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GMKtec M3 Ultra: 30-second review
The GMKtec M3 Ultra is one of the smallest mini PCs on the market, with its size making it an ideal option if you need a full-blown computer that’s highly portable with plenty of connection options, including two HDMI ports and wired LAN.
If you’re looking for a machine solely for office work, then this compact mini PC could be a great solution, as it takes up very little room if you do want your desk to have a completely flat then there’s a VESA mount option, enabling you to attach it to the back of the monitor, wall mount, or other location with relative ease.
Once again, with this machine, GMKtec have gone for absolute reliability, selecting some slightly older hardware that’s been tried and tested. For example, the SSD used as the main storage for the machine is only PCIe 3.0, and whilst there are two M.2 slots, one is the more standard 2280, while the other is the smaller 2242.
Likewise, when it comes to the RAM, there are plenty of expansion options, which is great to see, especially if you do need to do some light video editing work, but here again, the RAM is only DDR4 3200, so slightly older generation and slower than many of the memory solutions seen on the latest models.
However, while the hardware might be a little bit older than some mini PCs being newly released at the moment, there’s no doubt about this machine’s absolute performance. When it comes to straight office work, there really is little not to like. Windows 11 Pro is pre-installed and works as smoothly as any other machine, if not more so, and as you start to apply more pressure using Microsoft Office, Word, and Excel, it’s more than capable of coping with those applications on a 4K monitor.
Through this test, as I started to apply more demanding applications, the small fans did kick in, just to keep everything cool and running at speed. As I started to utilise Photoshop and Lightroom, once again, the power of the CPU and integrated GPU was still more than enough to cope with light editing within both applications.
However, with no AI integration, the generative AI, especially within Photoshop, was a little bit sluggish, and as I progressed onto video editing, initially in Premiere Pro and then DaVinci Resolve, I started to see the limits of the processing power.
Push demands further into gaming, and the machine really does start to struggle. At the same time, older titles such as DiRT Rally run absolutely fine; however, as soon as you start to look at Tekken 8 or Hogwarts Legacy, the machine’s power does start to falter. And with no Vulkan device support, if you do want to play some of the latest graphically intensive games, then this just won’t be possible.
As a purely office-focused machine, the small, lightweight design is easy to take with you and also takes up minimal space on your desktop. The GMKtec M3 Ultra is one of the best mini PC machines round, significantly for workplace work and most duties, so long as you need not run functions which can be too graphically intensive.
GMKtec M3 Ultra: Price and availability
- How much does it cost? From £229 / $379
- When is it out? Available now
- Where can you get it? Directly from GMKtec or Amazon
The M3 Ultra is accessible in a wide range of variants features a barebone model (no RAM/SSD) and bundled variations (e.g. 16 GB + 512 GB, 32 GB + 1 TB). The M3 Ultra is accessible from GMKtec’s official retailer, Amazon, and a wide selection of different on-line retailers. The configuration that I’ve checked out on this evaluation retails for $379/£299.
Here are a number of fast hyperlinks I discovered on Amazon for a wide range of configurations:
Amazon.com
M3 Ultra 32GB / 1TB
M3 Ultra 16GB / 1TB
M3 Ultra 32GB / 2TB
Amazon.ca
M3 Ultra 16GB / 1TB
M3 Ultra 32GB / 1TB
Amazon.co.uk
M3 Ultra 16GB / 1TB
M3 Ultra 32GB / 1TB
GMKtec M3 Ultra: Specs
CPU: intel core i7‑12700h, 14 cores / 20 threads, as much as 4.7 ghz turbo
Graphics: intel iris xe (built-in)
RAM: 32 gb (twin‑channel ddr4), expandable to 64 gb
Storage: 1 tb m.2 pcie 2280 ssd (expandable) + second m.2 2242 slot (as much as 4 tb)
Front Ports: 2 x usb3.2 gen2
Rear Ports: usb3.2 gen2 (10gbps), usb2.0 (480mbps), kind‑c (helps dp/information), 2x hdmi: 4k@60hz, audio jack: 3.5mm
Connectivity: wi‑fi 6, bluetooth 5, 2.5g ethernet
Audio: built-in audio by way of commonplace jacks (line out / mic)
Camera: none inbuilt
Size: approx. 114 mm × 106 mm × 42.5 mm
OS Installed: home windows 11 professional
Accessories: energy adapter, vesa mount bracket, cables, handbook
GMKtec M3 Ultra: Design
Despite the small measurement, the GMKtec M3 Ultra is comparatively well-made, with a properly CNC-machined fundamental casing that ensures that in case you are searching for a small transportable mini PC, this one might be strong sufficient to be carried round with you. Likewise, when you’re searching for a machine for van life, then once more, this may be a fantastic choice with its compact measurement, straightforward mounting, and its strong nature in a position to stand up to life on the street.
While the primary encompass is steel, the highest and backside are plastic, and the shiny end of the highest with the massive GMKtec emblem emblazoned throughout the floor positively provides it a great mid-range really feel, though I would not say that it actually hits that premium-looking design of a mini PC.
With its comparatively highly effective CPU and built-in GPU, alongside the choice for loads of inside storage and RAM, it is vital that the airflow by means of this small machine is exceptionally good, in actual fact, extra vital than most as a consequence of its small measurement. It’s nice to see that on either side of the machine and alongside the again, there is a good quantity of venting. As the machine comes underneath strain from extra intensive apps, you’ll be able to hear these followers kick in, ensuring that all the pieces inside retains working easily and avoids any thermal throttling.
Alongside the fan is GMKtec’s cooling system, which includes a copper cooling fan, two-way convection air vents, all serving to to dissipate the warmth. Through testing, I used to be truly actually impressed with simply how properly this labored.
Looking on the bodily dimensions and weight, it measures 114 × 106 × 42.5 mm, weighing simply 430 g for the barebones unit. Once you add within the comparatively massive energy provide and cable, the complete weight is available in at a extra noticeable 1470 g, nonetheless light-weight for this type of machine. The small measurement and weight of the particular base unit additionally imply that when you do need to mount it, it is mild sufficient to just about match wherever, together with neatly behind your monitor, saving you loads of house.
Taking a take a look at the entrance of the GMKtec M3 Ultra, and it’s extremely minimalistic, with simply two USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 ports and the inexperienced energy change. It’s a little bit of a disgrace that there is not a USB-A and USB-C port on the entrance, as USB-C is now just about commonplace throughout the board.
On the again of the machine, alongside the venting, are the ability enter ports (20 V / 5 A), two HDMI sockets that provide 4K at 60 Hz, a 2.5G LAN, one USB 2.0 Type-A and one USB 3.2 Gen 2. What’s additionally good to see is that there’s a USB-C port, this allows information and video output, and at last, there’s a typical 3.5 mm audio jack.
GMKtec M3 Ultra: Features
A fast run-through of the options, and on the coronary heart of this machine is the 12th-generation Intel Core i7‑12700H processor. This options 14 cores and 20 threads with a most frequency of 4.7 GHz. This is complemented by an built-in Intel Iris Xe GPU. Because of the type of this machine, there is no NPU, so it is not AI-enhanced.
The processing is supported by 32 GB of RAM in my evaluation pattern. This is SODIMM dual-channel DDR4 3200 MT/s. If it’s worthwhile to improve the RAM, say when you’re doing a little bit little bit of video modifying for your corporation, then that is completely doable, as much as 64 GB. And as a result of it’s DDR4, it should be loads cheaper than the newest DDR5.
When it involves inside storage, there may be an M.2 SSD, 1 TB in my evaluation pattern, and that is solely PCIe 3.0, which is comparatively gradual in contrast with most fashionable mini PCs, however needs to be completely sufficient for workplace use.
While my evaluation pattern arrived with simply 1 TB, it is doable to improve this to 8 TB utilizing the twin SSD slots, though it is value noting that it is solely 4 TB per slot and people slots are of various bodily sizes, the primary being 2280 and the secondary being 2242.
One of the vital options for any workplace machine is the power to attach a number of screens, so you are able to do work on one whereas maintaining a tally of e mail and different information on one other. While this machine is small, it nonetheless presents triple show help, with the 2 HDMI and the USB-C ports on the again all enabling 4K at 60 Hz.
While the function set of the GMKtec M3 Ultra is comparatively slender, this can be very compact and presents an enormous quantity for a machine purely designed for workplace work.
GMKtec M3 Ultra: Performance
Benchmark scores
CrystalDiskMark Read: 3559.17
CrystalDiskMark Write: 2616.46
Geekbench CPU Multi: 10026
Geekbench CPU Single: 2472
Geekbench GPU: 15352
PCMark Overall: 5590
Cinebench CPU Multi: 11842
Cinebench CPU Single: 1803
Fire Strike Overall: 5177
Fire Strike Graphics: 5590
Fire Strike Physics: 21326
Fire Strike Combined: 1925
Time Spy Overall: 1864
Time Spy Graphics: 1637
Time Spy CPU: 8824
Wild Life Overall: 13599
Steel Nomad Overall: 176
Windows Experience Overall: 8.3
Starting out with the GMKtec M3 Ultra is as easy as any: merely plugging within the AC adapter, keyboard, mouse and show, and powering on will immediately get you into the Windows 11 Pro setup course of. Running by means of this takes a couple of minutes, however as soon as executed, I seen one of many instantaneous standout options of this small machine, which is simply how shortly it boots up.
It would possibly solely be small and use barely older {hardware} inside; nonetheless, with regards to efficiency, it is extraordinarily quick, enabling you to log in quicker than many far dearer machines. As I began to undergo the take a look at, the velocity and effectivity at which Windows 11 Pro, and all Microsoft productiveness apps ran simply gave the impression to be a degree above many others. Even looking the web was actually fast.
This machine’s efficiency actually highlights from the outset, that you do not want an enormous CPU and GPU with the intention to get on with workplace work lately, and this machine completely hits the nail on the pinnacle with regards to easy efficiency.
As I obtained on with typing this Review utilizing the GMKtec M3 Ultra was that, with 32 GB of RAM and 1 TB of storage, there was greater than sufficient processing energy to get by means of not solely writing the Review but in addition modifying the pictures in Adobe Photoshop, and giving them a fast tweak in Lightroom simply as a take a look at.
I then wished to push the artistic facet a little bit bit extra, so took some shot 4K video that I had shot on the Sony A7 IV, and once more, working Premiere Pro, it was in a position to deal with the footage with relative ease. I used to be solely modifying a five-minute phase, so not a fantastic deal, however the machine had sufficient processing energy and storage on board to deal with it completely properly. The inside SSD, whereas not the newest expertise, does nonetheless provide excellent switch charges, properly over 2000 MB/s, so greater than sufficient for the kind of video modifying that I used to be doing. Likewise, in DaVinci Resolve, doing mild color grading, once more for that quick edit at each 1080p and 4K, it was nearly in a position to deal with the footage. However, as I began to push the machine’s talents, the followers did kick in to assist preserve all the pieces cool.
Taking issues down a gear, I booted up CapCut, and once more, that is completely completely optimised for this machine. Creating video content material for work was a extremely easy course of, with edits working properly on all of the movies I put by means of. As I utilized themes, it simply felt like a extremely streamlined course of.
Feeling very impressed by the efficiency I used to be seeing from such a small machine, I made a decision to essentially push issues, sitting again with a little bit gaming. Starting off with DiRT Rally, this sport performed completely fantastically, with the graphics wanting clear and crisp, and the movement truly maintaining with the motion properly.
I then converted to Hogwarts Legacy and Tekken 8 for testing. Both video games booted up nice, though even at low settings, there was positively some jitter inside each. Tekken 8 was playable however had a number of breaks within the picture. Hogwarts Legacy was once more playable, however the low body fee was clearly noticeable, and it wasn’t, to be trustworthy, the best expertise
The last sport I attempted was Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. Unfortunately, with out Vulkan system help, this sport merely did not run.
After the actual world exams it was apparent the place this machines energy laid and checking by means of the benchmarking exams actually bolstered what I’d skilled. CrystalDiskMark switch charges confirmed learn speeds of 3559 MB/s and write speeds of 2616 MB/s, greater than sufficient for mid-range video modifying.
While many of the different outcomes have been according to what I’d’ve anticipated from a machine of this measurement, what actually did stand out was the Windows Experience rating, total 8.3. This is extraordinarily excessive for any mini PC, and the truth that it is a mini PC with such tried and examined {hardware} actually highlights what a fantastic match that is for normal workplace work, supplying you with a extremely optimised machine for day-to-day duties and a few mild video modifying.
However, when you’re searching for an workplace machine that can allow you to do some mild gaming as properly, so long as you retain these video games on the decrease finish of the graphics necessities, then you have to be completely nice.
GMKtec M3 Ultra: Final verdict
The GMKtec M3 Ultra is a machine that has been completely designed for workplace use. Its small and compact design means it takes up little or no desktop house, and when you do want a machine that’s extremely transportable, then its small measurement and weight additionally make it straightforward to move.
When it involves connectivity choices, due to its small type issue, it does not have as many as most mini PCs. However, it does present loads of show, peripheral and community connection choices, which means it integrates completely properly into virtually any workplace or house surroundings.
Despite its small measurement, one of many issues I actually appreciated was that there are many improve choices. So if, sooner or later, you do must improve the RAM for a little bit extra increase with video modifying, you’ll be able to take that already spectacular 32 GB as much as 64 GB. Likewise, that 1 TB of inside SSD might be upgraded to 8 TB utilizing these two M.2 slots.
Used for day-to-day duties in Windows 11 Pro, looking the web, watching media, and getting on with penning this Review in Microsoft Word , the small M3 Ultra was a fully supreme machine. I used to be actually impressed by the velocity and fluid nature of switching between apps.
There was simply one thing about the usage of Windows 11 Pro throughout each real-world use and benchmarking that put it barely above the vast majority of different mini PCs.
Likewise, whereas it won’t be essentially the most highly effective machine on the market, its efficiency for Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom and a few mild video modifying was additionally exceptionally good, much better than I had anticipated. Although when you’re modifying 4K video, it’s a must to make it possible for it is not a excessive bitrate, log or RAW format. It actually is designed simply for easy edits, not full-blown productions.
Then on the gaming entrance, once more, preserve it mild and you will be glad. Anything extra superior, and you will actually begin to see these graphics battle. In all circumstances, when strain is utilized to the CPU, you’ll hear the small followers kick in. But I’ve to say, they are not overly loud, and whilst you can hear them, they are not distracting.
If you are searching for a really strong, high-performance mini PC for the workplace, then the GMKtec M3 Ultra is an answer with loads of improve choices that ought to provide you with a number of years of very dependable use.
Should I purchase the GMKtec M3 Ultra?
|
Value |
Great worth for cash contemplating its small measurement and energy for workplace use |
4 |
|
Design |
Good mid-level design and construct high quality; strong sufficient when you want portability |
3.5 |
|
Features |
Plenty of connection choices and upgradeability add to the function set |
4 |
|
Performance |
Outstanding for workplace and Word; first rate artistic efficiency, missing for gaming |
4.5 |
|
Overalls |
Excellent, well-priced mini PC designed for workplace use |
4.5 |