GMKtec EVO-T2
Published on
The GMKtec EVO-T2 marks a significant leap in mini PC computing as one of the first devices powered by Intel’s Panther Lake platform, built on the company’s cutting-edge 18A (1.8nm) process technology. With the Core Ultra X9 388H processor delivering a combined 180 TOPS of AI performance through its CPU, Arc B390 integrated GPU, and NPU 5 working together, this compact machine targets professionals and enthusiasts who want to run large-scale AI models locally without relying on cloud services. The integrated Arc B390 GPU packs 12 Xe3 cores that deliver performance competitive with discrete laptop GPUs, while dual M.2 slots with PCIe 5.0 support and Phison’s aiDAPTIV+ technology enable optimized AI model storage and loading. Whether you’re running 70-billion parameter language models, developing AI applications, or need a workstation-class machine that fits on your desk, the EVO-T2 delivers next-generation hardware in the same compact form factor as its EVO-T1 predecessor.
Pros and Cons of the GMKtec EVO-T2
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 180 TOPS AI performance for local LLM inference | Soldered RAM cannot be upgraded after purchase |
| Intel’s first 18A process for improved efficiency | No hands-on reviews available yet at launch |
| Arc B390 iGPU rivals discrete laptop graphics | Premium pricing reflects flagship positioning |
| PCIe 5.0 M.2 with Phison aiDAPTIV+ AI SSD support | Only 2 M.2 slots vs. EVO-T1’s 3 slots |
| 10GbE + 2.5GbE dual Ethernet networking | Fixed 64GB RAM limits future expandability |
| OCuLink for external GPU expansion | Limited initial availability (50-unit first batch) |
GMKtec EVO-T2 Comparison Chart
![]() GMKtec EVO-T2 | |
| Price | List Price: $1,899.00 Amazon Prices: |
| Version | 64GB/1TB/Core Ultra X7 358H |
| Performance Rating | 10.3 |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Pro |
| Processor | Sixteen-core 1.90 Ghz (max 4.80 Ghz) Intel Core Ultra X7 358H |
| GPU | Integrated Intel Arc B390 |
| RAM | 64 GB LPDDR5X, 2-channel (LPDDR5X-8533 soldered) |
| Internal Storage | 1 TB NVMe PCIe 5.0 SSD |
| 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 | 2.05 lbs (0.93 kg) |
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.4 |
| Ethernet | 2 Ethernet ports at 10 Gbps |
| HDMI | 2 Full-Size HDMI Ports |
| DisplayPort | DP Alt Mode via 2x USB4 ports (up to 8K@60Hz) |
| VGA | No VGA Ports |
| USB Ports | 1 USB 2.0, 2 USB 3, 2 USB 4 Front: 1x USB4 (100W PD + DP Alt Mode), 2x USB-A 3.2, 1x USB-A 2.0. Rear: 1x USB4 |
| Thunderbolt Ports | No |
| Internal SATA Ports | No SATA ports |
| Card Reader | No Card Reader |
| Headphone Jack | combo |
| Fanless | No |
| VESA Mount | Yes |
| In the Box | Power adapter, VESA mounting bracket, HDMI cable, user manual |
| Expandability | 64GB LPDDR5X-8533 soldered (not upgradable). Dual M.2 NVMe slots (PCIe 5.0 + PCIe 4.0, up to 16TB total). OCuLink Gen4x4 for eGPU. |
Related Mini PCs
-
GMKtec EVO-X1High-performance mini PC featuring AMD's latest Ryzen AI 9 HX-370 processor with Radeon 890M… -
MINISFORUM MS-S1 MAXA high-performance AI workstation powered by the AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 with 128GB unified memory,… -
GMKtec Nucbox M7The GMKtec Nucbox M7 packs an AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 6850H processor with OCuLink support for external… -
Beelink GTR9 ProA high-performance AI Mini PC featuring the AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 processor with 126 AI TOPS, 128GB… -
HP Z2 Mini G1aProfessional-grade compact workstation with AMD Ryzen AI Max+ PRO processors and unified memory… -
MINISFORUM AI X1 ProThe MINISFORUM AI X1 Pro combines AMD's flagship Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor with exceptional…
Detailed Insights into the GMKtec EVO-T2
The EVO-T2 shares its predecessor’s compact dimensions at 6.06 x 5.94 x 2.90 inches and weighs just over 2 pounds, maintaining VESA mount compatibility for behind-the-monitor placement. The chassis uses a dual-fan cooling system with a vapor chamber design rated for up to 60W sustained power output, with configurable TDP modes up to 80W for peak performance. The front panel provides a USB4 port with 100W Power Delivery and DisplayPort Alt Mode alongside two USB-A 3.2 and one USB-A 2.0 port, while the rear houses a second USB4 port, dual HDMI 2.1, dual Ethernet, OCuLink, and a combo audio jack. This port layout supports up to four simultaneous displays at 4K resolution through the dual HDMI and dual USB4 connections.
The EVO-T2 is available with Intel’s Core Ultra X9 388H or Core Ultra X7 358H, both 16-core processors arranged with 4 performance cores, 8 efficiency cores, and 4 low-power efficiency cores. The flagship X9 boosts to 5.1 GHz while the X7 reaches 4.8 GHz. The Panther Lake architecture’s headline feature is its 180 TOPS of heterogeneous AI compute, distributed across the NPU 5, the Arc B390’s 12 Xe3 GPU cores, and the CPU cores themselves. According to WCCFTech, the system can run models with 70 billion parameters locally, leveraging the 64GB of LPDDR5X-8533 memory and Phison’s aiDAPTIV+ SSD technology that intelligently pages model weights between memory and storage. GMKtec bundles its own “GMKtec Claw” AI utility based on OpenClaw for a ready-to-use local AI assistant experience out of the box.
Connectivity is a strong suit with WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 providing cutting-edge wireless performance, while the dual Ethernet ports offer 10GbE and 2.5GbE wired connections for demanding network workloads. Storage expansion comes via two M.2 slots, one supporting the latest PCIe 5.0 standard and the other PCIe 4.0, with a theoretical maximum of 16TB combined capacity. The OCuLink Gen4x4 port opens up external GPU expansion for users who need dedicated graphics beyond the integrated Arc B390, making this a flexible platform for both AI work and GPU-accelerated tasks. For users who prioritize raw GPU power over AI TOPS, the GMKtec EVO-X2 with AMD’s Ryzen AI Max+ 395 offers an alternative approach with its Radeon 8060S integrated graphics and up to 128GB of unified memory.
Press Coverage of the GMKtec EVO-T2
CES 2026 Debut
The EVO-T2 made its public debut at CES 2026, where it attracted significant attention from the tech press and a notable endorsement from Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan, who visited the GMKtec booth and personally tested the prototype. TechRadar reported that the EVO-T2 delivers 50% more AI computing power than its AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 rival, calling it “a critical step in making high performance AI computing accessible at the desktop level.” The coverage emphasized the 180 TOPS figure as a new benchmark for compact systems, positioning the EVO-T2 ahead of competing mini PCs in raw AI throughput.
WCCFTech’s Launch Analysis
WCCFTech’s coverage provided detailed specifications and pricing information, highlighting the Phison aiDAPTIV+ AI SSD integration as a key differentiator. The publication noted that GMKtec has “precisely optimized the system around the OpenClaw AI Agent,” providing users with a fully local AI assistant. Their analysis positioned the EVO-T2 as the successor to the Arrow Lake-powered EVO-T1 series, offering a generational leap in AI capabilities while maintaining the same focus on local AI workloads that defined its predecessor.
Industry Context
The EVO-T2 arrives at a pivotal moment for local AI computing, as manufacturers race to deliver desktop-class AI performance in compact form factors. Intel’s Panther Lake architecture represents the company’s first consumer chips on the 18A process node, and GMKtec’s early adoption signals confidence in the platform’s maturity. The 180 TOPS figure surpasses both Intel’s own Arrow Lake offerings (99 TOPS in the EVO-T1) and AMD’s Strix Halo platform (up to 126 TOPS), setting a new performance ceiling for mini PC AI acceleration.
Conclusion
The GMKtec EVO-T2 represents the cutting edge of AI-focused mini PC computing, delivering Intel’s most advanced consumer processor in a form factor that sits comfortably on any desk. Its combination of 180 TOPS AI performance, PCIe 5.0 storage with intelligent AI SSD technology, and 10GbE networking makes it purpose-built for professionals running local language models, AI development workflows, and demanding computational tasks. The OCuLink port and dual USB4 connectivity ensure expansion options for growing workload demands.
The soldered 64GB RAM configuration is the most notable limitation, preventing future memory upgrades that the EVO-T1’s SO-DIMM slots allowed. Users who need more memory for larger models should consider the GMKtec EVO-X2 with up to 128GB of LPDDR5X, or wait for potential higher-memory EVO-T2 variants. As a first-generation Panther Lake device, early adopters should also weigh the limited availability of third-party reviews and driver maturation against the appeal of being on the newest platform.
For those comparing options, see our Mini PC Comparison Chart to find the best match for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What processor does the GMKtec EVO-T2 use?
The GMKtec EVO-T2 is available with two Intel Panther Lake processors: the flagship Core Ultra X9 388H with 16 cores and boost speeds up to 5.1 GHz, or the Core Ultra X7 358H with 16 cores boosting to 4.8 GHz. Both processors are built on Intel’s 18A (1.8nm) process and deliver up to 180 TOPS of combined AI performance through their integrated NPU 5, Arc B390 GPU, and CPU cores.
Can I upgrade the RAM in the GMKtec EVO-T2?
No, the GMKtec EVO-T2 uses 64GB of soldered LPDDR5X-8533 memory that cannot be upgraded after purchase. The soldered design enables higher memory speeds compared to SO-DIMM configurations, but you cannot change the RAM capacity. If you need more memory, consider the GMKtec EVO-X2 which offers up to 128GB of LPDDR5X.
What ports does the GMKtec EVO-T2 have?
The EVO-T2 features a comprehensive port selection including 2x USB4 (one with 100W Power Delivery), 2x USB-A 3.2, 1x USB-A 2.0, dual HDMI 2.1, a combo audio jack, and an OCuLink Gen4x4 port for external GPU expansion. Networking includes 1x 10GbE and 1x 2.5GbE Ethernet ports plus WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4.
Can the GMKtec EVO-T2 run local AI models?
Yes, the EVO-T2 is specifically designed for local AI workloads. With 180 TOPS of combined AI acceleration and 64GB of high-speed LPDDR5X memory, it can run language models with up to 70 billion parameters locally. The system includes Phison’s aiDAPTIV+ AI SSD technology that intelligently pages model data between memory and storage, and comes with GMKtec’s Claw AI utility for a ready-to-use local AI assistant.
How does the EVO-T2 compare to the EVO-T1?
The EVO-T2 is a significant upgrade over the EVO-T1 in nearly every area. It jumps from Arrow Lake to Panther Lake (18A process), increases AI performance from 99 TOPS to 180 TOPS, upgrades the iGPU from Arc 140T to Arc B390 with 12 Xe3 cores, adds WiFi 7 (vs WiFi 6), faster 10GbE networking (vs 2.5GbE), and PCIe 5.0 SSD support. However, the EVO-T1 offers upgradable SO-DIMM RAM and an extra M.2 slot (3 vs 2).
Does the GMKtec EVO-T2 support external GPUs?
Yes, the EVO-T2 includes an OCuLink Gen4x4 port that provides high-bandwidth connectivity for external GPU enclosures. This allows users to add a discrete graphics card for demanding gaming, rendering, or AI training tasks that exceed the capabilities of the integrated Arc B390 GPU.
How many displays can the GMKtec EVO-T2 support?
The EVO-T2 supports up to four simultaneous displays at 4K resolution through its dual HDMI 2.1 ports and two USB4 ports with DisplayPort Alt Mode. The USB4 ports support up to 8K at 60Hz resolution for single high-resolution displays.
