GMKtec EVO-X3 Review: Ryzen AI Max+ 395 Mini PC with 128GB RAM and OCuLink for Local AI

STH's Patrick takes a detailed look at the GMKtec EVO-X3, a mini PC powered by the AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 (Strix Halo) with up to 128GB of memory and 2TB or 4TB NVMe storage. He covers its redesigned chassis, port layout, internals, performance behavior, and how it compares with other 128GB-memory systems in terms of pricing.

■ Design and Hardware
- Complete redesign compared to the EVO-X2, including a stand for vertical mounting
- Front, rear, and side port walkthrough: USB Type-A, audio jack, 2.5GbE Ethernet, USB-C, USB 4, HDMI, and an OCuLink port for an external GPU dock
- Internal layout: laptop-style cooling design, Wi-Fi 7 module, and M.2 NVMe drive options

■ Pricing and Market Context
- Current pricing around $3,599–$3,799, compared against price increases for the MacBook Pro, NVIDIA DGX Spark, and other 128GB systems
- Discussion of rising DDR5 memory costs and why 128GB systems represent a relatively affordable path to high memory capacity

■ Performance and Use Case
- High-performance mode up to 140W, power draw during LLM inference, and memory bandwidth considerations
- Running local AI models, including privacy and data-sovereignty benefits of open-weight models
- Key takeaways: platform advantages over the EVO-X2, missing 10GbE and limited USB/display ports, and the value proposition of the OCuLink option

Ideal for homelab builders, AI enthusiasts, and professionals evaluating local LLM inference hardware. Viewers will come away with a clearer picture of what the EVO-X3 offers, how it stacks up against competing 128GB systems, and which trade-offs to weigh before purchasing.