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GMKtec EVO-X2 Review: The First True 1440p Gaming Mini PC with Strix Halo
Complete Guide | 85 FPS Cyberpunk 2077 @1440p | RTX 4060-Level iGPU | 50 TOPS AI
Quick Verdict: The PS5 Killer?
9.2/10Bottom Line: The GMKtec EVO-X2 is currently the only Mini PC capable of true 1440p gaming without a graphics card. It’s expensive ($1,499), but it replaces both a desktop and a gaming laptop.
- Performance: Beats RTX 4060 Laptop GPU in Time Spy.
- Form Factor: Much smaller than any ITX build.
- Value: $900 cheaper than the ASUS ROG Flow Z13.
High Demand: Pre-order batches are selling out fast.
Why the GMKtec EVO-X2 Changes Everything About Mini PCs
A generational leap that redefines compact computing
After reviewing a lot of mini PCs in the last 18 months, I had grown genuinely fatigued with the endless cycle of incremental upgrades. Each new model offered perhaps 10-15% better performance, but nothing truly revolutionary. Then the GMKtec EVO-X2 arrived. This isn’t just another mini PC. This is a paradigm shift—a device that doesn’t compete with other mini PCs, but rather challenges mid-range gaming desktops and high-end gaming laptops.
Powered by the AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 (codename Strix Halo), this machine delivers what was previously thought impossible: true 1440p gaming performance from integrated graphics alone. Let me paint the picture with concrete numbers that will make your jaw drop. In Cyberpunk 2077 at 1440p High settings with FSR, the EVO-X2 averages 85 FPS—that’s smoother than many $2,000 gaming laptops with RTX 4060 GPUs.
Design and Build Quality
The EVO-X2 stands vertical-only and is notably larger than standard mini PCs—about six butter packs (vs. half that for a Beelink STR9). It weighs 1.59 kg (3.5 lbs) and resembles a console like a PS2. It occupies more volume than some minis with dedicated GPUs, yet it’s much smaller than a full desktop. Build quality is solid with robust cooling: dual blowers and a large heatsink.
Relative Size
Larger than typical minis but console-like and desk-friendly.
Cooling System
Dual blowers keep 120W TDP stable, though audible under load.
Connectivity
Wi-Fi 7, BT 5.4, USB4 (eGPU support), full video outputs.
Complete Technical Specifications
Strix Halo power in a compact, future-proof package
The heart of the GMKtec EVO-X2 is the groundbreaking AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 (codename Strix Halo)—a 16-core/32-thread Zen 5 processor with boost clocks up to 5.1 GHz and a massive 40 Compute Unit Radeon 8060S iGPU based on RDNA 3.5 architecture. Paired with LPDDR5X-8000 soldered RAM in 64GB or 128GB configurations, up to 96GB can be dynamically allocated as VRAM for the iGPU.
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| CPU | AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 (16C/32T, Zen 5, up to 5.1 GHz) |
| iGPU | Radeon 8060S (40 CU, RDNA 3.5, up to 2.9 GHz) |
| NPU | XDNA 2 AI Engine – 50 TOPS |
| RAM | 64GB or 128GB LPDDR5X-8000 (soldered) |
| Price | $1,499 (64GB + 1TB) |
Connectivity
The EVO-X2 delivers a desktop-grade connectivity suite. Dual USB4 (40 Gbps) ports support eGPU and high-speed docking.
Performance & Benchmarks
| Benchmark | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cinebench Multi | 35,554 | Beats most tested PCs |
| 3DMark Time Spy | 11,253 | RTX 4060 level |
| 3DMark Steel Nomad | 22,004 | Mid-tier desktop |
Gaming Performance (1440p)
Stable frames in modern titles (120W mode). This is a true 1440p machine.
| Game | Settings | Avg FPS |
|---|---|---|
| Cyberpunk 2077 | 1440p High + FSR | 85 |
| Cyberpunk 2077 | 1440p Ultra + FSR3 FG | >120 |
| Red Dead Redemption 2 | 1440p High | 70 |
| Counter-Strike 2 | 1440p High | 130 |
AI Capabilities
A compact powerhouse for local inference of massive LLMs
The GMKtec EVO-X2 isn’t just a gaming beast—it’s a powerhouse for local AI. With the NPU delivering 50 TOPS and unified memory, you can run models like Qwen3 235B at ~11 tokens per second. That’s faster than dual RTX 3090 setups for certain tasks.
Comparisons with Alternatives
Cheapest Strix Halo access vs. premium rivals
While the GMKtec EVO-X2 starts at $1,499, it is significantly cheaper than its rivals like the ASUS ROG Flow Z13 ($2,400) or building a Framework Desktop.
| Model | Primary Use | Price Est. | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| GMKtec EVO-X2 (Winner) | 1440p Gaming / AI | $1,499 | Check Price |
| ASUS ROG Flow Z13 | Tablet / Portable | $2,400+ | Check Price |
| Framework Desktop | Modular / Tinker | $1,899+ | Check Price |
Pros and Cons
Pros
- iGPU rivals RTX 4060—1440p AAA gaming
- Cheapest Strix Halo access ($1,500 vs. $2,400)
- 16C/32T CPU + 64GB RAM for productivity
- Expandable storage (16TB) + eGPU support
Cons
- $1,500 starting price
- Soldered RAM (no upgrades)
- Audible fans under max load
Ready to buy the GMKtec EVO-X2?
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