GMKtec NucBox K15 vs MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 3MG
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GMKtec NucBox K15
Core Ultra 5 125U / 32GB DDR5 / 1TB SSD / Windows 11 Pro / metallic gray and black / 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 K15
Not available
MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 3MG
Not available
2Can it handle sustained work?
GMKtec NucBox K15
Not available
MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 3MG
Not available
3Can it game?
GMKtec NucBox K15
Not available
MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 3MG
Not available
4Is it loud or hot?
GMKtec NucBox K15
Not available
MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 3MG
Not available
5How much electricity does it use?
GMKtec NucBox K15
Not available
MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 3MG
Not available
6Can I upgrade and connect everything?
GMKtec NucBox K15
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Memory is upgradeable Yes
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Storage is upgradeable Yes
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Opening the case requires care around the fan cable
Team Pandory demonstrated removing the feet, metal cover and case screws to reach the replaceable memory and SSDs. The upper fan remains connected to the mainboard as the case opens, so the cable needs care during access.
Team Pandory · 12:02 -
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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Opening the case requires care around the fan cable Not available
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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 K15
Not available
MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 3MG
Not available
8Will it be dependable?
GMKtec NucBox K15
-
Ubuntu detected the main devices
Lon.TV reported working video, audio, Bluetooth, networking and Wi-Fi during an Ubuntu test on his 32GB/1TB K15. The distribution version was not specified, so this does not establish compatibility with every Linux release.
Lon.TV · 9:02 -
Batocera 42 connected to Wi-Fi and a controller
Team Pandory reported that Batocera 42 booted and connected to Wi-Fi and a Bluetooth controller on his 48GB/1TB K15. This is a basic compatibility check on that configuration.
Team Pandory · 9:44 -
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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Batocera 42 connected to Wi-Fi and a controller 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 K15 specifications and US configuration. Product page. Accessed .
Configuration: Core Ultra 5 125U / 32GB DDR5 / 1TB SSD / Windows 11 Pro / metallic gray and black / US plug
Disclosure: Manufacturer specifications; no MiniPCBench measurements.
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Lon.TV. GMKTec K15 Mini PC Review - The "Toyota Camry" Mini PC With Plenty of Upgrade Options. Video review. . Accessed .
Configuration: Core Ultra 5 125U / 32GB DDR5-4800 / 1TB NVMe SSD. Windows edition and firmware version unconfirmed; Ubuntu version unspecified. Performance mode used.
Disclosure: Free review unit and affiliate links disclosed; no other payment for coverage.
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Team Pandory. This Mini PC Runs Shockingly Cool and Quiet [GMKTEC K15 Review]. Video review. . Accessed .
Configuration: Core Ultra 5 125U / 48GB DDR5-4800 / 1TB NVMe SSD / Windows 11 Pro; Batocera 42 also tested. Firmware version unconfirmed.
Disclosure: Free review unit and affiliate links disclosed; no other payment for coverage.
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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 K15
- Provides 3 storage slots versus 1
Higher listed specifications for MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 3MG
Verified specifications
Manufacturer-sourced specifications and current testing status
Processor
| Specification | NucBox K15 | Cubi NUC AI+ 3MG |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Intel Core Ultra 5 125U | Intel Core Ultra 9 386H |
| Cores / threads | 12 / 14 | 16 / 16 |
| Processor default TDP | Not disclosed | Not disclosed |
| Integrated graphics | Intel Graphics | Intel Graphics |
Memory and storage
| Specification | NucBox K15 | Cubi NUC AI+ 3MG |
|---|---|---|
| Memory type | DDR5 SO-DIMM; up to 5600 MT/s supported | DDR5 SO-DIMM |
| Maximum memory | 96 GB | 96 GB |
| Upgradeable memory | Yes | Yes |
| Storage slots | 3 | 1 |
Connectivity
| Specification | NucBox K15 | Cubi NUC AI+ 3MG |
|---|---|---|
| Ethernet | 2 x 2.5GbE, Realtek RTL8125BG | 2 x Intel I226-V 2.5GbE |
| Wireless | MediaTek RZ616 / MT7922 Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2 | Wi-Fi 7; adapter model and Bluetooth version unconfirmed for this SKU |
| USB4 | Yes | Yes |
| Thunderbolt | Not published | Yes |
Size and price
| Specification | NucBox K15 | Cubi NUC AI+ 3MG |
|---|---|---|
| Enclosure volume | Not published | 0.51 liters |
| List price | Not published | Not published |
| Product class | Not assigned | Not assigned |