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GMKtec EVO-X3 Review: Strix Halo in a New Chassis, at a Premium Price

By Freedom251 Team · · 5 min read

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The GMKtec EVO-X3 is a strong machine for people who need AMD’s Ryzen AI Max+ 395 and 128GB of onboard memory in a desktop box. Reviewers consistently praise its CPU, integrated graphics, and local AI capability. The case against it is equally consistent: the reviewed configuration costs $3,799.99, the machine is large and heavy for a mini PC, and its port selection and external power brick will shape how it fits on a desk. If your workload needs that memory, the price can be justified. If it does not, the EVO-X3 is hard to recommend.

This article does not include benchmarks run for this piece. Performance figures below are attributed to the outlets that tested the hardware, and specifications are attributed to GMKtec’s product page.

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What the EVO-X3 is

The EVO-X3 is built around AMD’s Ryzen AI Max+ 395, the chip family AMD sells under the Strix Halo name. GMKtec’s product page lists the following configuration. These are manufacturer specifications, not independently verified results.

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Component Listed configuration Source
Processor AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395, 16 cores / 32 threads, up to 5.1GHz GMKtec product page, accessed 2026
Graphics Radeon 8060S integrated graphics, 40 compute units GMKtec product page, accessed 2026
Memory 128GB onboard LPDDR5X, rated up to 8000 MT/s GMKtec product page, accessed 2026
AI performance Up to 126 TOPS; NPU up to 50 TOPS GMKtec product page, manufacturer claim
Storage Two M.2 PCIe 4.0 ×4 SSD slots; 2TB or 4TB SSD option GMKtec product page, accessed 2026
Expansion OCuLink port GMKtec product page, accessed 2026

The memory deserves the most attention. It is onboard and fixed at 128GB on the configuration Tom’s Hardware reviewed, so buyers cannot add capacity later. Storage is user-expandable through the two M.2 slots, and the reviewed configuration came with 2TB.

#1 Best Overall
Sale
GMKtec X3 AI Mini PC AMD Ryzen Al Max+ 395 128GB LPDDR5X 2TB PCIe 4.0 SSD | OCuLink Gaming Mini Computer 16C/32T, Turbo 5.1GHz, 126 TOPS, 8000MHz Radeon 8060S 8K Display, WiFi 7 2.5G LAN, USB4 EVO-X3
  • Unlock next-generation AI computing with AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 processor featuring 16 cores, 32 threads, up to 5.1GHz boost clock, and integrated Ryzen AI engine delivering up to 126 TOPS AI performance. EVO-X3 is designed for local AI models, content creation, development, and professional workloads.
  • OCuLink External GPU Expansion – Upgrade Beyond a Mini PC: Take your graphics performance further with a dedicated OCuLink (PCIe 4.0 x4) interface. Connect an external GPU dock to add desktop-class graphics power for AAA gaming, AI acceleration, 3D rendering, video production, and advanced creative applications. EVO-X3 gives you the flexibility of a compact PC with workstation-level expansion capability.
  • AI NPU with XDNA 2 ARCHITECTURE - Powered by 16 “Zen 5” CPU cores, 50+ peak AI TOPS XDNA 2 NPU and a truly massive integrated GPU driven by 40 AMD RDNA 3.5 CUs, the Ryzen AI MAX+ 395 is a transformative upgrade and delivers a significant performance boost over the competition. The Ryzen AI Max+ 395 excels in consumer AI workloads like the llama.cpp-powered application: LM Studio. Shaping up to be the must-have app for client LLM workloads, LM Studio allows users to locally run the latest language model without any technical knowledge required and unleash their creativity and productivity.
  • AMD RADEON 8090S iGPU GAMING PC - The AMD Radeon RX 8060S offers all 40 CUs with up to 2.9 GHz graphics clock and uses the new RDNA 3.5 architecture. The powerful iGPU is positioned between an RTX 4060 and 4070 laptop GPU and therefore enables gaming in FHD at maximum details in most demanding games. The 8060S can also utilize the full 128GB pool, which is perfect for running LLMs such as Deepseek 70B Q8, which runs comfortably on this machine.
  • EIGHT CHANNEL LPDDR5X - LPDDR5X is a new ground breaking memory small form factor installed on-board. With blazing speeds up to to 8000MT/s, it runs 1.5x faster than the DDR5 SODIMMs; 90% better performance over DDR5 SODIMMs in video conferencing and photo editing; 30% better performance in productivity apps; 12% better performance in digital content workloads.

What changed from the EVO-X2

Tom’s Hardware reports that the EVO-X3 keeps the Ryzen AI Max+ 395 platform of its predecessor, the EVO-X2, while adopting a new chassis and cooling design. It also makes 128GB of memory standard. The reviewer’s verdict describes the Evo-X3 as a metallic redesign.

GMKtec’s page describes an upright chassis with triple heat pipes and triple cooling fans. It also lists three CPU operating modes, which show the trade-off between noise, performance, and heat:

Mode Listed CPU power What it means in practice
Silent 54W Lowest listed power; the quietest setting
Balanced 85W Middle setting between noise and sustained performance
Performance Peak 140W Highest listed power for maximum speed, at the cost of more fan noise and heat

BYTERMINAL’s review summary describes the machine as quiet under load. That is one outlet’s assessment, not a measured noise figure. Neither the product page nor the other reviews in this article give decibel readings, so treat noise claims as subjective.

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Rank #2
Sale
GMKtec EVO-X3 AI Mini Pc Ryzen AI Max+ 395 128GB LPDDR5X 2TB PCIe 4.0 SSD | Mini Gaming Computers, 16C/32T, Up to 5.1GHz, 8000MHz, Radeon 8060S Graphics, OCuLink, 8K Display, WiFi 7, USB4, 2.5G LAN
  • AMD RYZEN AI MAX+ 395 MINI PC – THE NEXT GENERATION AI WORKSTATION --- GMKtec EVO-X3 introduces the next evolution of desktop AI computing powered by AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 processor. Featuring 16 cores and 32 threads, Zen 5 architecture, TSMC 4nm FinFET process, up to 5.1GHz boost frequency, and 64MB L3 cache, EVO-X3 delivers flagship-level performance for AI applications, professional creation, gaming, and demanding multitasking. With up to 126 TOPS AI performance, this compact AI workstation brings powerful local computing to your desktop.
  • AMD XDNA 2 NPU – 50 TOPS DEDICATED AI ENGINE FOR LOCAL AI --- Equipped with AMD XDNA 2 architecture NPU delivering up to 50 TOPS AI acceleration, EVO-X3 enables efficient local AI processing for generative AI, AI assistants, image creation, content production, and intelligent workflows. By processing AI tasks directly on-device, it helps reduce cloud dependency, improve response speed, and enhance data privacy. Run advanced AI applications locally with smoother performance and greater control over your data.
  • AMD RADEON 8060S GRAPHICS – RDNA 3.5 POWER WITH DESKTOP-CLASS PERFORMANCE --- EVO-X3 features AMD Radeon 8060S Graphics with 40 Compute Units and up to 2900MHz frequency based on advanced RDNA 3.5 architecture. Delivering graphics performance comparable to RTX 4070-class laptop GPUs, it provides smooth 1080P high-quality gaming, accelerated video editing, 3D rendering, and creative workloads. Experience powerful integrated graphics performance without the size and power consumption of a traditional desktop tower.
  • EIGHT CHANNEL LPDDR5X - LPDDR5X is a new ground breaking memory small form factor installed on-board. With blazing speeds up to to 8000MT/s, it runs 1.5x faster than the DDR5 SODIMMs; 90% better performance over DDR5 SODIMMs in video conferencing and photo editing; 30% better performance in productivity apps; 12% better performance in digital content workloads.
  • 128GB LPDDR5X 8000MT/s MEMORY – MASSIVE BANDWIDTH FOR AI AND CREATIVE WORK --- Equipped with up to 128GB LPDDR5X memory running at 8000MT/s, EVO-X3 provides exceptional bandwidth for large AI models, professional software, content creation, and heavy multitasking. The unified memory architecture allows more flexible resource allocation between CPU and GPU, making it ideal for local AI inference, large model deployment, video production, engineering applications, and advanced creative workflows.

The size has not disappeared. Tom’s Hardware calls the machine relatively large and heavy for a mini PC, and says its power brick is sizable and heavy. A mini PC label does not mean a small footprint here.

What the Ryzen AI Max+ 395 and 128GB memory enable

The main reason to buy this configuration is local AI. TechRadar’s reviewer ran local chat, reasoning, image recognition, image generation, transcription, and coding models on the machine. The reviewer reported that smaller language models began responding almost immediately, while larger models produced more detailed reasoning and better-quality writing. These are that reviewer’s results on the models and settings they used. Results will vary with software, model, quantization, and settings.

The 128GB figure is what makes the larger models practical to consider. The EVO-X3’s memory is shared between the CPU and integrated Radeon graphics, so the total capacity sets the upper limit on how large a model can be loaded. Smaller memory configurations of the same platform would leave less room for large models.

Rank #3
GMKtec EVO-X2 AI Mini PC AMD Ryzen Al Max+ 395 Up to 5.1GHz, 16C/32T | Mini Gaming Computers 64GB LPDDR5X 8000MHz (8GB*8) 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD, Quad Screen 8K Display, WiFi 7, USB4, SD Card Reader 4.0
  • EVOLUTION AMD RYZEN AI MAX+ 395 MINI PC - GMKtec EVO-X2 is the next evolution in AI mini PC Ryzen Strix Halo series. Thanks to AMD Simultaneous Multithreading (SMT) the core-count is effectively doubled, to 32 threads. Ryzen AI Max+ 395 has 64 MB of L3 cache and can boost up to 5.1 GHz, depending on the workload. The Ryzen AI Max+ 395 is currently rated as the "most powerful x86 APU" on the market for AI computing.
  • AI NPU with XDNA 2 ARCHITECTURE - Powered by 16 “Zen 5” CPU cores, 50+ peak AI TOPS XDNA 2 NPU and a truly massive integrated GPU driven by 40 AMD RDNA 3.5 CUs, the Ryzen AI MAX+ 395 is a transformative upgrade and delivers a significant performance boost over the competition. The Ryzen AI Max+ 395 excels in consumer AI workloads like the llama.cpp-powered application: LM Studio. Shaping up to be the must-have app for client LLM workloads, LM Studio allows users to locally run the latest language model without any technical knowledge required and unleash their creativity and productivity.
  • AMD RADEON 8090S iGPU GAMING PC - The AMD Radeon RX 8060S offers all 40 CUs with up to 2.9 GHz graphics clock and uses the new RDNA 3.5 architecture. The powerful iGPU is positioned between an RTX 4060 and 4070 laptop GPU and therefore enables gaming in FHD at maximum details in most demanding games. The 8060S can also utilize the full 64GB pool, which is perfect for running LLMs such as Deepseek 32B, which runs comfortably on this machine.
  • EIGHT CHANNEL LPDDR5X - LPDDR5X is a new ground breaking memory small form factor installed on-board. With blazing speeds up to to 8000MT/s, it runs 1.5x faster than the DDR5 SODIMMs; 90% better performance over DDR5 SODIMMs in video conferencing and photo editing; 30% better performance in productivity apps; 4% better performance in digital content workloads.
  • QUAD SCREEN 8K DISPLAY SUPPORT - EVO-X2 AI Mini PC support 4-screen 4K/8K output via HDMI 2.1 (8K@60Hz), DisplayPort 1.4 (4K@60Hz), and dual USB 4 40Gbps Transfer speed (supporting PD3.0/DP1.4/DATA). Ideal for gaming, video editing, and multitasking, it provides expansive and crisp multi-display support.

Software is the weak point. TechRadar flags a complex software setup, and running large local models requires comfort with installing and tuning AI tools. Buyers who expect a finished appliance will spend time on configuration before the hardware is useful.

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How reviewers rated performance

Outlet What it reported Scope of the finding
Tom’s Hardware (verdict by Mark Tyson, published September 24, 2026) Strong multicore performance; metallic redesign praised Review of the 128GB / 2TB configuration
TechRadar CPU, graphics, and offline model performance described as strong Reviewer’s own local model tests across chat, reasoning, vision, image generation, transcription, and coding
BYTERMINAL Praises the 16-core processor, integrated graphics, 128GB memory, metal chassis, and quiet operation under load Review summary; no benchmark figures published in the summary

No outlet in this set publishes a head-to-head benchmark against named competitors, so this article does not rank the EVO-X3 against other Strix Halo or workstation machines.

Drawbacks that affect a desk setup

  • Size and weight: Tom’s Hardware calls the machine relatively large and heavy for a mini PC.
  • Power brick: The external power supply is large and heavy, which matters if you plan to hide the box under a desk or on a shelf.
  • Ports: Tom’s Hardware counts only one USB4 port. BYTERMINAL also cites limited rear I/O.
  • Video outputs: Tom’s Hardware describes video outputs as limited. Check the rear panel against your monitor setup before buying.
  • Expansion: The OCuLink port is listed as an expansion option. None of the reviews cited here report results with an external GPU, so treat OCuLink as a listed capability rather than a tested one.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Is the price justified?

Tom’s Hardware reviewed the 128GB / 2TB configuration at $3,799.99. GMKtec’s product page showed the same listed price when checked on October 7, 2026. Retailer prices and stock change, so confirm the price and configuration before you buy. Tom’s Hardware’s verdict, by Mark Tyson, published September 24, 2026, says:

Rank #4
GMKtec M6 Ultra Gaming Mini PC Ryzen 7640HS 32GB RAM DDR5 1TB SSD
  • VALUE & PERFORMANCE MINI PC - GMKtec Nucbox M6 Ultra Series is equipped with the powerful AMD Ryzen 5 7640HS processor. This CPU is an upper mid-range processor (APU) of the Phoenix product family. It has 6 SMT-enabled Zen 4 cores (12 threads) running at 4.3 GHz base speed to turbo boost 5.0 GHz.With a TDP Boost of 45W-60W, the Ryzen 7640HS CPU is more energy efficient and delivers a 30% Performance increase over previous AMD Ryzen 7 6800H, 6600U.
  • 32GB DDR5 RAM & 1TB PCIe SSD - Installed with DDR5 32GB RAM SO-DIMM Dual Channel (2x16GB), the Nucbox M6 Ultra mini pc support expansion to 128GB RAM. Featured with 1TB M.2 2280 PCIe 3.0 SSD, support dual slot expansion to PCIe 4.0 8TB SSD. (Upgrades not included)
  • GAMING PC - The Radeon 760M iGPU has 8 CUs (512 shaders) running at up to 2,600 MHz. This desktop computer can play moderate gaming at a steady FPS, it also HW-encodes and HW-decodes the most widely used video codecs such as AV1, HEVC and AVC.
  • DUAL NIC LAN 2.5G RJ45 - Fast Network Speeds: Enjoy up to 2500Mbps data transmission speed without worrying about lagging. Ideal for working, gaming, and surfing the internet. Great for Untangle, Pfsense or as a server office PC.
  • TRIPLE 4K DISPLAY - Unlock unparalleled productivity with support for three simultaneous displays, including a stunning 8K@60Hz via USB4, plus 4K@60Hz through both HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort, transforming your workspace into a command center for multitasking and immersive entertainment.

“With its 128GB of fast DDR5-8000 RAM and AMD’s potent Ryzen AI Max+ 395 processor there is a lot to like. The sleek and strong metallic Evo-X3 redesign is also welcome. However, the new price of this AI workstation is difficult to swallow.”

Note that the quote says DDR5-8000, while GMKtec’s product page lists LPDDR5X rated up to 8000 MT/s. Both describe the same memory speed rating, but the memory type is named differently.

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The EVO-X3 makes sense if

  • You plan to run large local language models and need 128GB of memory rather than a smaller pool.
  • You want Strix Halo performance in a compact-enough desktop box and accept the size, weight, and power brick.
  • You are comfortable installing and tuning AI software yourself.
  • Your workload uses the CPU and integrated graphics, and you do not need an external GPU to reach your goals.

Look elsewhere if

  • Your work is mostly office use, web browsing, or light media, where the premium memory and CPU are unused.
  • You need several USB ports, multiple video outputs, or a truly small footprint.
  • Budget is the main constraint, since the reviewed price is the main criticism in every source cited here.

Before you buy

  • Confirm the configuration. Memory is fixed at 128GB on the reviewed unit, and the SSD option differs by listing.
  • Check the rear panel against your monitors, peripherals, and dock. Plan for a single USB4 port unless you use a hub.
  • Measure your desk space for the box and the external power brick together.
  • Check warranty and support terms for your region. The reviews cited here do not cover them.
  • Buy from GMKtec directly or from a retailer, and verify the price on the day of purchase.

“

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

128GB unified memoryGMKtec EVO-X3local AImini PC reviewRyzen AI Max+ 395Strix Halo

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