This roundup includes several new devices at different levels. There are compact boards based on the CM5 and RK3588 focused on networking and simple tasks. And there are also mini PCs based on Strix Halo and Panther Lake with support for up to 128 GB of memory, fast storage, and built-in AI accelerators. These models show very clearly how different compact systems can be today, ranging from basic configurations to seriously capable ones. Let’s get into it.

GMK EVO-T2 — a mini PC with Intel Panther Lake, 10GbE, and OCuLink

The GMK EVO-T2 is a compact mini PC introduced in March 2026. The device is built on Intel’s new Panther Lake processors and is aimed at workloads where graphics, AI, and fast I/O matter. Despite its small size, the model offers 10GbE, OCuLink, and support for modern interfaces like USB4.

At its core are Core^® Ultra X-series processors — initially the X7 358H, with the X9 388H expected later — using a hybrid architecture and integrated Intel Arc Pro B390 graphics with 12 compute units. An NPU rated for up to 50 TOPS is also listed. It looks like it should be quite usable for local AI workloads.

In terms of ports, this is more of a “desktop station in miniature”: USB4 with DisplayPort and power support, OCuLink for an external GPU, 10GbE plus 2.5GbE, HDMI, and DisplayPort. That makes the EVO-T2 suitable both for video and graphics work and for use as a home server or a compact workstation.

Technical specifications:

• Processor: Intel^® Core^® Ultra X7 358H / X9 388H (Panther Lake)
• CPU: 16 cores (4P + 8E + 4LPE) up to 4.8–5.1 GHz
• GPU: Intel Arc Pro B390 (12 cores)
• NPU: up to 50 TOPS
• Memory: LPDDR5/X up to 96 GB (soldered)
• Storage: 2× M.2 (PCIe 5.0 x4 + PCIe 4.0 x4), up to 16 TB
• Networking: 10GbE + 2.5GbE
• Video output: HDMI, DisplayPort, USB4 (DP Alt Mode)
• USB: 2× USB4 (40 Gbps, PD 100W), 5× USB Type-A
• Expansion: OCuLink (for external GPU / docking stations)
• Audio: 2× 3.5 mm
• Power: DC-in

The GMK EVO-T2 was officially unveiled on March 12, 2026, and it is already possible to preorder it. At launch, a Core^® Ultra X7 configuration with 64 GB of memory costs around $1,400–$1,500, while higher-end versions may reach $2,000 and beyond depending on configuration.

Asus ExpertCenter PN55 — a mini PC with Ryzen AI 400 and up to 96 GB of RAM

The Asus ExpertCenter PN55 is a compact mini PC introduced in March 2026. The model is built on AMD Ryzen^TM AI 400 (Gorgon Point) processors. It is positioned as a workstation tuned for AI acceleration, strong performance, and upgradeability. Unlike many LPDDR-based systems, this one uses standard replaceable DDR5 memory rather than soldered modules.

The PN55 is available in a wide range of configurations, from Ryzen^TM AI 5 up to Ryzen^TM AI 9 HX 470 / 475 models with 12 cores and Radeon 890M graphics. The device supports up to 96 GB of DDR5-5600 via two SO-DIMM slots and includes two M.2 PCIe 4.0 x4 slots for NVMe storage.

The chassis is aluminum, with easy access to internal components. Wi‑Fi 6E or Wi‑Fi 7 is supported, along with two 2.5GbE ports, USB4, HDMI 2.1, and two DisplayPort outputs. Unusual extras include a built-in speaker, a digital microphone, and a fingerprint scanner, which are more commonly seen in laptops.

Technical specifications:

• Processor: AMD Ryzen^TM AI 400 (from Ryzen AI 5 430 up to Ryzen AI 9 HX 470 / 475)
• CPU: up to 12 cores / 24 threads
• GPU: Radeon 840M / 860M / 880M / 890M (depending on model)
• Memory: 2× SO-DIMM DDR5-5600, up to 96 GB
• Storage: 2× M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe
• Networking: 2× 2.5GbE, Wi‑Fi 6E or Wi‑Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4
• Video output: HDMI 2.1, 2× DisplayPort 1.4, USB4 (DP 2.1)
• USB: USB4 (40 Gbps, 100W PD-in), several USB 3.2 Gen 2 and USB 2.0 ports
• Audio: 3.5 mm jack, built-in speaker, digital microphone
• Extras: fingerprint scanner, VESA mount
• Power: 120 W adapter
• Dimensions: 130 × 130 × 34 mm

Unfortunately, there is still no information on how much this machine will cost, because the manufacturer has not published pricing yet. So for now, we wait.

Waveshare CM5-DUAL-ETH-BOX — a mini PC kit based on Raspberry Pi CM5 with dual Ethernet and M.2

The Waveshare CM5-DUAL-ETH-BOX is not a finished computer but a DIY kit: a carrier board with a case for the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5. In essence, it is a way to assemble a compact mini PC with proper ports and cooling. Introduced in March 2026, it is aimed at networking tasks, servers, and a range of embedded use cases.

It includes two network ports — one 2.5GbE and one ordinary Gigabit Ethernet — so it is convenient for use as a home server, router, or networking project box. There is also an M.2 SSD slot. It is not the fastest solution, with only a single PCIe lane, but that is more than enough for most tasks. HDMI, USB, and a standard GPIO header have also been included, so peripherals, cameras, or displays can be connected.

Technical specifications:

• Base: Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5 (not included)
• Storage: M.2 2280 (PCIe 3.0 x1), microSD
• Networking: 1× 2.5GbE, 1× Gigabit Ethernet
• Video: HDMI
• USB: 1× USB 3.2, 1× USB 2.0, USB-C for power
• Interfaces: 2× MIPI (cameras / displays)
• GPIO: 40-pin
• Extras: RTC, power and flashing buttons, status LED
• Cooling: passive (aluminum enclosure)
• Dimensions: 101 × 62 × 23.4 mm

The kit is already on sale: about $73 directly from Waveshare and about $99 on marketplaces. The CM5 module itself is sold separately, so the final cost depends on configuration.

ASRock AI BOX-A395 — a Strix Halo mini PC with strong graphics and an AI focus

The ASRock AI BOX-A395 is a compact desktop PC introduced in March 2026. Inside is the top-end AMD Ryzen^TM AI Max+ 395 (Strix Halo), so the device feels more like a mini workstation than an ordinary mini PC. In practice, this is one of the rare cases where integrated graphics are already strong enough for serious tasks such as rendering.

Memory is LPDDR5x up to 128 GB, with very high bandwidth. A substantial portion of it can be allocated to graphics, which is critical for systems like this. Storage is standard enough — two M.2 slots for fast SSDs. The port selection is also serious: USB4, 10-gigabit networking, and multiple video outputs including HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 2.1. It is possible to connect several 8K displays at once.

The cooling and power setup deserves separate mention: inside there is a full 400 W power supply and a proper cooling system with heat pipes. This is already at the level of a small desktop rather than a little “box on the desk.”

Technical specifications:

• Processor: AMD Ryzen^TM AI Max+ 395 (Strix Halo)
• CPU: 16 cores / 32 threads
• GPU: Radeon 8060S (40 compute units)
• NPU: up to 50 TOPS
• Memory: up to 128 GB LPDDR5x-8000 (high bandwidth)
• Storage: 2× M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 x4
• Networking: 1× 10GbE, 1× 2.5GbE, Wi‑Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4
• Video output: 2× HDMI 2.1, 1× DisplayPort 2.1
• USB: 2× USB4, 1× 10 Gbps USB-C, 2× 10 Gbps USB-A, 2× USB 2.0
• Audio: microphone input, line out
• Display support: up to 4× 8K
• Power: built-in 400 W PSU
• Cooling: active, with heat pipes
• Dimensions: 232 × 200 × 100 mm

ASRock unveiled the AI BOX-A395 in March 2026, but exact launch timing and pricing have not yet been announced. Given the level of processor and the amount of memory, the device will most likely be expensive.

Gigabyte BRIX BRU9-386H — a compact Intel Panther Lake mini PC with upgrades up to 128 GB of RAM

The Gigabyte BRIX BRU9-386H is an ultra-compact BRIX-series mini PC based on the Intel^® Core^® Ultra (Series 3) Panther Lake platform. The device is offered as a barebones system, without memory or storage, and is intended to be built out for specific workloads. The system uses a Core^® Ultra 9 386H processor with hybrid P + E core architecture and integrated Intel Graphics. Hardware AI acceleration is also supported, with the NPU rated up to 50 TOPS.

Memory is installed in two DDR5 slots: both standard SO-DIMM and higher-speed CSO-DIMM modules are supported. Maximum capacity is up to 128 GB. For storage, there are two M.2 slots: one supporting PCIe 5.0 x4 and the other PCIe 4.0 x4. There is also a separate M.2 slot for the wireless module. The device includes USB4, HDMI 2.1, and a 2.5GbE network port. Video output to four displays at the same time is supported.

Technical specifications:

• Processor: Intel^® Core^® Ultra 9 386H
• Graphics: integrated Intel Graphics
• NPU: up to 50 TOPS
• Memory: up to 128 GB DDR5
• Storage: 2× M.2 (PCIe 5.0 + PCIe 4.0)
• Networking: 2.5GbE
• Wireless: Wi‑Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4
• Video: 2× HDMI 2.1, display output through USB4
• USB: USB4, USB 3.2, USB 2.0
• Audio: 3.5 mm
• Power: USB-C up to 140 W
• Dimensions: about 119 × 113 × 34 mm

At the moment there is no information on pricing or retail availability.