GMKtec NucBox M8 is a newer mini PC with an older AMD Zen 3+ processor

The GMK NucBox M8 is now shipping starting at $360 for the 16 GB RAM and 512 GB SSD configuration. Its Ryzen 5 Pro 6650H CPU keeps prices low in contrast to most other mini PCs where prices are trending toward four digits.

Despite the nearly four-year old CPU, the M8 manages to look sleek and modern by utilizing the same chassis design as the recent GMK EVO-X1 series. In essence, the manufacturer has swapped out the expensive Ryzen AI 9 Zen 5 CPU of the EVO-X1 for the more affordable Zen 3+ Ryzen 5 CPU in order to appeal to wider audiences who may not need all that horsepower in the first place. According to our review of the M8, the GMK mini PC outperforms the MSI Cubi NUC AI+ powered by the newer Lunar Lake-V CPU when it comes to raw multi-thread performance. Thus, for most basic office or retail scenarios, the M8 is "fast enough" especially for the price.

There are nonetheless drawbacks to the system due to the older CPU. Both performance-per-watt and graphics performance are behind more modern processors meaning that the M8 isn't as efficient as some mini PCs even if raw multi-thread performance can be decent. If you plan on using the system for even occasional 3D rendering or AI applications, then the M8 will be too basic for your needs.

Users can check out our full review on the GMK NucBox M8 for more benchmarks and comparisons.