The notion that a gaming PC must be a bulky tower requiring a dedicated desk is outdated. Nowadays, the best mini PCs deliver exceptional gaming performance while occupying minimal space, similar to a cable box. These compact powerhouses offer a fantastic alternative for gamers looking to save space without sacrificing performance.
TL;DR – These Are the Best Mini PCs for Gaming:
Our Top Pick### Asus ROG NUC
22See it at Amazon
### MinisForum Venus Series UM773
14See it at Amazon
### Zotac ZBox Magnus One
12See it at Amazon
### Apple Mac mini M2
8See it at AmazonSee it at Apple
Opting for a mini gaming PC does come with some trade-offs. The smaller size limits the space available for high-end components like graphics cards and CPU coolers. As a result, you won't typically find mini gaming PCs equipped with top-tier hardware like an RTX 5090 or Intel Core Ultra 9 285K without a hefty price tag. Instead, models like the GMKTec Evo-X, featuring powerful APUs, are more common.
Manufacturers tackle these space constraints differently. Asus, for instance, acquired the NUC brand from Intel to produce compact desktops using mobile hardware. On the other hand, companies like Zotac manage to fit robust desktop-class hardware into tiny chassis. These mini PCs are generally harder to service and upgrade, and more expensive, but they offer a sleek, space-saving solution.
Additional contributions by Kegan Mooney
Asus ROG NUC – Photos
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1. Asus ROG NUC
Best Mini PC for Gaming
Our Top Pick### Asus ROG NUC
22The Asus ROG NUC is the epitome of compact gaming PCs, featuring a mobile-class RTX 4070 that delivers impressive performance. Its design is sleek and lightweight, resembling a cable box, making it an ideal choice for a living room setup. While it excels at 1080p gaming, its mobile hardware can be a limiting factor at 4K resolutions, requiring some settings adjustments for optimal performance. Despite this, it outperforms the PS5 and supports DLSS, making it a strong contender for gamers seeking a compact solution.
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Product Specifications
- CPU: Intel Core Ultra 7 – Intel Core Ultra 9
- GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 – Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 (Mobile)
- RAM: 16GB – 32GB DDR5
- Storage: 512GB – 1TB PCIe 4.0 M.2 SSD
- Ports: 1 x SD Card Reader, 4 x USB-A 3.2 Gen 2, 1 x 3.5mm Headphone, 1 x Thunderbolt 4, 2 x USB-A 2.0, 1 x HDMI 2.1, 2 x DisplayPort 1.4A, 1 x Ethernet, 1 x Power
PROS
- The size of a cable box
- Easy to open and upgrade
CONS
- Mobile-class hardware can hold it back
MinisForum Venus Series UM773
Best Budget Mini PC for Gaming
### MinisForum Venus Series UM773
14The MinisForum Venus Series UM773 offers a budget-friendly option without compromising on performance, making it ideal for esports gaming. It features an AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS and integrated AMD Radeon 680M GPU, which can handle lower-end dedicated graphics tasks effectively.
See it at Amazon
Product Specifications
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS
- GPU: AMD Radeon 680M
- RAM: 32GB DDR5
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Ports: 2 x HDMI, 1 x USB4 Type-C, 1 x USB 3.2 Type-C, 4 x USB 3.2 Type-A, 1 x RJ45, 1 x DMIC port, 1 x 3.5mm Combo Jack
PROS
- Affordable
- Good GPU performance
CONS
- No discrete GPU
Zotac ZBox Magnus One
Best Mini PC with Desktop Graphics
### Zotac ZBox Magnus One
12The Zotac ZBox Magnus One packs a powerful RTX 3070 GPU into a compact chassis, delivering excellent 1440p gaming performance. Despite its older CPU, it remains a solid choice for gamers looking for a balance between size and power.
See it at Amazon
Product Specifications
- CPU: Intel Core i5-10400
- GPU: GeForce RTX 3060
- RAM: 16GB DDR4
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Ports: 1 x HDMI 2.1, 3 x DisplayPort 1.4a, Gigabit LAN, Ethernet; 4 x USB 3.1, 4 x USB 3.0 (1 Type-C)
PROS
- Dedicated and powerful GPU
- Small despite the specs
CONS
- More RAM for the price would be nice
Mac mini M2
Best Mini PC for Mac
### Apple Mac mini M2
8The Mac mini M2 offers robust performance for both work and play, thanks to its M2 chip with eight CPU cores and 10 GPU cores. While not primarily designed for gaming, it can handle a variety of games at decent frame rates, making it a versatile choice for Mac users.
See it at AmazonSee it at Apple
Product Specifications
- CPU: Apple M2 chip (8-core)
- GPU: 10-core GPU
- RAM: Up to 24GB unified memory
- Storage: Up to 2TB
- Ports: 2 x Thunderbolt 4 with support for DisplayPort, 1 x Thunderbolt 4, 1 x USB 4, 1 x USB 3.1 Gen 2 (up to 10Gb/s), 1 x Thunderbolt 2, 1 x HDMI, 1 x DVI, 2 x USB-A, Gigabit Ethernet, 3.5 mm headphone jack
PROS
- Very capable for the price
- Performance increase over the M1
CONS
- Limited to two displays
How to Pick the Best Mini PC for Gaming
Choosing the best mini PC for gaming involves considering the types of games you want to play and the desired resolution. Mini PCs, due to their smaller size, have limitations on the components they can house. For the latest titles, prioritize a mini PC with a strong GPU, such as Nvidia RTX or AMD Radeon cards. Budget-conscious gamers might find integrated graphics sufficient for less demanding games.
A solid CPU is essential for gaming and system responsiveness. Aim for mid-to-high-end CPUs with at least 4 cores, 8 threads, and a clockspeed of around 4.0GHz or higher. Ensure the mini PC has at least 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD for smooth gameplay and storage. Additionally, check for sufficient ports, including HDMI or DisplayPort for external displays, and Thunderbolt for high-speed connections.
Mini PC FAQ
Are mini PCs good for gaming?
Mini PCs can be excellent for gaming, especially at 1080p resolutions. While they may not excel at 4K gaming, they are well-suited for indie games and can provide a solid gaming experience with the right hardware.
What is better: mini PC or PC?
The choice between a mini PC and a traditional PC depends on your needs. While a full-sized PC with top-tier components will offer superior performance, mini PCs are ideal for those with limited space or who prioritize a compact design.
What are the downsides to a mini PC?
Mini PCs require compromises in price, performance, or upgradability. High-end models with desktop components are expensive, while budget-friendly options may use integrated graphics suitable only for 1080p gaming. Upgradability is also limited in smaller form factors.
