Head-to-head · Best AI Mini PCs for Local LLM

GMKtec EVO-X2 vs Mac mini M4 Pro 64 GB

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

The short answer

Mac mini M4 Pro 64 GB comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.4 vs 4.6). The gap is mostly about Best for Mac users — highest bandwidth in 64 GB tier — read the strengths below before deciding.

Ranked #3 in Best AI Mini PCs for Local LLM

GMKtec EVO-X2

4.4

$1,999.99as of May 29

The GMKtec EVO-X2 stands out as the best 128 GB-class mini PC for buyers who actually need to fit a 120B-parameter local model. PCWorld praised its 'excellent combination of CPU, GPU, and NPU performance at desktop workstation level,' while TechRadar highlighted that it competes directly with Nvidia's DGX Spark at roughly half the price. The XDNA 2 NPU contributes 50 TOPS to a 126 TOPS platform total when CPU and Radeon 8060S iGPU are factored in. With 128 GB LPDDR5X unified memory at 256 GB/s, it comfortably loads GPT-OSS 120B Q4 (~70 GB) and gives strong single-user inference for 70B-class models in the 6–8 tokens/sec range. It loses to the Mac mini M4 Pro on overall reviewer rating (4.4 vs 4.6) primarily because reviewers weight build polish and ecosystem; for raw RAM headroom on Linux/Windows, the EVO-X2 is the more capable machine.

Strengths

— 128 GB LPDDR5X unified memory at 256 GB/s — fits 120B-class models locally
— AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 with 50 TOPS XDNA 2 NPU (126 TOPS platform total CPU+GPU+NPU)
— Supports multiple open-source AI models and popular development frameworks (Ollama, llama.cpp, MLC)

Watch-outs

— Memory is soldered — no future RAM upgrades
— Single 2.5G Ethernet port limits AI clustering compared to the Beelink GTR9 Pro
— Possibly oversized for users who don't need 120B-class model headroom

$1,999.99 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Higher ratedRanked #2 in Best AI Mini PCs for Local LLM

Mac mini M4 Pro 64 GB

4.6

$2,599as of Apr 25

The Mac mini M4 Pro delivers exceptional performance and energy efficiency in a compact form factor, with its M4 Pro processor and 64 GB unified memory handling demanding multitasking tasks effortlessly. PCMag's Joe Osborne praised its silent operation and powerful specs, while Notebookcheck's Sebastian Bade noted its impressive build quality and high price point. However, reviewers consistently criticized the lack of upgradability, expensive configuration options, and limited warranty coverage. For local-LLM use, the 273 GB/s memory bandwidth makes it the fastest 64GB-class mini PC at this price; reviewer benchmarks put 70B Q4 inference at roughly 8–10 tokens/sec, making it ideal for buyers who need 70B-class models on a Mac. Step up to a Mac Studio if you need to run 120B+ models locally.

Strengths

— Super fast and efficient M4 Pro SoC with 12 CPU cores and 16-core GPU
— Silent operation under average load with efficient cooling system
— Support for up to three external displays with Thunderbolt 5 and Wi-Fi 6E

Watch-outs

— No maintenance options due to permanently soldered unified memory
— High surcharges for RAM and SSD upgrades, especially with proprietary modules
— Only 1-year warranty compared to industry standards

$2,599 · Buy at apple.com Full review →

How they stack up

GMKtec EVO-X2

The GMKtec EVO-X2 is the best-value 128 GB box for local-LLM users whose models outgrow 64 GB. Its 128GB of unified memory at 256 GB/s fits 120B Q4 models the Mac mini M4 Pro cannot, far cheaper than the Mac Studio M4 Max. It shares the same Strix Halo silicon as the Beelink GTR9 Pro and Framework Desktop, so all three deliver effectively identical throughput; the EVO-X2 wins on price and fan-control buttons but loses dual 10GbE to the Beelink GTR9 Pro and the open, repairable chassis to the Framework Desktop. Pick it for the cheapest path to 128 GB of model headroom.

Mac mini M4 Pro 64 GB

The Mac mini M4 Pro is the value Apple pick: at 273 GB/s it has higher bandwidth than the 256 GB/s Strix Halo boxes (GMKtec EVO-X2, Beelink GTR9 Pro, Framework Desktop) for single-user 70B inference, but it is capped at 64 GB, so it cannot hold the 120B-class models those 128 GB machines fit. The Mac Studio M4 Max doubles both its bandwidth and memory ceiling for roughly the price increase. Pick the Mac mini M4 Pro if your models top out near 70B and you want Mac polish and silence at a lower price than the Mac Studio M4 Max; step up to a 128 GB box if you need more headroom.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	GMKtec EVO-X2	Mac mini M4 Pro 64 GB
CPU	AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 (16 cores, 32 threads)	Apple M4 Pro 12-Core
GPU	Radeon 8060S (RDNA 3.5, 40 cores)	Apple M4 Pro 16-Core GPU
RAM	128 GB LPDDR5X 8,000 MHz	64 GB Unified Memory
Storage	2 TB PCIe 4.0 SSD	2 TB SSD
NPU	XDNA 2, 50 TOPS (126 TOPS platform total)	16-core Neural Engine
Connectivity	Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2	Thunderbolt 5, Wi-Fi 6E

← See the full ranking of best ai mini pcs for local llm