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| The GMK NucBox K15 may be large with relatively poor performance-per-volume, but it supports more connectivity options as a result |
For mini PC enthusiasts, the chase for the tiniest, most svelte form factor can sometimes feel like the ultimate goal. But what if going a little bigger actually unlocked more potential? That’s the compelling question posed by GMKtec’s latest release, the new NucBox K15, which has now begun shipping with Intel’s Core Ultra 5 125U processor at a starting price of $360.
The K15 doesn’t reinvent the wheel aesthetically, sharing the same industrial chassis design as its predecessor, the NucBox K12. What’s immediately notable, however, is its size. In the world of mini PCs equipped with efficient U-series processors, the K15 stands out for its relatively substantial footprint. This is no shrinking violet.
Size vs. Substance: A Clear Trade-Off
The comparison is telling. When stacked against GMKtec's own ultra-compact NucBox M5, the new K15 is 1.32 times larger and a hefty 75% heavier, despite both utilizing similar U-series chips. At first glance, that might seem like a mark against it for space-conscious users.
But here’s the twist: that extra volume is put to exceptionally good use. GMKtec hasn’t just made it bigger for the sake of it; they’ve packed the K15 with features often sacrificed on more diminutive alternatives.
The Benefits of a Larger Canvas
So, what do you get for that extra desk space? A significantly more flexible and user-friendly machine.
- Integrated OcuLink Port: This is a major standout. The inclusion of an OcuLink port opens the door to connecting an external desktop-grade GPU, a feature almost unheard of in smaller mini PCs and a huge boon for users who want to dabble in more serious gaming or GPU-accelerated tasks without a full-sized tower.
- Expansive Storage Potential: The K15 supports up to three internal SSDs. This kind of storage flexibility is a dream for power users, media hoarders, or anyone running virtual machines, providing a level of expansion that tiny PCs simply can't match.
- User-Upgradable RAM: In an era of soldered components, the K15’s RAM is removable and upgradeable, future-proofing your investment.
- Quieter Operation: With more internal space comes a larger, less strained cooling solution. The result? The K15 promises noticeably quieter runtimes under load, as the fans don’t have to spin as aggressively to keep temperatures in check.
As you can see from the full specifications and official imagery on the GMKtec K15 product page, this mini PC is built for those who prioritize connectivity and expansion over absolute minimalism.
One Missed Opportunity for a True All-in-One
However, GMKtec’s embrace of a larger form factor does leave one puzzling omission. Despite its generous proportions, the K15 still relies on an external power brick. This means managing an unsightly black box and cable, which can be a hassle to hide in clean desk setups or media center cabinets.
This is an area where competitors like Beelink have pushed ahead. Models like the Beelink GTI15 Ultra, which is roughly the same size as the K15, integrate the power supply directly into the unit itself, creating a truly single-cable solution. For the K15 to fully capitalize on its "bigger is better" philosophy, an integrated PSU in a future revision would be the final piece of the puzzle.
The Bottom Line
The GMKtec NucBox K15 makes a persuasive argument that in the mini PC space, size shouldn't be the only metric. By leveraging its larger chassis, it delivers a level of connectivity, storage expandability, and upgradeability that its smaller cousins can't touch, all while running quieter. The starting price of $360 for a Core Ultra 5 system with these features is genuinely competitive.
It’s a compelling option for anyone who wants the streamlined footprint of a mini PC but isn't willing to compromise on ports or future upgrades. Just be prepared to find a discreet home for its power brick. In the end, the K15 proves that sometimes, the best things come in slightly larger packages.