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GMKtec NucBox K12 specifications and in-depth review

GMKtec NucBox K12

Manufacturer: GMKtec

The GMKtec NucBox K12 is a compact mini PC designed to deliver solid performance for various computing tasks. Equipped with a 1000GB SSD for fast storage, this system is capable of handling demanding applications while remaining energy-efficient. Its small form factor makes it ideal for users looking for a powerful yet space-saving solution.

The NucBox K12 features a CPU with a base clock speed of 3.8 GHz, capable of turbo boosting up to 4.9 GHz, and is supported by 64GB of RAM running at 5600 MHz. It also supports Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2 for enhanced connectivity, while its integrated Radeon 780M GPU offers solid graphical capabilities with a GPU clock speed of 800 MHz, reaching up to 2600 MHz in turbo mode.

Pros
  • Equipped with 64GB of high-speed RAM running at 5600 MHz, providing solid multitasking capabilities.
  • Supports up to 96GB of maximum memory, offering scalability for more demanding applications.
  • Includes integrated Radeon 780M graphics with DirectX 12 support, making it suitable for basic graphical tasks.
  • Has a range of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, and multiple USB ports for versatile device pairing and networking.
  • Features a 1000GB NVMe SSD, ensuring fast data access and load times for improved system responsiveness.
Cons
  • No support for external memory slots, limiting upgradeability beyond the maximum 96GB RAM.
  • Lacks Thunderbolt 3 ports, which could be limiting for users needing faster data transfer speeds.
  • Does not support ECC memory, which might be a drawback for applications requiring high data integrity.
  • The CPU does not feature an unlocked multiplier, limiting overclocking potential for users seeking custom performance tuning.
Who is this for?

The GMKtec NucBox K12 is well-suited for users who require a compact and efficient mini PC with strong multitasking capabilities. Its 64GB of RAM running at 5600 MHz and up to 96GB of maximum memory make it ideal for light to medium multitasking, gaming, or office productivity. The inclusion of Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2 further enhances its versatility for modern wireless connections, making it a good fit for those needing high-speed networking and device connectivity in a small form factor.

Who is this NOT for?

This product is not ideal for users who require heavy graphical processing or computational power, as its Radeon 780M integrated GPU is suited for basic tasks rather than advanced gaming or professional graphics work. It also lacks features such as an external memory slot and does not support ECC memory, which may limit its reliability for critical tasks or server-like environments that need memory error correction. Additionally, the absence of Thunderbolt 3 limits data transfer speeds, making it unsuitable for users with high data throughput needs.

General info:

SSD storage capacity 1000GB
release date August 2025
Is an NVMe SSD ✓

The GMKtec NucBox K12 is equipped with a 1000GB SSD, providing ample storage for a variety of applications and data. This SSD is also an NVMe SSD, ensuring faster data access and transfer speeds compared to traditional SATA drives, offering a more responsive overall performance.

CPU:

Thermal Design Power (TDP) 45W
CPU speed 8 x 3.8 GHz
turbo clock speed 4.9GHz
CPU threads 16 threads
Has integrated graphics ✓
uses multithreading ✓
L3 cache 16 MB
L2 cache 8 MB
L2 core 1 MB/core
L3 core 2 MB/core
clock multiplier 38
Has an unlocked multiplier ✕
Supports 64-bit ✓
CPU temperature 100 °C

The GMKtec NucBox K12 features a CPU with a base clock speed of 3.8 GHz across 8 cores, offering a solid performance for multitasking and demanding tasks. It supports multithreading, providing a total of 16 threads for efficient parallel processing. Additionally, the CPU includes 16 MB of L3 cache and 8 MB of L2 cache, enhancing data access speeds for smoother operation.

Graphics card:

GPU clock speed 800 MHz
GPU turbo 2600 MHz
PCI Express (PCIe) version 4
texture mapping units (TMUs) 48
shading units 768
render output units (ROPs) 32
DirectX version DirectX 12
OpenGL version 4.6
OpenCL version 2.1
semiconductor size 4 nm
supported displays 4

The GMKtec NucBox K12 is equipped with a Radeon 780M GPU, featuring a base clock speed of 800 MHz and a turbo boost up to 2600 MHz. It supports up to 4 displays and utilizes PCIe 4.0 for fast data transfer. With 768 shading units and 48 texture mapping units, it offers solid graphical performance, supporting modern APIs like DirectX 12, OpenGL 4.6, and OpenCL 2.1.

Memory:

RAM 64GB
RAM speed 5600 MHz
DDR memory version 5

The GMKtec NucBox K12 is equipped with 64GB of RAM running at a high speed of 5600 MHz, ensuring smooth multitasking and efficient performance. It utilizes DDR5 memory, the latest generation of memory technology, offering faster speeds and improved efficiency compared to previous versions.

Connectivity:

Wi-Fi version Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
supports Wi-Fi ✓
Has Bluetooth ✓
Bluetooth version 5.2
USB 2.0 ports 2
USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (USB-A) 3
USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (USB-A) 0
USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (USB-C) 1
USB 4 40Gbps ports 1
USB 4 20Gbps ports 0
USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 ports 0
USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (USB-C) 0
Thunderbolt 4 ports 1
Thunderbolt 3 ports 0
DisplayPort outputs 1
HDMI version HDMI 2.1
HDMI ports 1
RJ45 ports 1
has a socket for a 3.5 mm audio jack ✓
has a VGA connector ✕
Has S/PDIF Out port ✕

The GMKtec NucBox K12 offers versatile connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 6E support for fast wireless internet and Bluetooth 5.2 for seamless device pairing. It provides a range of ports, including USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (USB-A and USB-C), Thunderbolt 4, and HDMI 2.1 for video output. Additionally, the system supports 1 RJ45 Ethernet port and has a 3.5mm audio jack for audio connections.

Benchmarks:

PassMark result 28797
PassMark result (single) 3556

The GMKtec NucBox K12 has achieved a PassMark score of 28797, indicating strong overall performance across a range of tasks. Its single-core performance is reflected in a PassMark single-core score of 3556, showcasing solid efficiency for applications that rely on single-thread processing.

Miscellaneous:

maximum memory amount 96GB
has an external memory slot ✕
Type Laptop, Desktop
Uses big.LITTLE technology ✕
instruction sets MMX, F16C, FMA3, AES, AVX, AVX2, SSE 4.1, SSE 4.2
Has NX bit ✓
GPU name Radeon 780M
Supports ECC memory ✕
memory channels 2
RAM speed (max) 7500 MHz
warranty period 1 years
Uses flash storage ✓

The GMKtec NucBox K12 supports up to 96GB of maximum memory, offering flexibility for high-performance computing tasks. It features 2 memory channels and supports a maximum RAM speed of 7500 MHz. The system also supports flash storage for faster data access and comes with a 1-year warranty.

Final Verdict

The GMKtec NucBox K12 is a solid choice for users seeking a compact and capable mini PC for everyday tasks, light gaming, and office productivity. With a powerful 64GB of RAM running at 5600 MHz and support for Wi-Fi 6E, it offers strong multitasking and modern wireless connectivity. However, its integrated Radeon 780M GPU and lack of features like external memory slots or ECC support limit its appeal for more demanding users. Overall, it's a great option for those looking for a versatile, space-efficient solution, but not suitable for those requiring high-end graphical performance or server-grade reliability.