The world of AI technology is buzzing with developments, as NVIDIA and AMD go head-to-head with groundbreaking platforms. While NVIDIA’s DGX Spark has made waves with its compact design and powerful capabilities, AMD’s innovative approach with the Strix Halo APU is drawing attention for its exceptional performance in on-device AI tasks. This has sparked a debate on the value and efficiency of these two competing technologies.
NVIDIA’s DGX Spark: A Compact Powerhouse with a Price
NVIDIA’s DGX Spark is a unique entry into the realm of AI workloads, introducing the company’s first compact device featuring its custom GB10 chip. Despite its impressive performance, the $4,000 price tag has been criticized as excessive by potential buyers. However, alternative solutions, such as those from GMKtec, offer nearly similar capabilities at a much lower cost.
AMD’s Strix Halo APU: High Performance at a Lower Cost
According to reports, GMKtec’s EVO-X2 mini-PC is challenging NVIDIA’s DGX Spark with its inclusion of AMD’s Strix Halo APU. The EVO-X2 boasts superior performance in terms of token generation speeds and response times, based on tests involving models like Llama 3.3 70B and GPT-OSS 20B. This showcases the EVO-X2’s ability to deliver high performance at nearly half the price of the DGX Spark.
| Test Model | Metric | EVO – X2 | NVIDIA GB10 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Llama 3.3 70B | Generation Speed (tok/sec) | 4.9 | 4.67 | AMD |
| First Token Response Time (s) | 0.86 | 0.53 | NVIDIA | |
| Qwen3 Coder | Generation Speed (tok/sec) | 35.13 | 38.03 | NVIDIA |
| First Token Response Time (s) | 0.13 | 0.42 | AMD | |
| GPT-OSS 20B | Generation Speed (tok/sec) | 64.69 | 60.33 | AMD |
| First Token Response Time (s) | 0.19 | 0.44 | AMD | |
| Qwen3 0.6B Model | Generation Speed (tok/sec) | 163.78 | 174.29 | NVIDIA |
| First Token Response Time (s) | 0.02 | 0.03 | AMD |
Internal tests reveal that the Strix Halo processor, particularly the Ryzen Al Max+ 395, excels in large-parameter models, ensuring lower latency for output initiation and showcasing impressive AI capabilities. In scenarios where throughput is prioritized over latency, NVIDIA’s DGX Spark still holds its ground.
Price-to-Performance: A Decisive Factor
The GMKtec EVO-X2, priced at $2,199 for its high-spec variant, offers a more cost-effective solution compared to the DGX Spark. This price disparity makes the EVO-X2 an attractive choice for users looking to deploy AI models locally without a hefty financial burden. For those prioritizing efficiency and cost, the EVO-X2 stands out as a reliable alternative.