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| The GMKtec Evo-T2 gaming mini PC will be powered by the powerful Intel Core Ultra X9 388H processor. |
If you’ve been following the compact yet mighty world of mini PCs, you know GMKtec is a force to be reckoned with. Their Evo-T1, armed with an Intel Core Ultra 9 285H, proved that big performance could indeed come in small packages. But just as we were getting comfortable, GMKtec is poised to shake the market again. The spotlight now turns to their next-generation contender: the Evo-T2 gaming mini PC, officially confirmed for a grand unveiling at CES 2026.
This isn't just a simple refresh. GMKtec is pulling out the big guns, basing the Evo-T2 on Intel's highly anticipated next-generation "Panther Lake" architecture. Let's dive into what makes this tiny titan a potential game-changer.
The Heart of the Beast: Intel Core Ultra X9 388H "Panther Lake" CPU
The company has confirmed the Evo-T2 will be powered by the Intel Core Ultra X9 388H "Panther Lake" CPU. This chip is shaping up to be a monster. As seen in earlier Geekbench leaks, it features a 16-core hybrid design: 4 Performance cores, 4 Low-Power cores, and a staggering 8 Efficiency cores.
The performance leap seems substantial. Early benchmarks suggest single-core scores breaking the 3,000-point barrier and multi-core performance soaring to roughly 17,600 points. To put that in perspective, this not only leaves the current Core Ultra 285H in the Evo-T1 far behind but also allows it to go toe-to-toe with AMD's formidable Ryzen AI Max+ 395 "Strix Halo" APU. For a deeper look at the competitive landscape, a recent report on Panther Lake's engineering sample performance provides fascinating context https://www.ithome.com/0/910/166.htm.
Graphics Revolution: The Intel Arc B390 iGPU with Xe3 Cores
The real shocker, however, might be on the graphics front. GMKtec states the Evo-T2 will feature an Intel Arc B390 iGPU, based on the next-gen Xe3 graphics architecture and packing 12 cores. If the rumors hold true, we could be looking at integrated graphics performance that is up to twice as powerful as AMD's current flagship Radeon 890M.
This transforms the Evo-T2's potential. We're no longer talking about just casual gaming or media playback. This level of graphical horsepower promises discrete-class performance in a mini-PC form factor, making it a legitimate contender for serious 1080p and likely 1440p gaming, as well as demanding tasks like running local LLMs (Large Language Models) and AI inference.
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| Geekbench listing for the Intel Core Ultra X9 388H "Panther Lake" CPU paints a promising picture. |
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| The GMKtec Evo-T2 mini PC was also present at a previous Intel conference, although barely any details were shared. |
Loaded for Bear: Memory, Storage, and Connectivity
GMKtec isn't skimping on the supporting specs. The Evo-T2 is expected to support up to a jaw-dropping 128 GB of LPDDR5X-10677 memory, ensuring that both the CPU and the powerful iGPU have all the bandwidth they could ever need. For storage, it offers flexibility and speed with both a PCIe 4.0 and a PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot.
Connectivity appears robust, with dual network ports (speeds yet to be specified) and a full suite of modern I/O. This combination of specs paints a picture of a mini PC designed not just for enthusiasts, but for professionals and power users who need a compact yet uncompromising workstation.
Pricing, Competition, and Final Thoughts
With great power comes... a potentially significant price tag. GMKtec is keeping official pricing under wraps for now. However, given the unprecedented surge in DRAM prices and the cutting-edge components inside, the high-memory variants of the Evo-T2 are likely to command a premium. For a sense of where the current high-end market sits, you can check out the GMKtec Evo-X2 with the Strix Halo APU currently listed on Amazon.
The Evo-T2 is clearly GMKtec's strategic answer to AMD's Strix Halo momentum. By being one of the first to market with a mini PC harnessing Intel's Panther Lake and the revolutionary Xe3-based Arc graphics, GMKtec is positioning itself at the forefront of the next wave of compact computing.
The bottom line: The GMKtec Evo-T2, launching at CES 2026, is shaping up to be one of the most exciting mini PCs on the horizon. With its 16-core Panther Lake CPU and potentially class-leading Arc B390 graphics, it promises to blur the line between mini PC and desktop gaming rig. While we await final benchmarks and that all-important price, one thing is clear: the competition in the high-performance mini PC space is about to get very, very hot.