GMKtec EVO-X2

The GMKtec EVO-X2 marks a significant milestone in mini PC evolution, packing the AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 processor into a surprisingly compact vertical chassis. This premium mini PC bridges the gap between traditional compact computing and full desktop workstation performance, offering the most powerful integrated graphics ever put into a mini PC. With its Radeon 8060S iGPU featuring 40 compute units, the EVO-X2 delivers gaming performance on par with dedicated mid-range graphics cards like the RTX 4060, while also excelling at AI workloads thanks to its massive unified memory architecture that can allocate up to 48GB to the GPU.

Pros and Cons of the GMKtec EVO-X2

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GMKtec EVO-X2 Comparison Chart

	GMKtec EVO-X2
Price	List Price: $1839.99 Amazon Prices: Loading prices...
Version	96GB/2TB
Perfomance Rating	7.8
Operating System	Windows 11 Pro
Processor	Sixteen-core 3.00 Ghz (max 5.10 Ghz) AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395
GPU	Integrated Intel UHD Graphics
RAM	96 GB
Internal Storage	2 TB
Dimensions width x length x thickness	7.6 x 7.3 x 3.03 inches (193.04 x 185.42 x 76.96 mm)
Weight	3.6 lbs (1.64 kg)
WiFi	Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be)
Bluetooth	Bluetooth 5.4
Ethernet	2 Ethernet ports at 2 Gbps
HDMI	1 HDMI Port
DisplayPort	1 DisplayPort
VGA	No VGA Ports
USB Ports	2 USB 2.0, 3 USB 3, 2 USB 4, 2 USB-C
Thunderbolt Ports	No
Internal SATA Ports	No SATA ports
Card Reader	SD
Headphone Jack	separate
Fanless	No
VESA Mount	No
In the Box	GMKtec EVO-X2 Mini PC, 230W power adapter, HDMI cable, user manual
Expandability	128GB LPDDR5X-8000 RAM (soldered, non-upgradeable), dual M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 NVMe slots with quick-release design (max 16TB total)

Detailed Insights into the GMKtec EVO-X2

The EVO-X2 features a distinctive vertical tower design that sets it apart from conventional mini PCs. Measuring 7.6 x 7.3 x 3.03 inches and weighing 3.6 pounds, it occupies more desk space than budget mini PCs but saves horizontal footprint compared to traditional desktops. The metal construction with CNC jet-oxidized black finish gives it a premium aesthetic, though some reviewers noted the build quality feels slightly below what you’d expect at this price point. RGB lighting runs along the bottom edge, adding a subtle gaming flair to an otherwise professional appearance.

Under the hood, the AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 delivers workstation-class performance with 16 cores and 32 threads capable of boosting up to 5.1GHz. This Strix Halo chip scored 55,005 on PassMark CPU Mark, outperforming many desktop processors. The integrated Radeon 8060S with 40 RDNA 3.5 compute units can draw from the massive LPDDR5X-8000 memory pool, allocating up to 48GB as VRAM for demanding graphics workloads. In benchmarks, reviewers consistently saw performance matching or exceeding standalone GPUs like the AMD Radeon RX 7600, making this a legitimate gaming machine despite having no discrete graphics card.

Connectivity is comprehensive for a mini PC at this level. Two USB4 ports running at 40Gbps handle high-speed peripherals and can drive displays, complemented by HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4 outputs for quad 8K display support. The five USB-A ports (three USB 3.0 10Gbps, two USB 2.0) provide plenty of legacy connectivity. WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 handle wireless duties, while dual 2.5GbE Ethernet ports satisfy network-intensive users. Storage expansion comes via two M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 NVMe slots with a quick-release design that makes swapping drives straightforward, supporting up to 16TB total capacity.

Reviewer Insights on the GMKtec EVO-X2

ETA PRIME’s Perspective

ETA PRIME has been using the EVO-X2 as his primary mini PC for two months and considers it definitively at the top of his list. He extensively tested gaming performance, demonstrating that “the iGPU here is on par with something like an RTX 4060 or even the Radeon RX 7600 non-XT.” His review highlighted the excellent thermal management with dual blower fans and a dedicated SSD cooling fan, noting that even under sustained gaming loads the system remained stable. He praised the up to 128GB of high-speed LPDDR5X RAM as particularly valuable for local AI workloads like video generation and running LLMs, calling it “definitely a mini powerhouse.”

TechDweeb’s Perspective

TechDweeb delivered an emphatic endorsement, exclaiming “This thing is just nuts” after discovering it literally outperformed his actual desktop PC in video editing and rendering tasks. He appreciated the physical performance mode toggle button for quickly switching between quiet, balanced, and performance profiles. His review noted practical details like the full-size SD card slot, dual M.2 storage, and the premium feel despite acknowledging “it kind of looks like it ate two or three small mini PCs for breakfast.” For those seeking the absolute best mini PC performance regardless of price, TechDweeb’s verdict was clear: “If you’re after the absolute best mini PC money can buy, the EVO-X2 is it.”

Robtech’s Perspective

Robtech brought a more measured analysis, acknowledging the EVO-X2 as the “best performing multi-core mobile CPU we’ve ever tested in Cinebench” while also documenting some concerns. He measured fan noise reaching 50dBA under load and observed CPU temperatures climbing to 97C during stress tests in performance mode. His review emphasized the AI capabilities, noting “This mini really excels at AI” with the massive unified memory pool. However, he was more critical of the build quality, observing that “the overall build quality of the mini is okay, but I wouldn’t say it feels up to par with its price tag.” Still, his conclusion recognized the historical significance: “Finally, discrete level gaming performance without the need for a separate GPU chip.”

NotebookCheck’s Analysis

According to NotebookCheck, the EVO-X2 earned an 88% rating and Editor’s Choice designation as one of the most exciting mini PCs of 2025. Their thorough benchmark suite revealed Geekbench 6 scores of 3,076 single-core and 20,000 multi-core, with 3DMark Time Spy hitting 11,253. They particularly valued the three performance mode options and noted that “despite its high computing power, the system remains comparatively cool and quiet under full load.” The technical review confirmed stable performance across CPU, GPU, and SSD under sustained loads, though maintenance was flagged as unnecessarily complicated due to the internal design.

ServeTheHome’s Perspective

ServeTheHome positioned the EVO-X2 as “a powerhouse AI mini PC representing a new class of performance.” Patrick Kennedy’s enterprise-focused review appreciated the dual USB4 ports and comprehensive I/O but criticized the networking, noting “In a system at this price point, I wish this had 10GbE if not at least 5GbE” instead of dual 2.5GbE. The review highlighted thoughtful touches like front and rear 3.5mm headset jacks and the P-mode button for quick performance profile switching.

Across all reviews, consensus emerged on key points: the EVO-X2 delivers unprecedented integrated graphics performance suitable for 1440p gaming and AI workloads, but demands a premium price with the trade-off of non-upgradeable soldered RAM. The thermals and acoustics received mixed assessments depending on workload expectations, with some reviewers satisfied and others noting room for improvement.

Customer Reviews of the GMKtec EVO-X2

Amazon customers have given the EVO-X2 a 4.1 out of 5 star rating based on 35 reviews, reflecting generally positive sentiment with some notable concerns. Many buyers specifically purchased this system for AI development work, praising the massive 96GB or 128GB memory configurations that allow running large language models locally without cloud dependencies. Content creators highlighted the smooth 4K video editing experience and rapid render times that previously required much larger desktop systems.

Common complaints centered on the price-to-build-quality ratio, with some customers echoing reviewer concerns that the chassis materials don’t quite match the premium positioning. A few users reported fan noise becoming noticeable during intensive tasks, though opinions varied on whether this was acceptable for the performance delivered. The soldered RAM limitation frustrated some buyers who would have preferred upgrade flexibility at this price point, despite understanding it’s necessary for the LPDDR5X memory bandwidth.

Overall, customers who understood what they were buying expressed satisfaction with the performance leap over previous mini PCs. Those disappointed typically expected either lower noise levels or higher build quality for a system in this price range. The consensus suggests the EVO-X2 delivers exactly what it promises in terms of raw performance, making it an excellent choice for users who prioritize computing power over absolute refinement.

Conclusion

The GMKtec EVO-X2 represents a genuine breakthrough for mini PC enthusiasts and professionals who need maximum computing power in a compact form factor. With the AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 and Radeon 8060S delivering performance that rivals mid-range discrete graphics cards, this system eliminates the traditional trade-off between size and capability. AI developers, content creators, and gamers who want a single compact machine for all their demanding workloads will find the EVO-X2 exceptionally capable, particularly given its unified memory architecture that can allocate up to 48GB to graphics.

However, the premium pricing starting around $1,500 and reaching $2,000 for fully-loaded configurations means this isn’t for everyone. Value-conscious buyers or those who primarily need a discrete GPU for gaming might still find better deals building a compact desktop or choosing alternatives with dedicated graphics. The soldered RAM is a significant commitment since you’re locked into your memory configuration forever, so choosing the right variant upfront is essential.

For those who prioritize the smallest possible footprint without sacrificing genuine workstation performance, the EVO-X2 stands alone at the top of the mini PC market. Its combination of cutting-edge connectivity with WiFi 7 and USB4, adequate expansion through dual M.2 slots, and record-breaking integrated graphics makes it the benchmark against which future mini PCs will be measured. For those looking to compare options, Starry Hope’s Mini PC Comparison Chart provides a valuable resource for evaluating alternatives.

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