With the cost of laptops steadily increasing, budget-conscious shoppers are turning to mini PCs as a smart, cost-effective alternative — and it’s not hard to see why. These compact machines often punch well above their weight in both value and performance, offering great hardware in a tiny package. Right now, one such device — the GMKtek G3 Plus mini PC — is on sale for just $156.87. That includes 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, all without the need for a Prime subscription or any special promotions.
Despite its modest footprint of 4.5 by 4.2 inches (or 114 by 106mm for those using metric), the G3 Plus is impressively capable for its size and price. It runs on an Intel N150 quad-core processor and comes preloaded with Windows 11. The included 16GB of RAM and 512GB SSD are already generous, especially in this price bracket, but the system is easily upgradeable: it supports up to 32GB of DDR4 SO-DIMM memory and up to 2TB of M.2 2280 Gen 3 NVMe SSD storage. That makes it a flexible choice for users who want to expand over time.
You shouldn’t expect this machine to handle AAA gaming or heavy workloads, but for typical computing needs — web browsing, media streaming, office productivity, and lightweight multitasking — the G3 Plus offers plenty of power. The dual HDMI ports support 4K video output on two monitors simultaneously, while connectivity is rounded out with Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, four USB-A ports, and a gigabit Ethernet port. The lack of USB-C may disappoint some users, but it’s a minor compromise given the overall value.
When compared to its $120 barebones version, which lacks RAM, storage, and an OS, the full configuration at just $156.87 represents an incredible deal. It’s an ideal machine for anyone seeking an affordable desktop that’s compact, quiet, and highly upgradeable. Whether you need a home office PC, a media server, or a lightweight workstation for general use, the GMKtek G3 Plus delivers solid specs at a hard-to-beat price point.