GMKtec EVO-X1 Review: Tiny Mini PC, Flagship Specs! Powered by Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 for Smooth AAA Gaming

If you’re in the market for a powerfully fast new computer but are tired of bulky desktop cases that take up all your desk space, I have an answer today that might just surprise you! Introducing the GMKtec EVO-X1, a mini PC that completely redefines the phrase “small but mighty” by packing flagship-level power, like the AMD Ryzen™ AI 9 HX 370, into a compact body that can fit in the palm of your hand.

Just how fast is it? Can it actually run games? Let’s find out in this in-depth review.

 

 

Unboxing & First Impressions (Unboxing & Design)

The moment you handle the GMKtec EVO-X1, you can feel its premium quality. The body is made of metal, giving it a solid and durable feel with a sleek, elegant design in a deep black finish. Its size (11 x 10.8 x 64 cm) is ideal for anyone looking to create a clean and minimalist desk setup.

The box comes with a complete set of accessories:

• GMKtec EVO-X1 Unit
• 120W Power Adapter
• HDMI Cable
• Vertical Stand
• VESA Mount Kit for attaching behind a monitor
• User Manual

 

 

Full-Throttle Specs! The Power Hidden in a Tiny Body

Don’t let its small size fool you, because the internal specs of the EVO-X1 are at the top of the industry.

• CPU: AMD Ryzen™ AI 9 HX 370 (Zen 5 Architecture) 12 Cores, 24 Threads, up to 5.1 GHz max speed.
• GPU: AMD Radeon™ 890M (RDNA 3.5 Architecture) 16 Cores, with enough performance to play AAA games.
• AI Engine (NPU): XDNA 2 AI Engine for dedicated AI processing.
• RAM: 32GB LPDDR5X 7500MHz (not upgradeable).
• Storage: 2x M.2 PCIe 4.0 SSD slots (supports up to 8TB).
• Operating System: Windows 11 Pro.

Ports of the Future

This is a key feature that sets the EVO-X1 apart from typical mini PCs:

• Oculink (PCIe 4.0 x4): A port for directly connecting an external GPU (eGPU), providing up to 64Gbps bandwidth, perfect for hardcore gamers.
• USB4 Type-C: Fast 40Gbps data transfer, 8K display output, and power delivery in a single port.
• Dual 2.5G LAN: High-speed dual LAN ports.
• HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 2.1
• 4x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A Ports
• Wi-Fi 6 & Bluetooth 5.2

 

 

Real-World Performance Test: Does It Live Up to the Hype?

General Use and Content Creation

For everyday tasks like opening dozens of web tabs, office work, and online meetings, the EVO-X1 runs flawlessly. For more intensive tasks such as editing 4K video with DaVinci Resolve or processing large batches of RAW photos in Lightroom, it handles them impressively. The power of the 12-core CPU makes rendering and exporting projects very fast.

Gaming Performance

Here’s the part many have been waiting for! We tested at 1080p resolution with FSR enabled to help boost frame rates. The results were better than expected:

• Cyberpunk 2077: Low-Medium settings + FSR Quality yields an average of 60-70 FPS.
• Baldur’s Gate 3: Medium settings + FSR Performance provides smooth gameplay at 60 FPS+.
• Marvel Rivals: Medium settings + FSR Balanced gives an average of ~68 FPS.

This proves that the power of the Radeon 890M iGPU is sufficient to make the EVO-X1 a true “gaming mini PC.”

Thermal and Noise Management

High power naturally comes with heat. In general use, the machine runs silently. However, when entering heavy workloads like continuous gaming, the cooling fan’s noise becomes distinctly audible. This is an acceptable trade-off for such high performance in a compact size.

Summary of Pros and Cons

 Pros:

• Top-tier CPU and GPU performance in a very small form factor.
• Provides a satisfying AAA gaming experience at 1080p.
• A complete and modern set of ports, especially Oculink.
• Supports SSD upgrades with two available slots.
• Beautiful, premium, space-saving design.

 Cons:

• RAM is not upgradeable.
• Higher price than typical mini PCs.

 

 

Who is the GMKtec EVO-X1 For?

• Gamers: Who want a compact 1080p gaming machine or plan to use the Oculink port for an eGPU in the future.
• Content Creators: Who need high processing power for video and graphics work but have limited desk space.
• Users Who Demand the Best: For those who want the smallest yet most powerful computer possible.
• Minimalists: People who want a clean and minimalist desk setup without compromising on performance.

Final Verdict

The GMKtec EVO-X1 has shattered the limitations of mini PCs. It’s no longer just a computer for office work; it is a “portable battle station” powerful enough to handle every task from heavy workloads to AAA gaming.