GMKtec M5 Ultra vs KAMRUI AK1PLUS Mini PC

You are trying to pick between two very different mini PCs, but the spec sheets do not tell you which one actually fits your daily work or games. This page breaks down the real performance gap so you know which machine to buy without guessing.

The differences at a glance: what changes the answer

The two mini PCs sit at opposite ends of the performance spectrum. One is built for speed and expansion, while the other focuses on low power and a tight budget. We cover pitting these mini pcs against each other in a guide of its own.

Feature	GMKtec M5 Ultra	KAMRUI AK1PLUS
Processor	AMD Ryzen 7 7730U (8C/16T)	Intel Celeron N5095 (4C/4T)
RAM	32 GB DDR4, expandable to 64 GB	16 GB LPDDR4X, soldered
Graphics	AMD Radeon 8 cores	Intel UHD
Networking	Dual 2.5GbE, WiFi 6E	Gigabit Ethernet, WiFi 5
Display Outputs	Triple 4K@60Hz	Dual 4K@60Hz

The GMKtec M5 Ultra wins on raw power and expandability. It is the clear choice if you need a machine that lasts years or handles gaming.

Processor and graphics: the biggest performance gap

The GMKtec M5 Ultra uses an AMD Ryzen 7 7730U with eight cores and sixteen threads. This chip boosts to 4.5 GHz and handles video editing, code compiling, and 1080p gaming at medium settings. The integrated Radeon graphics have eight execution units, which allows for playable framerates in modern titles.

The KAMRUI AK1PLUS uses an Intel Celeron N5095 with four cores and four threads. It tops out at 2.9 GHz and is designed for low power consumption rather than speed. This processor is built to stay cool and quiet, not to push through heavy workloads.

• GMKtec M5 Ultra: Handles Fortnite, CS2, and light games at 1080p medium settings. It can also run background tasks like Slack and Chrome with many open tabs without stuttering.
• KAMRUI AK1PLUS: Struggles with heavy multitasking or gaming beyond very light indie titles. You will feel lag if you open too many browser tabs or run Office and video calls simultaneously.

Winner: GMKtec M5 Ultra. If you plan to game or run multiple heavy applications at once, the KAMRUI will choke, while the GMKtec keeps running smoothly. The Ryzen 7 chip is significantly more powerful for daily productivity and creative work.

RAM and storage: which one can you upgrade later?

The GMKtec M5 Ultra comes with 32 GB of dual-channel DDR4 RAM. It supports expansion up to 64 GB, so you can add more memory if your workload grows. This is crucial for running virtual machines, large creative files, or keeping dozens of tabs open without slowdown.

The KAMRUI AK1PLUS has 16 GB of LPDDR4X RAM that is soldered to the board. You cannot add more later, so 16 GB is the maximum you will ever have on this device. For basic office tasks, this is fine, but it limits how long the machine will stay relevant as software becomes heavier.

• GMKtec M5 Ultra: Dual M.2 slots for up to 4 TB total NVMe storage. You can add a second drive without sacrificing speed or capacity.
• KAMRUI AK1PLUS: M.2 slot plus a 2.5-inch SATA bay for up to 4 TB total mixed storage. This is handy if you have old laptop hard drives you want to reuse for bulk file storage.

Winner: GMKtec M5 Ultra for future-proofing. If you might need more than 16 GB of RAM in two years, the KAMRUI will not let you add it, while the GMKtec gives you room to grow. The ability to upgrade RAM is a major advantage for a long-term purchase.

Networking and ports: which setup fits your desk?

The GMKtec M5 Ultra includes dual 2.5GbE LAN ports, WiFi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.2. It also has a USB-C port with DisplayPort and power delivery, which is useful for connecting external monitors or charging devices.

The KAMRUI AK1PLUS has a single Gigabit Ethernet port, WiFi 5, and Bluetooth 4.2. It offers four USB 3.2 ports but no USB-C. This setup is practical for standard peripherals but lacks the faster wireless standards and flexible charging options found on the GMKtec.

• GMKtec M5 Ultra: Best for home servers, fast file transfers, and multi-monitor setups via USB-C. The dual 2.5GbE ports are rare at this price point and ideal for heavy network use.
• KAMRUI AK1PLUS: Best for kiosk use and remote management with Auto Power On and Wake-on-LAN features. The four USB ports are convenient for plugging in multiple accessories at once.

Winner: GMKtec M5 Ultra for connectivity. The dual fast network ports and USB-C make it the better choice if you need a versatile workstation or server. The KAMRUI is sufficient for basic browsing and streaming but lacks the advanced networking features. Loaders in this spot often ask about kAMRUI E3B vs GMKtec M5 Ultra as well.

Value for your specific use case

The KAMRUI AK1PLUS is the budget option. It costs less and uses very little power, making it ideal for a quiet media box or basic office PC. It is a reliable choice if you never push your computer beyond web browsing and document editing.

The GMKtec M5 Ultra costs more but handles everything from gaming to professional work. It is the better long-term investment if you need performance. The extra cost buys you significantly more power, upgradeability, and flexibility that will last for years.

• Get the KAMRUI AK1PLUS if: Your budget is tight and you only need email, streaming, and light documents. It is a solid, low-power machine for basic tasks.
• Get the GMKtec M5 Ultra if: You game, edit video, run multiple 4K monitors, or want a home server. It is the only choice that handles these heavier workloads.

Winner: KAMRUI AK1PLUS for pure budget. If you truly never push a computer, the KAMRUI is the sensible buy. For everyone else, the GMKtec is worth the extra cost because it provides a much higher performance ceiling and future-proofing.

The bottom line

Frequently asked questions