GMKtec EVO-X2 Mini PC: The World's First AI Mini PC for 70B LLMs
GMKtec has a groundbreaking release: the EVO-X2 Mini PC. This is not a typical tiny computer. It is promoted as the world's first AI Mini PC capable of handling enormous 70B LLMs (Large Language Models) right in your office or home.
Local AI Powerhouse: 70 Billion Parameters in Your Hand
What is significant about 70B LLMs? 70-billion-parameter-trained models are the brains behind sophisticated AI tasks. These tasks include generating realistic text and providing in-depth answers to intricate questions. They used to require massive cloud infrastructure to operate. The EVO-X2 aims to bring that power to your local machine. This means quicker and more secure AI processing.
At the heart of the EVO-X2 is the AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395, from the 'Strix Halo' series. The processor provides raw processing power with its 16 Zen 5 cores and 32 threads. Crucially, the on-board Radeon 8060S graphics and the dedicated NPU (Neural Processing Unit) make the EVO-X2 an AI powerhouse. GMKtec claims it can outperform an RTX 4090 in some AI workloads using LM Studio, a popular open-source tool for deploying LLMs.
Under the Hood: Key Specs and Features
While full details are still emerging, here's what is known about the EVO-X2:
- Processor: AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 (Strix Halo, Zen 5 architecture)
- Graphics: Integrated Radeon 8060S (RDNA 3.5 architecture, 40 Compute Units)
- Memory: LPDDR5X RAM at 8533 MT/s (likely 32GB or more, up to 128GB configurations)
- Storage: Two M.2 2280 PCIe Gen 4.0 slots for NVMe SSDs
- Connectivity: USB Type-A ports, USB4 Type-C, SD card reader, HDMI 2.1, DP 2.0, audio jack
Price and Availability: Premium Performance
The EVO-X2 is not an inexpensive model. Initially released in China, the base config costs 14,999 Yuan, approximately $2,052 USD. This places it in the high-end mini PC category, more than twice the price of GMKtec's EVO-X1 AI Mini PC.
For global launch, with pre-orders starting April 15th, GMKtec suggests a second, slightly less expensive option. This option may include 64GB of RAM and 1TB of storage, instead of the top-tier 128GB/2TB Chinese variant. A sub-$1500 global price is unlikely given Chinese pricing. However, this second option could make the EVO-X2 accessible to some enthusiasts.
Is the EVO-X2 Worth the Attention and Price?
The GMKtec EVO-X2 is pushing boundaries in mini PC technology. If local AI processing is a priority, especially for running demanding 70B LLMs, and you need a compact yet powerful computer, the EVO-X2 is noteworthy. The premium pricing indicates its target market is professionals and early adopters requiring cutting-edge AI in a small form factor. Real-world performance benchmarks and reviews will determine if the EVO-X2 truly delivers as an AI game-changer.
Source: GMKtec Official Announcements
