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| GMKtec EVO-X3 allows you to allocated up to 96 GB of memory to the iGPU. |
The Ryzen AI Max+ 395 powered Mini PC delivers jaw-dropping frame rates, but its astronomical price tag raises serious questions.
When GMKtec unveiled the EVO-X3 earlier this year, the tech community took notice. Packing AMD's flagship Ryzen AI Max+ 395 processor with 128 GB of RAM, this Mini PC promised desktop-level performance in a chassis barely larger than a paperback novel. Now, thanks to thorough testing from popular YouTuber ETA Prime, we finally know exactly how this powerhouse performs when running SteamOS—and the results are nothing short of spectacular.
For those who haven't been following the Mini PC revolution, the EVO-X3 represents the absolute cutting edge of what's possible in small-form-factor computing. But with great power comes great expense, and this particular machine carries a price tag that might make even the most dedicated enthusiasts wince.
SteamOS Brings Out the Best in the EVO-X3
One of the most intriguing aspects of ETA Prime's testing was his decision to benchmark the GMKtec EVO-X3 using SteamOS, Valve's Linux-based operating system designed specifically for gaming. This choice wasn't arbitrary—Linux-based operating systems have long been known to squeeze extra performance out of hardware thanks to their more efficient resource management compared to Windows.
You can watch ETA Prime's full testing video here.
The results speak for themselves. The combination of SteamOS and the EVO-X3's formidable hardware creates a gaming experience that rivals many full-sized desktop PCs, all packed into a chassis small enough to fit behind a monitor.
Raw Performance That Demands Attention
At the heart of the GMKtec EVO-X3 sits the Ryzen AI Max+ 395, configured to run at a maximum TDP of 140 watts. This 16-core Zen 5 processor is paired with the Radeon 8060S integrated GPU and a massive 96 GB of memory allocated specifically to the APU. The result is a Mini PC that absolutely demolishes gaming benchmarks.
For those looking to get their hands on this impressive machine, you can find more details here.
In Cyberpunk 2077—still one of the most demanding titles available years after its release—the EVO-X3 delivered nearly 80 frames per second at 1440p resolution with high settings and FSR set to "Quality" mode. This is an astonishing result for an integrated GPU solution, especially considering the demanding nature of CD Projekt Red's open-world epic.
Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered performed equally well, running at 80+ FPS at 1440p with "Very High" settings and FSR in "Quality" mode. The lush landscapes and detailed robotic creatures of Guerrilla Games' masterpiece looked smooth and responsive throughout ETA Prime's testing.
Spider-Man 2 showed similar prowess, averaging 85+ FPS at 1440p resolution with "Very High" graphics and FSR "Quality" enabled. The fast-paced web-slinging action remained fluid and responsive, demonstrating that the EVO-X3 can handle even the most movement-intensive titles without breaking a sweat.
The Price of Peak Performance
Here's where the conversation gets complicated. The GMKtec EVO-X3 costs a staggering $3,799.99. That's not a typo—we're talking nearly four thousand dollars for a Mini PC.
When you step back and consider the broader PC gaming landscape, this price point becomes difficult to justify. For that kind of money, you could build a custom desktop with a dedicated graphics card that would outperform the EVO-X3 in virtually every scenario. We're talking RTX 4080 or even RTX 4090 territory, depending on current market conditions.
The value proposition becomes even more questionable when you consider that the EVO-X3's impressive performance relies heavily on FSR upscaling. While AMD's technology has improved dramatically, there's still no substitute for raw rasterization power when it comes to certain titles.
Who Is This Mini PC Actually For?
Despite the eye-watering price, the GMKtec EVO-X3 does have a target audience. Professional users who need massive memory capacity for AI workloads, video editing, or scientific computing might find the 128 GB of RAM and powerful APU combination attractive. The ability to allocate 96 GB to the GPU for certain compute tasks is genuinely impressive.
Similarly, enthusiasts who prioritize desk space and aesthetic minimalism above all else might see value in having this level of performance in a tiny package. The EVO-X3 runs remarkably cool according to ETA Prime's testing, which is another point in its favor.
However, for pure gaming purposes, the value proposition falls apart. You could purchase a high-end gaming laptop with a dedicated RTX 4080 or 4090 and still have money left over for a premium monitor and peripherals. Alternatively, a well-built desktop PC would offer superior performance and upgradeability for significantly less money.
The Verdict
The GMKtec EVO-X3 is an engineering marvel that demonstrates just how far Mini PC technology has come. The Ryzen AI Max+ 395 and extensive memory configuration deliver truly impressive gaming performance in a form factor that would have seemed impossible just a few years ago.
But at nearly $3,800, the EVO-X3 exists in a strange middle ground. It's too expensive to be a practical gaming solution, yet its integrated graphics solution prevents it from competing with high-end dedicated GPUs at the same price point. Unless you have specific professional needs that require massive amounts of unified memory in a small package, the EVO-X3 is difficult to recommend.
For those with deep pockets and a desire for cutting-edge small-form-factor computing, the GMKtec EVO-X3 delivers on its promises. For everyone else, it serves as an impressive demonstration of what's possible—and a reminder of how far Mini PC technology still has to go before it can truly compete with traditional desktops on price-to-performance ratio.