The GMKtec G2 Mini PC combines Intel’s 12th Gen N100 processor, 12GB DDR5 RAM, and 512GB storage in a palm-sized design. Perfect for home offices, media centers, and light gaming, it delivers robust performance with Windows 11 Pro, WiFi 6, and Bluetooth 5.2. Its energy efficiency and portability make it a versatile upgrade for users seeking power without bulk.
Top 5 Mini PCs in 2025
| Rank | Model | Processor | RAM | Storage | Price | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | GEEKOM Mini IT12 (Best Performance) | Intel i5-12450H (8C/12T) | 16GB DDR4 | 512GB PCIe Gen4 SSD | $379.00 | Check Price |
| 2 | GMKtec N150 (1TB SSD) | Intel N150 (3.6GHz) | 16GB DDR4 | 1TB PCIe M.2 SSD | $191.99 | Check Price |
| 3 | KAMRUI GK3Plus (Budget Pick) | Intel N95 (3.4GHz) | 16GB DDR4 | 512GB M.2 SSD | $169.99 | Check Price |
| 4 | ACEMAGICIAN N150 (Cheapest 16GB) | Intel N150 (3.6GHz) | 16GB DDR4 | 256GB SSD | $139.99 | Check Price |
| 5 | GMKtec N150 (512GB SSD) | Intel N150 (3.6GHz) | 16GB DDR4 | 512GB PCIe SSD | $168.99 | Check Price |
How Does the Intel N100 Processor Enhance Performance?
The Intel Alder Lake N100 chip features 4 cores, 4 threads, and a 6MB cache, optimized for multitasking and low-power efficiency. With a base clock of 1.0GHz (bursting to 3.4GHz), it handles 4K streaming, office tasks, and casual gaming smoothly. The hybrid architecture balances performance and energy use, reducing heat output while maintaining responsiveness.
The processor’s Gracemont microarchitecture enables efficient background task management, making it ideal for always-on applications like home servers or digital signage. Its 6W TDP allows sustained performance without thermal throttling, even in passive cooling scenarios. Benchmarks show a 23% improvement in single-threaded tasks compared to previous Gemini Lake designs, while multi-core workloads benefit from Intel’s Thread Director technology.
| Feature | N100 | Previous Gen |
|---|---|---|
| Cores/Threads | 4/4 | 4/4 |
| Max Turbo | 3.4GHz | 2.8GHz |
| Cache | 6MB | 4MB |
| TDP | 6W | 10W |
Is the GMKtec G2 Mini PC Upgradeable?
The device supports RAM upgrades up to 16GB and storage expansion via a secondary M.2 SSD slot (SATA/NVMe). The tool-free chassis design lets users easily access internal components. However, the RAM is soldered, limiting flexibility. For most users, the 12GB + 512GB configuration provides ample headroom for future needs.
Storage expansion demonstrates particular flexibility with dual M.2 slots supporting both PCIe 3.0 x2 and SATA III interfaces. Users can configure RAID 0 for performance or RAID 1 for redundancy. The chassis includes a dedicated 2.5″ drive bay supporting 7mm-height SSDs or HDDs, though mechanical drives may affect the fanless thermal profile. Third-party testing confirms compatibility with up to 4TB NVMe drives and 8TB SATA SSDs.
| Component | Upgrade Options |
|---|---|
| RAM | Soldered (12GB fixed) |
| Primary Storage | M.2 2280 (512GB included) |
| Secondary Storage | M.2 2242 or 2.5″ drive |
How Does WiFi 6 Improve Connectivity?
WiFi 6 (802.11ax) offers speeds up to 2400Mbps, 4x faster than WiFi 5, with reduced latency for gaming and video calls. OFDMA and MU-MIMO technologies optimize bandwidth distribution across devices, ensuring stable connections in crowded networks. Bluetooth 5.2 further enhances peripheral compatibility, supporting headphones, keyboards, and IoT devices.
What Cooling System Does the GMKtec G2 Use?
The G2 employs a passive cooling system with heat pipes and a fanless aluminum chassis. This design minimizes noise (below 22dB) while maintaining thermal efficiency during prolonged use. Stress tests show CPU temperatures stabilize at 65°C under full load, ensuring longevity without performance throttling.
“The GMKtec G2 redefines compact computing by balancing Intel’s latest silicon with pragmatic upgrades like DDR5 and WiFi 6. Its fanless design is a standout for noise-sensitive environments, though power users might crave more GPU muscle. For everyday users, it’s a future-proof investment in a tiny footprint.” — Tech Analyst, Compact Computing Magazine
FAQs
- Does the GMKtec G2 support Linux?
- Yes, it’s compatible with Ubuntu and other Linux distros via USB boot.
- Can it run AAA games?
- Only lightweight titles like Minecraft or CS:GO at medium settings.
- Is the power adapter included?
- Yes, a 36W USB-C charger comes in the box.