Gone are the days when a gaming PC had to be a monstrous tower dominating your desk space. Today, the best mini PCs for gaming are compact enough to rival the size of a cable box, offering incredible performance without the bulk. These mini marvels are perfect for gamers looking to save space without sacrificing power.
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 AppleWhile mini gaming PCs offer significant space savings, they come with some trade-offs. The compact design limits the room for high-end graphics cards and CPU coolers, meaning you won't find many mini PCs equipped with top-tier components like an RTX 5090 or an Intel Core Ultra 9 285K without breaking the bank. Instead, you'll encounter systems like the GMKTec Evo-X, which utilizes powerful APUs rather than discrete graphics.
Manufacturers tackle these space constraints creatively. Asus, for example, has acquired the NUC brand from Intel to produce desktop PCs using mobile hardware, fitting them into incredibly small cases. Zotac, on the other hand, manages to squeeze powerful desktop-class hardware into tiny chassis, though these systems are often pricier and harder to upgrade.
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 redefines mini gaming PCs with its compact size and mobile-class RTX 4070 GPU. Its design is akin to a cable box, making it an ideal choice for blending seamlessly into a living room setup. While it uses mobile hardware, the NUC's performance is impressive for a device of its size, handling most PC games at 1080p, including demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Black Myth: Wukong. However, at 4K resolutions, you may need to adjust settings to maintain a smooth framerate. Despite this, it outperforms the PS5 and benefits from DLSS technology to enhance 4K gaming. Its small form factor does limit the possibility of fitting a full desktop-class graphics card, but for its size, the Asus ROG NUC is a powerhouse. Gamers might need to weigh the benefits against a gaming laptop, but for a compact gaming solution, it's hard to beat.
See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsCPUIntel Core Ultra 7 – Intel Core Ultra 9GPUNvidia GeForce RTX 4060 – Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 (Mobile)RAM16GB – 32GB DDR5Storage512GB – 1TB PCIe 4.0 M.2 SSDPorts1 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 PowerPROSThe size of a cable boxEasy to open and upgradeCONSMobile-class hardware can hold it back2. MinisForum Venus Series UM773
Best Budget Mini PC for Gaming
### MinisForum Venus Series UM773
14The MinisForum Venus Series UM773 is an excellent choice for budget-conscious gamers. Despite its affordability, it offers strong performance thanks to the AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS and integrated AMD Radeon 680M GPU. While it lacks a discrete GPU, it's well-suited for esports titles and can handle many games at 1080p. With 32GB of DDR5 RAM and a 512GB SSD, it's a solid choice for those looking to get the most out of their gaming budget.
See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsCPUAMD Ryzen 7 7735HSGPUAMD Radeon 680MRAM32GB DDR5Storage512GB SSDPorts2 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 JackPROSAffordableGood GPU performanceCONSNo discrete GPU3. Zotac ZBox Magnus One
Best Mini PC with Desktop Graphics
### Zotac ZBox Magnus One
12The Zotac ZBox Magnus One packs a punch with its RTX 3070 GPU, making it an excellent choice for 1440p gaming. Despite its compact size, it delivers desktop-level graphics performance. The Intel Core i5-10400 CPU complements the GPU well, ensuring a smooth gaming experience. While 16GB of RAM may seem modest, it's sufficient for gaming and general use. Although the price is on the higher side, the Magnus One offers a balance of performance and form factor that's hard to find in other mini PCs.
See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsCPUIntel Core i5-10400GPUGeForce RTX 3070RAM16GB DDR4Storage512GB SSDPorts1 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)PROSDedicated and powerful GPUSmall despite the specsCONSMore RAM for the price would be nice4. Mac mini M2
Best Mini PC for Mac
### Apple Mac mini M2
8The Mac mini M2 is a surprising contender for gaming on a Mac. With the Apple M2 chip featuring eight CPU cores and 10 GPU cores, it offers solid performance for both work and play. While it's limited to two displays, its numerous ports and support for Thunderbolt 4 allow for future upgrades, including an external GPU. Though it may not match the raw gaming power of a Windows PC, it's a versatile choice for Mac users who enjoy gaming casually.
See it at AmazonSee it at AppleProduct SpecificationsCPUApple M2 chip (8-core)GPU10-core GPURAMUp to 24GB unified memoryStorageUp to 2TBPorts2 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 jackPROSVery capable for the pricePerformance increase over the M1CONSLimited to two displaysHow to Pick the Best Mini PC for Gaming
Selecting the best mini PC for gaming hinges on your gaming preferences and resolution goals. Due to their smaller size, mini PCs have inherent limitations on components. For the latest games at high settings, prioritize a robust GPU like the Nvidia RTX series or AMD Radeon cards. Budget gamers might find integrated graphics sufficient for less demanding titles.
A strong CPU is essential for smooth gameplay and multitasking. Aim for 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 game operation and storage. Check for sufficient ports, including HDMI or DisplayPort, and consider Thunderbolt for future upgrades.
Mini PC FAQ
Are mini PCs good for gaming?
Mini PCs can be great for gaming, especially at 1080p resolutions. They are particularly suitable for indie games and less demanding titles. While not ideal for 4K gaming, they offer a solid experience for most gamers.
What is better: mini PC or PC?
The choice between a mini PC and a full-sized PC depends on your needs. Full-sized PCs with high-end components outperform mini PCs, but mini PCs offer space-saving benefits that can outweigh performance for some users, especially with lower-resolution gaming.
What are the downsides to a mini PC?
Mini PCs require compromises in price, performance, or upgradability. High-performance mini PCs are expensive, while budget-friendly options may use integrated graphics, suitable only for 1080p gaming. Upgradability is limited, though some models offer more powerful and costly options with swappable components.
