The landscape of compact computing is undergoing a seismic shift, moving from simple media boxes to powerful, AI-capable workstations. At the forefront of this revolution is GMKtec, which has just unveiled its latest flagship, the EVO-T2 mini PC. As the first consumer device to harness Intel's next-generation Panther Lake architecture, the EVO-T2 promises to redefine what's possible in a form factor smaller than a textbook, packing data center-level AI performance and high-end gaming capabilities into its sleek chassis.
A Leap Forward with Intel's Panther Lake
The heart of the GMKtec EVO-T2 is Intel's groundbreaking Panther Lake platform, specifically the flagship Core Ultra X9 388H processor. Built on the advanced Intel 18A process node, this CPU represents a significant technological leap. GMKtec claims the new silicon delivers a 10% improvement in single-threaded performance over its predecessor while reducing power consumption by a substantial 40% at equivalent performance levels. This efficiency gain is crucial for a mini PC, where thermal management and power draw are constant challenges. The integration signifies a major step in bringing cutting-edge semiconductor technology, previously reserved for laptops and larger systems, into the ultra-compact PC segment.
Claimed Performance Improvements (vs. Previous Generation)
- Single-Threaded CPU: +10%
- Power Efficiency: 40% lower consumption at equivalent performance.
- Integrated Graphics (vs. Lunar Lake): +50%
- Arc B390 GPU (vs. Competitors): 76% faster than Intel Arc 140T; 82% faster than AMD Radeon 890M.
Unprecedented AI and Graphics Performance
Where the EVO-T2 truly separates itself from the pack is in its dedicated AI and graphical prowess. The system boasts a staggering 180 TOPS (Tera Operations Per Second) of total AI performance, enabling it to run large language models and handle multimodal generative AI workloads entirely locally. This transforms the device from a mere computer into a potent AI developer box or a private, offline AI assistant. Graphically, the integrated Intel Arc B390 GPU with 12 Xe cores is reported to deliver performance comparable to a mobile NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050. Intel's own benchmarks suggest it outperforms its previous Arc 140T by 76% and AMD's competitive Radeon 890M by 82%, making the EVO-T2 a surprisingly capable machine for gaming and content creation.
Key Specifications of the GMKtec EVO-T2 Mini PC
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core Ultra X9 388H (Panther Lake, 18A process) |
| Maximum RAM | 128 GB LPDDR5X @ 9600 MT/s |
| Storage Support | Dual M.2 (1x PCIe 5.0, 1x PCIe 4.0), up to 16 TB total |
| AI Performance | Up to 180 TOPS (Total) |
| Integrated GPU | Intel Arc B390 (12 Xe cores) |
| Networking | 10 GbE + 2.5 GbE Ethernet |
| Key Ports | USB4 (40 Gbps, 100W PD), OCuLink (for eGPU) |
| Power Modes | 45W (Balanced), 80W (Dynamic Performance) |
| Launch Window | Q1 2026 |
Designed for Power Users and Expandability
GMKtec has equipped the EVO-T2 with specifications that rival full-sized desktops. It supports up to 128GB of high-speed LPDDR5X memory running at 9600 MT/s, ensuring smooth multitasking and ample bandwidth for AI models. Storage is equally impressive, with dual M.2 slots combining PCIe 5.0 and PCIe 4.0 interfaces to support up to 16TB of total capacity. Connectivity is a major highlight, featuring both 10GbE and 2.5GbE Ethernet for network-intensive tasks, a USB4 port with 100W Power Delivery, and a crucial OCuLink port for connecting an external graphics dock, future-proofing the system for even more demanding graphical workloads.
Thermal Design and Availability
To handle the increased performance, GMKtec has implemented a robust cooling solution. The EVO-T2 operates in a standard 45W balanced mode but can switch to a dynamic 80W performance mode for demanding applications. A refined internal layout with a dual-fan design is intended to maintain thermal stability under sustained heavy loads. The company has announced that the EVO-T2 mini PC is scheduled to launch to retail within the first quarter of 2026. Final pricing and specific configuration details are expected to be announced closer to the release date, but its feature set positions it as a premium offering in the mini PC market, targeting professionals, developers, and enthusiasts who need maximum power in minimal space.