GMKtec EVO-T2 Smashes AI Performance Records at CES 2026
At CES 2026, GMKtec unveiled the EVO-T2—a compact powerhouse that redefines what a mini PC can do for AI workloads. Powered by Intel’s new Core Ultra X9 388H processor, the EVO-T2 delivers an industry-leading 180 TOPS (trillion operations per second) of neural processing performance—50% faster than systems using AMD’s Ryzen AI Max+ 395. For creators, developers, and professionals seeking on-device AI acceleration without bulky hardware, this launch answers a growing demand with serious silicon muscle.
Intel’s Bold Bet on Consumer AI Hardware
The Core Ultra X9 388H isn’t just another chip—it’s Intel’s first consumer-grade mobile processor built on the cutting-edge 18A process node. Designed specifically for high-efficiency AI inference, it integrates a next-gen NPU (Neural Processing Unit) that pushes the EVO-T2 far beyond traditional CPU- or GPU-based AI tasks. This marks a strategic pivot by Intel under CEO Lip-Bu Tan, who has prioritized AI at the edge as a key battleground against rivals like AMD and Qualcomm.
A Rare Endorsement from Intel’s Top Executive
What made headlines wasn’t just the specs—it was the moment Intel’s CEO personally visited GMKtec’s booth, tested the EVO-T2 live, and signed the prototype. In an era where CEOs rarely engage directly with third-party hardware partners at trade shows, Tan’s gesture signaled strong confidence in both the platform and GMKtec’s engineering. Industry watchers noted this as a clear message: Intel sees the EVO-T2 as a flagship showcase for its AI vision.
Why 180 TOPS Matters for Everyday Users
While TOPS numbers can sound abstract, they translate directly into real-world responsiveness. With 180 TOPS, the EVO-T2 can run complex local AI models—like real-time video upscaling, voice transcription with contextual awareness, or even generative image tools—without relying on cloud servers. That means faster results, better privacy, and lower latency. For remote workers, content creators, and indie developers, this level of on-device AI is transformative.
Designed for Expandability, Not Just Power
Beyond raw AI throughput, GMKtec didn’t skimp on practicality. The EVO-T2 supports up to 96GB of DDR5 memory and dual NVMe M.2 slots for ultra-fast storage—critical for handling large datasets or model caches. It also includes 2.5Gb Ethernet, Wi-Fi 7, and Thunderbolt 4 ports, ensuring seamless connectivity whether you’re tethered to a studio setup or working wirelessly from a café.
Mini PC, Maximum Ambition
Despite its palm-sized footprint, the EVO-T2 punches well above its weight class. GMKtec has long specialized in compact computing, but the EVO-T2 represents its most ambitious project yet. By pairing Intel’s bleeding-edge silicon with thoughtful thermal design and user-upgradeable components, the company bridges the gap between enthusiast-grade performance and desktop minimalism—a sweet spot increasingly sought after in hybrid work environments.
Outpacing AMD’s Ryzen AI Max+ 395
AMD’s Ryzen AI Max+ 395, launched late last year, offered 120 TOPS—already impressive for a mobile chip. But the EVO-T2’s 180 TOPS leap isn’t just incremental; it reshapes expectations. Independent benchmarks previewed at CES showed the EVO-T2 completing Stable Diffusion image generations nearly twice as fast as comparable Ryzen-powered mini PCs. For users weighing ecosystem loyalty versus raw capability, this gap could be decisive.
AI Workflows Get a Local Boost
Until recently, serious AI work required either cloud subscriptions or workstation-class rigs. The EVO-T2 changes that equation. Tools like Llama.cpp, Whisper, and Runway ML now run fluidly offline, empowering journalists, designers, and researchers to iterate quickly without internet dependency. This shift toward localized AI aligns with growing concerns over data sovereignty and recurring costs.
CES 2026: The Year AI Went Mainstream in Mini PCs
This year’s CES cemented a trend: AI isn’t just for data centers anymore. From laptops to single-board computers, on-device intelligence dominated product launches. But few combined form factor, performance, and executive validation like the EVO-T2. Its debut signals that the mini PC category—once seen as niche—is evolving into a legitimate hub for next-generation productivity.
Pricing and Availability Details
GMKtec expects the EVO-T2 to ship globally in Q2 2026, starting at $899 for the base configuration (32GB RAM, 1TB SSD). Higher-tier models with 64GB or 96GB RAM will follow shortly after. Early adopters at CES reported strong interest from small studios and tech reviewers—groups who value both portability and uncompromised AI performance.
What This Means for the Future of Compact Computing
The EVO-T2 isn’t just a product—it’s a statement. As AI becomes embedded in everyday software, hardware must adapt. GMKtec, backed by Intel’s latest architecture, proves that powerful, private, and portable AI is no longer theoretical. If this trajectory continues, we may soon see mini PCs replace mid-tier laptops for many creative and technical workflows.
A New Benchmark for AI-Capable Desktops
With its blend of record-breaking NPU performance, smart expandability, and rare executive endorsement, the GMKtec EVO-T2 sets a new standard for what consumers should expect from AI-ready desktops. In a market crowded with incremental upgrades, it stands out as a genuinely forward-looking device—one that doesn’t just support AI, but accelerates it locally, efficiently, and elegantly. For anyone building or buying an AI-centric workstation in 2026, the EVO-T2 demands serious consideration.
