GMKtec G5 Mini PC Review: A Budget Powerhouse?

In today’s review, we’re taking a closer look at the GMKtec G5 Mini PC, a budget-friendly option powered by the Intel N97 CPU. The G5 is part of a popular lineup of affordable mini PCs aimed at users seeking a compact, cost-effective computing solution. This particular model was provided by GMKtec for review purposes, and no monetary exchange influenced our thoughts on the product. Let’s dive into what the G5 offers, its strengths, and where it falls short.

Unboxing and First Impressions

Upon unboxing the GMKtec G5, you’re greeted with a fairly minimalistic package. Inside, you’ll find a user manual, a power adapter (12V/3A via USB-C), and the mini PC itself. The unit is compact and lightweight, with a teal finish and a striped design that may not win any design awards but keeps things simple. On the front, there’s a striking green power button alongside two USB 3.2 ports for fast connectivity.

On the right, you get a microSD card slot and a Kensington lock, while the back offers two HDMI 2.0 ports capable of 4K at 60Hz, a USB-C port for power, a 2.5Gb Ethernet port, a headphone jack, and another USB 3.2 port. Despite its compact size, the G5 provides a decent array of ports. However, one notable omission is the absence of a VESA mount bracket, which would have been useful for mounting the device behind a monitor.

Performance Overview

The GMKtec G5 is powered by Intel’s N97 processor, a part of the same family as the N95 and N100 CPUs. It comes with 12GB of LPDDR5 RAM, which is generous for a mini PC in this price range, making it suitable for light tasks like web browsing, video streaming, and office work.

In terms of Windows performance, the G5 holds its own, offering smooth operation for daily tasks. It’s more than capable of running productivity software like Microsoft Office, and lightweight 2D applications. However, it struggles with more demanding tasks such as 3D rendering or video editing, so it’s not ideal for creative professionals who need robust performance.

Gaming and Entertainment

When it comes to entertainment, the G5 handles 4K video streaming on platforms like YouTube and Amazon Prime without any issues. However, don’t expect this device to be a gaming powerhouse. It runs 2D titles such as Cuphead and Among Us smoothly at 1080p, but for more graphically intensive games like Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2 or Fallout 4, you’ll need to lower the resolution to 720p for a decent experience.

The G5 can also handle some emulation tasks quite well, supporting platforms like PSP, Nintendo Wii, and older arcade systems. However, more modern games, especially 3D titles or high-end esports games, suffer from performance drops. Counter-Strike 2, for instance, only managed 35-45 FPS, making it less than ideal for competitive play.

Benchmarks and Thermal Performance

In benchmark tests, the G5’s Intel N97 CPU performed admirably, outpacing the N100 in GPU scores thanks to higher clock speeds. However, it showed disappointing single-core performance, possibly due to thermal throttling. The system’s M.2 SSD also performed below expectations, offering slower speeds compared to NVMe SSDs.

In terms of thermals, the G5 stays relatively cool during normal usage, with idle temperatures around 55°C and maximum loads reaching 85°C. The fan does a good job of keeping things quiet, even under stress. However, the compact size and limited airflow result in occasional thermal throttling during heavy tasks, which impacts performance.

Connectivity and Expandability

One downside of the G5 is its use of older wireless standards—it comes with Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 4.2, both of which feel outdated in 2024. For those needing faster, more reliable wireless connections, this could be a dealbreaker.

On the plus side, the G5 offers some level of expandability. It has an accessible M.2 slot for storage upgrades, and you can even swap out the Wi-Fi module if you’re looking to improve connectivity. However, the M.2 slot only supports SATA drives, not the faster NVMe standard.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Compact design: Takes up very little space, perfect for small desks or hidden behind monitors.
• 12GB RAM: Great for multitasking and handling memory-hungry applications like web browsers.
• Quiet operation: Even under load, the fan stays fairly quiet.
• Good for streaming and light gaming: Handles 4K streaming and casual 2D games with ease.
• Affordable: At around $155, it’s priced competitively for what it offers.

Cons:

• Outdated wireless tech: Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 4.2 feel behind the times.
• Thermal throttling: Affects performance during heavy tasks and extended use.
• Limited gaming capabilities: Struggles with 3D and esports titles.
• No VESA mount or HDMI cable included: You’ll need to purchase these separately if required.

Final Thoughts

The GMKtec G5 is a solid budget mini PC for students, families, or anyone looking for a compact device for everyday tasks. Its Intel N97 processor offers good performance for general use, and its 12GB of RAM ensures smooth multitasking. However, it’s not suited for heavy gaming or intensive creative work. The inclusion of older wireless standards and the lack of an NVMe SSD are drawbacks, but at $155, it’s hard to beat the value proposition of the G5.

For anyone in need of a budget mini PC for basic tasks and entertainment, the GMKtec G5 is definitely worth considering.

► Purchase links

GMKtec Website: https://go.teampandory.com/gmktecg5

Amazon: https://amzn.to/4ed1LUU

► Related Videos

Our Video Review: https://youtu.be/9-JK0-oR1M0