GMKtec G9 Mini PC NAS Intel N150 Dual Boot 512GB SSD Review: Pros, Cons & Rumors Debunked

GMKtec Mini PC NAS, G9 Intel N150 Dual Boot System Desktop Computer 12GB DDR5 64GB EMMC +512GB SSD, 4*M.2 NVMe Slots, Dual NIC 2.5GbE, USB-C/USB 3.2 10Gbps, Network Attached Storage

Harness quad-core Intel N150 power, 12GB DDR5, and 64GB eMMC+512GB SSD in a compact NAS-hybrid mini PC. Four M.2 slots and dual boot Windows 11 Pro/Ubuntu deliver unmatched storage and versatility.
Energize your network and workspace with dual 2.5GbE ports, USB-C/USB 3.2 Gen2 10Gbps, triple 4K@60Hz display support, and whisper-quiet cooling fans for seamless multitasking and streaming.

The GMKtec G9 delivers a versatile mini PC and NAS hybrid with solid everyday performance.
Users praise its dual-boot capability, extensive connectivity and quick support response.
Thermal management and pricing are the most cited concerns but rarely fatal to functionality.
No widespread rumors of major failures or hidden flaws; most negatives are use-case specific.

Combines PC and NAS features in a compact form.
Key specs include Intel N150 CPU, 4× M.2 slots, dual 2.5GbE NICs.

Table of contents

Product Overview
GMKtec G9 Review: Honest Findings
Positive Feedback & Highlights
Negative Reviews & Rumor Analysis
Who Should Consider GMKtec G9?
Conclusion: Final Verdict

Product Overview

The GMKtec G9 Mini PC NAS is a hybrid desktop computer designed to serve both as a Windows/Linux workstation and a network-attached storage hub. Powered by Intel’s Twin Lake N150 processor (4 cores/4 threads, burst up to 3.6 GHz) and pre-loaded with Windows 11 Pro and Ubuntu 24.10, it offers a flexible dual-boot environment. Storage options include 64 GB eMMC for Ubuntu, a 512 GB SSD for Windows, plus four M.2 NVMe slots for additional drives. Networking is robust, with dual Intel i226V 2.5 GbE ports, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2 and USB-C/USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports. Cooling is handled by three fans targeting the CPU and SSD/DRAM compartments, promising low noise levels (33–36 dB).

This mini PC stands out by marrying NAS capabilities—requiring separate software—to desktop computing power, making it an attractive option for home offices, light servers, and media centers. Its compact design and triple-screen output (two HDMI 2.0 + USB-C DisplayPort) add versatility for multitasking and entertainment setups.

General usability, performance and build quality earn consistent praise.
Strong support response and firmware updates address early issues.

GMKtec G9 Review: Honest Findings

Across dozens of verified user reports, the G9 has proven to be a reliable performer for everyday tasks such as web browsing, office work, and media playback. Memory configurations up to 16 GB DDR5 and NVMe storage ensure snappy boot-times and multitasking. Pre-installed Windows 11 Pro boots quickly and remains responsive even under light load. Users also report satisfactory Ubuntu performance (with occasional Wi-Fi driver tweaks) when deploying Linux-based applications.

Build quality is typically described as solid, though the plastic chassis can trap heat. Customer service has been highlighted repeatedly for rapid part replacement and BIOS updates to refine thermal curves. Real-world tests show the dual Intel 2.5 GbE NICs working seamlessly with Proxmox, OPNSense and VMware ESXi, making the G9 a compelling choice for entry-level virtualization and firewall tasks.

Windows 11 Pro and Linux dual-boot is a standout feature.
USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2, HDMI and dual LAN offer broad connectivity.

Positive Feedback & Highlights

Many users were initially drawn by the dual-boot convenience. Installing Windows from the M.2 SSD and Ubuntu on the eMMC allows seamless switching for different workloads. Home office users praised the ability to run Office suites, browsers, and media apps without hiccups. The availability of Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 further enhances wireless performance, with speeds reported up to 300 Mbps down.

Expandability is another highlight. The four M.2 slots let hobbyists pack terabytes of storage for Plex media servers or backups. Several reviewers noted that attaching heatsinks to NVMe drives and adjusting the BIOS fan curve significantly improved temperatures—often guided by GMKtec’s responsive support team. Triple screen output at 4K@60 Hz was also praised for boosting productivity in compact spaces.

Also notable is the inclusion of dual 2.5 GbE Intel NICs. Unlike Realtek alternatives, these ports integrate smoothly with FreeBSD and OPNSense, enabling rock-solid home router or firewall setups. Users running lightweight virtualization environments report stable networking and adequate CPU headroom for small labs.

Finally, the overall value proposition stands strong: for around $150–200, buyers get a fully functional mini desktop with storage and networking features often costing more when sourced separately.

The most frequent complaints center on heat under load.
Price points attract debate over competing N100 mini PCs.

Negative Reviews & Rumor Analysis

While no evidence points to widespread defects or scandalous rumors, two issues recur in negative feedback:

Thermal Management Concerns

Numerous users report high surface temperatures around the SSD and side vents under sustained load. The enclosed plastic shell traps heat, sometimes pushing NVMe drives and the CPU close to thermal limits. Remedies include:

Applying heatsinks to M.2 drives and leaving the bottom cover off.
Customizing fan curves via BIOS to ramp up earlier.
Supplemental cooling, such as external USB fans or desk-based airflow.

Despite these measures, very few cases report hardware failure due to heat. Most users successfully mitigate temperatures through simple mods or firmware updates guided by GMKtec support.

Price vs. Competing Mini PCs

A handful of critics feel the G9 is overpriced relative to other Intel N100 or N95 systems like Radxa X4 or Raspberry Pi-based alternatives. After factoring in shipping, taxes, and the need for extra coolers, some buyers find comparable options 50–70% cheaper. However, these alternatives may lack dual-boot storage, dual 2.5 GbE, or triple-screen outputs, making direct comparisons imperfect.

Rumors of “hidden fees” or “worthless software” are unfounded—GMKtec doesn’t bundle NAS software, making buyers responsible for their preferred NAS solution. No reports suggest deliberate hardware misrepresentation or firmware backdoors.

Great for users needing compact dual-boot and NAS capabilities.
Less ideal for heavy compute or enclosure-sensitive cooling needs.

Who Should Consider GMKtec G9?

The G9 excels for:

Home office professionals seeking a quiet, low-power Windows 11 Pro machine with multiple outputs.
Hobbyists and small labs deploying lightweight virtualization, OPNSense or Proxmox with dependable Intel NICs.
Media enthusiasts building a Plex or file server with expandable NVMe storage and NAS software.

Less recommended for:

Users requiring sustained heavy CPU/GPU workloads (e.g., gaming or rendering).
Deployments in hot environments without adequate airflow.
Buyers on a tight budget who can sacrifice dual-boot ease or 2.5 GbE networking for a cheaper board.

If you value out-of-the-box dual-boot, robust networking and flexible storage over absolute cost-minimization, the GMKtec G9 is a strong contender.

Balance positive versatility with minor thermal tweaks.
No major complaints or lasting rumors undermine core functionality.

Conclusion: Final Verdict

After a thorough review of user experiences, no credible rumors of systemic defects or shady practices surface. The GMKtec G9 is generally well-received for its hybrid NAS/desktop role, dual-boot convenience, and reliable networking. Thermal management and price competitiveness represent its only sticking points, but both can be addressed by modest investments in cooling or by comparing feature sets against budget alternatives.

Overall, the G9 stands as a versatile, cost-effective mini PC for light to moderate workloads, offering features usually found in higher-end systems. Serious buyers should plan for simple cooling enhancements and ensure the price aligns with their specific needs. With attentive customer support and a proven track record, the GMKtec G9 earns a solid recommendation for those seeking compact power and flexibility without hidden catches.