Desktop towers eat up precious desk space, generate noise and cost more than they should. Mini PCs solve all three problems by delivering full Windows performance in a package smaller than a hardcover book. The GMKtec G10 with Windows 11 Pro pre-installed offers a compelling alternative to Apple’s Mac Mini if you need Windows instead of macOS: Amazon just dropped this 512GB mini PC to an all-time low of $189 instead of $299, and gives you real desktop power for less than a basic Chromebook.
Real Desktop Power in a Compact AMD Package
The AMD Ryzen 5 3500U is driving the G10 and it is a 64-bit processor that features four cores and comes from AMD’s Zen+ architecture. This quad-core processor has a processing speed of 2.1 GHz and requires only a 15W thermal design power so that it is energy-friendly for use every day. This processor can further scale up to speeds of 3.7 GHz when it comes to single-threaded activity for smooth performance for users when it comes to web browsing, document processing, and video streaming.
The integrated Radeon Vega 8 has a processing speed of up to 1.2 GHz and uses the system memory along with the CPU. The unified memory allows for faster processing by avoiding the lag that comes when the CPU has to access different memories which makes it efficient for graphics processing. The Vega 8 processor has around 35 percent better graphics processing compared to Intel N-series, such as N100 or N150, used in entry-level mini-computers.
The GMKtec G10 is shipped with 16GB of DDR4 SDRAM running in dual-channel mode, and it has two 8GB SO-DIMMs installed. The use of dual-channel mode increases the bandwidth from the CPU to the Ram by two times that of the single-channel mode setup. Users can upgrade the RAM to a maximum of 64GB by replacing the two installed SO-DIMMs, although 16GB will suit any user. The computer comes preinstalled with a 512GB SSD drive and has a PCIe 3.0 connection for faster access.
This small enclosure is turned into a productivity powerhouse by its triple display support: The Radeon Vega 8 Graphics can handle a total of three 4K displays simultaneously using its HDMI 2.1 display port, display port, and USB-C display port. The maximum recommended resolution for each display support is 4K, and the refresh rate is 60Hz, ensuring that there are no motion or text artifacts. This feature is particularly beneficial for stock market professionals requiring simultaneous access to different market feeds, designers requiring access to images, and any user requiring maximum display space.
The 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port provides speeds that reach up to 2500 Mbps, well over double that supported by 1 Gigabit, the average standard found on computer ports. This will provide faster access times for larger file transfers through your home network which makes it easier to stream video without buffering. The added boost offered by the faster connection will also shine when accessing NAS storage, servers or using home networking software tools like pfSense or Untangle.
Windows 11 Pro is installed and activated so there’s no waiting around for activation codes. The Windows 11 Pro comes with various features, such as Remote Desktop, allowing connection to the mini PC from another computer, BitLocker, used for encryption to protect your files, and Hyper-V, used for creating virtual machines.
Make sure you don’t miss that deal, it’s one of the most affordable ways to get a decent Windows computer.
