GMKTec EVO-X2: The Smallest High-Performance PC for Creatives & AI Enthusiasts

What’s the meaning of raw power in a PC? For some, it’s a hulking tower that doubles as a space heater and, depending on RGB flair, a potential nightclub. For others, it’s an ongoing quest for more RAM, more SSD, and more acronyms than an IT trade show. But every so often, something upends the benchmarks. Enter the GMKTec EVO-X2—a mini monster, aimed squarely at creative pros, AI enthusiasts, and anyone who likes their workstations heavy on performance but light on square footage. It’s here, it’s spec’d out, and, perhaps for the first time in a while, it’s actually pretty affordable to boot.

GMKTec EVO-X2: A Giant Leap for Mini PCs​

Let’s dispatch with the pleasantries—this thing is ridiculous. Shrinking the sheer horsepower of a full-sized creative workstation into a chassis smaller than last night’s takeout is no mean feat. GMKTec’s EVO-X2 manages just that, strapping in AMD’s top-end Ryzen AI Max+ 395 processor, up to 128GB of LPDDR5X RAM, and a 2TB PCIe 4.0 SSD. If that’s not drool-worthy for anyone who wrangles high-res Photoshop files, stitches monster video projects, or wrestles code into AI models, I don’t know what is.
But there’s a twist. Unlike its showier, costlier rivals, this unit has a price tag that triggers more head scratching than sticker shock. On its launch in Europe, the base model enters at €1,499 (with a $100 deposit) and €1,799 (via a €200 deposit) for the full-fat 128GB/2TB variant—a substantial discount compared to heavyweights like the Framework Desktop. Let’s be blunt: not long ago, only pro studios or deep-pocketed freelancers could dream of so much RAM and computational muscle on a budget that wouldn’t require selling organs on the dark web.

What’s Inside? Meet Strix Halo and RDNA 3.5​

Specs are one thing. How they mesh in practice is another. The heart of the EVO-X2 beats with AMD’s Ryzen AI Max+ 395 APU, part of the much-whispered Strix Halo platform. This chip combines serious multi-core CPU brawn with graphics acceleration courtesy of the integrated Radeon 8060S GPU, leveraging AMD’s latest RDNA 3.5 architecture. That means up to 40 compute units, a robust 140W power envelope, and a level of AI acceleration usually reserved for ultra-premium workstations or…well, not mini PCs.
Translation for mere mortals? Faster project rendering. Smoother AI-assisted tasks—whether you’re upscaling images, scrubbing through a 4K timeline, or running machine-learning models directly on the desktop. Framework’s much-lauded modular design suddenly has a pint-sized competitor that’s arguably just as future-proof, yet friendlier on your bank account.

RAMageddon: 128GB in a Mini PC​

The leap from average consumer memory—think 16GB or 32GB—to triple digits is seismic. The EVO-X2’s ceiling of 128GB LPDDR5X at 8,000 MT/s isn’t just bragging rights; it’s a productivity steroid shot for creative, scientific, and engineering workflows. If you’re building enormous After Effects projects, keeping a dozen Chrome containers alive, and still want to virtualize half the planet, this is your ticket.
For the slightly less RAM-obsessed, the base 64GB option is no slouch either, giving most mainstream desktops a stern talking to. This memory is paired with a screamingly fast 1TB or 2TB PCIe 4.0 SSD. No, you won’t max out a petabyte archive here, but for working projects, loading times are measured in seconds, not minutes.

Not Just Numbers: Ports, Peripherals, and Practicality​

Of course, muscle without mobility is a dumbbell at rest, so the EVO-X2 packs in a buffet of ports. USB 4.0, USB 3.2 Gen2, USB 2.0—for everything from peripherals new and old. HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4, so your monitor options outstrip your cable drawer. An SD card reader for photographers and digital media types, plus not one but two 3.5mm audio jacks (because even in 2024, some of us still need to plug things in).
Networking comes courtesy of a 2.5 Gbit Ethernet jack—more than enough for creative teams moving big files, or for gamers who actually notice the difference between fast and blindingly fast. There’s also a fan control button, and a slightly mysterious “Performance Mode” switch that all but dares you to push it and see what happens: perhaps more fan noise, perhaps more fury, but definitely more wattage unleashed.

Compact, Not Cramped​

Let’s talk size. Mini PCs have often meant compromising on performance, thermals, or upgradeability. Not so here. The EVO-X2’s compact shell leverages every inch for vents, smart boards, and cooling innovation. It’s designed to perch prettily on a desk or disappear into a home studio. The upshot is near-silence under light loads, with active cooling ready to ramp up when you’re running virtual machines, batch-processing images, or, honestly, just showing off your Task Manager to jealous colleagues.
Will you be able to easily upgrade the RAM or storage? That’s the million-euro question for any mini workstation. While LPDDR5X is soldered (boo, soldered RAM), the SSD is user-replaceable—so you can slot in a larger drive as those creative ambitions (and file sizes) inevitably swell.

The Ryzen AI Max+ 395: The Brain Behind the Brute​

Key to the EVO-X2’s hype is AMD’s Ryzen AI Max+ 395 chip. The name might sound like a Lego set your nephew wants, but this is a professional-grade engine. The “AI” in the name isn’t just for marketing. This APU features a next-gen NPU (Neural Processing Unit), designed to supercharge everything from local machine learning inference to snappy AI-enhanced features in modern apps—yes, that includes generative fill in the latest Photoshop or on-device large language models.
Unlike the big, hot discrete GPUs in traditional workstation towers, AMD’s integrated solution keeps efficiency front and center. The upshot? Powerful AI and creative workflows, but without the overwhelming heat or space demands. In short: you’re future-proofed for the coming surge of AI-accelerated productivity tools.

Side-by-Side: EVO-X2 vs Framework Desktop​

No conversation about powerful, new-wave desktops is complete without mentioning Framework. Their modular, enthusiast-grade desktop has turned heads for adjustability and sustainability—but at a price. The EVO-X2 slithers in under this ceiling, offering most of the performance perks (and then some) for a notably friendlier spend.
Framework’s edge? Swappable components and a clear path for DIY upgrades. EVO-X2’s ace? Sheer spec-for-euro value and out-of-the-box readiness—plus welcome portability for creatives on the move. If your desk real estate is finite, the GMKTec’s tiny form factor is easier to justify than a modular Lego brick the size of an encyclopaedia. Would it beat Framework for a dedicated workstation nerd or PC part-swapper? Maybe not. But for creatives and AI tinkerers living deadline to deadline, EVO-X2 packs a convincing punch.

The Price Is Right (For Now)​

But what really has the internet abuzz is the price. For years, mini PCs have lurked in two camps: cheapish, low-powered options (Chromeboxes, NUCs), and outrageously costly boutique rigs. EVO-X2 finally proves you don’t have to choose. At €1,499 for the 64GB RAM, 1TB SSD base configuration, and €1,799 for the boss-level 128GB / 2TB model, we’re seeing workstation firepower trickle down to laptop prices.
The early bird gets the EVO-X2: these prices are EU pre-sale deals for those who slap down a deposit quickly—so the catch, as ever, is to act before May 7th. After that, all bets (and prices) are off.

Power and Efficiency: Who’s It For?​

Let’s not mince words. Not everyone needs 128GB of RAM or the latest AI-optimized silicon in a PC the size of a hardback novel. But for working creatives, engineers, scientists, and AI hobbyists, this is a case of the right tool for the right job.
Photographers moving massive raw image batches. Video editors slicing through hours of 4K or 8K. Developers experimenting with advanced AI workloads without babysitting a power-hungry tower. Even small business owners who value a silent, more discrete machine, but need workstation reliability—the EVO-X2 is tailored for you. And for digital nomads, it’s just portable enough to slip in a carry-on and fuel your workflow from anywhere with a power socket.

Windows 11 (But Secretly Linux-Ready)​

While the EVO-X2 is shipping with Windows 11 out of the gate, there’s more than a strong hint that Linux enthusiasts are already sizing it up for their own custom installs. Given the wide hardware support for AMD platforms and the enduring appeal of Linux for devs and scientists, this workstation is poised to become a sleeper hit for those who don’t play by Windows’ rules.

The Superlatives: Where the EVO-X2 Shines​

• Best for Photoshop and Adobe suite: With copious RAM, a cutting-edge APU, and a fast SSD, creative professionals will find this the smoothest mini PC for heavy-duty design and editing.
• AI development powerhouse: The integrated NPU means those who code in TensorFlow, PyTorch, or niche frameworks can get lightning-fast inference and testing without a full server rack.
• Port kingpin: No more dongle anxiety—plug in everything, from drawing pads to multiple monitors, every SD card on your desk, and ethernet for those precious cloud uploads.
• Portable yet potent: Tiny enough to move, powerful enough to stay—whether you’re desk-bound, studio-hopping, or conquering the next hackathon.

Will It Blend? Real-World Use Scenarios​

It’s easy to get dazzled by benchmarks, but what’s daily life with the EVO-X2 like? Imagine this: you kick off with your primary screen, a secondary monitor for palettes or documents, a DSLR card full of 100-megapixel RAWs, and your Bluetooth headset. All hooked up, all instant. You batch-convert your first project while snacking on emails—no stutter, no delay.
Need to train a machine-learning model or test-drive a neural net for your next app? The Ryzen AI Max+ 395 and Radeon 8060S have your back. For YouTubers and streamers, the monstrous RAM means you can churn through long editing sessions, keep reference assets live, and still have spare headroom for Discord and obsessions like seven browser tabs. It’s the mini workstation you don’t have to think twice about when it’s time to upgrade your workflow or your ambitions.

Limits, Quirks, and What’s Missing​

No PC is perfect. The EVO-X2’s soldered memory means your RAM ceiling is set at purchase—choose wisely, lest you rue the day your swap file starts ballooning. While the dual SSD setup is great, there’s one slot only, so at some point you’ll need off-board storage for those ten-year archives.
The fan, while well-controlled, will make itself heard when you’re running at full throttle. The mysterious “Performance Mode” switch still leaves us guessing—will it unlock more voltage tricks, or is it merely a turbo button for those who miss the ‘90s? Fans of endless tinkering and modular expansion should look to Framework, but for plug-and-play performance, this mini marvel is hard to fault.

The Verdict: Giant-Killer in a Tiny Chassis​

It’s rare that a workstation PC manages to be both a headliner and a disruptor, but that’s precisely what the GMKTec EVO-X2 achieves. With top-shelf specs, true creative and AI muscle, and a launch price that undercuts most of the bloated competition, this is the mini PC we didn’t know we were waiting for.
Will it revolutionize the mainstream desktop market overnight? Maybe not. But it signals a turning point in what buyers can expect—raw power, AI smarts, and an unbeatable price-to-performance ratio, all crammed into a box that fits almost anywhere.

Should You Buy It?​

Let’s cut to the chase. If you’re a creative professional, developer, or just plain PC aficionado who needs a next-gen workstation with an AI edge, yes. If you’re waiting for the modular revolution (and have the patience and funds for Framework), maybe not. For everyone in between, the EVO-X2 stands as proof that the future of pro-grade desktop computing really can be smarter, smaller, and cheaper.
And, just maybe, a whole lot more fun.
Welcome to the era of the mini-megadesktop. Make some space on your desk—and perhaps, for once, not in your wallet.

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Source: TechRadar GMKTec EVO-X2 workstation PC has 128GB RAM and a 2TB SSD and will be a formidable rival to the more expensive Framework Desktop