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There is no defensible single winner until you match the exact processor generation and configuration. The official GMKtec page available for this comparison describes an EVO-X1 with the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, while July 2026 reporting identifies the newer EVO-X1 Pro with Ryzen AI 9 HX 470. The official Minisforum AI X1 Pro page describes an HX 370 system, and separate coverage discusses an AI X1 Pro-470. Those are not interchangeable machines. For the verified HX 370 comparison, Minisforum is the safer choice when you need replaceable memory, three internal NVMe drives, Wi-Fi 7, or a long upgrade path. GMKtec can make sense when its 32GB or 64GB onboard configuration already meets your workload and its offered price is lower. Treat the HX 470 Pro comparison as provisional until you confirm current official specifications, prices, and stock for both same-generation systems.
Why do the EVO-X1 Pro and AI X1 Pro names make this comparison difficult?
The names describe product families, not one fixed specification. The retrieved GMKtec EVO-X1 page is an HX 370 model; it is not proof of what the later EVO-X1 Pro HX 470 contains. TechRadar’s July 29, 2026 report identifies an EVO-X1 Pro using the Ryzen AI 9 HX 470, 64GB of LPDDR5 memory, and OCuLink. The retrieved official Minisforum page is for an AI X1 Pro with the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, while a separate TechRadar result describes an AI X1 Pro-470 with DDR5 SO-DIMMs.
That generation split affects the very features most buyers compare: memory type and upgradeability, graphics behavior, cooling requirements, port implementation, and price. A benchmark or teardown of an HX 370 unit should not be presented as a test of an HX 470 Pro. Before ordering, copy the processor designation, installed memory type, SSD capacity, wireless standard, and model number from the retailer’s specification sheet.
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- Ryzen AI 9 HX 370: the processor listed on the official Minisforum AI X1 Pro page and the official GMKtec EVO-X1 page retrieved for this comparison. Both list 12 cores, 24 threads, boost speeds up to 5.1GHz, and Radeon 890M integrated graphics.
- Ryzen AI 9 HX 470: the processor identified for the newer GMKtec EVO-X1 Pro in TechRadar’s July 2026 report. The same report does not establish every motherboard, memory, or port detail needed for a complete comparison.
- AI X1 Pro-470: a separate Minisforum generation covered in a TechRadar result. Its reported memory and storage layout differ in naming from the official HX 370 page, so verify the suffix rather than assuming the two AI X1 Pro listings are identical.
What are the verified specifications of the two HX 370 models?
The following table is a model-family reference, not a specification sheet for the newer EVO-X1 Pro HX 470. Values come from the official product pages retrieved in 2026.
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| Feature | Minisforum AI X1 Pro (official HX 370 page) | GMKtec EVO-X1 (official HX 370 page) |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 | AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 |
| CPU layout | 12 cores, 24 threads | 12 cores, 24 threads |
| Maximum listed boost | Up to 5.1GHz | Up to 5.1GHz |
| Integrated graphics | Radeon 890M | Radeon 890M |
| AI performance claim | Up to 80 total TOPS | Not stated on the retrieved page |
| Memory | Two DDR5 SO-DIMM slots, up to 128GB | Onboard LPDDR5X; 32GB or 64GB configurations, listed as non-upgradeable |
| Internal M.2 storage | Three M.2 2280 NVMe slots: two PCIe 4.0 x4 and one PCIe 4.0 x1 | Two M.2 2280 NVMe slots, up to 4TB per slot on the listing |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4 | Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Wired networking | Dual 2.5GbE | Dual 2.5GbE |
| External expansion noted | USB4, HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 2.0, SD card slot, and OCuLink through an adapter board | OCuLink is reported or listed for the family; confirm the exact Pro implementation and included hardware |
Shared processor names establish a common theoretical platform, not equal sustained performance. Power limits, fan curves, firmware, memory channels, and application optimization can change results. No controlled head-to-head test of the exact title models was established, so claims about which one is faster for rendering, games, or local AI would be speculation.
Which mini PC is better for memory-heavy work?
For the verified HX 370 versions, Minisforum has the clear architectural advantage because its memory is installed in two SO-DIMM slots and the official page supports up to 128GB. GMKtec’s retrieved HX 370 listing uses onboard LPDDR5X and explicitly says the memory cannot be upgraded.
Choose Minisforum when capacity may grow
Two replaceable modules let you start with a smaller configuration and add capacity later, subject to the system’s validated memory limit and module compatibility. This matters for virtual machines, large code builds, data analysis, container stacks, and creative applications that keep large working sets in RAM. It also makes a failed module replaceable rather than requiring a motherboard replacement.
Choose the GMKtec HX 370 only when the installed amount is enough
The 32GB and 64GB onboard options can be sensible if your workload is stable and you value the exact factory configuration. They avoid the cost and installation time of buying SO-DIMMs, but the decision is permanent for that board. Do not assume the same limitation applies to the EVO-X1 Pro HX 470: its 64GB LPDDR5 figure comes from launch reporting, and an official upgrade specification was not established.
Check channel configuration before buying
Capacity alone does not reveal whether memory is operating in the most advantageous channel arrangement. Ask the seller or consult the service manual for the number of populated modules, supported speeds, and maximum capacity. This is particularly important when comparing an HX 370 unit with an HX 470 unit carrying a similar headline capacity.
Which system offers more internal SSD expansion?
The official Minisforum HX 370 specification lists three M.2 2280 NVMe positions: two with PCIe 4.0 x4 connectivity and one with PCIe 4.0 x1. The official GMKtec HX 370 listing specifies two M.2 2280 slots and says each can support up to 4TB. Minisforum therefore offers more physical positions, but the third slot’s narrower link is better suited to capacity or secondary workloads than to a drive that must deliver maximum sequential throughput.
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Use the fast slots for active projects
Install an operating-system or scratch drive in a full PCIe 4.0 x4 position when the workload is storage-limited. A database, virtual-machine image, or video cache can benefit from dedicated bandwidth. Put archival data, backups, or less demanding libraries on the x1-connected position if you select the Minisforum layout.
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M.2 2280 describes the card length, not whether every double-sided drive fits under the heatsink. Before purchasing a high-capacity SSD, check the exact service guide for single- or double-sided support, thermal pads, screw locations, and whether a heatsink is supplied. The number of slots alone does not guarantee that three high-performance drives can run continuously at full speed without thermal management.
Do the systems differ for wired and wireless networking?
Both retrieved HX 370 specifications list two 2.5GbE ports, so port count is not a differentiator for those variants. That makes either machine potentially suitable for a small server, router appliance, network-attached storage role, or workstation with separate high-speed uplinks. Controller model, driver quality, VLAN features, and firmware support were not established, so network-specialist buyers should verify those details before deploying either as infrastructure.
Wireless hardware is different on the retrieved pages. Minisforum lists Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4; GMKtec’s HX 370 listing lists Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2. Wi-Fi 7 only improves real-world throughput or latency when the access point, client devices, channel width, and regional regulations support it. If your network is Wi-Fi 6 or older, the benefit may be negligible, while Bluetooth version differences may matter more for specialized peripherals than for ordinary keyboards or headsets.
Do not carry these wireless specifications to the EVO-X1 Pro HX 470 without checking its own listing. A product refresh can change the wireless module even when the chassis name remains similar.
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OCuLink is relevant when you want a direct, high-bandwidth connection to an external GPU enclosure or another compatible PCIe device. The Minisforum HX 370 page lists OCuLink through an adapter board. OCuLink is also reported or listed for the GMKtec family, and TechRadar’s report on the newer EVO-X1 Pro mentions it. In every case, confirm the exact connector, adapter board, cable, and power requirements; “OCuLink-ready” does not prove that a cable or dock is included.
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An external GPU can transform graphics performance, but it adds a dock, desktop-class graphics card, power supply, and cable to the budget. It also consumes desk space and can introduce sleep, hot-plug, or driver issues. For a compact workstation that occasionally needs stronger graphics, OCuLink is a useful expansion path. For a system that must remain a single-box appliance, the Radeon 890M is the graphics hardware you should evaluate instead.
Which one is better for AI, CPU work, and integrated graphics?
On the verified HX 370 pages, both machines use the same 12-core/24-thread Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 and Radeon 890M. Minisforum’s page additionally states up to 80 total TOPS. Those labels indicate the potential platform capability, not application-level speed or model compatibility.
Local AI workloads
Memory capacity often determines whether a local model fits at all. A Minisforum configuration that can reach 128GB has more headroom for larger models, multiple services, or a host running containers alongside inference. The GMKtec HX 370’s fixed 32GB or 64GB ceiling can still work for smaller models and development tasks, but you cannot add RAM later. Check the framework’s support for the Ryzen AI NPU and Radeon graphics before buying; TOPS is not a substitute for software support, quantization, or usable memory bandwidth.
Compiling, encoding, and office workloads
Both systems should be evaluated as complete thermal designs rather than by processor name. Sustained compile or encode jobs can expose differences in power limits and cooling that short benchmark runs miss. Since no controlled test of the exact models was established, choose on expansion and configuration certainty, then look for independent tests of the precise SKU if sustained performance is your primary requirement.
Integrated graphics and light gaming
The shared Radeon 890M designation suggests similar graphics capability in the HX 370 versions, but memory configuration and power limits affect frame rates. Dual-channel SO-DIMM operation, firmware settings, and cooling can all change results. Treat any game-specific claim as valid only when it names the same processor, memory arrangement, BIOS version, and power profile.
How should you choose for a specific workload?
Start with the constraint you cannot change after purchase. The following decision map uses the verified HX 370 information and flags where the newer Pro generation must be checked independently.
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| Your priority | Evidence-led choice | What to verify before checkout |
|---|---|---|
| Upgradeable memory for virtual machines, development, or local AI | Favor the Minisforum layout with two SO-DIMM slots. | Maximum supported capacity, module speed, and the exact generation. |
| Three internal SSDs | Favor the Minisforum HX 370 specification. | Whether the third slot is populated, its PCIe x1 speed, and heatsink clearance. |
| Two 2.5GbE links | Either retrieved HX 370 model meets the stated port count. | NIC controller, driver, VLAN behavior, and firmware support. |
| Fast wireless networking | Favor the Minisforum listing with Wi-Fi 7. | Exact radio in the SKU and compatibility with your access point. |
| Fixed, ready-to-use memory and a lower configured price | GMKtec’s 32GB or 64GB HX 370 configuration may fit. | That memory cannot be upgraded and the price is for a like-for-like SSD configuration. |
| External GPU expansion | Either family may work because OCuLink is listed or reported. | Connector type, adapter board, cable, enclosure compatibility, and included accessories. |
| Newest processor generation | Investigate the EVO-X1 Pro HX 470 and AI X1 Pro-470 as separate products. | Official CPU, RAM type, slot layout, power limits, current price, and stock. |
What do the reported prices tell you?
TechRadar reported early-bird US pricing of $1,580 for a 1TB EVO-X1 Pro HX 470 and $1,750 for a 2TB model. The corresponding UK figures were £1,230 and £1,360. These were launch-period prices reported on July 29, 2026, not current quotations or guaranteed retail prices.
The retrieved Minisforum page displayed 32GB/1TB, 64GB/1TB, and 96GB/2TB choices, but stock status and prices are volatile. Because the listings represent different generations and memory designs, comparing a promotional GMKtec price with a different Minisforum capacity does not establish value. Compare delivered regional prices for equal RAM and SSD capacity, include tax and shipping, and note whether a promotion is one-time or recurring.
Build a like-for-like price comparison
- Write down the exact processor suffix: HX 370 or HX 470.
- Match installed memory capacity and type; 64GB LPDDR5X is not equivalent to 64GB of replaceable DDR5 in upgrade planning.
- Match SSD capacity and count, not just the headline terabytes.
- Add the cost of any SO-DIMMs, SSD heatsinks, OCuLink adapter, cable, eGPU dock, or operating-system license you actually need.
- Record the region, currency, tax treatment, shipping charge, warranty, and return window.
What should you check before ordering either mini PC?
- SKU identity: the product title should explicitly state the processor generation and suffix.
- Memory serviceability: confirm SO-DIMM slots or onboard memory from the exact manual, not from a family-level photograph.
- Storage lanes: identify which M.2 position is PCIe 4.0 x4 and which is x1.
- Wireless module: check Wi-Fi and Bluetooth versions for the exact regional unit.
- OCuLink contents: verify whether the adapter board and cable are included.
- Power and cooling: check the supplied power adapter, fan profile, and stated operating limits if you expect sustained loads.
- Firmware support: look for BIOS updates and driver availability for your operating system.
- Warranty and returns: confirm who handles a failed motherboard, memory module, or SSD and where it must be shipped.
How do you plan upgrades safely?
Upgrade procedures vary by revision, so use the exact service manual and disconnect power before opening the chassis. The sequence below is a planning checklist rather than a promise that every cover, screw, or heatsink is identical.
- Photograph the factory configuration. Record the installed SSD positions, antenna routing, screws, and cable connections before removing anything.
- Update firmware first. Install the manufacturer’s current BIOS and chipset drivers while the system is still known to boot.
- Install memory only in supported slots. Use matched DDR5 SO-DIMMs for a Minisforum unit that specifies them, and do not attempt to replace GMKtec onboard memory.
- Add an SSD to the correct lane. Reserve a PCIe 4.0 x4 slot for the drive that needs maximum throughput; secure the module and apply the supplied thermal pad or heatsink.
- Check detection in firmware. Confirm total memory and every NVMe device before cloning an operating system or creating a storage pool.
- Stress-test the completed build. Run a memory test and sustained storage workload, watch temperatures, and check sleep/wake and network behavior before deploying it as a server.
What are the main failure modes and how can you avoid them?
Buying the wrong generation
A retailer may shorten a title to “EVO-X1 Pro” or “AI X1 Pro.” Match the CPU string and board specification to your intended configuration; do not infer HX 470 features from an HX 370 review.
Assuming a shared CPU guarantees equal speed
Identical processor names do not establish identical power limits, acoustics, cooling, or application performance. Require a review of the exact SKU for benchmark-based decisions.
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On the official Minisforum HX 370 page, one of the three slots is PCIe 4.0 x1. A drive installed there can be capacity-efficient but bandwidth-limited compared with a full x4 slot.
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Budgeting only for the bare mini PC
An OCuLink eGPU setup requires several additional components, and an empty or partially populated configuration may need memory or SSD purchases. Price the complete system you will actually operate.
Expecting launch pricing to persist
Early-bird figures can disappear, while displayed stock and regional shipping can change. Save the configuration and terms at checkout and compare the delivered total rather than an old headline price.
So, which mini PC is better for your workload?
For the verified HX 370 comparison, choose Minisforum when upgradeability and connectivity determine the purchase. Its listed SO-DIMM design, support for up to 128GB, three-slot NVMe layout, Wi-Fi 7, USB4, and documented display options make it the more flexible platform for memory-heavy work, multiple drives, and newer wireless networks. Choose GMKtec’s HX 370 EVO-X1 when a factory 32GB or 64GB configuration is sufficient, you prefer its listed arrangement, and the delivered price is better for the same capacity.
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For the exact EVO-X1 Pro HX 470 versus AI X1 Pro-470 matchup, withhold a final winner until you verify current same-generation listings. The available evidence identifies the newer GMKtec processor and launch pricing, and separately reports an AI X1 Pro-470, but it does not establish a controlled performance comparison or a complete, current specification-and-price pairing. The most reliable buying decision is therefore workload-first: identify your required RAM ceiling, SSD count, network features, and expansion path, then confirm each item on the exact SKU’s official page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I upgrade the RAM in the GMKtec EVO-X1 Pro later?
Do not assume so. The retrieved official EVO-X1 HX 370 listing says its LPDDR5X memory is onboard and non-upgradeable, while the newer HX 470 Pro has only been reported with 64GB LPDDR5 and lacks a confirmed official service specification here. Treat the HX 470 memory design as unconfirmed until GMKtec states it explicitly.
Is the third NVMe slot in the Minisforum AI X1 Pro as fast as the others?
Not on the official HX 370 specification: two M.2 positions are PCIe 4.0 x4 and the third is PCIe 4.0 x1. Use a full x4 slot for high-throughput active data and reserve the x1 position for capacity, backups, or lighter workloads.
Will an OCuLink eGPU work without buying anything else?
Usually not. OCuLink provides the host connection, but an external GPU setup still needs a compatible dock or enclosure, a graphics card, power delivery, and the correct cable; the product pages do not establish that all of those accessories are included.
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Does Wi-Fi 7 make the Minisforum model faster on every network?
No. The benefit appears only when the access point, client devices, channel configuration, and regional rules support Wi-Fi 7 features. On an older Wi-Fi 6 network, the practical difference may be small despite the newer radio.
How can I tell whether an online listing is the HX 370 or HX 470 model?
Look for the processor name in the detailed specification, not just the family name in the headline. Also match the memory technology, slot count, and model number against the manufacturer’s page; photographs and retailer titles can be reused across generations.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
