GMKtec has officially launched the NucBox K15 mini PC in the global market. Following its initial launch in China earlier this month, it is now available worldwide. This compact system is available on GMKtec’s official store, with prices starting at $359.99 for the barebones configuration.
The NucBox K15 is positioned as an affordable, space-saving PC designed for productivity, AI workloads, and expandable graphics performance through external GPU support.
Intel Core Ultra Brings AI Acceleration to a Budget Mini PC
Instead of relying on older, low-power CPUs, GMKtec has equipped the NucBox K15 with Intel’s Core Ultra 5 125U, part of the Meteor Lake lineup. This processor combines performance cores, efficiency cores, and low-power cores, allowing the system to adapt between quiet, low-load operation and more consistent performance under heavier workloads.
The power limit can be configured between 15W and 35W, making this mini PC suitable for both quiet office use and demanding multitasking. Intel Arc integrated graphics handle display output and light graphics workloads, while Intel’s AI Boost NPU enables local AI inference alongside the CPU and GPU. GMKtec claims this platform delivers 21 TOPS of INT8 AI performance when utilizing all compute blocks.
OCuLink Enables High-Bandwidth External GPU Expansion
One of the standout features of the NucBox K15 is its OCuLink (PCIe Gen4 ×4) port, a feature rarely seen in mini PCs in this price range. Unlike USB-based eGPU solutions, OCuLink provides direct PCIe connectivity, significantly reducing bandwidth limitations when used with an external graphics card enclosure.
The GMKtec also features a USB4 port with 40Gbps bandwidth, DisplayPort support, and up to 100W power input. While the USB4 port can be used for docks and displays, the OCuLink port is intended for users who want desktop-class GPU performance from a compact system. The company states that OCuLink connections are not hot-swappable and require the system to be powered off before connecting or disconnecting.
Memory and Storage Go Beyond Typical Mini PC Limits
Internal expandability is another area where the NucBox K15 truly stands out. This system supports up to 96GB of DDR5 memory across two SO-DIMM slots, a capacity typically found in larger, small-form-factor workstations.
Storage support is equally impressive. GMKtec has included three M.2 2280 slots in this mini PC, allowing users to install up to 24TB of NVMe SSD storage. This makes the NucBox K15 ideal for local media libraries, development environments, or data-intensive workloads that would typically exceed the capabilities of entry-level mini PCs.
Connectivity and Multi-Display Support
Despite its compact chassis, the NucBox K15 offers a wide selection of I/O. Ports include HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4, USB-C, multiple USB-A connections, and dual 2.5Gb Ethernet. Wireless connectivity is handled by Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2.
GMKtec states that the system can drive up to four displays simultaneously, with support for 8K output at 60Hz, depending on the display configuration. This positions the mini PC as a viable option for multi-monitor productivity setups.
Global Pricing and Configurations
The NucBox K15 is now available internationally with the following options:
- Barebones: $359.99
- 16GB RAM + 1TB SSD: $579.99
- 32GB RAM + 1TB SSD: $699.99
The system ships with Windows 11 pre-installed and also supports Linux distributions, including Ubuntu.
A Small PC Focused on Expansion, Not Just Specs
Instead of competing purely on raw performance numbers, GMKtec has focused on expandability and I/O flexibility with the NucBox K15. Features such as OCuLink, USB4, multiple NVMe slots, and dual 2.5Gb Ethernet are typically reserved for more expensive systems.
With its global launch now underway, the NucBox K15 positions itself as a compact desktop for users who want long-term upgrade options without moving to a full-size PC.
Sources: GMKTec via Notebookcheck
