GMK NucBox K3 Pro mini PC review: The NucBox K2 is better
The NucBox K3 Pro mini PC is the Intel version of the AMD-based NucBox K2. Whereas the latter ships with a Ryzen 7 Zen 3+ HS-series CPU, our NucBox K3 Pro comes with the 12th gen Core i7-12650U instead. Both models are otherwise visually identical but with a couple of internal differences which we will note in the review. We recommend checking out our review on the NucBox K2 as all our existing comments on its ports and physical features also apply here for the NucBox K3 Pro.
Alternatives to the NucBox K3 Pro include other mini PCs with integrated graphics like the Lenovo IdeaCentre Mini 01IRH8, Intel NUC 13, or the Beelink SEi12.
More GMKtec reviews:
Potential Competitors in Comparison
Rating | Date | Model | Weight | Height | Size | Resolution | Best Price |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
82.8 % | 10/2023 | GMK NucBox K3 Pro i7-12650H, UHD Graphics 64EUs | 396 g | 43.2 mm | x | ||
83 % | 09/2023 | GMK NucBox K2 R7 7735HS, Radeon 680M | 440 g | 43.2 mm | x | ||
12/2022 | Beelink SEi12 Core i5-1235U i5-1235U, Iris Xe G7 80EUs | 465 g | 42 mm | x | |||
86.3 % | 07/2023 | Beelink GTR7 7840HS R7 7840HS, Radeon 780M | 890 g | 48.8 mm | x | ||
83.1 % | 08/2023 | Intel NUC 13 Pro Desk Edition Kit i7-1360P, Iris Xe G7 96EUs | 558 g | 37 mm | x | ||
81 % | 09/2023 | Lenovo IdeaCentre Mini 01IRH8 i7-13700H, Iris Xe G7 96EUs | 1.8 kg | 39 mm | x |
Case
The NucBox K3 Pro is a bit lighter than the K2 due to its soldered RAM and WLAN modules.
Communication
The system ships with an Intel AX201 for Wi-Fi 6 support. it does not include Wi-Fi 6E likely to save on costs.
Networking | |
iperf3 transmit AXE11000 | |
Beelink SEi12 Core i5-1235U | |
Intel NUC 13 Pro Desk Edition Kit | |
GMK NucBox K3 Pro | |
Beelink GTR7 7840HS | |
GMK NucBox K2 | |
Lenovo IdeaCentre Mini 01IRH8 | |
iperf3 receive AXE11000 | |
Beelink SEi12 Core i5-1235U | |
GMK NucBox K3 Pro | |
Beelink GTR7 7840HS | |
Intel NUC 13 Pro Desk Edition Kit | |
GMK NucBox K2 | |
Lenovo IdeaCentre Mini 01IRH8 | |
iperf3 transmit AXE11000 6GHz | |
Intel NUC 13 Pro Desk Edition Kit | |
GMK NucBox K2 | |
iperf3 receive AXE11000 6GHz | |
Intel NUC 13 Pro Desk Edition Kit | |
GMK NucBox K2 |
Maintenance
The top panel pops off to reveal the single M.2 PCIe SSD slot. Note the missing SODIMM slots when compared to the NucBox K2 as shown by the images below.
Accessories And Warranty
The retail box includes the removable VESA mounting bracket, AC adapter, HDMI cable, paperwork, and even a plastic red top cover for users who don't like the look of the default gray cover.
A one-year limited manufacturer warranty applies if purchased in the US.
Performance
Testing Conditions
We set Windows to Performance mode prior to running the benchmarks below.
Processor
The Core i7-12650H is not as common as the Core i7-12700H. Multi-thread performance is about 35 percent slower than on the i7-12700H due to the lower number of cores and threads on the i7-12650H. This significant deficit is enough to put the i7-12650H within just a few percentage points of the competing Ryzen 7 7735HS in the NucBox K2.
CPU performance would also drop by about 17 percent when stressed under our CineBench R15 xT loop test whereas the AMD CPU in the NucBox K2 would perform more stably in terms of clock rates.
Cinebench R15 Multi Loop
Cinebench R23: Multi Core | Single Core
Cinebench R20: CPU (Multi Core) | CPU (Single Core)
Cinebench R15: CPU Multi 64Bit | CPU Single 64Bit
Blender: v2.79 BMW27 CPU
7-Zip 18.03: 7z b 4 | 7z b 4 -mmt1
Geekbench 5.5: Multi-Core | Single-Core
HWBOT x265 Benchmark v2.2: 4k Preset
LibreOffice : 20 Documents To PDF
R Benchmark 2.5: Overall mean
Cinebench R23: Multi Core | Single Core
Cinebench R20: CPU (Multi Core) | CPU (Single Core)
Cinebench R15: CPU Multi 64Bit | CPU Single 64Bit
Blender: v2.79 BMW27 CPU
7-Zip 18.03: 7z b 4 | 7z b 4 -mmt1
Geekbench 5.5: Multi-Core | Single-Core
HWBOT x265 Benchmark v2.2: 4k Preset
LibreOffice : 20 Documents To PDF
R Benchmark 2.5: Overall mean
* ... smaller is better
AIDA64: FP32 Ray-Trace | FPU Julia | CPU SHA3 | CPU Queen | FPU SinJulia | FPU Mandel | CPU AES | CPU ZLib | FP64 Ray-Trace | CPU PhotoWorxx
Performance Rating | |
Beelink GTR7 7840HS | |
GMK NucBox K2 | |
Lenovo IdeaCentre Mini 01IRH8 | |
Intel NUC 13 Pro Desk Edition Kit | |
GMK NucBox K3 Pro | |
Average Intel Core i7-12650H | |
Beelink SEi12 Core i5-1235U |
AIDA64 / FP32 Ray-Trace | |
Beelink GTR7 7840HS | |
GMK NucBox K2 | |
Lenovo IdeaCentre Mini 01IRH8 | |
Intel NUC 13 Pro Desk Edition Kit | |
Average Intel Core i7-12650H (5422 - 15620, n=14) | |
GMK NucBox K3 Pro | |
Beelink SEi12 Core i5-1235U |
AIDA64 / FPU Julia | |
Beelink GTR7 7840HS | |
GMK NucBox K2 | |
Lenovo IdeaCentre Mini 01IRH8 | |
Intel NUC 13 Pro Desk Edition Kit | |
Average Intel Core i7-12650H (26386 - 76434, n=14) | |
GMK NucBox K3 Pro | |
Beelink SEi12 Core i5-1235U |
AIDA64 / CPU SHA3 | |
Beelink GTR7 7840HS | |
Lenovo IdeaCentre Mini 01IRH8 | |
GMK NucBox K2 | |
Intel NUC 13 Pro Desk Edition Kit | |
Average Intel Core i7-12650H (1479 - 3244, n=14) | |
GMK NucBox K3 Pro | |
Beelink SEi12 Core i5-1235U |
AIDA64 / CPU Queen | |
Beelink GTR7 7840HS | |
Lenovo IdeaCentre Mini 01IRH8 | |
GMK NucBox K2 | |
Intel NUC 13 Pro Desk Edition Kit | |
GMK NucBox K3 Pro | |
Average Intel Core i7-12650H (59278 - 89537, n=14) | |
Beelink SEi12 Core i5-1235U |
AIDA64 / FPU SinJulia | |
Beelink GTR7 7840HS | |
GMK NucBox K2 | |
Lenovo IdeaCentre Mini 01IRH8 | |
Average Intel Core i7-12650H (4690 - 8726, n=14) | |
Intel NUC 13 Pro Desk Edition Kit | |
GMK NucBox K3 Pro | |
Beelink SEi12 Core i5-1235U |
AIDA64 / FPU Mandel | |
Beelink GTR7 7840HS | |
GMK NucBox K2 | |
Lenovo IdeaCentre Mini 01IRH8 | |
Intel NUC 13 Pro Desk Edition Kit | |
Average Intel Core i7-12650H (15001 - 37738, n=14) | |
GMK NucBox K3 Pro | |
Beelink SEi12 Core i5-1235U |
AIDA64 / CPU AES | |
Beelink GTR7 7840HS | |
GMK NucBox K2 | |
GMK NucBox K3 Pro | |
Beelink SEi12 Core i5-1235U | |
Lenovo IdeaCentre Mini 01IRH8 | |
Average Intel Core i7-12650H (32702 - 92530, n=14) | |
Intel NUC 13 Pro Desk Edition Kit |
AIDA64 / CPU ZLib | |
Beelink GTR7 7840HS | |
Lenovo IdeaCentre Mini 01IRH8 | |
Intel NUC 13 Pro Desk Edition Kit | |
GMK NucBox K2 | |
Average Intel Core i7-12650H (443 - 891, n=14) | |
Beelink SEi12 Core i5-1235U | |
GMK NucBox K3 Pro |
AIDA64 / FP64 Ray-Trace | |
Beelink GTR7 7840HS | |
GMK NucBox K2 | |
Lenovo IdeaCentre Mini 01IRH8 | |
Intel NUC 13 Pro Desk Edition Kit | |
Average Intel Core i7-12650H (3096 - 8448, n=14) | |
GMK NucBox K3 Pro | |
Beelink SEi12 Core i5-1235U |
AIDA64 / CPU PhotoWorxx | |
GMK NucBox K3 Pro | |
Beelink GTR7 7840HS | |
Average Intel Core i7-12650H (22046 - 44164, n=14) | |
GMK NucBox K2 | |
Beelink SEi12 Core i5-1235U | |
Intel NUC 13 Pro Desk Edition Kit | |
Lenovo IdeaCentre Mini 01IRH8 |
System Performance
CrossMark: Overall | Productivity | Creativity | Responsiveness
PCMark 10 / Score | |
Beelink GTR7 7840HS | |
GMK NucBox K2 | |
Lenovo IdeaCentre Mini 01IRH8 | |
Intel NUC 13 Pro Desk Edition Kit | |
GMK NucBox K3 Pro | |
Average Intel Core i7-12650H, Intel UHD Graphics 64EUs (Alder Lake 12th Gen) (5156 - 6057, n=5) | |
Beelink SEi12 Core i5-1235U |
PCMark 10 / Essentials | |
Lenovo IdeaCentre Mini 01IRH8 | |
Beelink GTR7 7840HS | |
GMK NucBox K2 | |
Intel NUC 13 Pro Desk Edition Kit | |
Beelink SEi12 Core i5-1235U | |
GMK NucBox K3 Pro | |
Average Intel Core i7-12650H, Intel UHD Graphics 64EUs (Alder Lake 12th Gen) (9905 - 11395, n=5) |
PCMark 10 / Productivity | |
Beelink GTR7 7840HS | |
GMK NucBox K2 | |
GMK NucBox K3 Pro | |
Average Intel Core i7-12650H, Intel UHD Graphics 64EUs (Alder Lake 12th Gen) (7167 - 8164, n=5) | |
Lenovo IdeaCentre Mini 01IRH8 | |
Beelink SEi12 Core i5-1235U | |
Intel NUC 13 Pro Desk Edition Kit |
PCMark 10 / Digital Content Creation | |
Beelink GTR7 7840HS | |
GMK NucBox K2 | |
Intel NUC 13 Pro Desk Edition Kit | |
Lenovo IdeaCentre Mini 01IRH8 | |
GMK NucBox K3 Pro | |
Average Intel Core i7-12650H, Intel UHD Graphics 64EUs (Alder Lake 12th Gen) (5242 - 6482, n=5) | |
Beelink SEi12 Core i5-1235U |
CrossMark / Overall | |
Lenovo IdeaCentre Mini 01IRH8 | |
GMK NucBox K2 | |
Beelink SEi12 Core i5-1235U | |
Average Intel Core i7-12650H, Intel UHD Graphics 64EUs (Alder Lake 12th Gen) (1532 - 1875, n=5) | |
Intel NUC 13 Pro Desk Edition Kit | |
GMK NucBox K3 Pro | |
Beelink GTR7 7840HS |
CrossMark / Productivity | |
Lenovo IdeaCentre Mini 01IRH8 | |
Beelink SEi12 Core i5-1235U | |
GMK NucBox K2 | |
Average Intel Core i7-12650H, Intel UHD Graphics 64EUs (Alder Lake 12th Gen) (1503 - 1876, n=5) | |
Beelink GTR7 7840HS | |
Intel NUC 13 Pro Desk Edition Kit | |
GMK NucBox K3 Pro |
CrossMark / Creativity | |
Lenovo IdeaCentre Mini 01IRH8 | |
Intel NUC 13 Pro Desk Edition Kit | |
GMK NucBox K3 Pro | |
GMK NucBox K2 | |
Average Intel Core i7-12650H, Intel UHD Graphics 64EUs (Alder Lake 12th Gen) (1554 - 1811, n=5) | |
Beelink GTR7 7840HS | |
Beelink SEi12 Core i5-1235U |
CrossMark / Responsiveness | |
Beelink SEi12 Core i5-1235U | |
Beelink GTR7 7840HS | |
Average Intel Core i7-12650H, Intel UHD Graphics 64EUs (Alder Lake 12th Gen) (1301 - 2077, n=5) | |
GMK NucBox K2 | |
Lenovo IdeaCentre Mini 01IRH8 | |
Intel NUC 13 Pro Desk Edition Kit | |
GMK NucBox K3 Pro |
PCMark 10 Score | 5855 points | |
Help |
AIDA64 / Memory Copy | |
GMK NucBox K3 Pro | |
Beelink GTR7 7840HS | |
GMK NucBox K2 | |
Average Intel Core i7-12650H (43261 - 69735, n=14) | |
Intel NUC 13 Pro Desk Edition Kit | |
Beelink SEi12 Core i5-1235U | |
Lenovo IdeaCentre Mini 01IRH8 |
AIDA64 / Memory Read | |
GMK NucBox K3 Pro | |
Beelink GTR7 7840HS | |
Average Intel Core i7-12650H (47313 - 67412, n=14) | |
GMK NucBox K2 | |
Beelink SEi12 Core i5-1235U | |
Intel NUC 13 Pro Desk Edition Kit | |
Lenovo IdeaCentre Mini 01IRH8 |
AIDA64 / Memory Write | |
Beelink GTR7 7840HS | |
GMK NucBox K3 Pro | |
GMK NucBox K2 | |
Average Intel Core i7-12650H (45617 - 59361, n=14) | |
Beelink SEi12 Core i5-1235U | |
Intel NUC 13 Pro Desk Edition Kit | |
Lenovo IdeaCentre Mini 01IRH8 |
AIDA64 / Memory Latency | |
GMK NucBox K3 Pro | |
Intel NUC 13 Pro Desk Edition Kit | |
Beelink SEi12 Core i5-1235U | |
Beelink GTR7 7840HS | |
Average Intel Core i7-12650H (71.6 - 103.9, n=14) | |
Lenovo IdeaCentre Mini 01IRH8 | |
GMK NucBox K2 |
* ... smaller is better
DPC Latency
LatencyMon reveals minor DPC issues when opening multiple browser tabs of our homepage. 4K video playback at 60 FPS is also imperfect with 2 dropped frames recorded during a 60-second test video.
DPC Latencies / LatencyMon - interrupt to process latency (max), Web, Youtube, Prime95 | |
Lenovo IdeaCentre Mini 01IRH8 | |
GMK NucBox K3 Pro | |
GMK NucBox K2 | |
Intel NUC 13 Pro Desk Edition Kit | |
Beelink SEi12 Core i5-1235U | |
Beelink GTR7 7840HS |
* ... smaller is better
Storage Devices
GMK employs the same Lexar NM610 Pro SSDs between our K2 and K3 Pro test units.
Drive Performance Rating - Percent | |
Beelink GTR7 7840HS | |
Intel NUC 13 Pro Desk Edition Kit | |
Beelink SEi12 Core i5-1235U | |
GMK NucBox K2 | |
Lenovo IdeaCentre Mini 01IRH8 | |
GMK NucBox K3 Pro |
* ... smaller is better
Disk Throttling: DiskSpd Read Loop, Queue Depth 8
GPU Performance
Graphics performance is the biggest weakness of the NucBox K3 Pro when compared to the NucBox K2. The integrated UHD Graphics 64 EUs is slower than the already slow Iris Xe 96 EUs which pales in comparison to the competing Radeon 680M. The model is therefore better for game streaming and 4K video playback rather than native graphics rendering.
3DMark 11 Performance | 6259 points | |
3DMark Fire Strike Score | 4318 points | |
3DMark Time Spy Score | 1478 points | |
Help |
* ... smaller is better
Witcher 3 FPS Chart
low | med. | high | ultra | |
The Witcher 3 (2015) | 85.3 | 56 | 30.1 | 13.8 |
Dota 2 Reborn (2015) | 119.5 | 93.4 | 62.7 | 57.5 |
Final Fantasy XV Benchmark (2018) | 39.6 | 21.9 | 15.2 | |
X-Plane 11.11 (2018) | 41.3 | 33.1 | 26 |
Emissions
System Noise
The internal fan does not pulse as often as on the K2 when running lower loads which makes the NucBox K3 Pro a little quieter than the K2. Otherwise, they both reach similar maximum noise levels of around 40 dB(A) when running demanding loads like games.
Noise Level
Idle |
| 25 / 25.5 / 25.5 dB(A) |
Load |
| 39.9 / 39.9 dB(A) |
| ||
30 dB silent 40 dB(A) audible 50 dB(A) loud |
||
min: , med: , max: Earthworks M23R, Arta (15 cm distance) environment noise: 23.1 dB(A) |
GMK NucBox K3 Pro UHD Graphics 64EUs, i7-12650H, Lexar NM610 Pro NM610P001T-HNNNG | GMK NucBox K2 Radeon 680M, R7 7735HS, Lexar NM610 Pro NM610P001T-HNNNG | Beelink SEi12 Core i5-1235U Iris Xe G7 80EUs, i5-1235U, Kingston NV1 SNVS/500GCN | Beelink GTR7 7840HS Radeon 780M, R7 7840HS, Crucial P3 Plus CT1000P3PSSD8 | Intel NUC 13 Pro Desk Edition Kit Iris Xe G7 96EUs, i7-1360P, Samsung PM9A1 MZVL2512HCJQ | Lenovo IdeaCentre Mini 01IRH8 Iris Xe G7 96EUs, i7-13700H, Samsung PM9B1 512GB MZVL4512HBLU | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Noise | -8% | 1% | -4% | -9% | -4% | |
off / environment * | 23.1 | 24.1 -4% | 23.3 -1% | 25.6 -11% | 25.2 -9% | 23.4 -1% |
Idle Minimum * | 25 | 24.4 2% | 27.8 -11% | 28.1 -12% | 28.1 -12% | 30.4 -22% |
Idle Average * | 25.5 | 24.4 4% | 27.8 -9% | 28.1 -10% | 28.2 -11% | 30.4 -19% |
Idle Maximum * | 25.5 | 36.8 -44% | 27.8 -9% | 28.1 -10% | 28.3 -11% | 30.4 -19% |
Load Average * | 39.9 | 41.6 -4% | 32 20% | 34.9 13% | 42 -5% | 30.7 23% |
Witcher 3 ultra * | 39.9 | 41.7 -5% | 34.1 15% | 36.4 9% | 33.9 15% | |
Load Maximum * | 39.9 | 41.6 -4% | 39.2 2% | 42.4 -6% | 42.1 -6% | 41 -3% |
* ... smaller is better
Temperature
Stress Test
Our NucBox K3 Pro stabilizes at warmer core temperatures than on the NucBox K2. CPU temperature when running demanding loads like Witcher 3 or Prime95 would stabilize at 80 C and 83 C, respectively, compared to just 67 C and 79 C on the AMD-powered K2.
High Turbo Core clock rates are not sustainable. When running Prime95, for example, clock rates and board power draw would spike to 2.3 GHz and 52 W, respectively, before dropping to just 2.0 GHz and 35 W after about 45 seconds.
CPU Clock (GHz) | GPU Clock (MHz) | Average CPU Temperature (°C) | |
System Idle | -- | -- | 43 |
Prime95 Stress | 2.0 | -- | 83 |
Prime95 + FurMark Stress | ~1.3 | 948 | 78 |
Witcher 3 Stress | ~0.8 | 1397 | 80 |
Energy Management
Power Consumption
The NucBox K2 is slightly more demanding than our K3 Pro which may partly explain the more active internal fan of the K2. Nonetheless, performance-per-watt is still significantly in AMD's favor. Running Witcher 3 on the K2, for example, demands just 13 percent more power for a large 70 to 90 percent boost in graphics performance.
Off / Standby | 0.58 / 0.79 Watt |
Idle | 7.1 / 10.1 / 18.6 Watt |
Load |
45.3 / 52.9 Watt |
GMK NucBox K3 Pro i7-12650H, UHD Graphics 64EUs, Lexar NM610 Pro NM610P001T-HNNNG, , x, | GMK NucBox K2 R7 7735HS, Radeon 680M, Lexar NM610 Pro NM610P001T-HNNNG, , x, | Beelink SEi12 Core i5-1235U i5-1235U, Iris Xe G7 80EUs, Kingston NV1 SNVS/500GCN, , x, | Beelink GTR7 7840HS R7 7840HS, Radeon 780M, Crucial P3 Plus CT1000P3PSSD8, , x, | Intel NUC 13 Pro Desk Edition Kit i7-1360P, Iris Xe G7 96EUs, Samsung PM9A1 MZVL2512HCJQ, , x, | Lenovo IdeaCentre Mini 01IRH8 i7-13700H, Iris Xe G7 96EUs, Samsung PM9B1 512GB MZVL4512HBLU, , x, | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Power Consumption | -7% | -53% | -15% | -7% | -9% | |
Idle Minimum * | 7.1 | 7.3 -3% | 15.8 -123% | 5.5 23% | 7 1% | 6.7 6% |
Idle Average * | 10.1 | 9.8 3% | 16.8 -66% | 5.8 43% | 9.2 9% | 6.7 34% |
Idle Maximum * | 18.6 | 10.5 44% | 17 9% | 7.7 59% | 11.8 37% | 7.1 62% |
Load Average * | 45.3 | 61.3 -35% | 54.4 -20% | 70.6 -56% | 45 1% | 68.5 -51% |
Witcher 3 ultra * | 55.2 | 62.2 -13% | 50.7 8% | 79.8 -45% | 58.3 -6% | |
Load Maximum * | 52.9 | 72.8 -38% | 119.1 -125% | 111.8 -111% | 97.2 -84% | 104.3 -97% |
* ... smaller is better
Power Consumption Witcher 3 / Stresstest
Power Consumption external Monitor
Pros
Cons
Verdict — AMD FTW
If you're deciding between between the NucBox K3 Pro and NucBox K2, don't just go with the "Pro" name because the K2 is arguably the superior option. The AMD-powered K2 offers similar processor performance, much faster graphics performance, both removable WLAN and RAM, and it even retails for around the same price once all coupons are accounted for. There's little reason to opt for the Intel-powered NucBox K3 Pro in this regard unless if you want to save $50 USD off an already inexpensive <$500 price point.
The NucBox K3 Pro isn't bad by any means, but it's definitely overshadowed by the visually identical NucBox K2 in terms of both performance-per-dollar and performance-per-watt.
For what it's worth, fan noise is a bit less noticeable on the K3 Pro when compared to the K2, but it's not significant enough to be bothersome in a typical office or HTPC environment.
Price and Availability
Amazon is now shipping the GNKtec NucBox K3 Pro for $460 USD or $435 after applying the $25 coupon code at checkout. Alternatively, the model can be purchased directly from the manufacturer.
GMK NucBox K3 Pro
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10/11/2023 v7
Allen Ngo
Transparency
The present review sample was made available to the author as a loan by the manufacturer or a shop for the purposes of review. The lender had no influence on this review, nor did the manufacturer receive a copy of this review before publication. There was no obligation to publish this review.