GMKtec EVO-T1

The GMKtec EVO-T1 represents a new class of AI-focused mini PCs, packing Intel’s flagship Core Ultra 9 285H processor into a compact chassis that sits comfortably on any desk. With 99 TOPS of combined AI acceleration from the CPU, GPU, and NPU working together, this machine handles demanding workloads from local LLM inference to creative workflows with surprising ease. The inclusion of an OCuLink port opens up external GPU expansion for those who need dedicated graphics power, while triple M.2 slots provide storage flexibility that rivals full-size desktops. At just over $900 for a system with 64GB of DDR5 RAM and a 1TB NVMe drive, the EVO-T1 targets power users, developers, and content creators who need serious computing power without sacrificing desk space.

Pros and Cons of the GMKtec EVO-T1

GMKtec EVO-T1 Comparison Chart

	GMKtec EVO-T1
Price	List Price: $949.99 Amazon Prices: Loading prices...
Version	64GB/1TB/Core Ultra 9 285H
Perfomance Rating	10.3
Operating System	Windows 11 Pro
Processor	Sixteen-core 3.70 Ghz (max 5.10 Ghz) Intel Core Ultra 9 285H
GPU	Integrated Intel UHD Graphics
RAM	64 GB
Internal Storage	1 TB
Dimensions width x length x thickness	6.06 x 5.94 x 2.9 inches (153.92 x 150.88 x 73.66 mm)
Weight	2.09 lbs (0.95 kg)
WiFi	Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
Bluetooth	Bluetooth 5.2
Ethernet	2 Ethernet ports at 2.5 Gbps
HDMI	1 HDMI Port
DisplayPort	1 DisplayPort
VGA	No VGA Ports
USB Ports	2 USB 2.0, 3 USB 3, 1 USB 4, 1 USB-C
Thunderbolt Ports	No
Internal SATA Ports	No SATA ports
Card Reader	No Card Reader
Headphone Jack	separate
Fanless	No
VESA Mount	Yes
In the Box	150W GaN power adapter, VESA mounting bracket, HDMI cable, user manual
Expandability	RAM upgradable to 128GB via 2x DDR5 SO-DIMM slots, storage expandable via 3x M.2 2280 NVMe slots (up to 12TB total), OCuLink Gen4x4 for external GPU expansion

Detailed Insights into the GMKtec EVO-T1

The EVO-T1’s design strikes a balance between performance and aesthetics with its two-tone black and brushed gold finish that looks professional in any workspace. At 6.06 x 5.94 x 2.9 inches and weighing just over 2 pounds, it’s larger than budget mini PCs but remains compact enough for desk placement or VESA mounting behind a monitor. The aluminum chassis with premium accents provides solid thermal mass for the dual-fan cooling system, which GMKtec tuned with three power profiles: Silent at 35W, Balanced at 54W, and Performance at 80W for maximum output. Port selection is generous with HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4 for up to 8K display output, USB4 for high-speed peripherals, and that standout OCuLink connector for external graphics.

The Intel Core Ultra 9 285H inside represents Arrow Lake’s mobile flagship, featuring 16 cores arranged as 6 performance, 8 efficiency, and 2 low-power cores with 22 threads total. Paired with the integrated Intel Arc 140T graphics and dedicated NPU, this processor delivers impressive performance for both traditional computing and emerging AI workloads. Multiple reviewers confirmed the system can run 32-billion parameter LLMs locally with the 64GB RAM configuration, achieving around 15 tokens per second with models like DeepSeek. For gaming, the Arc 140T handles 1080p medium settings respectably with titles like Forza Horizon 5 hitting 88 FPS and Cyberpunk 2077 managing a playable 58 FPS.

Connectivity covers all the essentials with dual 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet ports using Realtek RTL8125BG controllers, making this an excellent choice for NAS projects or networked workflows. WiFi 6 via the Intel AX201 adapter provides solid wireless performance, though the absence of WiFi 6E or 7 feels like a missed opportunity on a premium device. The front panel features three USB-A 3.2 ports and a USB-C with DisplayPort Alt Mode, while the rear adds two USB-A 2.0 ports and the USB4 connector alongside dual 3.5mm audio jacks for separate headphone and microphone connections.

Reviewer Insights on the GMKtec EVO-T1

Lon.TV’s Perspective

Lon.TV delivered one of the most comprehensive reviews with a detailed teardown revealing the EVO-T1’s internal layout. He praised the triple M.2 slot arrangement and the quality of the cooling solution, noting fan noise stayed between 32-39 dB even under sustained load. “This is one of the quieter high-performance mini PCs I’ve tested,” he observed while running benchmark comparisons. His teardown confirmed the dual SO-DIMM slots for RAM expansion and highlighted the thoughtful internal cable management. Overall, he recommended the EVO-T1 for users who prioritize expandability and don’t mind the slightly larger footprint.

Level1Techs’ Perspective

Level1Techs approached the review from a technical and workstation-use perspective, spending considerable time exploring the BIOS options available to power users. They discovered and prominently warned that the OCuLink port is not hot-pluggable, meaning you must power down completely before connecting or disconnecting external GPUs. “This is a critical detail that could save you from damaging expensive hardware,” they noted emphatically. The unlocked BIOS allows for tweaking power limits and enabling features that other manufacturers lock down. Their testing focused on developer workloads and virtualization scenarios where the 16-core processor excelled.

NotebookCheck’s Assessment

According to NotebookCheck, the EVO-T1 earns a 75% score with praise for its performance-per-volume ratio but criticism for the cooling system’s noise at full load. Their measured power draw of just 7W at idle demonstrates efficient low-load operation, though gaming pushed consumption to 70-75W. They specifically noted the fan speed control only adjusts in rough 20% increments, limiting fine-tuning options. The review highlighted the elegant black and gold design aesthetic while pointing out the substantial plastic content in the chassis construction.

TechRadar’s Take

TechRadar awarded 4 out of 5 stars, calling the EVO-T1 a “Core Ultra mini PC with class to spare.” Reviewer Mark Pickavance emphasized the 99 TOPS AI capability as a standout feature positioning this device for the emerging local AI market. He noted the excellent build quality with the brushed aluminum finish feeling premium in hand. The main criticism centered on the processor being designed for laptops rather than desktop duty, though he acknowledged this is standard for the mini PC category. “If you want the latest Intel hardware and can accept the higher-than-normal price, this is a classy piece of gear,” he concluded.

WCCFTech’s Analysis

WCCFTech bestowed their Innovative Award on the EVO-T1, calling it the “strongest Arrow Lake Mini PC tested” at the time of review. Their extensive benchmark suite showed Cinebench 2024 multi-core scores of 1101 and Geekbench 6 multi-core reaching 15,887. Gaming benchmarks at 1080p demonstrated the Arc 140T’s capabilities with F1 24 hitting 69 FPS at high settings. They measured peak temperatures of 97C under stress testing but noted the system remained acceptably quiet during typical use. At $999 for the tested 64GB/1TB configuration, they felt the value proposition was solid given the comprehensive feature set.

Customer Reviews of the GMKtec EVO-T1

Amazon customers have responded positively to the EVO-T1, awarding it 4.4 out of 5 stars across 341 reviews at the time of research. The most frequent praise centers on the powerful performance that exceeds expectations for the form factor, with multiple buyers successfully running local AI models and creative applications. Several reviewers specifically highlight the triple M.2 expansion as a selling point that sets this apart from competitors, appreciating the flexibility to add storage without external drives cluttering their setup.

Common concerns among customers include the learning curve for optimizing the various power modes and some reports of USB4 connectivity issues that may require BIOS updates to resolve. A few buyers note the fan becomes audible during sustained heavy workloads, though most consider this acceptable given the performance level. The premium price point comes up occasionally, with reviewers generally concluding it’s justified by the specifications but suggesting budget-conscious buyers consider lower-tier alternatives.

The GMKtec warranty and customer support receive mixed feedback, with some buyers praising responsive email support while others report longer resolution times for technical issues. Overall, customers who understand the target use case of a high-performance AI-ready workstation express satisfaction, while casual users sometimes find the capabilities exceed their needs.

Conclusion

The GMKtec EVO-T1 carves out a distinct niche as an AI-focused mini PC workstation for power users who need serious computing capabilities in a compact form factor. The combination of Intel’s Core Ultra 9 285H with 99 TOPS of AI acceleration, triple M.2 storage expansion, and OCuLink external GPU support creates a uniquely capable platform for developers, content creators, and AI enthusiasts. The dual 2.5GbE networking, 128GB RAM ceiling, and VESA mounting versatility add practical value for diverse deployment scenarios from home offices to professional studios.

Those seeking a pure gaming machine or budget-friendly office PC should look elsewhere, as the EVO-T1’s strengths lie in productivity, AI workloads, and expandability rather than raw gaming performance or value pricing. The larger chassis, audible cooling under load, and WiFi 6 limitation represent reasonable compromises for the performance level delivered. For users whose workflows can leverage the AI acceleration, local LLM inference, or external GPU capability, the EVO-T1 offers compelling value at its price point.

For those looking to compare options, Starry Hope’s Mini PC Comparison Chart provides a valuable resource for evaluating the EVO-T1 against alternatives from Beelink, Minisforum, and other manufacturers in the high-performance mini PC category.

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