GMKtec M3 Pro review: Good features, but an outdated platform

Measuring 5 × 5 × 2 inches and weighing around 17 ounces, the mini PC is pleasantly compact. Its volume is around 0.83 litres, which is standard for this class of device. It takes up hardly any space on the desk, and if you wish, you can tuck it almost completely away behind the monitor.

The cooling system inside consists of a copper heat pipe and a turbine fan. The principle is that air is drawn in at the sides and expelled at the rear.

There are actually plenty of ports: On the front are two USB-A ports and the green-illuminated power button.

Christoph Hoffmann

The rear panel houses the power socket, a headphone jack, two HDMI outputs, the LAN port, two further USB-A sockets, and a USB-C port with video output.

Christoph Hoffmann

One criticism in everyday use: For frequently swapped-in devices such as USB-C sticks, external SSDs, or a smartphone, an additional USB-C port on the front would have been much more convenient. As it is, you have to reach round the back of the PC every time you want to connect a modern USB-C device.

Interesting: GMKtec uses this case for the entire M3 range. It’s used in the base model with the Core i5-12450H, as well as in the M3 Plus (i9-12900HK) and M3 Ultra (i7-12700H). With the new M3 Pro, the manufacturer is now switching to a 13th-generation processor for the first time, while retaining the familiar chassis exactly as it is.