Chinese manufacturer GMKtec has detailed the EVO-X3 model, which shifts from the horizontal designs typically used in the hardware world to a vertical tower layout. Shaped around AMD's powerful Ryzen AI Max+ 395 'Strix Halo' processor, this AI mini PC workstation retains the same semiconductor technology used in the company's previous model, the EVO-X2. Although the previous model was approved and signed by AMD CEO Lisa Su, GMKtec has made a radical change in its design philosophy this time, completely renewing the chassis structure. The company has completely abandoned the horizontal and square box form typical of mini PCs, opting for a tall, triple-fan tower structure that resembles a steel-plated graphics card rather than a traditional mini PC. This new design aims to strike a balance between performance, efficiency, and thermal stability under constant professional workloads while keeping the footprint compact.
GMKtec defied enthusiasts' expectations by ignoring AMD's newer Ryzen AI Max+ 495 chip in favor of the Ryzen AI Max+ 395 silicon. The processor combines CPU and GPU and includes a large NPU (Neural Processing Unit) with 50 TOPS of power, easily surpassing the 40 TOPS threshold required for Microsoft's Copilot+ design. The device will be offered in two different storage configurations, with 2 TB or 4 TB options, alongside fixed 128 GB LPDDR5X-8000 memory, and thanks to two M.2 2280 PCIe Gen4x4 slots, total storage capacity can be increased up to 8 TB in both configurations. GMKtec also integrates its specially developed Claw+Wrangler package directly onto the EVO-X3, offering local inference tools for one-click setup and all-day-running AI agents. The company claims that the 128 GB memory configuration can run models up to 235 billion parameters entirely on the device without relying on cloud servers, ensuring that user data never leaves the machine.
The previous EVO-X2 model was often criticized in reviews for structural quality issues such as a cheap-feeling chassis, difficult internal access, and constant fan noise under load. These negative feedbacks were likely among the key factors shaping the design changes on the EVO-X3, but we need to wait for the product's launch to see if the new case truly solves these problems. Designers managed to achieve a size resembling a PS4 console in its vertical orientation by increasing the vertical height while keeping the footprint compact. The triple-fan cooling system replaces the thermal approach used in the EVO-X2, aiming for higher thermal efficiency. GMKtec's design change stands out not just as an aesthetic preference, but as an engineering move to fix the performance and noise balance users complained about.
Regarding pricing, GMKtec made a notable jump by setting its pre-launch price at $3,600 for the configuration with 128 GB memory and 2 TB storage. The price for the 4 TB storage option rises to $3,849, and according to the company's statements, these figures are considered discounted early sale figures. Early access registrations opened on June 22, offering an additional $20 discount, while both the global launch and shipping date are set for July 6. For comparison, the EVO-X2 model was launched at $1,999 with 64 GB memory and 1 TB drive, showing that the difference is quite significant even accounting for the EVO-X3's larger memory and storage capabilities. This price increase points to approximately a fourfold increase from the EVO-X1's $900 starting price, meaning an approximate 300% price hike.
Looking at its market position, the EVO-X3 will compete directly with other Strix Halo devices that also have a 128 GB memory limit. Its main rivals include devices like the MINIX ER939-AI Pro and ONEXStation, and GMKtec will try to convince users in this competitive environment by highlighting local AI capabilities and an ambitious cooling system. The company plans to appeal to the target audience not only with hardware power but also with locally runnable AI agents and privacy-focused data processing capabilities. This aggressive change in pricing strategy from EVO-X1 to the present indicates that the brand has shifted its product positioning from entry-level towards professional and high-performance end-users. This new design, which is a candidate to resolve the problems of its past models, is met with interest but also caution in the sector due to its high price tag.
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