WORLDTECHGMKtec launches compact NucBox M3S mini PC with soldered 12 GB memory
GMKtec has introduced the NucBox M3S, a compact mini PC built on Intel's Core 3 304 processor from the Wildcat Lake family. The machine ships with 12 GB of RAM soldered to the motherboard, which rules out later memory upgrades, according to Notebookcheck.
Processor and AI hardware
The NucBox M3S runs Intel's Core 3 304, which combines one performance core with four low-power efficiency cores, giving five cores and five threads in total. The chip can boost up to 4.3 GHz and carries 6 MB of cache.
Integrated Intel Graphics handle display output, while a dedicated NPU, a chip built to run AI models, is rated for up to 15 TOPS of AI performance. The machine supports USB4, triple 4K display output, and Wi-Fi 6 with Bluetooth 5.2.
Memory limit and storage options
Memory is the weakest element of the specification. The 12 GB of LPDDR5-5600 is soldered directly to the motherboard, so it cannot be replaced or expanded, and the report describes this configuration as less impressive than the rest of the machine.
Buyers choose between 256 GB and 512 GB SSD configurations. A second M.2 2280 slot supporting PCIe 4.0 allows storage to be added later.
Power profiles, cooling and size
GMKtec offers three performance profiles: Silent at 15 W, Balanced at 20 W and Performance at 25 W. A single fan and heat pipe handle cooling.
The device measures 114 × 106 × 42.5 mm and weighs approximately 430 g. It ships with Windows 11 Pro preinstalled.
Open questions
- Will the 12 GB memory limit affect performance under demanding workloads?
- What will GMKtec charge for the NucBox M3S?