GMKtec has launched the M3S, a compact mini PC built around Intel’s new Core 3 304 processor. It’s a budget-focused machine, but one that brings Intel’s latest low-power silicon, an NPU for on-device AI tasks and some useful connectivity, including USB4 and 2.5G Ethernet.

The Core 3 304 is part of Intel’s Wildcat Lake family and uses a hybrid design with one performance core reaching up to 4.3GHz and four low-power efficient cores, for five cores and five threads in total. Graphics come from Intel’s integrated Xe3-based GPU, and there’s an NPU rated at 15 TOPS for AI workloads. The chip runs at a 15W base power, which should mean a cool and quiet machine.

Memory, storage and connectivity

GMKtec pairs the processor with 12GB of LPDDR5 memory, and the M3S is offered with either a 256GB or 512GB SSD. There are dual M.2 slots, so adding a second drive for a photo library or backups is straightforward, which is something we always look for in a mini PC used for image storage.

Connectivity includes USB4, Wi-Fi 6 and 2.5G Ethernet, and GMKtec says the M3S can drive three 4K displays.

Where it fits

We’ve covered plenty of high-end AI mini PCs on Camera Jabber, from the GMKtec EVO-X2 to the Minisforum MS-S1 Max, but the M3S is aimed at a very different buyer. This is a small, low-power box for office work, web browsing, media playback and light photo organisation rather than heavy raw processing or running large AI models locally. The 15 TOPS NPU is enough for Windows’ built-in AI features and some lightweight AI tools, but don’t expect it to replace a machine with a Ryzen AI Max chip.

One thing to keep in mind is that memory is soldered LPDDR5, so the 12GB you buy is the 12GB you’ll keep. For a basic home office or second machine that’s fine, but anyone planning to work with large image libraries may want something with more headroom.

GMKtec M3S specifications

GMKtec M3S price and availability

The GMKtec M3S is available now from GMKtec’s US store at a sale price of $389.99 (regular price $519.99). GMKtec also sells through its UK store, although UK pricing has yet to be confirmed.