Introduction

The GMKtec NucBox M5 Plus (M5 PLUS 32+1TB UK), a compact mini PC packing a surprising punch, has been on my desk for the past few weeks. This review dives deep into its performance, features, and overall user experience to determine whether it lives up to its promises of being a powerful and versatile machine. Equipped with the AMD Ryzen 7 5825U processor, 32GB of DDR4 RAM, and a 1TB PCIe SSD, this little powerhouse aims to conquer productivity and light gaming tasks. Let’s see if it succeeds.

Features

The NucBox M5 Plus boasts an impressive array of features for its size. Beyond the powerful AMD Ryzen 7 5825U processor and generous RAM and storage, it includes dual LAN ports for lightning-fast network speeds (up to 2500Mbps), Wi-Fi 6E for seamless wireless connectivity, and Bluetooth 5.2 for effortless peripheral pairing. The inclusion of multiple USB ports (including USB 3.2 and USB-C with PD/DP/Data functionality), HDMI 2.0, and a DisplayPort allows for versatile connectivity options, supporting up to three displays simultaneously. The compact design is a huge plus, making it perfect for tight spaces. The pre-installed Windows 11 Pro completes the package.

Performance

I put the NucBox M5 Plus through its paces with a series of benchmark tests and real-world applications. The AMD Ryzen 7 5825U certainly delivered on its promises. Multitasking was smooth and responsive, even with numerous applications open. The 32GB of RAM proved more than adequate for my needs, and the 1TB SSD ensured lightning-fast boot times and application loading speeds. I was impressed with its ability to handle video editing software without significant lag. Light gaming performed admirably, with many titles running smoothly at acceptable settings. While not suited for AAA gaming at max settings, it easily handled titles such as Rocket League and Overwatch at medium to high settings with satisfactory frame rates.

The dual LAN setup proved beneficial for tasks requiring consistent and stable network connections, providing redundancy and speed. The Wi-Fi 6E provided excellent wireless performance and range. The integrated AMD Radeon Graphics handled 4K video playback flawlessly, and multitasking between applications and video streaming was effortless. Heat management was surprisingly good; the system remained cool even under sustained load.

Pros & Cons

• Pros: Powerful processor, ample RAM and storage, fast network connectivity, compact design, excellent heat management, supports multiple displays.
• Cons: Not suitable for high-end gaming at maximum settings; upgradability is limited.

Final Verdict

The GMKtec NucBox M5 Plus (M5 PLUS 32+1TB UK) exceeded my expectations. It’s a powerful and versatile mini PC that seamlessly balances compact design with robust performance. It’s a great choice for users who need a powerful and space-saving computer for productivity tasks, light gaming, and media consumption. While not a gaming powerhouse, its performance for everyday tasks and even moderate gaming is exceptional. I would highly recommend this mini PC to anyone looking for a compact and capable machine.