GMKtec NucBox G3 vs Lenovo ThinkCentre M720q Tiny
Lenovo ThinkCentre M720q Tiny is both faster and cheaper here - the default pick unless you need something specific from the other.
The verdict
- CPU
- Lenovo ThinkCentre M720q Tiny has 1.5x the CPU throughput (8,500 vs 5,500 PassMark).
- Plex
- GMKtec NucBox G3 transcodes more 4K HDR streams (~5 vs ~3).
- Idle power
- GMKtec NucBox G3 idles lower (6W vs 8W) - cheaper to run 24/7.
- RAM ceiling
- Lenovo ThinkCentre M720q Tiny takes more RAM (32GB vs 16GB).
- Local AI
- Lenovo ThinkCentre M720q Tiny has a PCIe slot for a low-profile GPU - the other needs a DIY build for local LLMs.
Which wins for each job
| Job | GMKtec NucBox G3 | Lenovo ThinkCentre M720q Tiny |
|---|---|---|
| Plex / Jellyfin | ~5 streams win | ~3 streams |
| Frigate NVR | ~4 cameras | ~4 cameras |
| Proxmox / VMs | 5,500 PassMark | 8,500 PassMark win |
| Firewall / router | 1 NICs | 1 NICs |
| Local AI / LLM | no slot | PCIe GPU slot win |
Approximate - capacity estimates from curated specs, the same logic as the recommender. Verify against your exact setup. Prices move; check the retailer.
Full specs
| Spec | GMKtec NucBox G3 | Lenovo ThinkCentre M720q Tiny |
|---|---|---|
| Price (list) | $139 | $120 |
| CPU | Intel N100 | Intel Core i5-8500T |
| Cores / threads | 4 | 6 |
| PassMark | 5,500 | 8,500 |
| iGPU | UHD | UHD 630 |
| NICs | 1 | 1 |
| NIC model | Realtek RTL8125 | Intel I219 |
| RAM max (GB) | 16 | 32 |
| M.2 free | 1 | 1 |
| PCIe slot | none | x8-lp |
| Idle (W) | 6 | 8 |
| TDP (W) | 6 | 35 |