GMKtec EVO-X1 vs Minisforum AI X1 Pro-370 2026 — Same CPU, Different Value

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Both the GMKtec EVO-X1 and the Minisforum AI X1 Pro-370 run the same Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor, so this comparison comes down to everything else: networking, memory flexibility, port selection, and how you value each difference against the price gap. The EVO-X1 uses fast onboard LPDDR5X that cannot be upgraded, while the AI X1 Pro-370 uses socketed memory and adds dual 2.5GbE. We will walk through the key trade-offs so you can pick the right one for your workload.

For a broader shortlist, see our best mini PC for home server guide.

Quick Verdict

The EVO-X1 is the better buy if single-NIC networking covers your use case and its onboard memory capacity is enough for your workload. The AI X1 Pro-370 is the right call for anyone running a home server, pfSense secondary interface, or any workload where dual 2.5GbE and upgradeable memory are not optional.

Spec Snapshot

GMKtec EVO-X1

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The EVO-X1 is GMKtec’s flagship Ryzen AI mini PC, and it puts the HX 370 chip in a compact chassis. The verified configuration has 12 cores, 24 threads, a Radeon 890M iGPU with 16 compute units, onboard LPDDR5X memory, and an OCuLink port for eGPU expansion. That combination covers light gaming, Proxmox, and desktop use, but the fixed memory capacity matters for local AI and virtual machines.

Where GMKtec made the value trade-off is on networking and memory flexibility. A single 2.5GbE NIC is fine for most users — Plex streaming, Docker containers, Jellyfin, home office work. If you are not separating WAN and LAN traffic or running a multi-NIC storage workload, the single NIC costs you nothing in practice. The AI X1 Pro-370 costs more, but its SO-DIMM slots make a meaningful difference for buyers who expect to run larger virtual machines or local models later.

Build quality is solid and the BIOS exposes the TDP controls you need to tune fan noise vs. performance. Community support for EVO-X1 on Proxmox and Linux is good — drivers are stable with current kernels, and the 890M iGPU works with VA-API for hardware video decode.

Pros:

• ~$100 cheaper than the AI X1 Pro-370 at equivalent RAM config
• Onboard LPDDR5X runs quickly but cannot be expanded after purchase
• OCuLink for eGPU expansion sets a performance ceiling well above its price tier
• Radeon 890M handles 4K hardware decode and light gaming natively

Cons:

• Single 2.5GbE NIC rules it out for dual-NIC homelab builds
• GMKtec’s after-sale support is slower than Minisforum’s
• Chassis is slightly bulkier than some competitors in this class

Minisforum AI X1 Pro-370

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The AI X1 Pro-370 runs the identical HX 370 processor but ships with dual 2.5GbE NICs — one of very few Ryzen AI mini PCs in this price range to do so. That NIC configuration opens up OPNsense with a proper WAN/LAN split, multi-path storage networking, or simply a dedicated link for your NAS and a separate one for the rest of the network. For homelab builders who care about network architecture, that distinction alone justifies the price premium.

Minisforum has also built a stronger reputation for BIOS updates and long-term firmware support compared to GMKtec. The AI X1 Pro-370 benefits from that track record — users report stable Proxmox installations, working IOMMU passthrough, and reliable Linux driver support across recent kernels. The build itself feels premium: the chassis is compact, thermals are managed well under sustained load, and the SO-DIMM slots mean you can max out RAM as DDR5 prices continue to fall.

OCuLink is present on both machines, so the path to an eGPU for AI inference or gaming is open. At ~$699–799 depending on configuration, the AI X1 Pro-370 sits in a narrow niche — more capable than the EVO-X1 for server use, and considerably cheaper than moving up to a Ryzen AI Max platform.

Pros:

• Dual 2.5GbE NICs — rare at this price, essential for serious homelab networking
• Minisforum’s firmware and BIOS update track record is stronger than GMKtec’s
• SO-DIMM RAM is upgradeable — a clear long-term advantage over the EVO-X1
• OCuLink present for eGPU expansion

Cons:

• ~$100 premium over the EVO-X1 for the same CPU and base RAM config
• Dual NICs add value only if you actually use both — single-NIC workloads don’t benefit
• Availability can be inconsistent depending on region and variant

Head-to-Head by Use Case

For Homelab and Virtualization

Winner: Minisforum AI X1 Pro-370 — Dual 2.5GbE makes OPNsense, pfSense, and multi-path storage practical without a USB NIC adapter. Both machines run Proxmox cleanly, but the AI X1 Pro-370 gives you more networking flexibility for complex homelab topologies.

For Local AI and LLM Workloads

Winner: Tie — Both machines use the same Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 with identical NPU performance at 50 TOPS and identical Radeon 890M iGPU VRAM access. Ollama running 7B Q4 models performs identically on both. Save the $100 with the EVO-X1 and put it toward RAM.

For Gaming and Light Desktop Use

Winner: GMKtec EVO-X1 — For a desktop or gaming-focused build, the single NIC is no limitation, and the ~$100 savings is meaningful. Both machines deliver identical GPU performance, but the EVO-X1’s better price makes it the sharper value for non-server use cases.

Power and Yearly Running Cost

Both machines run the same TDP-configurable chip. Idle draw is slightly higher on the AI X1 Pro-370 due to the second NIC controller. For always-on homelab use, the difference is negligible — roughly $2/year at $0.12/kWh.

Final Verdict

Buy the GMKtec EVO-X1 if: you want the HX 370 platform at the lowest possible price and single 2.5GbE networking covers your workload — desktop use, Plex server, Docker, or a single-link homelab setup.

Buy the Minisforum AI X1 Pro-370 if: dual 2.5GbE matters for your network architecture, or you want Minisforum’s stronger firmware update track record behind a machine you’ll run 24/7.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which option wins for gmktec evo-x1 vs minisforum ai x1 pro-370?

For most users running Docker, Plex, or a single-NIC homelab, the EVO-X1 wins on price with identical CPU and GPU performance. For dual-NIC homelab builds — OPNsense, multi-path storage, or complex network segmentation — the AI X1 Pro-370 is the clear choice.

Should you buy now or wait for the next refresh?

Both machines use the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, which is the current-gen AMD AI PC flagship. A successor CPU is unlikely before mid-2027. If you need this capability now, buy — the platform is mature and prices are stable.

What matters more than the headline CPU?

On these two machines, networking is the deciding factor — not the CPU, which is identical. After that, consider RAM upgrade cost over time, BIOS update cadence, and whether OCuLink eGPU expansion is part of your future plans.