GMKtec’s NucBox M8 skips the AI hype and leans into a proven formula: decent performance, clean design, and a price that doesn’t flirt with four digits. Starting at $360 with 16GB RAM and a 512GB SSD, it uses AMD’s Ryzen 5 Pro 6650H an older Zen 3+ chip to bring respectable speed to office users and small business setups without breaking the bank.
NucBox M8 mini PC focuses on affordability over flash
Most mini PCs are racing toward AI-ready specs, but the NucBox M8 opts for balance. By using the same stylish chassis as the EVO-X1 GMKtec’s higher-end model, it retains a premium look while swapping out the Ryzen AI 9 chip for a more wallet-friendly processor.
This move makes the M8 an appealing choice for users who don’t need machine learning features or gaming-level graphics. It handles basic workflows like document editing, browser-based apps, and point-of-sale systems with ease.
Windows 11’s new File Explorer cuts redundant indexing to reduce RAM usage and speed up search an efficiency boost for aging systems.
Older CPU still outpaces some newer rivals
Despite launching with a nearly four-year-old processor, the NucBox M8 holds its own in the real world. In multi-threaded performance, it beats out newer options like MSI’s Cubi NUC AI+, which runs Intel’s fresh Lunar Lake-V chip. That makes it more than capable for light multitasking or typical business workloads.
Here’s what it offers at a glance:
- CPU: Ryzen 5 Pro 6650H (Zen 3+)
- RAM: 16GB
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Starting Price: $360
- Design: Same chassis as GMK EVO-X1
Graphics and efficiency lag behind newer options
There’s a tradeoff for that savings. The Ryzen 5 Pro 6650H doesn’t shine in GPU-heavy tasks or AI workloads. Performance-per-watt also lags compared to newer chips. That’s not a dealbreaker if your day-to-day needs don’t include 3D rendering, AI inferencing, or high-res media editing, but it’s worth noting.
NucBox M8 mini PC hits a sweet spot for low-demand users
The NucBox M8 makes sense for users who just need something that works: it’s fast enough, quiet, and modern-looking without chasing futureproof buzzwords. For schools, retail kiosks, or anyone avoiding inflated AI-taxed hardware, it hits a solid middle ground.
GMKtec didn’t build the M8 to turn heads, it built it to keep your day running smoothly. And at this price, that’s more than enough.
