GMKtec EVO-X1 Review: A Tiny Titan with a Few Tweaks

When you think of high-performance PCs, “mini” probably isn’t the first word that comes to mind, but the GMKtec EVO-X1 might just change that perception. This pint-sized powerhouse boasts a powerful Ryzen AI 9 HX370 processor, 12 cores of potential, and a Radeon 890M GPU, all crammed into a sleek, space-saving design. But how does it perform in the real world? And what’s the catch? Let’s dive into this surprisingly capable little machine and see if it lives up to the hype.

First Impressions: The Unboxing Experience

As we peel back the layers, we’re greeted by the EVO-X1 in all its metallic glory. It’s almost like a tiny, futuristic GameCube, but with more ports and far more computing power. Out of the box, it’s clear that GMKtec has put thought into the design—premium materials, a compact form factor, and a very non-intrusive design that will look great in any office or home setup.

Inside the box, the usual suspects appear: a power brick, some cables, and a mini PC stand, which—let’s be honest—makes it look like a tiny, efficient mini tower. It’s all very sleek, but a bit of a letdown in terms of documentation—aside from the basics, the manual is more of a “we hope you can figure it out” kind of deal. But hey, this is a mini PC, not a spaceship.

The Hardware: Small But Ruddy ‘ell!

Let’s talk specs. The Ryzen AI 9 HX370 boasts 12 cores, which is perfect for productivity tasks, rendering, and general multitasking. With 32 GB of LPDDR5X RAM (soldered to the board) running at an *extremely speedy* 7500 MHz, the EVO-X1 isn’t just about performance—it’s also about power efficiency, a godsend if you’re worried about that energy bill.

The Radeon 890M GPU (an upgrade over the 780M) packs a solid punch, especially considering it’s integrated. No discrete graphics card here, but don’t let that fool you; this little guy can handle a lot, from everyday tasks to gaming at decent settings.

Price-wise, it’s a bit of a mixed bag—currently listed at $899 (with a $200 off coupon on GMKtec’s website), this isn’t exactly pocket change, but considering the performance, it might just be worth it.

The Real Test: What Can It Handle?

After the obligatory Windows 11 setup (with a few minor decisions about regional settings—nothing too exciting), we got cracking. First up: productivity. Writing documents, creating spreadsheets, and even working in Photoshop or Blender? No sweat. This machine breezes through productivity tasks, especially with its high core count and snappy memory. Even complex 2D graphic software runs with ease.

Music production? This little machine excels here too. With no noticeable latency even during heavy multitasking, it’s a perfect option for creators needing a compact, reliable workstation.

But enough about work—let’s get to the fun stuff: gaming.

Gaming Performance: Yes, You Can Game on This Thing

Before we dive into the benchmarks, let’s be clear: this is a mini PC. It’s not going to run Cyberpunk 2077 at 4K max settings with ultra ray tracing on—but for its size and price, it does a remarkably good job. Starting with Cuphead at 60 FPS, the EVO-X1 handles 2D games with grace. Move up to 4K, and it still manages to keep the frame rates smooth. Rocket League at 1080p on high settings? Solid performance, no issues with thermal throttling.

When we get into more demanding titles like Tekken 8 and Marvel Rivals, things start to show the EVO-X1’s limits, but it’s still impressive. With a few tweaks to the settings and resolution scaling, you can squeeze out decent frame rates even in AAA titles. In Fortnite, we easily maintain over 140 FPS at 1080p High / Epic settings. Not bad for something that fits in the palm of your hand.

Cyberpunk 2077? Okay, maybe turn the settings down a bit, but it’s still playable. And, should you find yourself in need of a boost, the oculink port allows for an external GPU—giving you a straightforward upgrade path for more demanding games.

Wi-Fi Woes: A Minor Annoyance

Ah, the Wi-Fi. It’s always something, isn’t it? The stock Intel AX200 Wi-Fi chip is… well, let’s say, not exactly top-tier. While in the same room as the router, speeds are acceptable, but beyond that, things get a little dicey. Fear not, though: a quick swap to a Mediatek Wi-Fi 7 card and the issue is resolved.

It’s not a deal-breaker, but a little more polish out of the box would’ve been appreciated.

Noise and Power: A Few Tweaks Needed

The performance settings on the EVO-X1 are a mixed bag. On default, it’s set to balanced mode (54W TDP) which is perfectly fine for everyday use, but when gaming or under load, the fan noticeably kicks in. It’s nowhere near as quiet as the K8 Plus that we had on earlier, but it’s still acceptable. However, there is a silent mode in the BIOS, which reduces power draw to 28W and cuts down on noise substantially. Flicking some more options in the BIOS, we can make a near-silent (and energy efficient) machine at the cost of a little performance.

Speaking of performance: running in performance mode (65W TDP), the EVO-X1 pulls 85W at full load, which is decent for a machine this compact. But we’d like to see GMKtec tone the TDP settings a bit on future models. 65W is higher than AMD’s spec, generating more noise, heat, and then we see customers wondering why their new computer is on the noisy side.

Final Thoughts: The Verdict

So, is the GMKtec EVO-X1 worth your time and money?

In short: yes, with a few caveats. The compact size, solid performance, and upgradeable GPU make it a great option for those who need a mini PC that can handle both work and play. It’s ideal for productivity, and even some casual AAA action. However, the Wi-Fi could be better out of the box, and the fan noise might be a turn-off for those who need a whisper-quiet machine.

If you’re looking for something that balances performance with energy efficiency, and you’re willing to do a bit of tweaking, the EVO-X1 is a winner. Just don’t expect it to replace a full-size gaming rig if you’re after top-tier performance in every scenario.

Pros:

• Impressive performance for its size
• Upgradeable GPU via Oculink port
• Great for productivity, light gaming, and media creation
• Compact, premium design

Cons:

• Mediocre stock Wi-Fi performance
• Some fan noise under load

If you’re looking for a solid performer in a tiny package and are willing to tweak a few settings, the GMKtec EVO-X1 could very well be the small, powerful machine you’ve been searching for.

Purchase links

►Amazon: GMKtec EVO-X1 ►GMKtec: GMKtec EVO-X1 ►AliExpress: GMKtec EVO-X1

►GMKtec eGPU: AD-GP1

►Amazon: GMKtec K8 Plus ►GMKtec: GMKtec K8 Plus ►AliExpress: GMKtec K8 Plus

►Affiliate links have been added which help the channel at no additional cost to yourself. Thanks 🙏

Related Videos

Our GMKtec EVO-X1 Video Review: https://youtu.be/XRtzxXKagmw

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