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| A GMKtec EVO-T2 prototype signed by Intel CEO Mr. Lip-Bu Tan. |
The buzz from CES 2026 is still echoing through the tech world, and GMKtec is capitalizing on the momentum. Following a quiet preview late last year, the company has now fleshed out the complete specifications for its highly anticipated EVO-T2 mini PC, the direct successor to the popular EVO-T1. With Intel’s Panther Lake architecture now fully revealed, GMKtec is giving us a clear picture of a machine designed to be a compact powerhouse.
From Flagship to Full Lineup: Panther Lake Options Confirmed
Initially, GMKtec confirmed the EVO-T2 would feature the top-tier Intel Core Ultra X9 388H processor. The new details reveal a broader strategy, offering configurations to suit different performance needs and budgets. The mini PC will also be available with the Core Ultra 5 338H and the Core Ultra X7 368H.
This tiered approach means users can choose based on their needs for CPU cores and integrated graphics performance, with the X9 388H remaining the uncontested flagship for maximum throughput. All configurations, however, promise a significant generational leap from previous designs.
Packing a Punch: Thermal Design and Massive Memory
Where the EVO-T2 truly aims to stand out is in its sustained performance envelope and expansion capabilities. GMKtec states that the Panther Lake processors inside can operate at up to an 80W dynamic TDP. This aggressive thermal design, managed by what the company calls its "Ice Storm 3.0" cooling system, suggests a focus on maintaining high clock speeds for demanding workloads like video editing, rendering, and heavy computational tasks.
Supporting this power is a staggering amount of memory and storage. The EVO-T2 will support up to 128GB of dual-channel LPDDR5X RAM, ensuring smooth multitasking and data handling. For storage, it doubles down with dual M.2 slots supporting both PCIe 4.0 and PCIe 5.0 standards, offering a theoretical total storage capacity of up to 16TB. This makes it not just a mini PC, but a potential compact NAS or data server.
A Connectivity Powerhouse
GMKtec is clearly targeting professionals and enthusiasts who need versatile I/O. The EVO-T2 includes:
- OCuLink and USB4: This combination offers ultra-fast, direct connections to external graphics cards or high-speed storage arrays, providing desktop-level expandability.
- Dual Ethernet: Featuring both 2.5 Gbps and 10 Gbps ports, it’s poised to be a networking monster for homelabs, local servers, or low-latency online gaming.
- Latest Wireless: Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 ensure future-proofed wireless connectivity.
The company’s commitment to this platform was notably highlighted at CES. As detailed in their CES 2026 showcase, the EVO-T2 demo even drew recognition from Intel’s CEO, underscoring its role as a showcase for Panther Lake's capabilities in the compact desktop form factor.
Availability and Expectations
GMKtec has scheduled the official launch of the EVO-T2 for later this quarter. While full pricing remains under wraps, the specs position it as a premium device. For context, its predecessor, the EVO-T1 with an Intel Meteor Lake processor, remains a strong option and is currently listed on Amazon for $999.99, giving us a potential baseline for the new model's entry point.
The EVO-T2 shapes up to be one of the most ambitious mini PCs of the year, blurring the line between a compact desktop and a full-fledged workstation. By combining Intel's latest architecture with extreme expandability and pro-grade connectivity, GMKtec is aiming squarely at power users who refuse to compromise on performance, even when space is at a premium.
