Gone are the days when a gaming PC had to be a bulky tower that dominated your desk space. Today, the best mini PCs can deliver stunning gaming performance while taking up no more room than a cable box. These compact powerhouses prove that size doesn't have to limit your gaming experience.
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 sleek alternative to traditional towers, there are trade-offs. Their smaller size limits the space available for top-tier graphics cards and CPU coolers, meaning you won't find mini PCs with the latest high-end components like an RTX 5090 or an Intel Core Ultra 9 285K without a hefty price tag. Instead, you'll encounter systems like the GMKTec Evo-X, which utilizes a powerful APU for performance.
Manufacturers address these space constraints creatively. Asus, for example, has acquired Intel's NUC brand to create compact PCs with mobile hardware, while companies like Zotac manage to fit robust desktop components into tiny cases. These mini PCs may be pricier and less upgradable than their larger counterparts, but they excel in compactness.
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 a marvel of miniaturization, offering impressive gaming performance in a package no larger than a cable box. It's equipped with mobile-class hardware, including an RTX 4070, making it an ideal choice for a living room setup that blends seamlessly with your entertainment system.
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.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. Despite using mobile-class components, it's remarkably suited for connecting to a TV, offering a versatile media center and gaming solution. The RTX 4070 ensures it's up to the task of gaming, though you'll need to adjust settings for 4K play to maintain a smooth framerate.
While it's more powerful than a PS5 and supports DLSS for enhanced 4K performance, the mobile hardware does limit its ability to handle the most demanding games at the highest settings. For those considering the Asus ROG NUC, weighing its compact benefits against the potential performance of a gaming laptop is advisable.
MinisForum Venus Series UM773
Best Budget Mini PC for Gaming
### MinisForum Venus Series UM773
14The MinisForum Venus Series UM773 is a budget-friendly option that doesn't compromise on performance, particularly in esports titles. It's powered by an AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS and an integrated AMD Radeon 680M GPU, which can compete with entry-level dedicated graphics cards.
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 GPUFor gamers on a budget, the MinisForum Venus Series UM773 offers a compelling package. With 32GB of DDR5 RAM and a 512GB SSD, it's well-equipped for gaming and everyday use at a price point of just $450.
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. While the Intel Core i5-10400 CPU may be older, it's still a solid match for the GPU, ensuring smooth gameplay.
See it at AmazonProduct 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 niceAlthough the Zotac ZBox Magnus One is pricier, its compact design and strong gaming performance make it a worthwhile investment for those who prioritize space-saving without sacrificing gameplay quality.
Mac mini M2
Best Mini PC for Mac
### Apple Mac mini M2
8The Mac mini M2 is a versatile machine that offers solid performance for both work and play, thanks to its Apple M2 chip with 8 CPU cores and 10 GPU cores. While not primarily designed for gaming, it can handle a variety of games at decent frame rates.
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 displaysFor Mac users looking to dabble in gaming, the Mac mini M2 offers a cost-effective solution with improved performance over the M1. Its Thunderbolt ports also allow for future expansion with an external GPU.
How to Pick the Best Mini PC for Gaming
Choosing the right mini PC for gaming depends on your gaming needs and resolution preferences. Mini PCs, being smaller, have inherent limitations on component size and power.
A robust GPU is essential for smooth gameplay, especially with newer titles. Aim for mini PCs with modern graphics like Nvidia RTX or AMD Radeon cards for the best performance. If budget is a concern and you're not chasing the latest releases, integrated graphics might suffice.
A strong CPU is also critical for gaming and system performance. Look for mini PCs with mid-to-high-end CPUs, ideally with at least 4 cores, 8 threads, and a clockspeed of around 4.0GHz or higher. Adequate RAM (at least 16GB) and storage (at least 512GB SSD) are necessary for seamless gaming.
Ensure the mini PC has sufficient ports for peripherals and external displays, with HDMI or DisplayPort outputs being key. Thunderbolt ports can be a valuable addition for connecting high-speed external devices.
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, many can handle indie and older titles well, providing a solid gaming experience.
What is better: mini PC or PC?
The choice between a mini PC and a full-sized PC depends on your priorities. Full-sized PCs offer superior performance, but mini PCs excel in space-saving, making them ideal for smaller living spaces.
What are the downsides to a mini PC?
Mini PCs require compromises in price, performance, or upgradability. High-end desktop components in a mini PC come at a premium, while more affordable options may use integrated graphics, limiting their gaming capabilities. Upgradability is also often limited in mini PCs.
