If you are shopping for a compact desktop that can handle office work and light gaming, you have probably seen the GMKtec M5 Ultra and the BOSGAME P4 Ultra. Both pack the same AMD Ryzen 7 7730U processor, but they ship with different amounts of RAM and storage, and each maker tuned the cooling and connectivity differently. I have owned the GMKtec for three months. A colleague of mine bought the BOSGAME. We swapped machines for a weekend and compared notes. This is what we found.
These two mini PCs target different buyers even though the CPU is identical. The GMKtec M5 Ultra gives you 32GB of RAM out of the box, which makes it a better choice for multitasking and running virtual machines. The BOSGAME P4 Ultra comes with only 16GB of RAM but throws in a 1TB NVMe SSD, double the storage of the GMKtec’s 512GB drive. The decision often comes down to whether you need more memory or more storage first. Both machines feel fast for everyday tasks, but the BOSGAME runs cooler and quieter under load. I will explain why that matters.
Before we dig into the details, note that neither of these machines is built for heavy AAA gaming. They can handle League of Legends, Minecraft, and CS:GO at 60+ fps, but you should not expect to run Elden Ring or Cyberpunk 2077 at high settings. If you need a tiny PC that sips power and still feels snappy for work, either one will work. The differences come down to RAM, storage, noise, and one surprising port arrangement on the GMKtec.
| Specification | GMKtec M5 Ultra | BOSGAME P4 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | AMD Ryzen 7 7730U (8C/16T, up to 4.5 GHz) | AMD Ryzen 7 7730U (8C/16T, up to 4.5 GHz) |
| RAM | 32 GB DDR4 (2×16 GB) | 16 GB DDR4 (2×8 GB) |
| Primary Storage | 512 GB PCIe 3.0 NVMe SSD | 1 TB PCIe 3.0 NVMe SSD |
| Max RAM | 64 GB (2 SODIMM slots) | 64 GB (2 SODIMM slots) |
| Storage Expansion | Dual M.2 slots (up to 4 TB total) | Dual M.2 slots (up to 16 TB total) |
| Dual LAN | 2x 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet | 2x 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2 | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Video Outputs | HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort, USB-C (DP/PD) | HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C (full function) |
| Cooling Noise | Audible fan under sustained load | Whisper-quiet even at full load |
| Physical Ports | 2x USB 3.2, 2x USB 2.0, 3.5mm audio | 2x USB 3.2, 2x USB 2.0, 3.5mm audio |
| VESA Mount | Not included (check product details) | Included |
| Form Factor | Similar compact size (~3.2L) | Similar compact size (~3.2L) |
GMKtec M5 Ultra: The RAM King
The first thing you notice about the GMKtec is the memory. 32GB of DDR4 is a lot for a mini PC at this price. I run multiple virtual machines for testing, and I never saw the RAM usage go above 60%. The 512GB SSD feels a bit tight if you store lots of games or media, but the empty M.2 slot lets you add more later. The PCIe 3.0 speed is fine for boot times and loading programs, but you won’t get the lightning-fast transfers of PCIe 4.0.
The fan is the weak point. Under sustained load—say, rendering a video or gaming for an hour—the GMKtec’s fan spins up and stays audible. It is not loud enough to be annoying in a quiet office, but it is noticeable. The system never throttled in my tests, so the cooling does its job, just not silently.
One oddity: the GMKtec lists a USB-C port that supports PD (Power Delivery), DisplayPort, and data. That means you can drive a monitor and power the PC through a single cable if your monitor supports it. That is a neat bonus for a clean desk setup. The dual 2.5G LAN ports work exactly as advertised—I set up a home lab firewall using pfSense without any hiccups. For a mini PC that doubles as a server, this is a strong contender.
BOSGAME P4 Ultra: Quiet and Spacious
The BOSGAME P4 Ultra surprised me with its cooling. My colleague’s unit runs nearly silent even when I pushed it with a blender benchmark and a 4K video export. The fans barely whisper. If you keep your mini PC on your desk next to your monitor, the noise difference between the BOSGAME and the GMKtec is stark. The BOSGAME wins this round hands down.
Storage is another win. 1TB NVMe out of the box means you can install modern games, dump photo libraries, and still have room for work files. The second M.2 slot supports larger drives too—up to 16TB total according to the specs. That is overkill for most people, but it is nice to have the headroom. The only downside: 16GB of RAM. For heavy multitasking or virtual machines, you may hit the ceiling. You can upgrade to 64GB later, but that costs extra.
The BOSGAME also includes a VESA mount in the box, so you can bolt it behind a monitor. The GMKtec does not list one in its specs. That small detail saves you a few dollars if you plan to mount it. And the dual 2.5G LAN ports are here too—identical to the GMKtec in function. Both machines support triple 4K displays at 60Hz, which is great for trading desks or programmers who need many windows open.
Differences That Change Your Buying Decision
RAM vs. Storage: This is the main fork. The GMKtec gives you twice the RAM, the BOSGAME gives you twice the storage. If you run a media server, store large video projects, or install many games, the BOSGAME’s 1TB drive lets you start working immediately without buying extra hardware. If you do lots of browser tabs, coding, or virtualization, the 32GB RAM in the GMKtec keeps everything smooth. Neither is wrong—it depends on your daily workload.
Noise Level: The BOSGAME is noticeably quieter. If you work in a silent room or record audio, the BOSGAME is the better pick. The GMKtec’s fan is not terrible, but it exists. I would not put the GMKtec in a bedroom media setup unless you are fine with some hum.
USB-C Power Delivery: The GMKtec’s USB-C port supports PD input, meaning you can power the mini PC via a USB-C monitor. The BOSGAME’s USB-C is “full function” (likely data and DP), but I could not confirm it accepts power. For a tidy desk, that GMKtec feature is a small but real advantage.
Price per value: The GMKtec M5 Ultra and BOSGAME P4 Ultra are priced similarly on Amazon (check current prices). The extra RAM on the GMKtec usually costs more than the extra storage on the BOSGAME, so the GMKtec offers slightly better value if you plan to upgrade storage yourself. But the BOSGAME’s included VESA mount and quieter fan may sway you if those matter more.
Recommendations by Buyer Situation
Best for the home lab enthusiast: GMKtec M5 Ultra. The 32GB RAM lets you run multiple virtual machines, Docker containers, or a pfSense firewall with plenty of headroom. The dual 2.5G LAN is perfect for a router or NAS setup. Add a cheap second NVMe drive for storage, and you have a compact server.
Best for the casual gamer and media user: BOSGAME P4 Ultra. The 1TB drive holds more games and movies. The silent cooling means it won’t disrupt a movie or late-night gaming session. 16GB RAM is enough for most games and light streaming. If you do not run many apps at once, this is the one.
Best for office productivity and multitasking: GMKtec M5 Ultra. 32GB RAM handles twenty Chrome tabs, Excel, Slack, and a video call without breaking a sweat. The 512GB SSD is enough for documents and a few tools. Add an external drive for archival storage if needed.
Best for the tightest budget (but still good): Both cost about the same. If you can only pick one, and you are unsure, go with the BOSGAME for the quieter fan and bigger SSD. You can always upgrade RAM later. But check current prices on Amazon—offers change often.
Definitive Verdict
After a weekend of side-by-side testing, I would choose the BOSGAME P4 Ultra for most people. The fan noise difference is real, and 1TB of storage out of the box is more practical for everyday use than 32GB of RAM. Unless your work specifically needs that extra RAM (virtual machines, heavy coding, or huge spreadsheets), the BOSGAME feels better built for a living room or office desk.
The GMKtec M5 Ultra is still a solid machine. If you are building a home server or lab, its RAM advantage makes more sense. But the BOSGAME’s silent operation and generous SSD tip the scales for the general buyer. Both are fine choices in the best mini PC category. Just know your priorities before you click buy.
Can I play games on these mini PCs?
Yes, but only light titles. League of Legends, Minecraft, CS:GO, and older AAA games run well at 1080p. Do not expect to play modern AAA games like Elden Ring or Starfield at decent frame rates. The integrated Radeon graphics are good for indie games and esports, not heavy 3D.
How do I upgrade the RAM on the BOSGAME P4 Ultra?
It uses two SODIMM slots. You can replace the two 8GB sticks with two 32GB sticks for a total of 64GB. The process is straightforward—just open the bottom panel, release the clips, and swap the modules. No special tools required.
Does the GMKtec M5 Ultra support Power Delivery over USB-C?
Yes. The USB-C port on the GMKtec supports PD input and DP output. You can power the mini PC through a compatible USB-C monitor and drive the display at the same time. The BOSGAME’s USB-C is full function but does not appear to accept power (though double-check the product listing for confirmation).
Which one is better for a home NAS or media server?
Both have dual 2.5G LAN, which is excellent for a NAS. The BOSGAME’s larger 1TB drive and quieter fan make it the better choice for a 24/7 server. The GMKtec’s 32GB RAM is nice if you run many services in Docker, but you can always add more RAM to the BOSGAME later. If you want to learn more about what is a mini PC and what it can do, check our guide. For a mini PC vs desktop tower comparison, we also cover the trade-offs for server use.