GMKtec EVO-X1

The GMKtec EVO-X1 represents a significant step forward for the Chinese mini PC manufacturer, introducing their new Evolution Series with a completely redesigned metal chassis and premium features aimed at power users. At the heart of this compact powerhouse sits AMD’s Ryzen AI 9 HX-370 processor, one of the fastest mobile APUs available, paired with Radeon 890M integrated graphics that rivals entry-level discrete GPUs from just a year or two ago. What truly sets the EVO-X1 apart from competitors is its inclusion of an Oculink port alongside USB4, enabling high-speed external GPU connectivity for users who need dedicated graphics performance without sacrificing the mini PC’s compact footprint.

Pros and Cons of the GMKtec EVO-X1

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GMKtec EVO-X1 Comparison Chart

	GMKtec EVO-X1
Price	List Price: $899.99 Amazon Prices: Loading prices...
Version	32GB/1TB
Perfomance Rating	10.1
Operating System	Windows 11 Pro
Processor	Twelve-core 2.00 Ghz (max 5.10 Ghz) AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370
GPU	Integrated Intel UHD Graphics
RAM	32 GB LPDDR5
Internal Storage	1 TB
Dimensions width x length x thickness	4.34 x 4.22 x 2.49 inches (110.24 x 107.19 x 63.25 mm)
Weight	1.31 lbs (0.6 kg)
WiFi	Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
Bluetooth	Bluetooth 5.2
Ethernet	2 Ethernet ports at 2.5 Gbps
HDMI	1 HDMI 2.1 Port
DisplayPort	1 DisplayPort (DisplayPort 2.1)
VGA	No VGA Ports
USB Ports	2 USB 2.0, 2 USB 3, 1 USB 4
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	Mini PC, 120W power adapter, HDMI cable, vertical stand, user manual
Expandability	Storage expandable via dual M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 slots (up to 8TB). RAM is soldered LPDDR5X and cannot be upgraded.

Detailed Insights into the GMKtec EVO-X1

The EVO-X1 marks GMKtec’s departure from their traditional NucBox naming with a distinctive boxy metal chassis that measures just 110.2 x 107.3 x 63.2 mm, making it one of the smallest mini PCs in its performance class at only 0.94 liters in volume. The all-metal construction gives the device a premium feel and professional appearance suitable for both home office and business environments, with the stackable design allowing multiple units to be deployed together. Port selection is comprehensive, with dual 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet ports on the rear alongside HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 2.1, and the headline Oculink connector, while the front panel provides quick access to USB 3.2 ports and the power button.

Performance from the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX-370 is nothing short of impressive, with the 12-core, 24-thread Zen 5 processor capable of boosting to 5.1 GHz and delivering year-over-year performance gains of 20-25 percent over the previous generation Ryzen 7 8845HS. The integrated Radeon 890M graphics with 16 compute units provides enough horsepower for 1080p gaming in many titles, with reviewers noting it approaches the performance of an RTX 3050 from recent years when utilizing FSR and frame generation technologies. The device includes a 50 TOPS NPU that meets Windows Copilot+ PC requirements, making it future-ready for AI-accelerated workloads as software support expands.

Connectivity options are extensive for a device this small, with dual M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 slots supporting up to 8TB of NVMe storage expansion, though the 32GB or 64GB LPDDR5X-7500 RAM is soldered and cannot be upgraded. The USB4 port provides 40Gbps bandwidth with DisplayPort Alt Mode and Thunderbolt 3 compatibility, while the dedicated Oculink port offers PCIe 4.0 x4 speeds (64Gbps) specifically optimized for external GPU enclosures. WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 round out the wireless connectivity, though some reviewers noted WiFi range could be stronger at distance, making the dual 2.5GbE ports particularly valuable for demanding network tasks.

Reviewer Insights on the GMKtec EVO-X1

ETA PRIME’s Perspective

ETA PRIME was thoroughly impressed with the GMKtec EVO-X1, declaring that the company has “taken their line to a whole new level with this PC.” His comprehensive testing revealed excellent thermal management, with temperatures staying well under throttling thresholds even when running at the boosted 65W TDP mode. The reviewer praised the dual connectivity options for external GPUs via Oculink and USB4, highlighting this as a major selling point for gamers and content creators who want the option to add dedicated graphics power without replacing their entire system. ETA PRIME’s overall recommendation was highly positive for anyone seeking the highest performing integrated graphics in a mini PC form factor with genuine eGPU expansion potential.

TechTablets’ Perspective

TechTablets provided the most detailed teardown of the EVO-X1, revealing that the device actually contains three M.2 slots (2x 2280 and 1x 2242), all running at PCIe 4.0 speeds. Their testing confirmed the impressive cooling performance, with CPU temperatures staying under 70 degrees Celsius even at the 65W TDP setting. The reviewer noted that the BIOS is fully unlocked, allowing power users to adjust TDP limits and even overclock the memory to 8000MT/s. The main criticisms centered on fan noise in performance mode and the non-upgradeable soldered RAM, though TechTablets still highly recommended the device for power users wanting the latest AMD architecture in a thermally-efficient package.

Lon.TV’s Perspective

Lon Seidman of Lon.TV offered a characteristically honest assessment, noting upfront that “if you don’t like noisy PCs, this one is probably not going to be for you.” His testing confirmed the exceptional graphics performance, observing that the AMD processor “comes close to what we were seeing out of an RTX 3050 from just a year or two ago.” Lon specifically tested Linux compatibility with Ubuntu 24.10, finding the system stable and well-supported. While acknowledging the premium price point compared to lower-powered mini PCs, he recommended the EVO-X1 for power users who need high performance in a compact frame and will make use of the Oculink port for external GPU expansion.

NotebookCheck’s Technical Review

According to NotebookCheck, the EVO-X1 earned a 72% score with praise for its fast CPU and GPU performance relative to its compact size, unique stackable design, and Oculink expandability. Their detailed technical testing confirmed the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 beats the competing Intel Core Ultra 9 185H by approximately 15 percent in performance benchmarks. However, they noted several software issues including problematic power states during sleep mode and RGB LEDs that cannot be toggled off, suggesting the device could have benefited from additional pre-launch refinement. The lack of WiFi 6E or WiFi 7 and absence of an SD card reader were also cited as missed opportunities at this price point.

TechRadar’s Glowing Review

TechRadar’s Alastair Jennings gave the EVO-X1 an exceptional 4.75 out of 5 stars, calling it “far more than I’d expected from a mini PC all due to that Oculink port.” The review emphasized how the external GPU connectivity transforms the device into something that “truly rivals desktop-sized machines in terms of graphics computing power” when paired with an appropriate GPU enclosure. The premium metal casing and triple 8K display capability were highlighted as standout features, though the soldered RAM and fan noise under load were noted as the primary compromises for the otherwise excellent device.

Customer Reviews of the GMKtec EVO-X1

Amazon customers have given the GMKtec EVO-X1 a solid 4.3-star rating across 199 reviews, with the majority of buyers praising its exceptional performance for the compact size. Many reviewers highlight the seamless 1080p gaming experience and smooth 4K video editing capabilities, often expressing surprise at what the Radeon 890M integrated graphics can achieve. The dual 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet ports receive particular appreciation from users running home servers or network-intensive applications, while the Oculink port is frequently mentioned as the deciding factor for buyers planning to add an external GPU.

The most common complaints mirror professional reviewer concerns: fan noise under heavy workloads and the inability to upgrade the soldered RAM. Several customers note that while balanced mode keeps the device reasonably quiet, switching to performance mode for gaming or demanding tasks produces noticeable fan noise that may bother users in quiet environments. A few reviews mention initial setup challenges with certain USB4 docks and displays, though most report these were resolved with firmware updates or alternative cables.

Overall customer sentiment positions the EVO-X1 as excellent value for power users who understand the trade-offs. Buyers frequently compare it favorably to more expensive alternatives like the ASUS NUC series while appreciating the unique Oculink expandability. The general consensus suggests the device delivers on its promise of desktop-class performance in a compact form factor, with most negative reviews focused on the premium price rather than any fundamental issues with the hardware itself.

Conclusion

The GMKtec EVO-X1 stands as a compelling choice for power users seeking maximum performance from a sub-one-liter mini PC, particularly those planning to leverage the Oculink port for external GPU expansion. The AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX-370 processor and Radeon 890M graphics deliver genuinely impressive performance for gaming, content creation, and productivity tasks, while the dual 2.5GbE ports and comprehensive display outputs ensure connectivity won’t be a bottleneck. The metal chassis construction and excellent thermal management demonstrate that GMKtec is targeting a more premium market segment with their new Evolution Series.

However, potential buyers should carefully consider the compromises before purchasing. The soldered LPDDR5X RAM means your memory configuration is permanent, the fan can become noticeable under sustained heavy loads, and WiFi performance may disappoint users who rely on wireless connectivity at distance. At approximately $900 for the 32GB/1TB configuration, the EVO-X1 commands a premium over budget mini PCs, though it offers performance and features that justify the investment for the right use cases.

For those seeking alternatives or wanting to compare specifications, Starry Hope’s Mini PC Comparison Chart provides a valuable resource for evaluating the EVO-X1 against other options in the market. The device is best suited for power users, content creators, and gamers who prioritize raw performance and Oculink expandability over upgradeable RAM and whisper-quiet operation.

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