The KAMRUI GK3PLUS N5030 mini PC stands out for its minimal power consumption of 6W and its compact chassis with support for three simultaneous monitors.
-
👍 Advantages: very low energy consumption, two HDMI 4K outputs plus VGA, internal bay for 2.5-inch disks and VESA support included.
-
👎 Disadvantages: soldered RAM with no possibility of expansion, modest 2019 processor and lack of USB-C ports.
-
🎯 Conclusion: It fits as a silent office terminal or lightweight server, as well as cheap basic home equipment ideal for everyday tasks such as writing texts, light spreadsheets and web browsing with dozens of tabs open, depending on the version.
🛒 See the best Mini PC deals on Amazon
🛒 Check the price of the KAMRUI GK3PLUS
Unboxing and contents
The package includes the necessary elements to immediately place the device on a table or screw it behind a screen:
-
KAMRUI GK3PLUS Mini Computer
-
External power adapter
-
HDMI video cable
-
VESA metal anchor plate
-
Set of four fixing screws
-
User and Start-up Manual
The inclusion of VESA mount avoids additional costs if you intend to clear your desk.
Technical specifications
The brand distributes this model in two main configurations depending on the sales channel:
| Feature | Version 1 | Version 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Pentium Silver N5030 (4 cores / 4 threads, up to 3.10 GHz, TDP 6W) | Intel Pentium Silver N5030 (4 cores / 4 threads, up to 3.10 GHz, TDP 6W) |
| RAM | 8 GB LPDDR4 at 2400 MHz (soldered) | 16 GB LPDDR4 at 2400 MHz (soldered) |
| Main Disc | 256GB M.2 2280 SSD (SATA or NVMe) | 512GB M.2 2280 SSD (SATA or NVMe) |
| Secondary disk | Free 2.5-inch SATA bay (up to 2 TB) | Free 2.5-inch SATA bay (up to 2 TB) |
| Total storage | Up to 4 TB combining both slots | Up to 4 TB combining both slots |
| Graphics | Intel UHD Graphics 605 | Intel UHD Graphics 605 |
| Video connection | 2x HDMI 2.0 (4K@60Hz) + 1x VGA (1080p) | 2x HDMI 2.0 (4K@60Hz) + 1x VGA (1080p) |
| wired network | RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet 1000 Mbps | RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet 1000 Mbps |
| Wireless network | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) and Bluetooth 4.2 | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) and Bluetooth 4.2 |
| USB ports | 2x USB 3.2 Gen1 (5 Gbps) + 2x USB 2.0 | 2x USB 3.2 Gen1 (5 Gbps) + 2x USB 2.0 |
| Audio output | Mixed 3.5 mm headphone jack | Mixed 3.5 mm headphone jack |
| Dimensions and weight | 128 x 128 x 51.5 mm / 386 grams | 128 x 128 x 51.5 mm / 386 grams |
| Acoustic level | Declared by manufacturer at ≤38 dB | Declared by manufacturer at ≤38 dB |
| Pre-installed system | Windows 11 Pro / Linux support | Windows 11 Pro / Linux support |
| Approximate price | Around €192 currently on AliExpress | $319 currently on Amazon |
Design and construction
The chassis features a silver finish with decorative grilles on the sides that help dissipate heat.
Its exterior is made of polycarbonate and ABS plastic. While it doesn't offer the cool feel of aluminum, it's rigid enough for static office use. Its most practical feature is the tool-free, removable top cover, which allows you to insert a 2.5-inch drive in seconds.
Screen and multimedia
The claim of a triple 4K screen requires a technical clarification.
Of the three video outputs on the chassis, only the two HDMI 2.0 connectors support UHD resolution at 3840x2160 pixels at 60 Hz. The analog VGA connector is limited to 1920x1080 pixels, which is useful for repurposing older monitors without intermediate adapters.
In multimedia playback, the UHD 605 graphics chip handles high-resolution content without skipping on platforms like YouTube or local players.
The sound is transmitted via HDMI cable or through the 3.5mm stereo jack.
Performance and software
The Intel Pentium Silver N5030 processor, launched in late 2019 on a 14-nanometer lithography, prioritizes power consumption over raw power.
In everyday tasks such as writing texts, light spreadsheets and web browsing, the device responds with sufficient ease.
The 8GB variant sold on AliExpress is sufficient for basic individual tasks, while the 16GB configuration available on Amazon better tolerates having dozens of tabs open simultaneously.
Both versions come with Windows 11 Pro pre-installed. Since they don't have the latest processor, installing large software systems and regular system updates requires some patience.
The approximate speeds of the installed SSD are:
Sequential read: ~520 - 550 MB/s
Sequential write: ~460 - 490 MB/s
🛒 See the best Mini PC deals on Amazon
🛒 Check the price of the KAMRUI GK3PLUS
Consumption and thermal
Efficiency is the strongest argument for this machine.
With a catalog thermal limit of just 6 watts for the CPU, the power consumption measured at the electrical outlet typically ranges between 6 and 14 watts depending on the workload.
The internal ventilation system combines copper fins and a turbine fan with a certified noise level of no more than 38 decibels. At rest, it is almost inaudible, while under prolonged stress it emits a continuous but discreet whir.
| Operating status | Estimated temperature | Perceived noise |
|---|---|---|
| Desk rest | ~ 35-45 °C | Ignorance at normal distance |
| Office automation and navigation | ~ 45-60 °C | Very soft murmur |
| sustained full load | ~ 65-85 °C | Constant audible blowing |
Connectivity and extras
The patch panel offers physical variety but does not adhere to current standards:
-
Wired network: RJ45 connector with Gigabit support up to 1000 Mbps
-
Wireless connectivity: Dual-band Wi-Fi 5 antenna and Bluetooth 4.2 link
-
Front and rear ports: two USB 3.2 Gen1 ports at 5 Gbps and two USB 2.0 connections
-
Image outputs for displays: pair of HDMI ports and one analog VGA port
-
Absences: There is no USB-C connector or memory card slot
The lack of USB-C limits direct compatibility with next-generation peripherals and modern hubs.
Expansion and storage
It is essential to plan your hardware needs before purchasing any variant:
-
RAM: It comes soldered to the motherboard in both configurations (8 GB or 16 GB LPDDR4). There are no SODIMM slots, so future upgrades are not possible.
-
M.2 SSD drive: The factory-installed M.2 2280 slot supports modules up to 2TB, and is compatible with both NVMe PCIe protocol and SATA technology.
-
2.5-inch SATA bay: Supports SSDs or traditional 2.5-inch mechanical drives with a capacity of up to 2TB.
The combined capacity reaches a maximum of 4 TB of internal storage. If you wish to expand the memory of your devices, you can purchase compatible drives through these links:
Comparison with competitors
| Model | Processor | RAM / SSD | Multicore scoring | Approximate price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KAMRUI GK3PLUS (AliExpress) | Pentium N5030 (4N/4H, 6W) | 8 GB / 256 GB | 781 | ~€192 |
| KAMRUI GK3PLUS (Amazon) | Pentium N5030 (4N/4H, 6W) | 16 GB / 512 GB | 781 | $319 |
| Intel N100 Mini PC | Intel N100 (4N/4H, 6W) | 16 GB / 512 GB | 1750 | ~€140 - €170 |
| Origimagic C3 | Core i3-5005U (2N/4H, 15W) | 8 GB / 512 GB | 1244 | $169 |
| FIREBAT R3 | Ryzen 3 4300U (4N/4H, 15W) | 8 GB / 256 GB | >2000 | ~€245 |
Even compared to the budget version from AliExpress (€192), a mini PC with an Intel N100 processor costs less money and performs more than twice as well in multi-core operations.
Opinions
What people like most
-
Low power consumption and quiet operation: Thanks to the processor's 6W TDP, the device uses very little energy and keeps the fan at almost inaudible levels when idle. Many buyers choose it precisely to keep it running continuously as a lightweight media center or personal server.
-
Flexible video outputs: the combination of two HDMI ports with an analog VGA output allows you to connect older office monitors alongside modern displays without needing to buy external adapters.
-
Easy to add a second drive: The tool-free removable top cover makes it easy to install a 2.5-inch SATA drive when the factory 256GB or 512GB isn't enough.
What is least convincing
-
Fair performance by current standards: users agree that the processor responds well to simple tasks, but chokes when accumulating heavy tabs or running system updates in the background.
-
All-plastic chassis: the polycarbonate and ABS casing does its job, but conveys a modest feeling compared to mini computers with a metal body.
-
Lack of USB-C ports: not having Type-C connectors penalizes direct compatibility with modern peripherals, docking stations, or external drives.
Security warning in forums
In technical communities like Reddit (r/MiniPCs), there's a recurring warning about brands that share the same manufacturing parent company, such as KAMRUI, NiPoGi, and AceMagic. In early 2024, shipments of computers from these brands were documented with spyware pre-installed in the factory operating system image.
Performance tests
Synthetic analysis databases place the N5030 processor in a modest position compared to other low- voltage options:
| Synthetic test | Pentium N5030 | Intel N100 | Core i3-5005U |
|---|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 6 (One core) | 353 | 974 | 621 |
| Geekbench 6 (Multicore) | 781 | 1750 | 1244 |
| PassMark CPU General | 2532 | 5304 | 2957 |
| PassMark (Single thread) | 1200 | 1879 | 1091 |
The records indicate that the Gemini Lake Refresh architecture delivers less than half the performance of the N100 chip's Alder Lake-N platform with the same 6-watt power consumption..
Gaming and emulation
The Intel UHD Graphics 605 graphics processor offers very basic processing capabilities.
-
Current 3D titles: they are not playable even on low settings at 720p.
-
Classic or lightweight games: two-dimensional titles like Terraria or older games from the beginning of the century run smoothly.
-
Retro emulation: flawlessly runs 8 and 16-bit consoles, Game Boy Advance and PlayStation 1. Platforms like PlayStation 2 or GameCube exhibit noticeable frame rate drops.
To play contemporary titles with this equipment, the recommended way is to use cloud streaming platforms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it capable of playing 4K content?
The answer online: Yes, the chip features hardware acceleration for video decoding. It works well for watching Netflix, YouTube, or Prime Video in 4K, making it very popular as a home theater PC (HTPC).
Is it suitable for video editing or graphic design?
The online consensus: Only suitable for very basic photo editing (cropping, light filters) or short 1080p videos. For demanding software like Premiere or advanced Photoshop, the processor falls far short.
Can the RAM be expanded?
The answer found online: In the GK3 Plus, the RAM is soldered to the motherboard. Therefore, the amount you buy it with (12 GB or 16 GB) is the amount you'll have forever. It cannot be replaced or upgraded.
How do you expand storage?
The answer found online: It has an internal bay at the bottom for adding a 2.5-inch (SATA) hard drive or SSD. It's a very simple process that only requires removing a couple of screws.
Can all three monitors be used at the same time (2 HDMI + 1 VGA)?
The answer on the network: Yes, it supports simultaneous triple video output, although when connecting the VGA port the maximum resolution of that particular screen is limited to 1080p.
Does it come with an official Windows 11 Pro license?
The answer on the web: Yes, the device includes a digital key for Windows 11 Pro that is already pre-installed and activated from the factory.
Is it compatible with Linux?
The online response: Yes, many users buy it to install distributions like Ubuntu, Debian, or systems like Home Assistant/Plex Server. Most components (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet) are automatically recognized without needing to search for external drivers.
What is the difference between the N5030 version and the N95/N100 version?
The answer on the web: The N5030 is an older chip (Gemini Lake/Jasper Lake architecture). Models with Intel N95 or N100 offer double the graphics performance and are 40-50% faster at opening programs, while consuming virtually the same amount of power.
Conclusion and purchase
The KAMRUI GK3PLUS N5030 is a practical solution for those looking for a quiet, ridiculously low-power device with triple video output for simple browsing tasks.
Although the AliExpress version lowers the entry barrier to around €192 compared to Amazon's $319, both prices are uncompetitive. Currently, there are models equipped with an Intel N100 processor that offer twice the speed for under €160. It's only worthwhile if you find a special clearance sale for around €120.
