GMKtec EVO X1 PRO Review: A Premium Ryzen AI Mini PC Built for Power Users
The GMKtec EVO X1 PRO is a high-end mini PC designed for users who want desktop-class performance in a compact body. Powered by AMD’s Ryzen AI 9 HX 470 processor, 64 GB of LPDDR5X memory, fast PCIe 4.0 storage, USB4, dual 2.5GbE networking, and OCuLink support, this small system is clearly aimed at creators, professionals, AI enthusiasts, and compact gaming setup builders.
GMKtec has been producing mini PCs for years from Shenzhen, China, one of the world’s busiest technology hubs. The company has built a broad portfolio covering entry-level office systems, mainstream compact desktops, and enthusiast-grade machines using both AMD and Intel mobile processors. With the EVO X1 PRO, GMKtec moves deeper into the premium mini PC market by combining modern AI hardware with strong CPU and integrated graphics performance.
The EVO X1 PRO is positioned as a smaller alternative to GMKtec’s more powerful EVO X2 AI series. While the EVO X2 is based on AMD’s Ryzen AI MAX chips, the EVO X1 PRO uses the more mainstream Ryzen AI 400 family. That makes it a more compact and practical option for users who still want a serious amount of performance without moving into a larger or more expensive workstation-style machine.
Product details
Product: GMKtec EVO X1 PRO
Processor: AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 470
Type: Mini PC
Launch window: July 2026
Price: $1,599.99 in the United States
Processor and performance hardware
At the center of the GMKtec EVO X1 PRO is the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 470, one of the strongest chips in AMD’s Ryzen AI 400 “Gorgon Point” lineup. It sits near the top of the family, just below the Ryzen AI 9 HX 475, which mainly offers a slightly faster NPU. For most users, the Ryzen AI 9 HX 470 already delivers an impressive balance of CPU, GPU, and AI acceleration.
The processor features 12 cores and 24 threads. AMD uses a hybrid Zen 5 design here, combining four standard Zen 5 cores with eight Zen 5c cores. This allows the chip to handle demanding workloads while maintaining better efficiency in lighter tasks.
The CPU runs at a 2.0 GHz base frequency across all cores. The standard Zen 5 cores can boost up to 5.2 GHz, while the Zen 5c cores can reach up to 3.3 GHz. Cache includes 24 MB of L3 and 12 MB of L2, giving the processor 36 MB of total cache.
Power is also flexible. The default TDP is 28W, but the platform supports a wider 15W to 54W range. In the EVO X1 PRO, GMKtec provides different power profiles through the BIOS, allowing users to choose between quieter operation or maximum performance.
Radeon 890M graphics for gaming and creative work
The Ryzen AI 9 HX 470 includes AMD’s Radeon 890M integrated GPU, one of the most capable iGPUs currently available in a compact mini PC. It uses AMD’s RDNA 3.5 graphics architecture and includes 16 compute units, or 1,024 stream processors, with clock speeds reaching up to 3.1 GHz.
For a mini PC without a dedicated graphics card, this is a strong graphics solution. The Radeon 890M supports modern APIs, AI-assisted graphics features, and AMD’s latest visual enhancement technologies. It is built for smooth media playback, light to moderate gaming, content creation, GPU-accelerated applications, and multi-display productivity.
The iGPU also supports features such as FSR upscaling, frame generation technologies, AFMF2, and Anti-Lag 2. These technologies can help improve gaming smoothness and responsiveness, especially in titles that benefit from upscaling or frame-generation support.
While the EVO X1 PRO is not a replacement for a large desktop with a high-end graphics card, the inclusion of OCuLink makes it much more flexible. Users who want more graphics power can connect an external GPU solution through the OCuLink port, taking advantage of a PCIe Gen4 x4 connection.
AI performance and NPU capability
AI performance is one of the biggest selling points of the GMKtec EVO X1 PRO. The Ryzen AI 9 HX 470 includes AMD’s XDNA 2 NPU, rated at up to 55 TOPS. Combined with the CPU and GPU, the total platform AI performance reaches up to 86 TOPS.
This makes the EVO X1 PRO suitable for AI-enhanced workflows, local AI tasks, image processing, productivity features, and modern applications designed to use dedicated neural processing hardware. As more software begins to rely on NPUs for background AI acceleration, systems like the EVO X1 PRO are likely to become more useful over time.
Memory and storage
The GMKtec EVO X1 PRO comes with 64 GB of LPDDR5X memory. The memory is soldered, which means it cannot be upgraded later, but 64 GB is already more than enough for most users. This amount of RAM is ideal for multitasking, browser-heavy workflows, content creation, virtual machines, large spreadsheets, coding, and AI-assisted applications.
The memory runs at 6400 MT/s on the EVO X1 PRO. One detail worth noting is that while AMD’s platform supports faster memory in some configurations, this model is locked to 6400 MT/s.
GMKtec offers the EVO X1 PRO in two storage configurations: 1 TB and 2 TB. Both use PCIe Gen4 x4 SSDs. The unit described here includes a 1 TB YMTC PCIe 4.0 SSD rated for up to 6,800 MB/s read and 6,000 MB/s write speeds.
Storage expandability is one of the system’s strongest features. The mini PC includes two full-length M.2 2280 slots. Each slot can support up to an 8 TB SSD, allowing a maximum total capacity of up to 16 TB. This is excellent for creators, media libraries, game collections, local AI models, and professional workloads that require fast and large storage.
Ports and connectivity
The EVO X1 PRO offers a strong selection of ports for such a compact machine.
On the front, it includes two USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A ports, one USB4 Type-C port with 40 Gbps bandwidth, one OCuLink port, a 3.5mm audio jack, a power button, and a reset button.
On the rear, the system includes two more USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A ports, two 2.5GbE LAN ports, DisplayPort, HDMI, a Kensington lock slot, and the DC power input.
This port layout makes the EVO X1 PRO suitable for productivity desks, home labs, compact creator setups, and multi-monitor workstations. Dual 2.5GbE networking is especially useful for users with fast local storage servers, network-attached storage, or high-speed office networks.
The USB4 port adds further flexibility for fast external drives, docks, and modern peripherals. Meanwhile, the OCuLink port gives the system an enthusiast-friendly edge by enabling high-bandwidth external GPU support.
Design and build quality
The GMKtec EVO X1 PRO has a clean, modern design that helps it stand out from many basic mini PCs. It uses a stylish dual-tone finish, with a metallic front panel and a chassis that combines an external plastic shell with an internal aluminum frame.
The overall look is more premium than a typical small office PC. It feels designed for users who want their mini PC to be visible on a desk rather than hidden behind a monitor.
Cooling has clearly been given attention. The EVO X1 PRO has three main exhaust areas: two on the sides and one at the bottom. The rear section also includes large vents to push warm air out of the chassis. Rubber feet on the sides allow the system to sit vertically, which can help save desk space and improve airflow depending on the setup.
Inside the chassis, GMKtec uses a dual-fan cooling solution. One fan is a 92mm design that helps cool the storage and memory area, while the second is a blower-style fan dedicated to the Ryzen AI 9 HX 470 processor. A large copper plate makes direct contact with the CPU and memory, helping transfer heat away from the core components.
This cooling design is important because the EVO X1 PRO is not a low-power basic mini PC. With a performance mode that can target 65W, proper thermal management is essential for sustained workloads.
BIOS and power modes
The BIOS on the GMKtec EVO X1 PRO is straightforward but includes useful tuning options. The main page shows key system information and includes a power limit selection option.
There are three main modes:
Performance mode targets 65W.
Balanced mode targets 54W.
Quiet mode targets 35W.
These settings allow users to decide how they want the system to behave. Performance mode is best for heavy CPU work, rendering, compiling, and maximum benchmark results. Balanced mode offers a good middle ground for everyday productivity and demanding multitasking. Quiet mode is ideal for users who prioritize lower fan noise during lighter workloads.
Additional tuning options are available for deeper control over system behavior, though the memory speed remains locked at 6400 MT/s on this model.
Unboxing experience
The GMKtec EVO X1 PRO ships in a clean silver cardboard box with simple branding on the front. The rear of the box lists the configuration details, including the Ryzen AI 9 HX 470 processor, 64 GB of memory, and the included SSD capacity.
Inside the box, the mini PC is placed in the upper compartment. Accessories include a guide and warranty booklet, a power adapter, a power cable, and an HDMI cable. The included adapter provides around 120W of power, enough to support the system under demanding performance modes.
Upgrade options
The main upgrade path for the EVO X1 PRO is storage. Since the LPDDR5X memory is soldered, users cannot replace or expand the RAM. However, the included 64 GB capacity should be sufficient for a long time.
The two M.2 2280 slots give the system excellent storage flexibility. Users can install two high-capacity PCIe 4.0 SSDs, making this mini PC a strong option for local media editing, large game libraries, business data, and compact workstation builds.
CPU performance impressions
In CPU-focused testing, the EVO X1 PRO performs very well for its size. With the Ryzen AI 9 HX 470 running in its higher power mode, the system can get surprisingly close to mini PCs equipped with higher-core-count processors in multi-threaded workloads.
Compared with AMD’s earlier Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, the Ryzen AI 9 HX 470 shows a noticeable improvement in multi-threaded performance, with gains of up to around 24% in some CPU profile testing. That makes the EVO X1 PRO a meaningful upgrade for users looking at newer AMD AI-focused mini PCs.
The combination of 12 cores, 24 threads, fast boost clocks, strong integrated graphics, and dedicated AI acceleration makes this machine much more than a simple compact desktop. It is designed for heavier workflows while still fitting easily on a desk.
Who should buy the GMKtec EVO X1 PRO?
The GMKtec EVO X1 PRO is best suited for users who want a powerful compact PC with modern AI features. It makes sense for developers, content creators, business users, home lab builders, and professionals who need strong CPU performance in a small footprint.
It is also a good fit for users who want a mini PC that can handle light gaming, emulation, media work, office productivity, and AI-enhanced applications without requiring a full desktop tower. The inclusion of OCuLink also makes it appealing for enthusiasts who may want to add an external GPU later.
However, buyers should know that the memory is not upgradeable, and the $1,599.99 price places this firmly in the premium mini PC category. This is not a budget machine. It is a compact high-performance system aimed at users who specifically want strong processing power, AI capability, fast storage expansion, and rich connectivity in a small package.
Final thoughts
The GMKtec EVO X1 PRO is an impressive premium mini PC built around AMD’s Ryzen AI 9 HX 470 processor. It combines strong CPU performance, Radeon 890M integrated graphics, 86 TOPS of total AI performance, 64 GB of LPDDR5X memory, dual M.2 PCIe 4.0 storage support, USB4, OCuLink, and dual 2.5GbE LAN.
Its compact design, powerful cooling setup, and flexible BIOS power modes make it suitable for a wide range of demanding users. While the soldered memory and high price may not appeal to everyone, the EVO X1 PRO delivers a strong feature set for those who want a compact AI-ready workstation with modern connectivity and plenty of performance headroom.GMKtec NucBox EVO X1 PRO Mini PC Benchmarks: Ryzen AI 9 HX 470 Delivers Fast CPU Performance and Strong Local AI Features
The GMKtec NucBox EVO X1 PRO is shaping up to be one of the more interesting high-performance mini PCs for users who want a compact desktop with serious processing power. Powered by the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 470 running at 65W, this small-form-factor system delivers strong results across productivity, rendering, compression, and AI workloads.
In several benchmark tests, the EVO X1 PRO proves that AMD’s latest Ryzen AI chip is not just efficient, but also highly competitive against newer Intel Core Ultra systems and previous Ryzen AI 9 HX 370-based mini PCs.
In Blender, the GMKtec EVO X1 PRO takes a clear lead over the Panther Lake-based mini PC across all three rendering tests. That makes it a strong option for creators who need a compact machine for 3D rendering, asset previews, and CPU-heavy creative workflows.
CPU-Z results also favor the Ryzen AI 9 HX 470. The chip outperforms the Intel Core Ultra X7 358H in both single-core and multi-core performance. Compared with Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 systems, the HX 470 shows a 3.1% improvement in single-core performance and a much larger 22.1% gain in multi-core performance. That multi-core uplift is especially useful for users running demanding productivity software, batch processing tasks, and heavy multitasking workloads.
The same trend continues in Cinebench 2024 and Cinebench 2026. Across both single-core and multi-core tests, the EVO X1 PRO remains highly competitive and shows consistent strength. These results suggest that the Ryzen AI 9 HX 470 is well-suited for users who need strong sustained CPU performance in a mini PC format.
Geekbench 6 tells a slightly different story. In this test, the Intel Core Ultra X7 358H comes out ahead in both single-core and multi-core performance. However, this does not erase the EVO X1 PRO’s broader performance advantage in many real-world and creator-focused benchmarks. Instead, it shows that performance can vary depending on the workload and benchmark engine.
For office productivity, the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 470 is extremely fast. The GMKtec EVO X1 PRO performs strongly across common office applications, making it a powerful choice for users who work with large spreadsheets, multitasking-heavy workflows, browser-based tools, document editing, and business software.
Compression performance is another highlight. In WinRAR, the Ryzen AI 9 HX 470 beats the Intel Core Ultra X7 358H, even though the Intel-based system uses faster LPDDR5X memory. This is an important result because file compression and decompression remain common tasks for professionals, developers, and power users.
SPECviewPerf testing was also included across 11 workloads, giving a broader look at workstation-style performance. While this mini PC is not positioned as a full workstation replacement, its performance profile shows that it can handle a wide range of professional and semi-professional tasks in a compact desktop design.
AI performance is a major part of the GMKtec NucBox EVO X1 PRO story. The system uses AMD’s Ryzen AI platform with XDNA acceleration, combining CPU, GPU, and NPU resources for local AI workloads.
In Geekbench AI, the Ryzen AI 9 HX 470 performs well, although the fastest systems in the comparison still pull ahead. The Ryzen AI MAX+ 395 remains one of the strongest performers, while the Intel Core Ultra X7 358H also shows strong results in some AI tests.
UL Procyon AI testing gives another look at how the EVO X1 PRO handles modern AI acceleration. AMD’s latest Ryzen AI chips, supported by XDNA NPU technology and integrated GPU resources, provide useful local AI performance. The EVO X1 PRO supports a combined AI compute capability of up to 86 TOPS, meeting Copilot+ PC requirements. However, Ryzen AI MAX and newer Panther Lake-based chips can go even further, offering more than 100 TOPS of AI compute.
GMKtec also preloads several AI-focused applications on the NucBox EVO X1 PRO. These include OpenClaw, Herdsman AI, and GMKtec’s AI PC software. Together, these tools are designed to make local AI easier to access for everyday users.
The AI PC software allows users to choose from different large language models, including Qwen, DeepSeek, and Llama. It also supports cloud AI services such as Kimi and DeepSeek, giving users flexibility between local AI processing and cloud-based tools. GMKtec’s Claw software is built around agentic AI workflows, helping users automate tasks and interact with AI assistants more directly.
Regional configuration may vary, so the software experience could differ depending on where the system is sold.
Local AI testing with LM Studio showed that the EVO X1 PRO can run several 7B to 20B language models reasonably well. Models such as DeepSeek R1 Distill based on Qwen 7B and Qwen 14B were tested, and performance was solid enough to make the system useful for users who want to experiment with local AI without depending entirely on paid cloud services.
This is one of the biggest advantages of an AI mini PC like the GMKtec NucBox EVO X1 PRO. It gives users the ability to run private, local AI workloads directly on the device. For developers, researchers, students, and AI enthusiasts, that can reduce cloud costs while also improving data privacy.
AMD also provides additional AI-related tools through its Radeon software ecosystem, giving users more ways to take advantage of the Ryzen AI hardware.
Overall, the GMKtec NucBox EVO X1 PRO is a strong mini PC for users who want high CPU performance, solid creator benchmark results, fast productivity performance, and practical local AI capabilities. The Ryzen AI 9 HX 470 performs especially well in Blender, CPU-Z, Cinebench, office workloads, and WinRAR, while also offering enough AI compute to meet modern AI PC requirements.
It may not win every benchmark, especially in Geekbench 6 or against higher-end Ryzen AI MAX systems, but it delivers an impressive balance of performance, compact design, and AI-ready features. For anyone searching for a powerful Ryzen AI mini PC for productivity, content creation, multitasking, and local AI experimentation, the GMKtec NucBox EVO X1 PRO is a compelling option.GMKtec NucBox EVO X1 PRO Mini PC GPU and Gaming Performance Review
The GMKtec NucBox EVO X1 PRO is built around AMD’s Ryzen AI 9 HX 470, paired with the Radeon 890M integrated GPU. For a compact Mini PC, that combination makes it an interesting option for users who want strong everyday performance, light creator capability, and playable 1080p gaming without needing a dedicated graphics card.
Before looking at real-world game performance, it is worth starting with synthetic GPU benchmarks. These tests help show how the Radeon 890M compares against other integrated graphics solutions, including AMD’s newer Radeon 8060S and Intel Arc-based iGPUs such as the Arc B390, Arc 140V, and Arc 140T.
Synthetic GPU Performance
On paper, AMD’s Radeon iGPUs can look very strong when comparing single-precision FLOPs. However, raw compute numbers do not always translate directly into higher gaming performance. AMD Radeon and Intel Arc integrated graphics are based on different architectures, and each behaves differently depending on the workload, driver optimization, power limits, memory bandwidth, and game engine.
The Radeon 890M in the GMKtec EVO X1 PRO performs well overall, but it does not always dominate every benchmark. In some tests, Intel’s Arc-based integrated GPUs remain very competitive, especially in ray tracing-heavy workloads.
AMD’s RDNA 3.5 integrated GPU architecture has already been available for some time, and without major changes to the ray tracing side, RT performance remains one of its weaker areas. This shows up clearly in synthetic tests where ray tracing is emphasized.
In 3DMark Steel Nomad, the Radeon 890M inside the Ryzen AI 9 HX 470 shows a small improvement over Radeon 890M configurations based on the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370. The gains are not dramatic, but they suggest that the newer chip can extract a little more performance from the same iGPU class.
In 3DMark Port Royal, which focuses on ray tracing, the Radeon 890M lands close to Intel’s Xe+ Alchemist-style integrated graphics performance. This is respectable for an iGPU, but it also confirms that ray tracing is still not the main strength of AMD’s current integrated graphics lineup.
In 3DMark Time Spy, the GMKtec EVO X1 PRO delivers a solid result. The GPU score is competitive, but the more noticeable improvement appears on the CPU side. That makes sense, as the Ryzen AI 9 HX 470 offers a strong processor foundation alongside the Radeon 890M.
Fire Strike also shows healthy gains for AMD’s newer APU platform. Both CPU and GPU results look strong, giving the EVO X1 PRO a good showing in this classic DirectX 11 benchmark.
In 3DMark Night Raid, the 3.1 GHz Radeon 890M manages to break past the 30,000-point mark. That is a good result for an integrated GPU and reinforces the idea that the EVO X1 PRO is not just a basic office Mini PC. It has enough graphics power for casual gaming, esports titles, and select AAA games with adjusted settings.
1080p Gaming Performance
Once synthetic benchmarks are out of the way, the real question is simple: how well does the GMKtec NucBox EVO X1 PRO handle actual games?
The testing focused mainly on 1080p gaming using a mixture of medium to high presets, upscaling technologies such as FSR and XeSS, and in some cases frame generation. Since the EVO X1 PRO uses integrated graphics, smart use of upscaling is important. It can make the difference between a choppy experience and smooth, playable frame rates.
In Cyberpunk 2077, the game was tested at 1080p using the Medium preset with balanced upscaling. This is a demanding title, but the Radeon 890M can still deliver playable performance when settings are tuned properly. The GMKtec EVO X1 PRO competes well, though the power limit plays an important role. Some competing Radeon 890M systems run at higher wattages, giving them an advantage in certain games.
Forza Horizon 5 was tested at 1080p using the Medium preset with quality upscaling. This game is generally well optimized, and the Radeon 890M handles it nicely. The EVO X1 PRO delivers a solid 1080p experience, making it a good fit for racing fans who want smooth gameplay on a compact desktop system.
In F1 24, testing used the High preset at 1080p. The Radeon 890M again shows that it can manage modern racing games well, especially when visual settings are balanced carefully. The EVO X1 PRO performs competitively, although higher-power systems may pull ahead depending on their cooling and TDP configuration.
Horizon Zero Dawn was tested using the Favor Quality preset with FSR 2 set to Balanced. This is another visually rich title, and the EVO X1 PRO remains capable at 1080p. Upscaling helps maintain smoother frame rates while keeping image quality at an enjoyable level.
Metro Exodus is much tougher. Even with tuning, this game remains heavy for integrated graphics, and performance sits around the 30 FPS range. That result is not surprising. Metro Exodus has always been demanding, and it pushes small iGPUs hard. It is playable if expectations are realistic, but this is not the type of game where the Radeon 890M can deliver high-refresh gameplay at demanding settings.
The Callisto Protocol produced a more unexpected result. The Ryzen AI 9 HX 470 and Radeon 890M combination inside the EVO X1 PRO performed below other Radeon 890M systems in this title. The lower TDP of the EVO X1 PRO likely plays a role, but the difference was still larger than expected. This shows that not all Radeon 890M Mini PCs will perform the same. Cooling, memory setup, firmware tuning, drivers, and power limits can all affect final frame rates.
Entry-level integrated GPUs in the comparison struggled to stay around 30 FPS in some demanding games, even with frame generation enabled. That makes the Radeon 890M a more attractive option for users who want a compact PC that can actually handle modern gaming at 1080p with optimized settings.
Max Settings and Upscaling Tests
The EVO X1 PRO was also tested in several games at 1080p using higher or maxed-out settings, combined with upscaling and frame generation where available.
Cyberpunk 2077 was tested at High settings with FSR4 Quality and frame generation. This kind of setup helps the Radeon 890M punch above what would normally be expected from integrated graphics.
F1 24 was tested at Ultra High with FSR Quality and frame generation, showing how useful modern upscaling tools can be on compact systems.
Forza Horizon 5 at Ultra settings with FSR Quality remains one of the better-looking and more enjoyable experiences on the Radeon 890M. The game’s strong optimization helps the Mini PC maintain a good balance between visuals and smoothness.
Horizon Zero Dawn at Ultimate Quality is more demanding, but the Radeon 890M can still provide a usable experience depending on the exact performance target.
The Callisto Protocol at max settings with FSR Quality is a tougher workload. It is playable only with compromises, and users looking for consistently high frame rates will need to lower settings.
Resident Evil Requiem was also tested using High settings with FSR4 Balanced and frame generation. This is another example of how modern rendering features can extend the usefulness of integrated graphics in newer games.
Power and Thermals
Power consumption and cooling are especially important for Mini PCs. A compact system can only perform well if it can maintain stable clocks without overheating or throttling too aggressively.
The GMKtec EVO X1 PRO operates with the Ryzen AI 9 HX 470 and Radeon 890M at a 54W power configuration. That places it below some competing systems that run similar hardware at 70W. As a result, the EVO X1 PRO can sometimes trail other Radeon 890M Mini PCs in games where sustained GPU power matters.
However, the lower power target can also help with efficiency, noise, and thermal control. For users who want a compact system that balances performance with manageable heat output, this tuning may be a reasonable compromise.
The key takeaway is that the Radeon 890M’s performance depends heavily on the Mini PC around it. Two systems with the same iGPU can produce different results if one has a higher TDP, faster memory, stronger cooling, or more aggressive performance tuning.
Overall Impression
The GMKtec NucBox EVO X1 PRO is a capable Mini PC for users who want strong integrated graphics performance in a small form factor. Its Radeon 890M iGPU is powerful enough for 1080p gaming in many titles, especially with medium to high settings and smart use of FSR or frame generation.
It performs well in synthetic benchmarks, showing solid gains in tests like Time Spy, Fire Strike, and Night Raid. Ray tracing remains a weak point, but that is expected from current integrated graphics. For standard rasterized gaming, the Radeon 890M is much more convincing.
In real games, the EVO X1 PRO handles titles such as Forza Horizon 5, F1 24, Horizon Zero Dawn, and Cyberpunk 2077 reasonably well at 1080p with optimized settings. Heavier games like Metro Exodus and The Callisto Protocol require more compromises, but they are still within reach if users are willing to reduce visual quality or rely on upscaling.
The main limitation is the 54W power configuration. It helps keep the Mini PC efficient, but it can hold back performance compared with higher-wattage Radeon 890M systems. Even so, the EVO X1 PRO remains a strong choice for anyone looking for a compact AMD Ryzen AI Mini PC with real gaming potential.
For buyers interested in a small desktop that can handle daily productivity, media use, light content creation, and 1080p gaming, the GMKtec NucBox EVO X1 PRO stands out as a well-rounded option powered by one of AMD’s strongest integrated graphics solutions.GMKtec EVO X1 PRO Review: A Tiny Ryzen AI Mini PC With Big CPU Muscle
The GMKtec EVO X1 PRO is a compact mini PC that aims to deliver serious performance in a very small footprint. As a refreshed version of the earlier EVO X1, this new model brings a major internal upgrade with AMD’s Ryzen AI 9 HX 470 processor, combining Zen 5 CPU cores, RDNA 3.5 integrated graphics, and an XDNA 2 NPU for AI workloads.
The result is a surprisingly capable machine that feels much larger than it looks, especially when it comes to raw CPU performance. For users who want a powerful mini PC for productivity, multitasking, AI experimentation, content creation, and light gaming, the EVO X1 PRO has a lot going for it.
The biggest highlight is clearly the Ryzen AI 9 HX 470. In testing, the chip delivers excellent CPU performance for a system this small. It handles demanding workloads confidently and performs better than expected under sustained load. That makes the EVO X1 PRO a strong choice for users who need desktop-class responsiveness without moving to a full-size tower.
Efficiency is another strong point. The system manages to push impressive performance while keeping thermals under control. Even during longer workloads, the compact chassis and dual-fan cooling setup help prevent overheating, which is important for anyone planning to use the machine as a daily workstation.
Graphics performance is still good, but it is not the star of the show. The Radeon 890M iGPU runs at up to 3.1 GHz and remains capable for everyday graphics tasks, media playback, esports titles, and lighter gaming. However, it is beginning to show its age compared with newer integrated graphics solutions from rival platforms and AMD’s higher-end Strix Halo chips.
That does not mean the Radeon 890M is weak. With the right settings, users can still enjoy a solid gaming experience, especially at lower resolutions or optimized visual presets. But buyers expecting a major integrated GPU leap may want to temper expectations. The EVO X1 PRO is strongest as a CPU-focused mini PC with capable, but not groundbreaking, graphics.
The AI side of the system is another key selling point. Thanks to the XDNA 2 NPU, the EVO X1 PRO can handle entry-level AI workloads, smaller local language models, and AI-assisted tools. GMKtec also includes its own AI-focused software features, including GMKtec Claw and AI PC utilities. These apps may be useful for users interested in experimenting with local AI tasks, though not everyone will find pre-installed AI tools essential.
Memory is one of the system’s biggest advantages. The reviewed configuration includes 64 GB of LPDDR5X memory, which gives users plenty of room for heavy multitasking, creative apps, virtual machines, and AI workloads. It also allows a meaningful amount of memory to be allocated to the integrated GPU, which can help improve performance in games and GPU-assisted tasks.
Storage and expansion are also strong for such a small PC. The EVO X1 PRO includes dual NVMe slots, dual LAN ports, and an OCuLink connector. That gives users a lot more flexibility than many compact systems in this category. The OCuLink port is especially useful for users who may want to connect an external GPU or high-speed expansion device.
The design remains impressively compact. This is truly a mini PC, not just a small desktop. Despite its size, it offers a strong feature set, excellent CPU performance, and stable cooling. That combination makes it appealing for small desks, home offices, media setups, compact workstations, and portable productivity environments.
Pricing is where things become more complicated. The 64 GB model comes in at around $1,599, which puts it firmly in premium territory. Rising memory and component costs have pushed prices higher across the market, and competing high-performance mini PCs are also becoming more expensive. Still, the EVO X1 PRO is roughly several hundred dollars less than some newer premium alternatives, making it a more attractive option for buyers who want strong CPU performance without paying the highest-end prices.
A 32 GB version would make the lineup more flexible and could help bring the entry price down. As it stands, the 64 GB configuration is excellent for power users, but it may be more than some buyers need.
Overall, the GMKtec EVO X1 PRO is a powerful and efficient Ryzen AI mini PC that shines in CPU-heavy workloads. Its Ryzen AI 9 HX 470 processor delivers excellent performance, the 64 GB LPDDR5X memory is generous, and the dual NVMe, dual LAN, and OCuLink support make it highly expandable for its size.
The main drawbacks are the high price, only one USB4 port, and integrated graphics performance that feels ready for a next-generation upgrade. Even so, the EVO X1 PRO remains a very capable compact PC for productivity, AI experimentation, multitasking, and everyday performance.
For users looking for a small but powerful AMD mini PC, the GMKtec EVO X1 PRO is an impressive option, especially if CPU performance, memory capacity, and expansion features matter more than top-tier integrated graphics.
