GMKtec EVO-T1 Mini PC AI Ultra 9 285H (up to 5.4GHz) 64GB DDR5 (32GB*2) 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD Gaming Mini Computer, 3X M.2 Expansion Slots, Oculink, Quad Screen 8K Display

I brought this for a family member after having a great experience with another mini PC from GMKtec’s lineup. This time I chose a cheaper model that still had enough performance for their everyday use (plus a bit more for the inevitable ). Setup and noise: it’s impressively quiet, even during the initial setup and inevitable update session. I went into the BIOS, switched it to a higher-performance mode, and enabled fan control for peace of mind. It’s still quiet most of the time, and only becomes noticeable when you actually push the CPU. Windows: the initial setup screens didn’t offer English (UK), but once Windows was running it was easy to install the language pack and set it as default. There was also a sticker advising not to connect Ethernet during setup to avoid delays. Following that, I was at the desktop quickly and then let Windows Update run overnight (including a smooth major update from 24H2 to 25H2). The performance that matters: it feels genuinely responsive for normal use (browsing, Office, video). I ran Geekbench while configuring it and got 541 single-core / 1735 multi-core, with 3310 compute - I can’t see me using it to game when I visit, but it doesn’t feel sluggish. Software: it was basically bloatware-free, but I did notice Futuremark SystemInfo was installed. I quickly identified it wasn’t adware (it’s a small system profiling component that some benchmark suites use). I noticed this before installing Geekbench, so I assume it’s just been included as part of the factory image and promptly uninstalled. Display outputs: I was using a 3440×1440 ultra-wide monitor, and this is where I found the type of connection matters. With updated drivers, HDMI gave me 100Hz at 8-bit, which is much better than the initial 60Hz experience. But no surprises, DisplayPort was the better choice for this monitor (HDR, 144Hz at 10-bit / better overall feel in use). USB-C: it will take USB-C PD for power, which is handy for a tidy setup, but in my case it does not output display over USB-C, so treat USB-C here as power input rather than a one-cable dock solution. One thing I couldn’t figure out was getting my Logitech USB-C Bolt keyboard/mouse receiver to light up, so for the first few days I had to bottom an old-school wired keyboard and mouse from work. Overall, it’s a solid little mini PC that’s quiet, compact, and snappy enough for everyday tasks that’s great value for money and know that my family member is going to benefit form using.

The short version: If you need a compact, capable PC for productivity, media and even gaming the M8 delivers. I've been using this for about a week across everything from my regular BAU office work, to Genshin Impact and it's really handled everything i've thrown at it. Unboxing & Whats included: GMKTec's packaging is clean, well organised and presented quite well. Inside you get the M8 unit itself, a power brick with UK cable, HDMI cable, warranty information. Everything is sealed and in perfect condition, and the colour scheme of the PC itself looks smart on a desk. First boot & Setup: Windows 11 Pro came as completely clean install, no bloatware, no unneeded software pre-loaded. Just a fresh windows setup wizard. Took me about ten minutes to get through initial configuration and I was ready to go. Really appreciated not having to spend an hour uninstalling useless software. Or fresh flashing windows. Connectivity: Serious it's well eqipped You can read the product description and get the idea of the port situation, but it's been covering everything for me. I've had it hooked up too a 4k monitor + 240hz 1080p monitor and not a lick of delay. Performance Testing: I did Geekbench 6 testing and CrystalDiskMark CPU: Single Core - 1976, Multicore - 7,877 GPU: 14,415 Storage: Sequential Read - 3564MB/s Write - 2677 Mbs These are really solid numbers, the Ryzen chip inside really trading blow with some desktop chips here which is impressive for something of this size. Real World Use: Office/Productivity: I spent the week using this for actual work, documents, spreadsheets, jira multiple tabs, video calls. Never felt sluggish, never had to wait for anything. Coding: VS code, running local dev enviroments, docker containers, all handled without complaint. Compilation times are respectable for the form factor. Media: 4K Youtube and local video playback, is entirely smooth no dropped frames, no stuttering Gaming: Heres where I was geniunely shocked, fired up genshin impact set up everything to high, and maintained a solid 60fps throughout. The 680m punches well above its weight. If you needed some triple A backup power, there is also the OCUlink option, being able to connect an external GPU is a huge dub for an already winning machine. Thermals & Noise: Under normal use its near silent, pushing it with benchmarks and gaming and the fan spins up but its not obnoxious just a gentle whoosh noise and the thermals stayed well controlled in my testing/use. Whos this for? Anyone wanting a proper desktop experience without the bulk. Home Office users, media centre builds, light gaming setups or if oyu just want to reclaim desk space tbh. Verdict: This is my second GMKTec device and they've nailed it again (I have the GMKPlus n150 which you'll see in my rack) excellent build quality, clean software, performance that surprises for its size, dual 2.5gbe ports make it interesting for network/homelab as well as the expandability via OCUlink. Highly recommended. Threw in some genshin footage on high, so you can see how it looks, and a quick mouse spin to show the lack of frame drop

Wish it had more usb slots apart from that A ok 😉

Has dealt with everything I have thrown at it, with out any hick-ups. It has not been switched off since I set it up. It deals with all our TV and Audio Streaming, and interfaces with our Fibre Broadband router without any issues. If I was to be asked if I would like any additions to the unit, it would be for 1 more USB 3 port please. It's worth every penny.

Prompt delivery and arrival. A small and very functional unit, easy to configure, performs well for the intended purpose.

Small and mighty is how I would describe it. Easy set up and up and running in no time. Purchased for office work emails etc and this little box which fits in the palm of your hand.is ideal for those tasks. For the price paid extremely happy with my purchase.

Do not trust GMKtec as they are very dishonest and untrustworthy. I've tried to buy 2 mini pc's and on both occasions they shipped much lower spec machines with half the ram and half the disk storage.

I bought this as a backup option to my main mini PC and was pleasantly surprised with the speed of it, very capable at basic office tasks and easily plays YouTube videos. It's very quiet when the fan runs and you can turn off the annoying coloured LED in the BIOS that lights up the bottom of the case.