1. Introduction
The GMKtec M3 Plus is a high-performance Mini PC designed for a wide range of applications, from business and office tasks to gaming and home entertainment. Powered by the Intel Core i9-12900HK processor and running Windows 11 Pro, it offers robust performance in a compact form factor. This manual provides essential information for setting up, operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting your device.
Video: Promotional overview of the GMKtec Nucbox M3 Plus Mini PC's features and applications.
2. What's in the Box
Please check the contents of your package to ensure all items are present:
- GMKtec Nucbox M3 Plus Mini PC
- Power Supply & Cable
- User Manual (this document)
- HDMI Cable
- VESA Mount with Screws
Image: The retail packaging showing the Mini PC, power adapter, HDMI cable, VESA mount, and user manual.
3. Product Overview
3.1. Compact Design
The GMKtec M3 Plus features a lightweight and compact body, making it ideal for various setups. Its small footprint allows it to fit seamlessly into any workspace or entertainment area.
Image: The GMKtec M3 Plus Mini PC on a desk, highlighting its compact dimensions (4.48in x 4.17in x 1.67in) and lightweight design (0.79lb).
3.2. Interfaces and Ports
The Mini PC is equipped with a rich set of interfaces to connect all your peripherals and displays.
Image: Detailed view of the Mini PC's ports, including front USB 3.2 ports and power button, and rear ports.
- Front Ports: 2x USB 3.2, Power Button
- Rear Ports: DC IN (20V/5A), 3.5mm CTIA Audio, 2x HDMI (4K@60Hz), Intel i226V 2.5G LAN, 1x USB 3.2, 1x USB 2.0 (DP1.4/DATA Type-C)
3.3. Internal Components & Expandability
The M3 Plus is designed for easy installation and upgrades.
Image: An exploded view of the Mini PC's internal layout, highlighting the DDR4 RAM slots, M.2 2280 PCIe 3.0 SSD slot, M.2 2242 SATA/PCIeX4 slot, and WiFi 6 + BT 5.2 module.
- Processor: Intel Core i9-12900HK (12th Generation, 14 Cores, 20 Threads, up to 5.0 GHz Max Frequency, 24MB Smart Cache)
- RAM: DDR4 3200MT/s, Dual Channel SO-DIMM x2 (Max 64GB)
- Storage: M.2 2280 PCIe 3.0 SSD (Max 2TB, supports SATA & PCIeX4), M.2 2242 SATA/PCIeX4 (Max 4TB, not included)
- Graphics: Intel Iris Xe Graphics 1450MHz (Integrated Card)
- Cooling: Twin Cooling Pipes Turbofan System, Smart Cooling Fan for low noise and high-performance heat dissipation.
- Connectivity: WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, 2.5G High Speed Ethernet (RJ45 Gigabit Network)
Image: A detailed view of the Intel Core i9-12900HK processor, emphasizing its 12th generation architecture.
Image: A graphic detailing the Intel i9-12900HK processor's specifications: 5.0 GHz Max Frequency, 14 Cores, 20 Threads, 24 MB Smart Cache.
4. Setup Instructions
4.1. Initial Connection
- Connect your monitor(s) to the HDMI ports or the Type-C port on the back of the Mini PC.
- Connect your keyboard and mouse to the available USB ports.
- Connect the power adapter to the DC IN port on the Mini PC and then plug it into a power outlet.
- Press the power button located on the front of the Mini PC to turn it on.
4.2. VESA Mount Installation
The included VESA mount allows for flexible placement of your Mini PC, such as mounting it behind a monitor, on a wall, or under a desk.
Image: Illustrations of the Mini PC mounted on a wall, under a table, and placed on a desktop.
- Attach the VESA mount bracket to the desired surface (e.g., back of a VESA-compatible monitor, wall, or underside of a desk) using the provided screws.
- Carefully slide the Mini PC onto the mounted bracket until it clicks securely into place.
- Ensure the Mini PC is firmly attached before releasing it.
5. Operating Instructions
5.1. Operating System
Your GMKtec M3 Plus comes pre-installed with Windows 11 Pro. Follow the on-screen instructions for initial setup, including language, region, and user account creation.
5.2. Triple Screen Display
The Mini PC supports triple screen 4K display, allowing for enhanced productivity and immersive entertainment.
Image: A setup demonstrating the Mini PC's capability to drive three independent displays simultaneously for work, entertainment, and gaming.
- Connect up to two monitors via the HDMI (4K@60Hz) ports.
- Connect a third monitor via the Type-C (DP1.4/DATA) port.
- Configure display settings in Windows 11 Pro to extend or duplicate your desktop across multiple screens.
5.3. Network Connection
The Mini PC offers both wired and wireless connectivity options:
- Wired: Connect an Ethernet cable to the 2.5G LAN (RJ45) port for high-speed internet access.
- Wireless: The device supports WiFi 6 for fast and stable wireless connections. Connect to your preferred Wi-Fi network through Windows settings.
- Bluetooth: Integrated Bluetooth 5.2 allows you to connect wireless peripherals such as keyboards, mice, and headphones.
Image: A graphic showing the performance benefits of 2.5G High Speed Ethernet, with read-write speeds up to 271MB/sec and transmission speeds up to 230MB/sec.
6. Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand Name | GMKtec |
| Model Number | GMKtec M3 Plus |
| Processor Model | Intel Core i9-12900HK |
| Processor Cores/Threads | 14 Cores / 20 Threads |
| Max Processor Frequency | 5.0 GHz |
| Smart Cache | 24MB |
| Type | Mini Desktop / Mini PC |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Pro |
| Memory Capacity | DDR4 3200MT/s (Dual Channel SO-DIMM x2, Max 64GB) |
| Hard Drive Capacity | M.2 2280 PCIe 3.0 SSD (Max 2TB), M.2 2242 SATA/PCIeX4 (Max 4TB, not included) |
| Graphics Card Type | Integrated Card (Intel Iris Xe Graphics 1450MHz) |
| Connectivity | WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, 2.5G LAN (Intel i226V) |
| Video Output | 2x HDMI (4K@60Hz), 1x Type-C (DP1.4/DATA) |
| USB Ports | 5x USB 3.2, 1x USB 2.0 (Type-C) |
| Audio Port | 3.5mm CTIA |
| Power Input | DC IN (20V/5A) |
| Dimensions | 4.48in x 4.17in x 1.67in |
| Weight | 0.79lb |
| Use Case | Commercial, Home, Office, Gaming |
| Origin | Mainland China |
| Certification | CE |
7. Maintenance
To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your GMKtec M3 Plus Mini PC, follow these maintenance guidelines:
- Cleaning: Regularly clean the exterior of the Mini PC with a soft, dry cloth. Use compressed air to gently clear dust from the ventilation grilles to maintain proper airflow and cooling. Do not use liquid cleaners directly on the device.
- Software Updates: Keep your Windows 11 Pro operating system and drivers updated to the latest versions. This ensures security, stability, and performance improvements.
- Ventilation: Ensure the Mini PC is placed in a well-ventilated area. Avoid blocking the air vents on the sides of the device.
- Power Supply: Use only the original power adapter provided with your Mini PC.
- Storage Management: Periodically check your storage usage and remove unnecessary files or applications to free up space and maintain system speed.
8. Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues with your GMKtec M3 Plus, refer to the following common troubleshooting steps:
8.1. No Power
- Ensure the power adapter is securely connected to both the Mini PC and a working power outlet.
- Check if the power outlet is functional by plugging in another device.
- Verify that the power button on the Mini PC is pressed firmly.
8.2. No Display
- Confirm that the HDMI or Type-C cables are securely connected to both the Mini PC and the monitor(s).
- Ensure your monitor is powered on and set to the correct input source (e.g., HDMI 1, HDMI 2, Type-C).
- Try connecting the Mini PC to a different monitor or using a different cable to rule out faulty equipment.
8.3. No Network Connection
- Wired: Check if the Ethernet cable is properly connected to the LAN port and your router/modem. Verify that your router/modem is working correctly.
- Wireless: Ensure Wi-Fi is enabled in Windows settings. Check if you are connected to the correct Wi-Fi network and that the password is entered correctly. Restart your router/modem.
8.4. System Slowdown
- Close unnecessary applications running in the background.
- Check for and install any pending Windows updates.
- Ensure there is sufficient free space on your SSD.
- Monitor CPU and RAM usage in Task Manager to identify resource-intensive processes.
9. User Tips
Based on general user experiences with Mini PCs, here are some tips to enhance your experience:
- Consider using the VESA mount to free up desk space and create a cleaner setup.
- For optimal gaming or demanding applications, ensure the Mini PC has adequate ventilation.
- Utilize the triple display output for multitasking or an immersive gaming experience.
- Regularly back up important data to an external drive or cloud storage.
Note: Specific user tips from reviews or Q&A were not available in the provided data.
10. Warranty and Support
For warranty information, technical support, or service inquiries, please refer to the official GMKtec website or contact your seller directly. Keep your proof of purchase for warranty claims.
