generic administration work.
Although the CPU and GPU aren’t cutting-edge, they nonetheless carry out and with that comes important warmth. As such, GMKtec has included a big cooling fan system with quantity of venting on the highest, again, and entrance of the machine to make sure enough airflow. As you turn by means of the efficiency modes, you may hear the followers ramp up or down relying on the cooling required.
Networking features a 2.5Gbps LAN high-speed Ethernet port, which connects on to most traditional native space networks. Supporting that is Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2, making certain a variety of dependable wi-fi choices.
Another characteristic I preferred is the simply accessible internals. If you are on the lookout for a machine to distribute throughout your workplace, this makes for a fantastic possibility, particularly for IT assist workers who might must improve RAM or storage over time.
An additional helpful addition is the COM port, which makes the Ok10 appropriate to be used in industrial purposes the place legacy serial connectivity is required. A great instance is engineering, the place skilled CNC machines are sometimes outfitted with this fashion of port, which on a PC is normally solely discovered on bigger desktop machines.
When it involves options, every little thing about this machine is designed for the workplace area, integrating into bigger community programs and dealing with on a regular basis workplace duties, together with some mild multimedia enhancing, media playback, and, after all, full compatibility with Microsoft Office instruments.
The COM port additionally provides an fascinating twist, enabling the small machine to switch bigger and infrequently far older desktop PCs which are typically linked to massive engineering machines resembling Lathes and CNC. To have a small COM-equipped fashionable machine is one thing that might be welcomed by many smaller engineering companies.
GMKTec NucBox Ok10: Performance
Benchmark scores
CrystalDiskMark Read: 5184.51 MB/s
CrystalDiskMark Write: 4751.62 MB/s
Geekbench CPU Multi: 12,670
Geekbench CPU Single: 2,801
Geekbench GPU: 17,343
PCMark Overall: 6,238
Cinebench CPU Multi: 13,880
Cinebench CPU Single: 1,812
Fire Strike Overall: 6,009
Fire Strike Graphics: 6,350
Fire Strike Physics: 26,007
Fire Strike Combined: 2,352
Time Spy Overall: 2,089
Time Spy Graphics: 1,828
Time Spy CPU: 11,090
Wild Life Overall: 15,136
Steel Nomad Overall: 206
Windows Experience Overall: 8.5
In real-world testing, the GMKtec NucBox Ok10 proved to be exceptionally highly effective when it got here to day-to-day workplace duties utilizing Microsoft Office. It delivered top-of-the-line experiences I’ve had with a mini PC, quick and responsive throughout all purposes, from Word by means of to PowerLevel and Excel.
Browsing the web additionally proved no challenge, and multimedia playback was dealt with exceptionally properly, highlighting that, in case you are on the lookout for an workplace machine, the small measurement, upgradeability, and big selection of ports make this a stable selection.
As testing continued, I labored by means of some pictures from a current shoot, first in Lightroom Classic after which in Adobe Photoshop. In each circumstances, the single-core CPU scores in Cinebench demonstrated how properly the machine might deal with high-resolution pictures from the Sony A7 IV. Opening a sequence of pictures in Adobe Bridge, making changes, and exporting them additionally confirmed that the Cinebench multi-core rating of 13,880 translated into sturdy real-world efficiency.
With an i9 processor, I did not anticipate any points with core Adobe imaging purposes. I pushed issues additional by testing Adobe Premiere Pro and DaVinci Resolve with 4K video footage. Again, I used to be shocked by how properly the machine dealt with video enhancing. While the GPU is comparatively low-powered by present requirements, the multi-core CPU enabled clean scrubbing by means of footage with respectable enhancing and export speeds.
The one space the place efficiency dropped was playback, particularly with longer timelines or effects-heavy initiatives. In Premiere Pro and DaVinci Resolve, some stuttering and dropped frames occurred, which is the place a discrete GPU would actually assist. So, whereas the machine can be utilized for video enhancing, for longer productions or extra complicated edits, playback will wrestle.
Moving into gaming, the outcomes have been blended. Older and fewer graphically intensive video games performed easily and delivered a fantastic expertise. However, when loading up Hogwarts Legacy and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, limitations grew to become instantly clear. Hogwarts Legacy, even with the decision lowered to 1080p and most results on low, nonetheless confirmed stutter, though it was nearly playable. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, alternatively, was unplayable from the outset with the video games necessities merely not being met.
The real-world take a look at proved that this machine is exceptionally well-tuned to workplace use, Microsoft Office and mid-level video and picture enhancing, highlighting the supposed customers of the Ok10.
GMKTec NucBox Ok10: Final verdict
Having run assessments with the GMKtec NucBox Ok10, it’s totally clear that it is a highly effective, barely bigger mini PC that is completely tailored to life within the workplace and getting used as a workstation for skilled use. The CPU provides the machine the ability to deal with nearly each process throughout the Windows working system, and it runs Microsoft purposes, particularly Microsoft Office, extraordinarily easily, making it a perfect on a regular basis workplace answer.
While there are a lot of machines on the market that run Windows and Microsoft purposes easily, this one has just a few standout options. The variety of ports on the back and front is critical, and whereas they’re barely dated in comparison with the most recent USB Type-C, the numerous extra USB Type-A ports enable for simple connection of peripherals. The capability to plug in as much as three shows utilizing the 2 HDMI and one ShowPort on the again allows a triple-monitor setup straight out of the field.
The networking capabilities are one other constructive, not solely providing a stable RJ45 2.5Gbps wired connection but in addition delivering top-of-the-line Wi-Fi and Bluetooth performances I’ve seen from a mini PC, enabling quick obtain speeds and dependable connectivity for web looking or video conferencing.
The different space wherein this machine excels is its improve potential. With assist for as much as 12TB of inner storage and 96GB of RAM, it is well-suited for short-form company video enhancing, so long as the clips aren’t too lengthy or graphics-heavy.
Considering the value, that is an especially highly effective machine. While the graphics capabilities are restricted, that is not a disadvantage in a product clearly centered on office performance slightly than dwelling leisure. While I used to be unable to check the COM port performance, it is a characteristic that may enchantment to many working within the engineering sector the place normally bigger desktop machines are the one selection.
Should I purchase the GMKTec NucBox Ok10?
|
Value |
Great worth for cash with loads of choices to develop the system as and when wanted |
4.5 |
|
Design |
With tool-less entry to RAM and reminiscence, it is an ideal design for a small workplace |
4 |
|
Features |
CPU and GPU are barely last-generation, however for a workspace machine, it has all of the options you want |
4.5 |
|
Performance |
The Core i9 continues to be a strong CPU, even with the Iris Xe GPU, which means for workplace work, it is exceptionally good |
4 |
|
Overalls |
A positive stability of efficiency, upgradeability, and value in a machine that is well-suited to the small workplace |
4 |
Buy it if…
Don’t purchase it if…
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