GMKtec Resurrects a Discontinued Intel Pentium for Its Latest Mini PC

Sofía García · 2026-10-21

When was the last time you thought about the Intel Pentium? For many of us, it's a name that brings back memories of early home computers. Well, GMKtec is bringing it back—sort of. The company's new mini PC uses a Pentium chip that Intel discontinued, and it's raising a few eyebrows. ### What's the Deal with the Discontinued Pentium? The chip in question is the Intel Pentium Silver N6005. It's a quad-core processor that was part of Intel's Jasper Lake lineup, which was quietly phased out. GMKtec is using it in their new mini PC, presumably because it offers a good balance of performance and power efficiency at a low cost. But why use a discontinued chip? It's a bit like finding a classic car engine and putting it in a modern chassis. The Pentium Silver N6005 might be old, but it's still capable for basic tasks. And for a mini PC, that's often all you need. ### The Mini PC That Could So, what does this mini PC actually offer? Here's a quick rundown: - **Processor:** Intel Pentium Silver N6005 (quad-core, up to 3.3 GHz) - **Memory:** Up to 16GB DDR4 RAM - **Storage:** M.2 SSD support (capacity varies by model) - **Ports:** USB 3.0, HDMI, DisplayPort, Ethernet, and more - **Wireless:** Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 - **Size:** Compact enough to fit in the palm of your hand (literally, it's about 4.5 inches square) It's not going to win any speed records, but for everyday tasks like web browsing, document editing, and media streaming, it should hold its own. And at a projected price of around $250, it's an affordable option for those who need a basic desktop. ### Why Use a Discontinued Chip? You might be wondering why GMKtec didn't opt for a newer processor. The answer likely comes down to cost. Discontinued chips are often available at a discount, allowing manufacturers to keep prices low. Plus, the Pentium Silver N6005 is still a capable chip for its class—it's no slouch when it comes to energy efficiency. But there's a catch: drivers and support might become an issue down the line. Intel has moved on, so future updates might not be as frequent. For a budget machine, though, that's a trade-off many are willing to make. ### Should You Buy One? If you're in the market for a mini PC, this GMKtec model is worth considering—especially if you're on a tight budget. It's not for gamers or power users, but for basic home or office use, it could be a solid choice. Just keep in mind that you're buying into older technology, so don't expect it to last forever. ### The Verdict GMKtec's decision to use a discontinued Pentium is a bold move. It's a reminder that sometimes, older tech can still find a purpose. Whether it's a smart business decision or a risky gamble remains to be seen. But for now, it's an interesting option in the crowded mini PC market. What do you think? Would you buy a mini PC with a discontinued processor? Let us know in the comments.