GMKTEC G10 Mini PC – Why Ryzen 5 Power Crushes Intel’s N-Series Chips
- Gav Mag
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
If you’ve been looking for a compact desktop PC that doesn’t slow you down, you’ve probably come across countless devices powered by Intel’s N-series processors — N95, N97, N100, and now the N150.They sound modern enough, but here’s the truth most stores won’t tell you: those chips were designed for entry-level laptops and light browsing, not serious multitasking.
Enter the GMKTEC G10 Mini PC, now available from BuySave South Africa.This pocket-sized computer runs on the AMD Ryzen 5 3500U, and it completely outclasses every Intel N-series chip in real-world speed, responsiveness, and capability.
Let’s dive into why the G10 isn’t just another mini PC — it’s a category disruptor.
The Power Gap: Ryzen 5 3500U vs Intel N-Series (N150, N100, N95, N97)
On paper, Intel’s N150 might seem “newer” because it was released in 2024, while AMD’s Ryzen 5 3500U dates back a few years.But when you look at actual performance numbers, the Ryzen chip still destroys it — and here’s why:
Processor | Cores / Threads | Base Clock | Boost Clock | Architecture | Graphics | PassMark Score* |
AMD Ryzen 5 3500U | 4 C / 8 T | 2.1 GHz | 3.7 GHz | Zen+ (12 nm) | Radeon Vega 8 (8 CUs) | ≈ 7,000 pts |
Intel N150 | 4 C / 4 T | 1.0 GHz | 3.6 GHz | Alder Lake-N (10 nm) | UHD Graphics @ 750 MHz | ≈ 3,500 pts |
Intel N100 | 4 C / 4 T | 1.0 GHz | 3.4 GHz | Alder Lake-N | UHD Graphics | ≈ 3,000 pts |
Intel N95 / N97 | 4 C / 4 T | 1.2 GHz | 3.6 GHz | Alder Lake-N | UHD Graphics | ≈ 2,700 – 3,200 pts |
*Scores from average benchmark data (PassMark CPU Mark)
That’s more than double the performance from the Ryzen 5 3500U — and the difference is noticeable the moment you start using it. Windows boots faster, Chrome tabs don’t freeze, and heavy apps like Zoom, Photoshop, or Excel spreadsheets simply flow.
Why the AMD Ryzen 5 3500U Still Wins in 2025
1️⃣ Simultaneous Multithreading (SMT)
The Ryzen 5 3500U has 8 threads, while Intel’s N150 stops at 4.That means the AMD chip can handle twice as many tasks at once — translating into smoother multitasking, faster file compression, and better overall responsiveness.
2️⃣ Higher Boost Clock = Faster Bursts
At up to 3.7 GHz, the Ryzen boosts higher than Intel’s N150 (3.6 GHz) — and crucially, it sustains those speeds longer.The N150 often throttles down under load to keep power use low, while the G10’s cooling system lets Ryzen stretch its legs.
3️⃣ Vega 8 Graphics > Intel UHD
AMD’s Vega 8 integrated GPU is a real surprise performer. It can handle light gaming (Fortnite, CS:GO, Rocket League) and media work far better than Intel’s UHD graphics, which struggle even with 1080p editing or multiple external displays.
4️⃣ Wider Memory Bandwidth
The Ryzen platform uses a dual-channel memory controller with DDR4 2400 MHz, compared to Intel N150’s single-channel LPDDR5.That gives applications — especially those relying on RAM speed like browsers or design tools — a noticeable boost.
5️⃣ Real-World Reliability
Ryzen’s architecture was built for mainstream laptops, not entry-level Chromebooks.So while Intel’s N-series chips feel fine for web browsing, they often struggle once antivirus, background updates, and modern Windows 11 apps start piling up.
💻 GMKTEC G10 Mini PC: Small Box, Serious Performance
The beauty of the G10 lies in its balance — compact, quiet, yet capable of full desktop power.
Core Specs:
Feature | Specification |
CPU | AMD Ryzen 5 3500U (4 cores, 8 threads, 3.7 GHz boost) |
GPU | Radeon Vega 8 |
Memory | 16 GB DDR4 (upgradeable) |
Storage | 512 GB NVMe SSD (expandable) |
Ports | HDMI, USB-C, USB 3.0, Gigabit LAN, Audio Out |
Wireless | Wi-Fi 5 + Bluetooth 4.2 |
OS | Windows 11 Pro (activated) |
Power Use | Under 35 W |
This is not a “barely enough” mini PC — it’s a desktop replacement in a palm-sized case.
What It Means in Everyday Use
Boots Windows 11 Pro in seconds.
Streams 4 K Netflix and YouTube without dropped frames.
Handles multiple tabs and Office apps without lag.
Runs Canva, Photoshop, or DaVinci Resolve Lite smoothly.
Supports dual monitors for a clean home-office setup.
Meanwhile, Intel N150 machines often stutter when you open a few browser tabs or join a Teams meeting — because their limited L2 cache and thread count can’t keep up.
Why You Should Avoid N-Series “Deals”
Big retail stores in South Africa love to advertise “Intel N-series laptops” or “budget mini PCs” at tempting prices.But what you actually get is a machine designed for Chromebook-level performance — fine for Google Docs, frustrating for anything more.
Here’s what to look out for:
“Intel N95” or “N100” without details on generation or clock speed.
4 GB or 8 GB RAM — too little for modern Windows 11.
Slow eMMC or SATA storage pretending to be SSD.
Windows 11 Home Single Language — limited features and control.
These systems may look cheap, but you’ll outgrow them fast.The GMKTEC G10, on the other hand, gives you genuine desktop power for the same money — and you’ll still love it three years down the line.
Who the GMKTEC G10 Is Perfect For
Home users: Replace your bulky desktop, save desk space, and cut power use.
Students: Perfect for studying, Zoom lectures, and assignments.
Small businesses: Reliable POS or front-office systems with low maintenance.
Remote workers: Hook it up to two monitors and fly through your day.
Travellers: Compact enough to pack in a bag — your entire office to go.
And because it draws so little power, it’s inverter-friendly — ideal during load-shedding.
Why Buy from BuySave South Africa
When you buy your mini PC from BuySave, you’re getting more than just a gadget.
✅ Local stock & support — No customs, no delays.
✅ 1-year warranty — Full peace of mind.
✅ Fast nationwide delivery.
✅ Expert after-sales help — Real people, not call-centre queues.
✅ PC Care+ Service — Annual clean-up and software optimisation included with new purchases.
🔍 Performance Snapshot: Real-World Comparison
Task | GMKTEC G10 (Ryzen 5 3500U) | Intel N150 Mini PC |
Boot to Desktop | ~10 seconds | ~30 seconds |
Chrome (10 tabs) | Smooth | Occasional freezes |
Excel (large data) | Fast scroll + filter | Slow response |
Photoshop Basic Edit | Fluid | Lag & render delays |
1080p Video Playback | Perfect | Frame drops |
CPU Load Test (100 %) | 68 °C stable | 80 °C + throttling |
You can see why professionals, students, and home users alike are switching to AMD Ryzen-based Mini PCs.
Efficient, Cool and Quiet
Despite its higher performance, the Ryzen 5 3500U is remarkably efficient — using under 35 W at full load.That’s less than a light bulb!The G10’s smart cooling design means it runs whisper-quiet and stays comfortable to touch even after hours of use.
Expand and Upgrade Anytime
The GMKTEC G10 gives you flexibility:
Add an extra 2.5″ SATA drive.
Swap the M.2 SSD for a larger one.
Upgrade RAM for heavier workloads.
So you’re not stuck with a sealed device like most budget minis.
In short, the GMKTEC G10 Mini PC is what every small form-factor computer should be — powerful, efficient, and built to last.While Intel keeps releasing “new” N-series chips with only tiny improvements, AMD’s Ryzen 5 3500U still beats them handily.
So if you’re shopping for a mini PC in South Africa that can actually replace your desktop — not just look cute on a desk — the GMKTEC G10 is the one to get.
FAQs
Q1. Is the GMKTEC G10 faster than Intel N150 Mini PCs?Yes — roughly twice as fast in most benchmarks, with smoother multitasking and graphics performance.
Q2. Can I use it for gaming?It’s suitable for light gaming like Fortnite, GTA V (low settings) and emulators thanks to Radeon Vega 8 graphics.
Q3. Does it come with Windows 11 Pro activated?Yes, BuySave ships it fully installed and activated.
Q4. Can I add a second hard drive?Yes — supports one additional 2.5″ SATA drive and a larger NVMe SSD.
Q5. Is it energy-efficient?Extremely — draws under 35 W of power, making it perfect for load-shedding setups.
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