GMKtec NucBox G3 Plus vs MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 3MG
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GMKtec NucBox G3 Plus
Intel N150 / 16GB DDR4 / 512GB SSD / Windows 11 Pro / US plug
MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 3MG
Core Ultra 9 386H / 16GB DDR5 / 1TB SSD / Windows 11 Pro
Amazon results may include other models. Verify the processor, memory, storage, and seller before buying.
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Storage |
1Is it fast for normal work?
GMKtec NucBox G3 Plus
Not available
MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 3MG
Not available
2Can it handle sustained work?
GMKtec NucBox G3 Plus
Not available
MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 3MG
Not available
3Can it game?
GMKtec NucBox G3 Plus
Not available
MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 3MG
Not available
4Is it loud or hot?
GMKtec NucBox G3 Plus
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Memory-heavy stress exposed a cooling limit
Jeff Geerling reported overheating and inconsistent results in a 7-Zip benchmark on his review unit. Repasting did not fully resolve his concern; removing the cover and adding airflow let him complete consistent comparisons. His later benchmark results use that modified cooling setup.
Jeff Geerling · 7:31
MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 3MG
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Memory-heavy stress exposed a cooling limit Not available
5How much electricity does it use?
GMKtec NucBox G3 Plus
Not available
MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 3MG
Not available
6Can I upgrade and connect everything?
GMKtec NucBox G3 Plus
-
Memory is upgradeable Yes
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Storage is upgradeable Yes
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Security lock also restricts bottom access Not available
MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 3MG
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Memory is upgradeable Yes
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Storage is upgradeable Yes
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Security lock also restricts bottom access
Level1Techs showed that the Kensington lock opening also secures the bottom cover, restricting access to memory and storage. The reviewed unit had 32GB memory rather than this SKU’s 16GB.
Level1Techs · 1:13
7Is it good value?
GMKtec NucBox G3 Plus
Not available
MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 3MG
Not available
8Will it be dependable?
GMKtec NucBox G3 Plus
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Ubuntu detected the main devices
Lon.TV reported working display, audio, Wi-Fi, Ethernet and Bluetooth after installing Ubuntu on his 16GB/512GB G3 Plus. The Ubuntu version was not specified, so this is limited to his tested setup.
Lon.TV · 10:32 -
A newer Linux kernel enabled graphics benchmarks
Jeff Geerling could not run some GPU benchmarks with his initial Ubuntu setup. Updating to Linux 6.12 enabled GLMark2 and GravityMark. His published system record identifies Ubuntu 24.04 with kernel 6.12.3 and a replacement SSD.
Jeff Geerling · 6:01 -
Network boot stack was disabled by default Not available
MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 3MG
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Ubuntu detected the main devices Not available
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A newer Linux kernel enabled graphics benchmarks Not available
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Network boot stack was disabled by default
Level1Techs showed the UEFI network stack disabled in BIOS EB211IMS.1A20 and explained that it must be enabled for network boot. Firmware defaults can change.
Level1Techs · 8:17
References
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GMKtec. NucBox G3 Plus specifications and US configuration. Product page. Accessed .
Configuration: Intel N150 / 16GB DDR4 / 512GB SSD / Windows 11 Pro / US plug
Disclosure: Manufacturer specifications; no MiniPCBench measurements.
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Lon.TV. My Favorite Cheap Mini PC Gets an N150 Upgrade! GMKTec G3 Plus Review. Video review. . Accessed .
Configuration: Intel N150 / 16GB DDR4-3200 / 512GB NVMe SSD / Windows 11 Pro. Ubuntu tested; version and firmware unconfirmed. Green review unit.
Disclosure: Reviewer purchased the G3 Plus; no payment for the review. Compensated affiliate links disclosed.
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Jeff Geerling. When did Raspberry Pis get so expensive?. Video review. . Accessed .
Configuration: Intel N150 / 16GB DDR4 / original 512GB AirDisk SSD replaced by a 1TB TeamGroup TM8FP4001T for Ubuntu 24.04 testing, Linux 6.12.3. Balanced and High Performance modes; firmware version unconfirmed.
Disclosure: GMKtec supplied the review unit but did not pay for the video. Reviewer states no GMKtec affiliate participation; Amazon affiliate links disclosed. Supporting system configuration record: https://github.com/geerlingguy/sbc-reviews/issues/64
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MSI. Cubi NUC AI+ 3MG US SKU specifications. Product page. Accessed .
Configuration: Core Ultra 9 386H / 16GB DDR5 / 1TB SSD / Windows 11 Pro
Disclosure: Manufacturer specifications; no MiniPCBench measurements.
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Level1Techs. Finally! Panther Lake! A Quick Look at the Cubi NUC AI+ 3MG. Video review. . Accessed .
Configuration: Core Ultra 9 386H / 32GB DDR5-5600 / 1TB Phison SSD / Windows 11 Pro. BIOS EB211IMS.1A20 dated March 4, 2026 shown. Power profile unconfirmed.
Disclosure: Reviewer thanks MSI for access to the hardware; whether the unit was loaned or retained is unclear. Affiliate link disclosed.
Value for money
No value comparison is available. It requires eligible test scores and at least four current price observations in seven days.
Specification differences
Differences supported by the listed manufacturer specifications
Higher listed specifications for GMKtec NucBox G3 Plus
- Provides 2 storage slots versus 1
Higher listed specifications for MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 3MG
- Supports 64 GB more memory
Verified specifications
Manufacturer-sourced specifications and current testing status
Processor
| Specification | NucBox G3 Plus | Cubi NUC AI+ 3MG |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Intel N150 | Intel Core Ultra 9 386H |
| Cores / threads | 4 / 4 | 16 / 16 |
| Processor default TDP | Not disclosed | Not disclosed |
| Integrated graphics | Intel UHD Graphics | Intel Graphics |
Memory and storage
| Specification | NucBox G3 Plus | Cubi NUC AI+ 3MG |
|---|---|---|
| Memory type | DDR4-3200 SO-DIMM | DDR5 SO-DIMM |
| Maximum memory | 32 GB | 96 GB |
| Upgradeable memory | Yes | Yes |
| Storage slots | 2 | 1 |
Connectivity
| Specification | NucBox G3 Plus | Cubi NUC AI+ 3MG |
|---|---|---|
| Ethernet | 1 x 2.5GbE, Intel i226-V | 2 x Intel I226-V 2.5GbE |
| Wireless | Realtek 8852BE Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 | Wi-Fi 7; adapter model and Bluetooth version unconfirmed for this SKU |
| USB4 | No | Yes |
| Thunderbolt | No | Yes |
Size and price
| Specification | NucBox G3 Plus | Cubi NUC AI+ 3MG |
|---|---|---|
| Enclosure volume | Not published | 0.51 liters |
| List price | Not published | Not published |
| Product class | Not assigned | Not assigned |