Gone are the days when a gaming PC was synonymous with a massive tower that demanded a dedicated desk. Today, the best mini PCs can pack impressive gaming performance into a space as small as a cable box, making them an excellent choice for those looking to save space without sacrificing gaming capabilities.
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 a compact solution, they do come with some compromises. Due to their smaller size, they often can't accommodate the highest-end graphics cards and CPU coolers. You won't find mini PCs equipped with an RTX 5090 and an Intel Core Ultra 9 285K without a hefty price tag. Instead, expect to see powerful APUs, like those found in the recently announced GMKTec Evo-X.
Manufacturers tackle these space constraints differently. Asus, for instance, acquired the NUC (next unit of computing) brand from Intel to create mini PCs that use mobile hardware to fit into tiny cases. Meanwhile, companies like Zotac manage to pack powerful desktop-class hardware into compact chassis. These mini PCs are more challenging to service and upgrade, and often pricier, but they offer an impressive blend of size and power.
Additional contributions by Kegan Mooney
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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 design and impressive performance. Despite using mobile-class components, it's equipped with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070, making it ideal for gamers looking to connect to a TV without sacrificing too much power.
Product 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.mm 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 backUpon unboxing the Asus ROG NUC, its lightweight and compact design immediately stood out. While it utilizes mobile-class hardware, its minimal footprint and cable box-like appearance make it a perfect fit for a living room setup. It's not just a media center PC; the RTX 4070 delivers solid gaming performance, especially at 1080p. However, when connected to a 4K TV, some settings may need to be adjusted to maintain a stable frame rate.
Despite its limitations, the Asus ROG NUC outperforms the PS5 in many scenarios, thanks to Nvidia's DLSS technology, which helps bridge the performance gap at 4K. Just remember, you won't be running the latest titles with full ray tracing at 4K, but for its size, the Asus ROG NUC offers an exceptional balance of performance and compactness.
MinisForum Venus Series UM773
Best Budget Mini PC for Gaming
### MinisForum Venus Series UM773
14For those seeking a budget-friendly mini PC that still delivers on performance, the MinisForum Venus Series UM773 is an excellent choice. With an AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS and integrated AMD Radeon 680M GPU, it offers robust performance, especially in esports games, all at a wallet-friendly price.
Product 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 GPUAt just $450, the UM773 offers a compelling package with 32GB of DDR5 RAM and a 512GB SSD. While it lacks a discrete GPU, the integrated Radeon 680M holds its own against some entry-level dedicated graphics cards, making it a solid choice for budget-conscious gamers.
Zotac ZBox Magnus One
Best Mini PC with Desktop Graphics
### Zotac ZBox Magnus One
12The Zotac ZBox Magnus One packs a powerful punch with its RTX 3070 GPU, offering excellent 1440p gaming performance in a compact form factor.
Product SpecificationsCPUIntel Core i5-10400GPUGeForce RTX 3060 RAM16GB 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 niceThe Zotac Magnus One's sleek design belies its power, thanks to the RTX 3070 GPU. Despite its older Intel Core i5-10400 CPU, it doesn't bottleneck the GPU, ensuring a smooth gaming experience. While 16GB of RAM might seem modest, it's sufficient for gaming and general use.
Although the Magnus One is pricier, it's a worthwhile investment for those prioritizing a compact, high-performance gaming solution. Its ability to deliver solid gaming performance in a small package makes it a standout choice for gaming enthusiasts.
Mac mini M2
Best Mini PC for Mac
### Apple Mac mini M2
8The Mac mini M2 offers a robust performance for both work and play, thanks to its Apple M2 chip with eight CPU cores and 10 GPU cores.
Product 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 displaysWhile not typically considered a gaming powerhouse, the Mac mini M2 surprises with its gaming capabilities. With a significant performance boost over the M1, it's well-suited for casual gaming. Its Thunderbolt support also allows for future GPU upgrades, and with Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, it's ready for online gaming. For those needing a Mac with some gaming capabilities, the M2 is a solid choice.
How to Pick the Best Mini PC for Gaming
Choosing the best mini PC for gaming depends on your gaming goals and resolution preferences. Mini PCs, due to their smaller size, often have limited components compared to larger desktops. For smooth gameplay, focus on a strong GPU, such as Nvidia RTX or AMD Radeon cards. Budget gamers can opt for less powerful options if playing older or less demanding titles.
A capable CPU is vital for gaming and multitasking. Aim for a mini PC with a mid-to-high-end CPU, ideally with 4 cores, 8 threads, and a clockspeed of at least 4.0GHz. Ensure you have at least 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD for smooth gameplay and storage. Check for adequate ports, including HDMI or DisplayPort for external displays, and consider Thunderbolt for high-speed connections.
Mini PC FAQ
Are mini PCs good for gaming?
Mini PCs can be surprisingly effective for gaming, especially at 1080p resolutions. While they may not excel at 4K gaming, they are more than capable of running indie games and less demanding titles smoothly. The era of gaming is evolving, and mini PCs are keeping pace.
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 outperform a mini PC, factors like space constraints and portability can make mini PCs more appealing. In smaller living spaces, the compactness of a mini PC can be a significant advantage.
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 and be limited to 1080p gaming. Upgradability is often restricted in mini PCs, though some higher-end models offer more flexibility at a higher cost.
