The verdict

CPU
GMKtec EVO-X1 has 1.2x the CPU throughput (34,991 vs 28,621 PassMark).
Idle power
GMKtec EVO-X1 idles lower (8W vs 10W) - cheaper to run 24/7.
Networking
GMKtec EVO-X1 has more NICs (2 vs 1) - better for a firewall or VLAN trunk.
RAM ceiling
Beelink SER8 takes more RAM (96GB vs 64GB).

Which wins for each job

Job Beelink SER8 GMKtec EVO-X1
Plex / Jellyfin ~5 streams ~5 streams
Frigate NVR add a detector add a detector
Proxmox / VMs 28,621 PassMark 34,991 PassMark win
Firewall / router 1 NICs 2 NICs win
Local AI / LLM no slot no slot

Approximate - capacity estimates from curated specs, the same logic as the recommender. Verify against your exact setup. Prices move; check the retailer.

Full specs

Spec Beelink SER8 GMKtec EVO-X1
Price (list) $499 $720
CPU AMD Ryzen 7 8745HS AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370
Cores / threads 8 12
PassMark 28,621 34,991
iGPU Radeon 780M (RDNA3) Radeon 890M (RDNA3.5)
NICs 1 2
NIC model Realtek RTL8125 Realtek 2.5GbE dual
RAM max (GB) 96 64
M.2 free 1 1
PCIe slot none none
Idle (W) 10 8
TDP (W) 54 65