GMKtec NucBox K17 vs MINISFORUM MS-02 Ultra
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GMKtec NucBox K17
Core Ultra 5 226V / 16GB LPDDR5X / 1TB SSD / black / US plug
MINISFORUM MS-02 Ultra
Core Ultra 9 285HX barebone
Amazon results may include other models. Verify the processor, memory, storage, and seller before buying.
| Memory | ||
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| Storage |
1Is it fast for normal work?
GMKtec NucBox K17
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Geekbench 6 single-core Not available
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Geekbench 6 multi-core Not available
MINISFORUM MS-02 Ultra
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Geekbench 6 single-core 2957 points
ETA PRIME's configured review system scored 2,957 in Geekbench 6 single-core with a 90 W PL1, 110 W PL2, and an RTX 5060 installed.
Geekbench 6 single-core · Core Ultra 9 285HX; 64GB RAM; 1TB SSD; RTX 5060; 90 W PL1 and 110 W PL2
ETA PRIME · 8:17 -
Geekbench 6 multi-core 17992 points
The same configured system scored 17,992 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
Geekbench 6 multi-core · Core Ultra 9 285HX; 64GB RAM; 1TB SSD; RTX 5060; 90 W PL1 and 110 W PL2
ETA PRIME · 8:21
2Can it handle sustained work?
GMKtec NucBox K17
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Sustained CPU cooling rating Not available
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CPU stress power behavior Not available
MINISFORUM MS-02 Ultra
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Sustained CPU cooling rating 100 W sustained
MINISFORUM states that the six-heatpipe, dual-fan cooler can sustain a 100 W CPU load and handle a 140 W turbo limit.
Manufacturer thermal-design rating · Core Ultra 9 285HX cooling system
MINISFORUM -
CPU stress power behavior Settled near 100 W
ServeTheHome observed the CPU power limit peak near 140 W and then settle around 100 W during its stress test, consistent with the manufacturer's cooling target. This is a power-behavior observation, not a normalized performance result.
CPU stress test · Core Ultra 9 285HX, 64GB DDR5-4800, 1TB SSD, 25GbE adapter
ServeTheHome · 14:18
3Can it game?
GMKtec NucBox K17
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Shadow of the Tomb Raider with RTX 5060 Not available
MINISFORUM MS-02 Ultra
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Shadow of the Tomb Raider with RTX 5060 121 fps
With a low-profile RTX 5060 installed, ETA PRIME measured a 121 FPS average in the built-in benchmark at native 1440p very high without DLSS.
Shadow of the Tomb Raider built-in benchmark · 1440p very high; native resolution; DLSS off; low-profile RTX 5060
ETA PRIME · 10:34
4Is it loud or hot?
GMKtec NucBox K17
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Included SSD ran hot during sustained stress
Robtech found the included 1TB eKit Store SSD reached thermal-throttling territory when he stressed the CPU and SSD together for an extended period. This concern applies to his drive and test conditions; it is not a normalized temperature result.
Robtech · 9:56 -
Idle noise Not available
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CPU stress noise Not available
MINISFORUM MS-02 Ultra
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Included SSD ran hot during sustained stress Not available
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Idle noise 35 dBA
ServeTheHome reported about 35 dBA at idle in a studio with a 34 dBA noise floor.
Windows desktop idle · 34 dBA studio noise floor
ServeTheHome · 15:11 -
CPU stress noise 36 to 39 dBA
ServeTheHome reported 38 to 41 dBA during the initial fan ramp and 36 to 39 dBA after it settled.
CPU stress test after the fan ramp settled · Initial ramp reported separately as 38 to 41 dBA
ServeTheHome · 15:43
5How much electricity does it use?
GMKtec NucBox K17
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Idle wall power Not available
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CPU stress wall power Not available
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25GbE adapter power Not available
MINISFORUM MS-02 Ultra
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Idle wall power 18.3 to 20.6 W
ServeTheHome reported 18.3 to 20.6 W at idle with the Intel E810 25GbE adapter enabled.
Windows desktop idle · Intel E810 25GbE adapter enabled
ServeTheHome · 15:00 -
CPU stress wall power 145 W
ServeTheHome reported a brief rise to about 190 W during a CPU stress test, followed by about 145 W at the system level after the initial burst.
CPU stress test after the initial burst
ServeTheHome · 15:37 -
25GbE adapter power 8 to 12 W
ServeTheHome estimated that disabling the Intel E810 25GbE adapter could reduce idle consumption by roughly 8 to 12 W.
Estimated idle-power reduction · Intel E810 25GbE adapter disabled
ServeTheHome · 14:30
6Can I upgrade and connect everything?
GMKtec NucBox K17
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Memory is upgradeable No
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Storage is upgradeable Yes
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USB4 is present Not available
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Internal expansion Not available
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Reviewer expansion assessment Not available
MINISFORUM MS-02 Ultra
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Memory is upgradeable Yes
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Storage is upgradeable Yes
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USB4 is present Yes
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Internal expansion 4x M.2 and 3x PCIe
The 285HX model provides four M.2 2280 slots plus PCIe 5.0 x16, PCIe 4.0 x16, and PCIe 4.0 x4 expansion slots; the 25GbE card occupies one internal slot as shipped.
Manufacturer expansion-layout check · MS-02U-285HX
MINISFORUM -
Reviewer expansion assessment Multiple PCIe cards plus 4x M.2
ServeTheHome verified that the system can accommodate multiple low-profile PCIe cards while retaining room for four M.2 SSDs and expandable memory, calling the overall expansion package a major strength.
Hands-on internal-layout assessment · Core Ultra 9 285HX, 64GB DDR5-4800, 1TB SSD, 25GbE adapter
ServeTheHome · 16:05
7Is it good value?
GMKtec NucBox K17
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Barebone list price Not available
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Reviewer value tradeoff Not available
MINISFORUM MS-02 Ultra
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Barebone list price $1,449
MINISFORUM lists the Core Ultra 9 285HX barebone at $1,449 before temporary discounts.
Manufacturer retail-price check · Core Ultra 9 285HX barebone, US adapter
MINISFORUM -
Reviewer value tradeoff Value depends on using its scalability
NASCompares called the MS-02 Ultra expensive and enthusiast-focused, but argued that its value comes from future scalability; buyers who do not need that headroom were directed toward the smaller MS-01 or MS-A2.
Review-date value and target-user assessment · Core Ultra 9 285HX, non-ECC memory and installed storage; capacities not stated
NASCompares · 26:17
8Will it be dependable?
GMKtec NucBox K17
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A supplied BIOS update fixed inconsistent performance
Robtech reported large performance changes between power cycles on his review unit. He said a BIOS supplied by GMKtec, dated August 13, fixed the issue. This records his result; the installed firmware on current retail units is unconfirmed.
Robtech · 3:05 -
Batocera 43 connected to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
Team Pandory booted Batocera 43 from USB and reported working Wi-Fi and an 8BitDo Pro 3 Bluetooth controller on his 16GB/512GB unit. This is a basic compatibility check for that configuration.
Team Pandory · 10:27 -
Setup complexity Not available
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Seller warranty Not available
MINISFORUM MS-02 Ultra
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A supplied BIOS update fixed inconsistent performance Not available
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Batocera 43 connected to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Not available
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Setup complexity Manual tuning recommended
NASCompares said the system was not at its best without manual tuning and cautioned that it required more setup work than a typical ready-to-use mini PC.
Review conclusion after configuration and testing · Core Ultra 9 285HX review unit with non-ECC memory
NASCompares · 25:07 -
Seller warranty 2 years
The MINISFORUM US store lists a two-year seller warranty for the MS-02 Ultra.
Manufacturer warranty-policy check
MINISFORUM
References
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GMKtec. NucBox K17 specifications and US configuration. Product page. Accessed .
Configuration: Core Ultra 5 226V / 16GB LPDDR5X / 1TB SSD / black / US plug
Disclosure: Manufacturer specifications; no MiniPCBench measurements.
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Robtech. One of Their Best Mini PCs Yet, BUT...GMKtec K17 Review. Video review. . Accessed .
Configuration: Core Ultra 5 226V / 16GB LPDDR5X-8533 / 1TB eKit Store PCIe 4.0 SSD / Windows 11 Pro. Reviewer tested a supplied August 13 BIOS update; Balanced and Performance modes.
Disclosure: Free review sample and affiliate links disclosed.
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Team Pandory. This $559 Mini PC Has Surprisingly Powerful Graphics! [GMKTEC K17 Review]. Video review. . Accessed .
Configuration: Core Ultra 5 226V / 16GB LPDDR5X-8533 / 512GB PCIe 4.0 SSD / Windows 11 Pro; Batocera 43. Firmware version unconfirmed.
Disclosure: Free review sample and affiliate links disclosed.
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MINISFORUM. MINISFORUM product specifications. Product page. Accessed .
Configuration: Core Ultra 9 285HX barebone
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ServeTheHome. The BEST 25GbE Homelab Node Minisforum MS-02 Ultra. Video review. . Accessed .
Configuration: Core Ultra 9 285HX, 64GB DDR5-4800, 1TB SSD, 25GbE adapter
Disclosure: ServeTheHome did not state how the review unit was acquired.
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ETA PRIME. The Most Versatile Mini PC Ever! MS-02 Ultra First Look. Video review. . Accessed .
Configuration: Core Ultra 9 285HX, 64GB DDR5, 1TB SSD, Windows, low-profile RTX 5060; 90 W PL1 and 110 W PL2
Disclosure: ETA PRIME did not state how the unit was acquired; the description contains affiliate links and the video includes a sponsored software-key segment.
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NASCompares. Minisforum MS-02 Ultra Review. Video review. . Accessed .
Configuration: Core Ultra 9 285HX, non-ECC memory and installed storage; capacities not stated
Disclosure: NASCompares said MINISFORUM supplied the hardware without payment or advance review; the description contains affiliate links.
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 K17
Higher listed specifications for MINISFORUM MS-02 Ultra
- Supports 240 GB more memory
- Provides 4 storage slots versus 2
Verified specifications
Manufacturer-sourced specifications and current testing status
Processor
| Specification | NucBox K17 | MS-02 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Intel Core Ultra 5 226V | Intel Core Ultra 9 285HX |
| Cores / threads | 8 / 8 | 24 / 24 |
| Processor default TDP | Not disclosed | 55 W |
| Integrated graphics | Intel Arc 130V | Intel Graphics |
Memory and storage
| Specification | NucBox K17 | MS-02 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Memory type | LPDDR5X, up to 8533 MT/s, onboard | DDR5-4800 ECC SODIMM |
| Maximum memory | 16 GB | 256 GB |
| Upgradeable memory | No | Yes |
| Storage slots | 2 | 4 |
Connectivity
| Specification | NucBox K17 | MS-02 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Ethernet | 1 x 2.5GbE | Dual 25GbE + 10GbE + 2.5GbE |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2 | Wi-Fi 7 + Bluetooth 5.4 |
| USB4 | Yes | Yes |
| Thunderbolt | Not published | No |
Size and price
| Specification | NucBox K17 | MS-02 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Enclosure volume | Not published | 4.8 liters |
| List price | Not published | $1,449 |
| Product class | Not assigned | Mini workstation |