GMKtec NucBox G9
The GMKtec NucBox G9 is a compact mini PC marketed as a 4-bay NAS solution. It packs four M.2 NVMe slots into a sub-1U chassis with an Intel N150 processor and 12GB of soldered LPDDR5, making it appealing for homelab enthusiasts who want dense SSD storage in a tiny footprint. At around $210, the specs-per-dollar ratio is compelling. On paper, it looked like the perfect low-power Jellyfin host. In practice, the fan developed bearing noise and died after less than a year of lightly loaded continuous operation, and the device had already developed a well-documented reputation for thermal issues before mine failed. The plastic chassis doesn’t help with heat dissipation, and the overall build quality feels budget-appropriate—fine at this price point, but not confidence-inspiring for 24/7 server duty. Not recommended for always-on use.

