 |
AMD's mini PCs have been particularly popular recently, and I'm going to write an article for everyone, hoping you can refer to it. Before the comparison begins, let me state that the content of the comparison is limited to my personal experience and usage scenarios (I use them for 3D printing and modeling rendering), and does not represent the feelings of other application scenarios. I am not a professional review blogger, and this article is just a personal experience sharing. Both machines were purchased at my own expense, and the products in the article are not tested by any brand party to ensure the fairness of the comparison. I will score and evaluate from several aspects such as performance, price, workmanship, materials, and user experience. I. Aesthetic Comparison Since everyone has different aesthetic preferences, I won't comment on which one looks better. We'll focus on the appearance, texture, and materials used. AOOSTAR GEM12: ★★★★☆ GMKTEC K8: ★★★★ AOOSTAR: Let's start with the appearance of the AOOSTAR. I purchased the black version (the silver one looks better than black), which features an aluminum alloy and plastic bottom cover design. The mid-frame is made of aluminum alloy with CNC machining, and the bottom cover is entirely plastic. The top cover uses a metal and plastic process. One clever design of AOOSTAR is similar to the zero-engraving GTR7 model, where the top cover is a metal mesh for better air flow, and it can also be used as a dust net. In the upper left corner, there is a red emblem with their GEM12 series logo, which is a finishing touch to the design. It adds a touch of red to the otherwise dull black body, similar to the feeling of a red badge on a car, representing a powerful engine under a common appearance. The overall appearance and craftsmanship are quite complex. https://preview.redd.it/wu8c522n3nbd1.jpg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=eef33c3b380828cc1373cab07430a7b986a044b2 https://preview.redd.it/926powwn3nbd1.jpg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=471e0fbb586b26a1fd027ce99188772624e41c73 https://preview.redd.it/lm0skgzu3nbd1.jpg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=fc1cb16a58c004a15b29c958c524c645f74a76f1 Advantages: The materials are solid, the craftsmanship is intricate, and the feel in hand is very good, with a touch of high-end business machine. The metal design is less likely to accumulate dust inside. Disadvantages: The metal mesh design is prone to surface dust accumulation (dust all goes to the surface), and the mirror-like areas are prone to fingerprints. GMKTEC: The K8 overall uses a plastic spray-painted design, which at first glance looks somewhat like a metal shell, quite deceiving. However, upon handling, it falls a bit short, as the overall soft and flimsy texture feels somewhat cheap. But when placed on a desk, it doesn't really matter, after all, no one is likely to treat a computer as a piece to handle and admire. The K8 continues GMKTEC's consistent design style, with the surface bearing nothing but the logo silk-screened, and the air intakes are positioned on both sides of the machine, making it more minimalist compared to the AOOSTAR. Both machines adopt a business-like styling, which is a versatile design suitable for any scenario. One thing to note is that when you first get the machine, there is a strong odor. I'm not sure whether it's due to the packaging material or the paint smell, which is a poor experience. https://preview.redd.it/capwrf6s3nbd1.jpg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1fa8a7910461535123a9043d0d0b82bf428af6f4 https://preview.redd.it/2g5gtkrs3nbd1.jpg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6dd2ea59b1d254ba996b7e07afe1945701eb896b Advantages: The whole machine is lighter, and the plastic casing is friendly to Wi-Fi signals. Disadvantages: The texture is inferior, there is a strange smell from the new machine, and the edges are prone to chipping the paint. Overall Summary: GMKTEC's design philosophy seems to focus more on cost, aiming to save wherever possible and to just get the job done. AOOSTAR, on the other hand, gives off an impression of being more generous with resources, which is also related to the positioning of the two products. GMKTEC aims for price extremes, while AOOSTAR is trying to create a better product at a lower cost. From the promotional materials, it appears that AOOSTAR is targeting brands like minisfour and beelink, while GMKTEC is positioned slightly lower in the market. https://preview.redd.it/uo3diis44nbd1.jpg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=87ab9f6d30bb1c69962e30f53ceac1dbac85c1d5 In terms of materials, for example, both brands use metal meshes, which is a detail that many people might overlook. GMKTEC uses a standard metal mesh that is simply stamped, while AOOSTAR's appears to be made through etching or custom tooling, based on my experience. There is likely a cost difference of at least $10 in the casings of the two products. This is not a matter of right or wrong, but rather a reflection of the different paths the two brands have chosen to follow. II. Expansion Ports Comparison In terms of ports, there isn't a significant difference between the two products. GMKTEC is quite standard, similar to ACE (a brand or model, if specified). AOOSTAR has an additional OCULINK port, which is similar to what you might find on a minisfour 780xtx. AOOSTAR GEM12: ★★★★ GMKTEC K8: ★★★ The front ports of the AOOSTAR are as follows: Audio *1, USB *2, USB 4.0 *1, OCULINK *1. The rear ports include: USB *2, DisplayPort *1, HDMI *1, 2.5G Ethernet ports *2, and a full-function Thunderbolt 4 port *1. https://preview.redd.it/8tlmriec4nbd1.jpg?width=3920&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1fbda6a1294aa895a22ff055ee36201df4128503 https://preview.redd.it/ei9l50sc4nbd1.jpg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3ae40c104f7393e11e084598323eb995b4d002e1 Advantages: The OCULINK port provides better compatibility with graphics card docks, which is a feature that few models currently have. This port is likely to become a trend, ensuring that the machine remains future-proof and is not quickly outdated. The charging port is a full-function Thunderbolt 4, which allows for a single cable to carry power, video, and data. Disadvantages: It would be better if there was a DC-in port. Currently, few monitors support such high power delivery through a single cable, making the Thunderbolt 4 port less useful in some scenarios. For GMKTEC, the front ports are as follows: Audio *1, USB 4.0 *1, USB *2. The rear ports include: USB *2, DisplayPort *1, HDMI *1, 2.5G Ethernet ports *2, and a full DC-in *1. https://preview.redd.it/uiujupkp4nbd1.jpg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a671dabfb12abc2bd2877a1e91461dc3fed9a68f https://preview.redd.it/4pyerjvp4nbd1.jpg?width=3924&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=22734c90d3416831011dcf4c4b129b9a2c1f266d Advantages: It adheres to a conventional approach, striving to minimize costs. The DC-in port is quite universal, making it easy to purchase replacement power supplies. Disadvantages: In the current era where laptops and mini-computers are trending towards external graphics card support, the absence of an OCULINK port is somewhat regressive. The port selection is somewhat basic, and competitors with similar port configurations are already priced very competitively. III. Cooling Comparison AOOSTAR GEM12: ★★★★★ GMKTEC K8: ★★★ Many people have the impression that small form factor (SFF) PCs may not have good cooling performance, so we will focus on testing this aspect. Please note that my home environment is quite noisy, so the decibel readings may not represent the general noise levels you might experience. Additionally, the fan diameters of both models appear to be the same, so you can also refer to the fan speeds for comparison—the higher the speed, the more noise it will produce. You can also refer to online reviews and consult other bloggers for more information. The AOOSTAR GEM12 uses a vapor chamber (vc) cooling plate for its heat dissipation system, while the GMKTEC K8 uses a dual-heat-pipe cooler. There is a significant difference in the cooling structure between the two, which can also be seen in their promotional materials. AOOSTAR claims it can handle up to 75W of power consumption, while GMKTEC is rated at 65W. I believe this significant difference is mainly due to two reasons: first, AOOSTAR has a better airflow design with front intake; and second, the effectiveness of the vapor chamber. As for the cost difference between the two cooling systems, I do not have experience in that area, as it goes beyond my knowledge. There is also a detail worth mentioning: AOOSTAR has specifically treated the radiator with a blackening process, which can prevent oxidation of the copper and also makes it more aesthetically pleasing. https://preview.redd.it/6gigy1tx4nbd1.jpg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b21944bd610fc677bb16ea2eaf3d3dade2734b83 Since the two brands have different default power consumptions out of the factory, we will test their maximum power consumption to see the noise and temperature levels under the highest performance release conditions. AOOSTAR 75W: https://preview.redd.it/eti41sb25nbd1.png?width=2560&format=png&auto=webp&s=214c65b2228063855c29e7e4c83f3069f99e58ff https://preview.redd.it/d79jidl25nbd1.png?width=636&format=png&auto=webp&s=9c71f54f397d11649b1e6125ba9d133c6c150d0b GMKTEC 60W: https://preview.redd.it/yiunspm65nbd1.png?width=2560&format=png&auto=webp&s=5636bbbf95c06a98dc86f6d66d9e6e19b42b32d8 https://preview.redd.it/jtb76ow65nbd1.png?width=843&format=png&auto=webp&s=33e1102396467cfd1432cce2289e2f64cca9bde6 Summary: The cooling performance of GMKTEC is not bad; it is fully adequate for everyday office use. However, there is an issue when it comes to modeling or rendering tasks—the noise can be quite loud. The fans often spin up suddenly with a whooshing sound, then slow down after a while, only to repeat this cycle, which can be somewhat irritating. If you purchase the K8, I recommend setting it to power-saving mode to avoid the issue I mentioned above. There is no need to set it to consume 60W of power, as doing so would trigger this problem. Due to the limitations of its cooling structure, GMKTEC cannot achieve the extreme cooling performance like AOOSTAR, which is understandable. When purchasing, consider your own usage needs; there is no need to constantly pursue high power consumption. After actual testing, the performance difference is not too significant even with increased power consumption. There is also a crucial difference: GMKTEC uses a very small fan for cooling the SSD and memory, but there is no intake vent on the top cover—it's essentially a sealed can, making the fan more of a decorative piece. Due to the high heat output of DDR5 memory, in a somewhat humorous move, GMKTEC has disabled the memory temperature display in the BIOS to prevent users from seeing the high temperatures. On the other hand, AOOSTAR has done a great job in this area, installing a substantial cooling fan for the memory and SSD, with a scientific airflow and volume. IV. Craftsmanship Comparison AOOSTAR GEM12: ★★★★ GMKTEC K8: ★★★★ Neither product can be considered top-tier in terms of craftsmanship; there are some areas where imperfections are visible. Starting with AOOSTAR, there is a minor gap at the junction between the top cover and the mid-frame. The silicone pad used is somewhat rudimentary, and once it is attached, it becomes difficult to remove the back cover. When attempting to disassemble, the silicone pad must be torn off. https://preview.redd.it/xmwxbfzi5nbd1.jpg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=af50f9b6467539b069bcae70ba36b55af3be0c95 GMKTEC K8 has larger gaps, and unlike AOOSTAR, the heat sink is not treated with black paint, which can lead to oxidation of the copper over time. The silicone pad on the K8 also has the same issue; it's difficult to remove the back cover after it's been attached, requiring the silicone pad to be torn off during disassembly. However, there is a positive aspect: the CPU cooling fan of GMKTEC is located at the bottom, so it doesn't need to be frequently disassembled. https://preview.redd.it/cjev98vj5nbd1.jpg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a8b4d1d98a5c313ffb844810012356e55d0bb4e5 V. Conclusion At present, the prices of the two products are quite close, and I can't strongly recommend one over the other. Based on my usage comparison, if the budget is sufficient, the AOOSTAR is a must-buy; the overall user experience is superior to GMKTEC. If you are the type who just needs something that works and is on a tight budget, then GMKTEC, which is cheaper, would be the priority, although the fan can be a bit noisy. Additionally, I think the after-sales service of both brands is similar and quite good, better than MiniSFour. I've been playing with small form factor PCs since the early AMD 4500, having bought 5500U, MINISFOUR 7840, and also falling into the trap of Beelink. The mini PC market is much more competitive than imagined, especially this year, where I feel every brand is making an effort. Among them, GMKTEC and AOOSTAR are considered dark horses, which is why I chose them. Success is not accidental, and after a comprehensive experience, I believe both brands have found their suitable positioning. AOOSTAR focuses on high cost-performance with a comprehensive package, giving you everything you want and don't want, all at once. GMKTEC has chosen a Xiaomi-like path, with extreme pricing, cutting off some unimportant things (reminding me of Xiaomi's mobile phone cutting off the full-function charging port). Both approaches are fine; the market is so big that no one can swallow it all at once. I hope they can grow strong in their respective fields! If you still have questions about the products, please post them in the comments section, and I will reply if I can. THANKS. submitted by /u/Visible-Elevator1825 |