Yet, despite its small size, it boasts impressive processing and graphics abilities.
One of the big features of the small K9 is its expandability.
Thanks to the Intel Ultra 5 125H processor, the K9’s performance in everyday use is impressive.
Office applications run smoothly, and creative programmes likePhotoshopand Da Vinci Resolve benefit from the system’s robust capabilities.
However, like most Mini PCs, the K9 struggles slightly with gaming.
While it performs well in reduced prefs, it doesn’t match the graphics power of dedicated desktop PCs.
When comparing the K9 with the K8, the choice boils down to the preference between Intel and AMD.
The K8’s graphics performance edges out slightly, while the K9 excels in processing speed.
Check out ourGMKtec NucBox K8 reviewandGMKtec NucBox K6 reviewto see how the K9 compares.
Both the32GB/1TB modeland the32GB/2TB modelare also available onAmazon.
However, it suffers from the same design issues highlighted in the K8 review.
Nevertheless, the overall look and feel are pleasing, albeit slightly cheaper than some competitor models.
The big difference between the two machines is the switch from the AMD chipset to Intel.
Access to the inner hardware is relatively straightforward.
No tools are required to pry off the top plate, revealing the small cooling fan.
The fan plate itself is held in place by four small screws.
The usual array of ports is on the front and back of the machine.
This combination enables you to run high demand applications such as Photoshop and Premiere Pro.
This technology is compatible with OpenVINO, Windows ML, DirectML, and ONNX RT.
Although the position on the front is slightly odd, it is still functional.
Networking options are in the form of dual 2.5Gbps LAN ports, WiFi 6, and Bluetooth 5.2.
Again, the positioning of the USB4 port on the front rather than the back is slightly unusual.
By any measure,, these speeds are fast.
In GeekBench, the K9 achieves a single-core score of 10863 and a multi-core score of 2231.
Meanwhile, the respectable multi-core score highlights the ability to handle multi-threaded applications like DaVinci Resolve.
In this sense, having the USB4 port on the front of the machine makes sense.
The K9 also performs well with the PCMark benchmark, scoring 6410.
These scores highlight decent rendering capabilities, which are reflected in the real world use of DaVinci and Lightroom.
The 3DMark Fire Strike and Time Spy benchmarks provide an insight into the K9’s graphic performance.
The Wild Life benchmark score of 18016 supports the Mini PC’s capabilities for video editing and moderate gaming.
In real-world use, the K9 performs exceptionally well with a range of software.
The machine connects to laser engravers without issue, and all addition firmware support was easily installed.
The ease of expansion also means that it is relatively future-proof and should provide you with years of use.
When it comes to side-by-side comparison with the AMD K8, the two machines are closely aligned.
However, while this machine is powerful, its gaming performance and plastic build may put off some.
Although the plastic build might not feel premium, it still remains robust.
The K9 has many points going for it.
Should I buy a GMKtec NucBox K9?
Buy it if…
It would help if you had a compact workstation.
It would help if you had a gaming powerhouse.
The gaming performance could be better.
If high-end gaming is your priority, a dedicated gaming PC would be a better choice.
You prefer premium build quality.
The plastic build may feel less premium compared to metal alternatives.
If build quality is a key concern, consider other options with a more solid construction.
If you specifically want Thunderbolt then you oughta look elsewhere.
It might be worth waiting to see how they exploit it before investing.
But it’s another powerful small system to consider.
It can be bought as barebones with only the processor installed.
Check out ourMinisforum Venus NPB7 review
