I’ve been looking at the market for a neat PC I can use for AI testing, and I’ve been thinking between the GMKtec Evo-X2 vs the Framework Desktop - looking at the AI Max+ 395 with 128GB RAM configuration in both cases.
I know I’m probably looking at a higher price tag with the Framework, and a lot more support for sure; but I’d like to check up on opinions from people with experience with these devices. Anyone that can vouch the performance/reliability of GMKtec?
Bump! GMKtec seems significantly cheaper but I think they dont have repairability and consumer advocacy in their list of operational principles.
I think I can actually buy the GMKtec cheaper now if I opt-in to Amazon Prime instead of waiting for Framework to cater to my country.
Although if it borks, I have a feeling that I will be SOL when it comes to support.
Microcenter had the GMKtec Evo-X2 (with 128GB memory) on sale for $1709 last week, then you could use their credit card to get an additional 5% off. I reserved one, but I never picked it up. I worry about the lack of support/repairs if something goes wrong. I have a GMKtec K10 mini pc that works well, but it was much cheaper ($589) than the Evo-X2. I’ve also read some reviews about the Evo-X2 being DOA which concerned me about their quality control.
That sounds like a discount that would’ve persuaded me to be honest… but yeah, still the same challenge of support/reliability. Oh welp.
There’s a new player in the market! The Beelink GTR9 Pro looks like a better alternative all in all:
The whole vapor chamber and the heatsink for thermal dissipation looks amazing, and you can get it for a same-ish price compared to the other systems! With the caveat that if you have a spare case and fans, you can always just get the Framework motherboard.
I think repairability of Framework vs GMKtec is probably about same. If the motherboard goes out on GMKtec, you need a new computer, due to all soldered in. New motherboard on Framework is going to be functionally a new computer anyway. Fans and Wifi on the other hand, look just as easy to replace, per Team Pandory’s review of Evo-X2.
Mine should arrive tomorrow. While it has poorer thermals than the Framework, I should be able to design and print a new new case for it, that equalizes it to the Framework.
Of course I could have just gotten the FW motherboard, but I was frustrated with FW unable to say when it would be here, vs 3 days for Amazon to ship GMKtec.
Either way, they should both be great little boxes!
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