Gone are the days when a gaming PC was synonymous with a bulky tower that dominated your desk space. Now, the best mini PCs offer impressive gaming performance in a package as small as a cable box. This compact size makes them ideal for those looking to save space without sacrificing gaming quality.
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 trade-offs when choosing a mini gaming PC over a traditional tower. The smaller form factor limits the space available for high-end components like graphics cards and CPU coolers. You won't often find mini PCs equipped with top-tier components like an RTX 5090 or an Intel Core Ultra 9 285K without a hefty price tag. Instead, you might come across something like the GMKTec Evo-X, which leverages a powerful APU rather than discrete graphics.
Different manufacturers tackle these space constraints uniquely. Asus, for example, has acquired the NUC brand from Intel to create compact PCs that utilize mobile hardware. Meanwhile, companies like Zotac manage to fit powerful desktop-class components into tiny chassis, though these can be more challenging to service or upgrade and typically come with a higher cost.
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 prime example of how small a gaming PC can be, yet it's packed with a mobile-class RTX 4070, offering surprising performance for its size. 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 be limitingUpon unboxing the Asus ROG NUC, its compact and lightweight design was immediately striking. Despite using mobile-class components, it's perfect for a living room setup, resembling a cable box. While it excels as a media center PC, the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 ensures it's also capable of handling gaming demands, albeit with some limitations at 4K resolution. The mobile-class hardware can be a bottleneck, especially at higher resolutions, but it still outperforms the PS5 and benefits from DLSS technology to enhance 4K gaming. Remember, though, that you won't achieve max settings in the most demanding games like Black Myth: Wukong with full ray tracing. Given its size, fitting a desktop-class graphics card is out of the question.
The Asus ROG NUC stands out as one of the top mini gaming PCs available, though you'll need to weigh whether it's worth opting for a gaming laptop instead.
MinisForum Venus Series UM773
Best Budget Mini PC for Gaming
### MinisForum Venus Series UM773
14The MinisForum Venus Series UM773 offers a cost-effective solution for gamers looking for solid performance in a compact package, particularly in esports titles. 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 GPUThe MinisForum Venus Series UM773 is an excellent choice for budget-conscious gamers. It features an AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS and integrated AMD Radeon 680M GPU, which, while not discrete, offers performance comparable to some entry-level dedicated graphics cards, especially in esports games. With 32GB of DDR5 RAM and a 512GB SSD, this mini PC provides robust performance for its $450 price point, though you may consider upgrading storage in the future.
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 small chassis, offering strong 1440p gaming performance. 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 niceThe Zotac ZBox Magnus One houses a formidable RTX 3070 GPU within its compact design, delivering impressive 1440p gaming performance. Although its CPU is somewhat dated, it remains efficient and won't hinder the GPU's capabilities. The 16GB of RAM may seem modest, but it's sufficient for gaming and general tasks. Priced on the higher end, the Magnus One offers a premium mini PC experience, ideal for those prioritizing space and performance.
Mac mini M2
Best Mini PC for Mac
### Apple Mac mini M2
8The Mac mini M2 offers robust performance for both work and gaming, powered by the Apple M2 chip with its eight CPU cores and 10 GPU cores. 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 typically considered a gaming machine, the Mac mini M2 surprises with its gaming capabilities, offering solid performance across various titles. With a significant performance boost over the M1, the M2 chip's eight CPU cores and 10 GPU cores make it versatile for both gaming and productivity tasks. The Mac mini M2 supports up to two 4K displays at 120Hz and can be enhanced with an external GPU via its Thunderbolt ports. Although a Windows PC might be better for pure gaming, the Mac mini M2 is a great choice for Mac users interested in casual gaming.
How to Pick the Best Mini PC for Gaming
Choosing the best mini PC for gaming hinges on the games you intend to play and your preferred resolution. Mini PCs, while smaller than traditional desktops or some laptops, face component limitations due to their size.
For seamless gameplay, particularly with new releases, prioritize a mini PC with a robust GPU. Opt for models with modern Nvidia RTX or AMD Radeon graphics rather than integrated solutions. Budget-conscious gamers can still enjoy a good experience with less powerful options if they're not focused on the latest titles.
A capable CPU is essential for gaming and system performance. Target mini PCs with mid-to-high-end CPUs, ideally featuring 4 cores, 8 threads, and a high clockspeed of around 4.0GHz or more to ensure smooth multitasking. Additionally, ensure you have at least 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD for smooth game operation and storage.
Check that your mini PC has sufficient ports for peripherals and HDMI or DisplayPort outputs for external displays. Thunderbolt ports are a valuable addition for connecting high-speed external devices.
Mini PC FAQ
Are mini PCs good for gaming?
The answer depends on your gaming expectations. Mini PCs may struggle with 4K gaming, but they can offer a satisfying experience at 1080p, especially with indie games. Today's integrated graphics in mini PCs can handle many games well, reflecting the evolving landscape of PC gaming.
What is better: mini PC or PC?
This decision depends on your priorities. A full-sized gaming PC with top-tier components will outperform any mini PC in raw performance. However, in smaller living spaces, the compactness of a mini PC can be a significant advantage, especially when paired with a suitable gaming monitor.
What are the downsides to a mini PC?
When opting for a mini gaming PC, you'll likely face trade-offs in price, performance, or upgradability. High-end mini PCs with desktop components are expensive, while budget-friendly options often rely on integrated graphics, suitable mainly for 1080p gaming. Mini PCs with swappable components are rarer and tend to be more costly.
