Gone are the days when a gaming PC was synonymous with a bulky tower that demanded a dedicated desk. Today, the best mini PCs for gaming offer powerhouse performance in a compact package, often no larger than a cable box. These sleek machines prove that you don't need a massive setup to enjoy top-tier gaming experiences.
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 AppleThere are some trade-offs when opting for a mini gaming PC over a full tower. The smaller size limits the space for high-end components like graphics cards and CPU coolers. You're unlikely to find a mini PC with an RTX 5090 and an Intel Core Ultra 9 285K without it costing a fortune. Instead, you'll encounter innovative solutions like the GMKTec Evo-X, which utilizes a powerful APU rather than discrete graphics.
Different manufacturers tackle these space constraints uniquely. Asus, for example, acquired the NUC (Next Unit of Computing) brand from Intel to produce compact desktops with mobile hardware. Meanwhile, companies like Zotac manage to squeeze powerful desktop-class components into tiny cases, which can be more challenging to service or upgrade and often come at a higher price, but they offer the benefit of minimal space usage.
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 is as compact as mini gaming PCs get, yet it's packed with a mobile-class RTX 4070 that delivers surprising performance. 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 backUpon first handling the Asus ROG NUC, I was struck by its compactness and lightness. Despite using mobile-class hardware, it's impressively lightweight and resembles a cable box, making it ideal for blending into a living room setup. While it excels as a media center PC, the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 ensures robust gaming capabilities, albeit with limitations at higher resolutions like 4K. It handles games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Black Myth: Wukong smoothly at 1080p, but at 4K, you'll need to adjust settings for a stable frame rate.
Although the mobile-class hardware poses some limitations, the Asus ROG NUC still outpaces the PS5 in performance, and its Nvidia graphics support DLSS, helping to close the performance gap at 4K. However, it's not suited for maxing out demanding games with full ray tracing. Given its size, fitting a full desktop-class graphics card is simply not feasible.
The Asus ROG NUC stands out as one of the best mini gaming PCs available, but like all mini PCs, you'll need to weigh whether it's worth considering a gaming laptop instead.
MinisForum Venus Series UM773
Best Budget Mini PC for Gaming
### MinisForum Venus Series UM773
14A budget-friendly mini PC that excels in esports games thanks to its performance capabilities. 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 those seeking a cost-effective mini PC without compromising on performance, the MinisForum Venus Series UM773 is a compelling choice. Priced at just $450, it's powered by an AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS and features dedicated AMD graphics. While it lacks a discrete GPU, the integrated AMD Radeon 680M offers performance comparable to some entry-level dedicated graphics cards, particularly in esports titles.
With 32GB of DDR5 RAM and a 512GB SSD, the UM773 is well-equipped for current gaming needs, though you might consider upgrading storage in the future.
Zotac ZBox Magnus One
Best Mini PC with Desktop Graphics
### Zotac ZBox Magnus One
12This mini PC packs a powerful RTX 3070 GPU, ideal for 1440p gaming. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsCPUIntel Core i5-10400GPUGeForce RTX 3070 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 may not look imposing, but it houses a formidable RTX 3070 GPU within its compact frame, delivering excellent 1440p gaming performance. While the Intel Core i5-10400 CPU is older, it remains a solid performer that complements the GPU well, ensuring a smooth gaming experience. Although 16GB of RAM might seem modest, it's sufficient for gaming and general use.
Priced on the higher end, the Zotac Magnus One is an investment, but it's a worthwhile choice for those prioritizing space-saving without sacrificing gaming prowess. Its sleek design and robust specs make it a top pick for gaming enthusiasts who value both form and function.
Mac mini M2
Best Mini PC for Mac
### Apple Mac mini M2
8The Mac mini M2 offers impressive performance for both work and play, thanks to its 8-core CPU and 10-core GPU. 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 displaysWhile not traditionally associated with gaming, the Mac mini M2 delivers solid gaming performance, suitable for a range of titles at reasonable frame rates. Priced competitively, it's a viable option for those seeking a capable mini gaming PC. The M2 chip significantly improves upon the M1, offering eight CPU cores and ten GPU cores for enhanced performance across tasks.
With extensive port options, the Mac mini M2 supports up to two 4K displays at 120Hz and is compatible with Thunderbolt for potential external GPU upgrades. It also features Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 for seamless online gaming. Although a Windows PC might be better for pure gaming performance, the Mac mini M2 is an excellent choice for Mac users interested in occasional gaming.
How to Pick the Best Mini PC for Gaming
Choosing the best mini PC for gaming hinges on your gaming preferences and desired resolution. Mini PCs, while smaller than desktops and many laptops, face component limitations due to their size.
For seamless gameplay of the latest titles, prioritize a strong GPU. Opt for models with modern graphics like Nvidia RTX or AMD Radeon cards over integrated options. Budget-conscious gamers who don't mind slightly older games can consider less powerful GPUs.
A robust CPU is essential for gaming and overall system performance. Target mini PCs with mid-to-high-end CPUs, ideally with at least 4 cores, 8 threads, and a clockspeed around 4.0GHz or higher, to ensure smooth multitasking. Ensure the system has at least 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD for efficient game operation and storage.
Also, confirm the mini PC has sufficient ports for your peripherals, including HDMI or DisplayPort for external displays, and consider Thunderbolt ports for high-speed connectivity.
Mini PC FAQ
Are mini PCs good for gaming?
Mini PCs can be great for gaming, particularly at 1080p resolution or for indie games. While they may not excel at 4K gaming, these compact devices can offer a solid gaming experience, especially as technology advances.
What is better: mini PC or PC?
The choice between a mini PC and a full-sized PC depends on your priorities. While a full-sized PC with top-tier components offers superior performance, mini PCs are ideal for space-conscious users who don't mind some performance trade-offs.
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 budget-friendly options often rely on integrated graphics and are best suited for 1080p gaming. Upgradable mini PCs tend to be more expensive but offer greater flexibility.
