GMKTec K8 Plus: The Mini PC That Takes on Steam Machine

Ever wondered if a tiny box could replace your bulky gaming rig? The GMKTec K8 Plus mini PC is here to make that case, and it's giving Valve's $1,000+ Steam Machine a run for its money. But before you hit that buy button, there's one little catch you should know about.

Mini PCs haven't escaped this year's price hikes, and the K8 Plus is no exception. Once a steady $400-$500 device, the 32GB RAM version I've been testing now typically lands between $750 and $900. The cheaper 16GB model can still be found around $600, though. For that price, you're getting an AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS octa-core processor with 16 threads, Radeon 780M integrated graphics, and a surprisingly sturdy 1080p gaming experience across some of the most demanding titles out there.

What really sets the K8 Plus apart is its feature set. You've got easy upgradeability—just twist off the top cap, remove four screws, and you're in to swap RAM up to 96GB and storage up to 4TB. There's also a rare Oculink port for hooking up an external GPU later on, plus dual USB 4, HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 2.1, and dual Ethernet. That's support for up to four external displays, making it a versatile little workstation too.

The design is compact at 127 x 132 x 58mm, with a metal casing and a transparent plastic top that twists off with a satisfying snap. It's a love-it-or-hate-it look, but the convenience is undeniable. The bold green power button adds a nice pop, though the diagonal GMKTec logo cheapens things a bit.

In lighter games like Restory, Stardew Valley, and Islanders, the K8 Plus speeds through with only minor stutter. It's perfectly playable for less demanding titles, often at a lower price than alternatives. But here's the rub: the WiFi card. During testing, I found it to be a weak point—so much so that I'd add a replacement WiFi card to your cart right alongside the PC. It's a small extra cost that could save you a lot of headaches.

Port placement is another minor gripe. The front USB 4 and Oculink connections mean more permanent cables will be visible, which can mess with a clean setup. But that's a small trade-off for the flexibility on offer.

So, is the GMKTec K8 Plus the entry-level gaming PC you've been waiting for? At its current price, it's still one of the few affordable ways into PC gaming—if you're willing to roll the dice on that WiFi card. Will you be picking one up, or does the price hike put you off? Let us know in the comments!