I have been searching for lower-cost options in the mini PC market recently and found another candidate that meets the criteria : the GMKTec M3 Pro. This device is powered by an Intel i5-13500H processor and DDR 4 RAM. This is older technology, but at this point older is the only way to reach affordability in the current environment.
Check it out in my latest Mini PC review!
The unit is priced at $329 for a barebones configuration, which excludes RAM and storage. For those preferring a pre-configured system, Amazon has some options preconfigured with RAM and storage (compensated affiliate links).
The M3 Pro features a compact design with a build that utilizes metal on the sides and plastic for the top and bottom panels. On the front of the device, there are two 10 gigabit per second USB-A ports. The rear houses two additional USB-A ports, though these are limited to 5 gigabits per second. For display connectivity, there are two HDMI outputs capable of 4K resolution at 60Hz. A USB Type-C port is also present and supports a third 4K 60Hz display. However, it is important to note that this is not a Thunderbolt or USB4 port. Due to the older chipset, the Type-C port is limited to USB 3.2 specifications, meaning data transfers are capped at 10 gigabits per second.
The M3 Pro includes a 2.5 GB Ethernet port that performed to its rated specifications during my testing, maintaining full potential on both downstream and upstream traffic. The Wi-Fi 6 performance was less consistent, reaching about half a gigabit per second on the downstream and approximately 350 megabits per second on the upstream. Internally, the system is upgradeable. Removing the bottom panel reveals two RAM slots supporting up to 64 GB of DDR4 memory. Because these Intel chipsets favor dual-channel memory, it is advisable to install RAM in pairs. Storage is handled by two NVMe slots: one 2280 slot and a secondary 2242 slot for shorter drives.
In terms of performance, the M3 Pro handles specific workflows with varying degrees of efficiency. When testing local AI using the Gemma 26B-A4B mixture of experts model, the system generated approximately 12 tokens per second. This is usable but noticeably slower than modern AMD-based systems equipped with faster DDR5 memory, which can exceed 20 tokens per second. Video editing in DaVinci Resolve is manageable for basic 4K 60Hz tasks, such as simple transitions or stringing clips together. However, more complex projects involving heavy effects cause the system to slow significantly. The lack of a Thunderbolt port also precludes the use of an external GPU to bolster this performance.
General computing is where the machine feels most responsive. Web browsing is nearly instantaneous, and the device handled high-bitrate 4K 60Hz YouTube playback without dropping frames. It achieved a score of 29.6 on the Speedometer benchmark, which is consistent with other systems in this category with current generation chipsets.
Gaming performance is comparable to a Steam Deck. Running Cyberpunk 2077 at 1080p on the lowest settings resulted in about 20-25 frames per second, though lowering the resolution to 720p would likely push the frame rate above 30. It serves as a capable box for 8-bit and 16-bit emulation and can handle some GameCube titles. In the 3DMark Time Spy test, it scored 1,644, which aligns with expectations for this processor generation.
Thermal management can be adjusted through a high-performance mode in the BIOS. In this mode, the fan is more aggressive, and the system passed a 3DMark stress test without significant thermal throttling, maintaining a temperature of roughly 69 degrees Celsius under sustained load. While the fan is audible during heavy tasks, it is not particularly loud compared to other mini PCs, and it remains largely silent performing basic computing tasks. Power consumption sits at 10 to 11 watts at idle and reaches about 75 watts under a full load.
Linux compatibility is a strong point for this hardware, likely due to the maturity of the older chipset. Running Ubuntu 26.04, the experience was snappy and all hardware components—including video, audio, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth—were detected without manual configuration.
While the M3 Pro lacks the hardware required for demanding local AI or high-end video production, it remains a functional choice for general office work, home server duties, or use as a dedicated Linux desktop. The trade-offs in port speeds and memory technology are reflected in the lower entry price, making it a utilitarian option for users with standard computing needs.