Panther Lake Arrives: GMKtec's New Mini PC Packs AI and 10GbE

Intel’s new Panther Lake platform debuts in a compact chassis, offering workstation-class performance, advanced on-device AI capabilities, and high-speed networking for specialist users.

A new mini PC from GMKtec is one of the first to feature Intel's next-generation Panther Lake processors, packing workstation-level performance and serious AI capabilities into a 1.7-litre chassis. A recent review suggests the EVO-T2S is a future-proof, if pricey, option for developers, content creators, and businesses looking to run demanding tasks and local AI models without a full-sized tower.

Key points

The EVO-T2S uses Intel's new Panther Lake CPU and Arc B390 iGPU to deliver workstation-grade performance in a mini PC form factor.
It is built for demanding professional use with future-proof connectivity, including 10-Gigabit LAN, Wi-Fi 7, and an OCuLink port for external GPUs.
Its high price and focus on local AI make it a specialist tool for developers and content creators, not a general-purpose office machine.

A New Class of Compact Workstation

The GMKtec EVO-T2S moves the goalposts for what a mini PC can achieve. According to a detailed review by PCWorld, the machine is built around Intel’s Core Ultra X7 358H processor. This Panther Lake chip, built on the advanced Intel 18A process, features a total of 16 cores and 16 threads, combining performance, efficiency, and low-power cores.

This CPU is paired with a generous 64GB of very fast LPDDR5X memory, which is soldered to the board. While this prevents future RAM upgrades, the high capacity and bandwidth are crucial for feeding both the processor and the integrated graphics. The combination delivers performance that PCWorld’s testing places on par with compact workstations running higher-power H-series processors.

Graphics are handled by the large Arc B390 integrated GPU, a significant step up from previous Intel solutions. It supports modern features like ray tracing and XeSS upscaling. In testing, it ran demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077 at a smooth 64 frames per second in Full HD with balanced settings, a remarkable result for a machine without a discrete graphics card.

Built for AI and High-Speed Networking

Beyond raw processing power, the EVO-T2S is positioned as a potent tool for local artificial intelligence tasks. The system's combined CPU, GPU, and NPU (Neural Processing Unit) deliver up to 180 TOPS of AI performance. GMKtec includes its own software environment for running open-source language models like Gemma and Qwen directly on the device, a key feature for those concerned with data privacy or cloud costs.

The storage solution is also tailored for AI. The Phison SSD has a total capacity of 853GB, but this is partitioned into a 768GB primary drive and a separate 85GB area reserved for Phison's AI functions. PCWorld notes that while the concept is useful, the pre-installed AI software can feel unpolished in places, something early adopters should be aware of.

For South African businesses, the networking capabilities are a standout feature. The inclusion of a 10-Gigabit LAN port is a game-changer for creative studios or tech firms using a high-speed NAS for media archives or large project files. It enables much faster data transfers than standard Gigabit Ethernet, making it practical to edit large video or AI datasets directly from network storage. This is complemented by a second 2.5Gbit port and Wi-Fi 7.

Professional Connectivity and Expansion

The EVO-T2S is exceptionally well-equipped with ports. The rear panel features HDMI, DisplayPort, and the crucial 10GbE and 2.5GbE network sockets. The front provides easy access to USB-A ports and a high-speed USB4 port. A second USB4 port is located on the rear, and both support 40Gbit/s data rates, DisplayPort output, and up to 100 watts of Power Delivery.

A key inclusion for power users is the OCuLink port. This external PCIe 4.0 x4 interface allows for the connection of an external GPU enclosure with significantly higher bandwidth and lower latency than USB4. This provides a valuable upgrade path if the capable integrated Arc graphics are no longer sufficient for future workloads, turning the mini PC into a true desktop replacement.

While RAM is not upgradeable, internal storage is. PCWorld reports that there is a second M.2 slot available for adding another NVMe SSD. However, accessing it is described as "unnecessarily fiddly," requiring the removal of adhesive rubber feet to get to the screws on the underside. Once open, installation is straightforward.

The South African Buyer's Perspective

The GMKtec EVO-T2S is a specialist machine with a premium price tag to match. PCWorld notes a US price of $1959. For a South African buyer, this would likely translate to well over R40,000 after factoring in shipping, import duties, and VAT. This places it firmly in the professional workstation category, far from a general-purpose office PC.

Its compact size and relatively low power draw compared to a desktop tower are advantageous in a load-shedding environment, as it can be more easily supported by a modest UPS or inverter. However, it is not a budget machine, and its high cost means it must solve a specific business problem to be justifiable.

Is it worth buying now? For developers experimenting with local AI or creative professionals needing a powerful, compact editing station with 10GbE networking, the EVO-T2S offers a unique and compelling feature set. For everyone else, it is a glimpse into the future. It may be wiser to wait for the Panther Lake platform to become more widespread, which should lead to more choice and competitive pricing.

Frequently asked questions

Can I upgrade the RAM or storage on this mini PC?

You can expand the storage by installing a second M.2 NVMe SSD. However, the 64GB of LPDDR5X RAM is soldered to the motherboard and cannot be upgraded.

Is this a good machine for running my business during load-shedding?

A mini PC's low power consumption makes it easier to run on a UPS or inverter than a full desktop tower. However, like any desktop computer, it requires a constant power source, so a reliable backup solution for the PC and your monitor is essential.

What is OCuLink and do I need it?

OCuLink is a high-bandwidth port for connecting external graphics cards (eGPUs). It offers better performance than USB4 or Thunderbolt for this task. You only need it if the powerful integrated graphics become insufficient for your workload and you plan to add a desktop GPU.

Related at Server Hub

Sources

GMKtec EVO-T2S review: Panther Lake raises the bar for mini PCs — PCWorld

Compiled by Server Hub from the sources listed above. We link every source so you can check the claim yourself.