Gone are the days when a gaming PC had to be a massive tower that dominates your desk. Today, the best mini PCs offer powerful gaming performance in a package as compact as a cable box, perfect for those with limited space.
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
While mini gaming PCs have some limitations due to their smaller size, they still deliver impressive performance. The compact form factor means less room for high-end graphics cards and CPU coolers, so you won't find mini PCs with top-tier components like an RTX 5090 and an Intel Core Ultra 9 285K at a reasonable price. Instead, models like the GMKTec Evo-X use powerful APUs to balance performance and size. Manufacturers like Asus and Zotac have developed innovative ways to fit powerful hardware into tiny cases, though these are often more challenging to service or upgrade and come with a higher price tag.
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, surprisingly equipped with a mobile-class RTX 4070. Its design is as small as a cable box, making it perfect for a living room setup. While it uses mobile hardware, it delivers strong gaming performance up to 1080p. For 4K gaming, you might need to adjust settings to maintain a smooth framerate. However, it outperforms the PS5 in many aspects, especially with DLSS enhancing 4K visuals. Despite its limitations, the Asus ROG NUC is a top contender for the best mini gaming PC, though it's worth considering whether a gaming laptop might be a better fit for your needs.
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 PowerPROSCompact size, similar to a cable boxEasy to open and upgradeCONSMobile-class hardware can limit performance2. MinisForum Venus Series UM773
Best Budget Mini PC for Gaming
### MinisForum Venus Series UM773
14For budget-conscious gamers, the MinisForum Venus Series UM773 offers impressive performance, especially in esports titles. It features an AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS with integrated AMD Radeon 680M graphics, which can hold its own against some entry-level dedicated GPUs. With 32GB of DDR5 RAM and a 512GB SSD, it provides a solid gaming experience at a competitive price of $450.
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 JackPROSAffordable priceGood performance for esports titlesCONSNo discrete GPU3. 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 Intel Core i5-10400 CPU, it doesn't bottleneck the GPU, ensuring smooth gameplay. While the 16GB of DDR4 RAM might seem modest, it's sufficient for gaming. Though priced higher, the Magnus One is a fantastic choice for those seeking a small form factor without sacrificing gaming prowess.
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 GPUCompact design despite high specsCONSMore RAM could enhance value4. Mac mini M2
Best Mini PC for Mac
### Apple Mac mini M2
8The Mac mini M2 offers robust performance for both work and gaming, thanks to its M2 chip with eight CPU cores and 10 GPU cores. It's capable of running a variety of games at decent frame rates, making it a compelling choice for Mac users interested in gaming. With support for up to two 4K displays at 120Hz and Thunderbolt ports for potential eGPU upgrades, it's a versatile option. While not ideal for hardcore gaming, it's a solid choice for casual gamers on the Mac platform.
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 jackPROSExcellent performance for the priceNotable improvement over M1CONSLimited to two displaysHow to Pick the Best Mini PC for Gaming
Choosing the best mini PC for gaming depends on your gaming preferences and resolution requirements. Mini PCs, due to their size, have limitations on component size and power. For smooth gameplay, prioritize a strong GPU like Nvidia RTX or AMD Radeon cards over integrated graphics. A robust CPU with at least 4 cores, 8 threads, and a high clockspeed (around 4.0GHz or higher) is essential for multitasking and gaming. Ensure you have at least 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD for smooth game operation and storage. Additionally, check for sufficient ports to connect peripherals and displays, with Thunderbolt ports being a valuable asset 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 struggle with 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 high-end components will offer superior performance, mini PCs are ideal for those with limited space. They can still deliver impressive gaming experiences, particularly when paired with lower-resolution monitors.
What are the downsides to a mini PC?
Mini PCs require compromises in price, performance, or upgradability. High-end mini PCs with desktop components are expensive, while budget-friendly options often use integrated graphics suitable only for 1080p gaming. Upgradability is also limited in smaller form factors, though some models offer more flexibility at a higher cost.
