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For the simplest first boot, connect one monitor directly to the GMKtec M8, plug in a wired USB keyboard, and attach Ethernet if available. Connect the included power adapter last, switch on the mini PC, and follow the Windows setup prompts. If your M8 was sold as a barebone system, its first screen may differ because it may not have Windows installed.
What you need for the first boot
- A monitor and a suitable video cable: GMKtec lists HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort 1.4, and a USB4 port with DisplayPort 1.4 support. The product page also lists an HDMI cable as included, so check the box before buying another cable. GMKtec M8 specifications
- A wired USB keyboard: GMKtec’s first-boot guidance recommends one. The M8 has USB-A ports, including three USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports and one USB 2.0 port, for common wired peripherals. GMKtec support and setup guidance
- Network access, if available: Ethernet is optional; you can select Wi-Fi during Windows setup instead.
- The included power adapter: GMKtec lists a 20 V / 5 A, 100 W adapter in the box. GMKtec M8 specifications
A mouse can also be useful, but it is not required to connect the essentials described here.
Choose how to connect the monitor
Use the input your monitor supports and a matching cable. GMKtec lists three video-capable connection options for the M8:
| Connection | M8 specification | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| HDMI | HDMI 2.0 | Use the included HDMI cable if it suits your monitor’s input. |
| DisplayPort | DisplayPort 1.4 | Confirm that the monitor has a DisplayPort input and that you have a suitable cable. |
| USB4 | USB4 with DisplayPort 1.4 support | Confirm the monitor and cable support the connection you intend to use. |
For an uncomplicated first check, connect the monitor directly to the M8 rather than starting through a dock or adapter, if a direct connection is available. The listed port capabilities do not guarantee that every cable, adapter, dock, or monitor combination will work as expected.
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- PREMIUM OFFICE GAMING PC MINI COMPUTER - The Nucbox M8 Mini PC is a small form factor Desktop Micro Mini Computer with an AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 6650H (6C/12T 3.30Ghz Base speed with Turbo speed up to 4.5Ghz) processor. The GPU is integrated with a powerful AMD Radeon 660M 12 Cores Graphics Card; Experience smooth, lag-free performance that handles everything from mid-range gaming sessions to 4K video editing with ease.
- BLAZING-FAST MEMORY SPEED & STORAGE EXPANSION - Fly through tasks with ultra-fast 16GB LPDDR5 6400MT/S RAM and a 512GB NVMe SSD. With dual M.2 2280 slots supporting up to 4TB per slot, 8TB total storage, you have immense room for your entire game library, projects, and media files.
- ULTIMATE CONNECTIVITY MINI GAMING PC - Unlock desktop-level graphics with the exclusive Oculink port for a direct, high-speed eGPU connection. Plus, a versatile USB4 port (40Gbps, PD Charging, Video) offers incredible flexibility for the ultimate gaming or workstation setup.
- HYPER-SPEED TRANSFERS & DUAL LAN POWER - Transfer large files in seconds with USB 3.2 Gen2 ports (10Gbps) and WiFi 6E. The dual 2.5GbE LAN ports enable advanced networking, link aggregation for double the speed, or hosting a powerful server, all from a device that fits in your hand.
- COMMAND A TRIPLE DISPLAY WORKSTATION - Create an immersive and highly productive multi-display setup. Connect up to three displays simultaneously using the combination of HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort 1.4, and USB4/DP ports for a seamless workflow or an epic, multi-screen gaming work environment.
Choose Ethernet or Wi-Fi
Ethernet: use either RJ45 port
If you have a network cable and a router or network outlet nearby, connect the cable to either of the M8’s two RJ45 2.5G Ethernet ports. GMKtec lists two ports, but that link capability is not a promise of a particular internet speed; actual performance depends on your network equipment, service, and conditions. GMKtec M8 specifications
Wi-Fi: connect during Windows setup
If you do not want to run an Ethernet cable, continue to the network screen in Windows setup and select your wireless network. GMKtec lists Wi-Fi 6E, with an advertised maximum of up to 2.4 Gbps; that is a vendor specification, not a measured internet-speed result. The router and local network must also support the relevant wireless features, and real-world results vary with network and placement. GMKtec M8 specifications
Rank #2
- PREMIUM OFFICE GAMING PC MINI COMPUTER - The Nucbox M8 Mini PC is a small form factor Desktop Micro Mini Computer with an AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 6650H (6C/12T 3.30Ghz Base speed with Turbo speed up to 4.5Ghz) processor. The GPU is integrated with a powerful AMD Radeon 660M 12 Cores Graphics Card; Experience smooth, lag-free performance that handles everything from mid-range gaming sessions to 4K video editing with ease.
- BLAZING-FAST MEMORY SPEED & STORAGE EXPANSION - Fly through tasks with ultra-fast 16GB LPDDR5 6400MT/S RAM and a 1TB NVMe SSD. With dual M.2 2280 slots supporting up to 4TB per slot, 8TB total storage, you have immense room for your entire game library, projects, and media files.
- ULTIMATE CONNECTIVITY FOR GAMERS & PROS - Unlock desktop-level graphics with the exclusive Oculink port for a direct, high-speed eGPU connection. Plus, a versatile USB4 port (40Gbps, PD Charging, Video) offers incredible flexibility for the ultimate gaming or workstation setup.
- HYPER-SPEED TRANSFERS & DUAL LAN POWER - Transfer large files in seconds with USB 3.2 Gen2 ports (10Gbps) and WiFi 6E. The dual 2.5GbE LAN ports enable advanced networking, link aggregation for double the speed, or hosting a powerful server, all from a device that fits in your hand.
- COMMAND A TRIPLE DISPLAY WORKSTATION - Create an immersive and highly productive multi-display setup. Connect up to three displays simultaneously using the combination of HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort 1.4, and USB4/DP ports for a seamless workflow or an epic, multi-screen gaming work environment.
Connect the essentials and start the M8
- Place the mini PC on a firm surface and keep its ventilation openings clear, following GMKtec’s first-boot guidance. GMKtec support and setup guidance
- Connect one monitor directly to HDMI, DisplayPort, or the USB4 display-capable port, using a cable that matches the monitor.
- Plug a wired USB keyboard into a USB-A port. Connect a mouse too if you want one.
- For wired networking, connect an Ethernet cable to either RJ45 port. Otherwise, leave Ethernet disconnected and choose Wi-Fi in Windows setup.
- Connect the included power adapter last, then switch on the M8.
- Follow the on-screen Windows prompts for region, keyboard layout, network, privacy, and account. Allow each stage to finish rather than forcing a shutdown.
What to expect from a configured or barebone M8
A system sold with Windows and storage configured should normally proceed to Windows setup. A barebone M8 with a blank SSD may show a different boot experience, such as booting toward installation media instead of Windows setup. Check the configuration on your order before changing firmware settings; do not change firmware options without a specific symptom and verified instructions.
If the network is missing after setup
If Windows does not show Wi-Fi or Ethernet after setup, treat that as a troubleshooting issue rather than a normal first-boot step. GMKtec’s support material suggests checking or resetting network settings, trying another Ethernet cable, or restarting the router. Its support page also lists an M8 user manual, driver packages, and a Windows 11 Pro system image; consult the current listings for official downloads. GMKtec support downloads and troubleshooting
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Rank #3
- VERSATILE MINI PC FOR WORK, HOME & GAMING - GMKtec NucBox M8 combines an AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 6650H processor, Radeon 660M graphics, 16GB LPDDR5 memory, and a 1TB SSD in a compact desktop. It is designed for office productivity, coding, online learning, research, video calls, creative projects, livestreaming, media playback, and mainstream PC gaming at settings suited to integrated graphics. The 6-core, 12-thread platform provides responsive multitasking for home users, students, creators, and small-business environments.
- AMD RYZEN 5 PRO 6650H + RADEON 660M GRAPHICS - Built with Zen 3+ architecture and a 6nm process, the Ryzen 5 PRO 6650H features 6 cores, 12 threads, a 3.3GHz base clock, and up to 4.5GHz boost, with 3MB L2 and 16MB L3 cache. Radeon 660M integrated graphics provides 6 graphics cores running at up to 1,900MHz for smooth desktop visuals, high-resolution media playback, and capable integrated-graphics gaming.
- 16GB LPDDR5-6400MT/S + 1TB PCIe SSD - This 16GB+1TB configuration includes 16GB LPDDR5-6400 memory and a 1TB M.2 2280 PCIe 3.0 SSD for quick startup, responsive application loading, and convenient space for documents, projects, software, and media. The memory is onboard and not user-replaceable. Two M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 x4 slots support storage expansion up to 16TB total, with up to 8TB per drive. Upgrades are not included.
- THREE BIOS POWER MODES + DUAL-FAN COOLING - Select the operating profile that matches your workload: Silent Mode at 28W, Balanced Mode at 35W, or Performance Mode at 40W. The M8 uses a dual-fan cooling architecture with dedicated CPU and system airflow, surrounding intake vents, and smart fan control to help manage heat during multitasking, creative applications, and gaming. BIOS-selectable profiles let you prioritize lower power operation or higher performance when needed.
- TRIPLE-DISPLAY SUPPORT + HIGH-RESOLUTION OUTPUT - Run up to three displays simultaneously through HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort 1.4, and USB4. The specification lists up to 8K@60Hz support for the HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort outputs, while USB4 provides DisplayPort 1.4 video at up to 4K@60Hz. Create a multi-screen workspace for spreadsheets, research, meetings, content creation, monitoring, digital signage, or entertainment. Actual resolution depends on the display, cable, and output combination.
One connection to leave for later: OCuLink
OCuLink is not needed to connect a monitor, keyboard, or network for first boot. GMKtec warns that it does not support hot-plugging, so only connect or disconnect OCuLink while the M8 is powered off. GMKtec M8 specifications
Quick Recap
Best Value
- POWERFUL OFFICE & LIGHT GAMING MINI PC --- The GMKtec NucBox G10 features the AMD Ryzen 5 3500U (4C/8T, up to 3.7GHz) with Radeon Vega 8 Graphics up to 1200MHz. Built on Zen+ 12nm architecture, it delivers 35% faster performance than Intel N150/N100 series chips, making it ideal for light gaming, video playback, home office, and multitasking workstations.
- HIGH-SPEED 16GB DUAL DDR4 + 512GB PCIe SSD --- Comes preinstalled with 16GB dual-channel DDR4 (2×8GB) and a 512GB M.2 PCIe 3.0 SSD for blazing-fast boot, load, and transfer speeds. Easily upgradeable up to 32GB RAM and 2×8TB SSDs with dual M.2 2280 PCIe 3.0 slots for unmatched storage flexibility.
- SMOOTH TRIPLE 4K@60Hz DISPLAY OUTPUT --- Supports triple-display setup via HDMI 2.1 TMDS, DisplayPort 1.4, and USB-C. The Radeon Vega 8 GPU handles 4K@60Hz video editing, office visuals, and casual design tasks smoothly. Ideal for financial trading, productivity dashboards, and multi-window workflows.
- 2.5GbE ULTRA-FAST NETWORKING + SERVER READY --- Equipped with a 2.5GbE RJ45 LAN port, the G10 offers up to 2500Mbps stable wired internet speed. Perfect for office work, media server setups, Pfsense, Untangle routers, or secure network appliances. No more bottlenecks in data-intensive environments.
- COMPACT SIZE, FULL I/O, NEXT-GEN WIRELESS --- Palm-sized mini desktop comes packed with dual USB 3.2 Gen1, USB 2.0, USB-C (Full-Function: PD/DP/Data), DisplayPort, HDMI, and 3.5mm audio jack. Stay connected with WiFi 5 + Bluetooth 5.2. Great for office desks, minimalist setups, or VESA mounting.
Rank #4
- Flagship AMD Ryzen 5 PRO Performance - Powered by the AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 6650H (6 Cores / 12 Threads, up to 4.5GHz), the M8 delivers desktop-class performance for demanding office workloads, content creation, multitasking, and mid-range gaming.
- High-Performance Radeon 660M Graphics - Equipped with integrated AMD Radeon 660M (12 CUs), this mini PC handles smooth 4K video editing, high-resolution media playback, and mainstream gaming with stable, lag-free performance.
- Ultra-Fast LPDDR5 Memory & Massive Storage Expansion - Features 16GB LPDDR5 6400 MT/s high-speed memory and a 512GB NVMe SSD. Dual M.2 2280 slots support up to 8TB total storage, giving you massive space for games, projects, and media.
- OCuLink + USB4 for True External GPU Expansion - Exclusive OCuLink port enables direct high-speed eGPU connection, while the full-function USB4 (40Gbps) supports data transfer, power delivery, and video output—unlocking workstation and gaming-level expansion.
- Dual 2.5GbE LAN & WiFi 6E for Extreme Networking - Dual 2.5G Ethernet ports support link aggregation, virtualization, and home server setups. Built-in WiFi 6E ensures ultra-fast, low-latency wireless connectivity.
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