GMKtec Nucbox G9 NAS Review: The Ultimate Mini PC NAS Hybrid

The GMKtec G9 Mini PC NAS offers an innovative solution that blends traditional PC functionality with powerful NAS capabilities. Featuring the latest Intel N150 processor, dual operating systems, and massive storage possibilities via four NVMe slots, the GMKtec Nucbox G9 is ideal for both home and office use. With Open Media Vault, you can turn this compact device into a robust network-attached storage solution.

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Key Takeaways

• Compact form factor with NAS and mini PC features.
• Intel N150 processor and 12GB DDR5 RAM.
• Four NVMe slots for up to 16TB storage.
• Dual operating systems: Windows 11 Pro and Ubuntu.
• High-speed connectivity: Dual 2.5GbE Ethernet, WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.2.
• Triple display support for superior multimedia performance.

What Makes GMKtec Nucbox G9 a Unique Mini PC NAS Hybrid?

The GMKtec G9 stands apart by seamlessly merging mini PC functionalities and NAS storage capabilities. Powered by the Intel N150 CPU, the G9 is designed to handle multitasking, including office productivity, media streaming, and hosting network services. Additionally, the four M.2 NVMe slots allow extensive storage flexibility, supporting up to 16TB, transforming this mini PC into a powerful NAS device using software like Open Media Vault.

This dual-purpose approach ensures excellent versatility, making the GMKtec Nucbox G9 an efficient solution for home labs, small offices, and personal entertainment setups.

What are the Specifications of the GMKtec G9?

The GMKtec Nucbox G9 packs impressive hardware: a Twin Lake Intel N150 CPU with four cores and a maximum burst speed of 3.6GHz. It includes 12GB DDR5 RAM, significantly faster and more efficient compared to older DDR4, enhancing performance by reducing power consumption by 35% and improving reading speeds by 72%.
Pre-installed dual boot options—Windows 11 Pro on SSD and Ubuntu on 64GB eMMC storage—make this desktop highly adaptable. Users can switch seamlessly between operating systems, leveraging both Windows’ user-friendly interface and Ubuntu’s flexibility.

How Efficient are the Storage and NAS Capabilities?

With four dedicated M.2 SSD slots (M.2 NVMe 2280), the GMKtec G9 supports up to 16TB of internal storage—ideal for users looking to establish a dedicated NAS. Utilizing NAS software such as Open Media Vault, users can efficiently manage massive storage for file backups, media libraries, and server hosting.
This flexibility surpasses traditional NAS devices, which typically rely on slower HDDs or limited SSD bays. The NVMe slots significantly enhance data transfer speeds, providing optimal performance for network-attached storage.

Does the GMKtec G9 Support High-Speed Connectivity?

The GMKtec G9 excels in connectivity, boasting dual Intel i226V 2.5GbE Ethernet ports that achieve speeds up to 2.5x faster than conventional gigabit Ethernet. This feature ensures rapid file transfers, reduced latency, and reliable connectivity essential for NAS operations and high-bandwidth activities like streaming, gaming, and running multiple virtual machines.
Additionally, the device supports WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2, providing comprehensive wireless connectivity options for versatile usage scenarios.

How Does GMKtec G9 Handle Multimedia and Entertainment?

Equipped with Intel Graphics capable of decoding AV1 and streaming 4K@60Hz videos across three screens via dual HDMI and USB-C ports, the GMKtec G9 is perfect for multimedia and entertainment setups. Whether using Plex for media streaming or creating a home theater environment, users experience smooth video playback without hiccups or lag.
The robust processor and graphics capabilities also make this a suitable choice for casual gaming or multimedia editing tasks.

Is the GMKtec G9 a Reliable NAS for Home Labs?

As a compact NAS solution, the GMKtec G9 fits perfectly in home lab environments, providing essential storage and computing power. Users can set up surveillance systems, data backups, and even run lightweight virtualization environments efficiently. The silent cooling system featuring three fans ensures it remains cool and quiet, maintaining a noise level of only 33-36 dB during operation.

What Are the Connectivity Ports Available on GMKtec G9?

The GMKtec G9 mini PC provides comprehensive connectivity options: three USB 3.2 ports delivering speeds of up to 10Gbps, two HDMI ports supporting 4K resolution, a Type-C port capable of display output and power delivery, and a standard 3.5mm audio jack. This wide variety of ports allows users to easily connect various peripherals, making it suitable for diverse uses from multimedia to professional applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

The GMKtec G9 mini PC NAS offers powerful, flexible storage and computing in one compact device, ideal for home labs, small offices, and media enthusiasts. Its robust hardware and dual OS capabilities deliver unmatched versatility in its class.