Gone are the days when a gaming PC was synonymous with a bulky tower that dominated your desk space. Today, the best mini PCs for gaming can be as compact as a cable box, offering powerful performance without the need for a dedicated gaming setup. These tiny powerhouses are perfect 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 AppleWhile mini gaming PCs offer a compact solution, they come with certain trade-offs. The smaller size limits the space available for high-end components like graphics cards and CPU coolers. You won't typically find mini PCs equipped with top-tier hardware like an RTX 5090 or an Intel Core Ultra 9 285K without a hefty price tag. Instead, you might encounter models like the GMKTec Evo-X, which utilize powerful APUs rather than discrete graphics.
Manufacturers tackle these space constraints differently. Asus, for example, acquired the NUC brand from Intel to create compact desktops using mobile hardware. Meanwhile, companies like Zotac manage to fit robust desktop-class components into tiny cases, though these are often more challenging to service or upgrade and come at a higher cost.
Additional contributions by Kegan Mooney
Asus ROG NUC – Photos
View 7 Images
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, featuring a mobile-class RTX 4070 that delivers impressive performance. Its design is sleek and lightweight, resembling a cable box, making it an ideal choice for a living room setup. While it excels at 1080p gaming, its mobile hardware can be a limiting factor at higher resolutions like 4K, where you might need to adjust settings to maintain a smooth frame rate. Despite this, it outperforms the PS5 in many scenarios, thanks to Nvidia's DLSS technology. The Asus ROG NUC is a top contender for those seeking a powerful yet compact gaming solution, though it's worth considering whether a gaming laptop might better suit 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 3.5mm 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 back2. 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 on a budget. It's equipped with an AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS and an integrated AMD Radeon 680M GPU, which performs well in esports titles. While it lacks a discrete GPU, its performance is commendable for its price point. With 32GB of DDR5 RAM and a 512GB SSD, it provides a solid foundation for gaming and can be upgraded as needed.
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 GPU3. Zotac ZBox Magnus One
Best Mini PC with Desktop Graphics
### Zotac ZBox Magnus One
12The Zotac ZBox Magnus One packs a punch with its RTX 3070 GPU, offering robust 1440p gaming performance in a compact form. 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 and general use. Priced on the higher end, the Magnus One is a worthwhile investment for those prioritizing a small footprint without compromising on 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 nice4. Mac mini M2
Best Mini PC for Mac
### Apple Mac mini M2
8The Apple Mac mini M2 is a versatile mini PC that offers strong performance for both work and play. With its M2 chip featuring eight CPU cores and 10 GPU cores, it handles a variety of games at decent frame rates. While not primarily designed for gaming, it's a capable option for Mac users interested in casual gaming. It supports up to two 4K displays at 120Hz and includes Thunderbolt ports for potential future upgrades with an external 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 displaysHow to Pick the Best Mini PC for Gaming
Choosing the best mini PC for gaming involves considering the types of games you play and your desired resolution. Mini PCs, due to their size, have limitations on component size and power. For the latest games, prioritize a strong GPU, such as Nvidia RTX or AMD Radeon cards, over integrated graphics. For budget-conscious gamers, less powerful options can still provide a satisfying experience at lower resolutions.
A robust CPU is essential for smooth gameplay and system performance. Look for models with at least 4 cores, 8 threads, and a high clockspeed of around 4.0GHz or more. Adequate RAM (at least 16GB) and storage (512GB SSD or more) are also crucial for running and storing games efficiently. Ensure the mini PC has sufficient ports for peripherals and display outputs like HDMI or DisplayPort, with Thunderbolt ports being a valuable addition 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 handle many modern titles with adjusted settings. The gaming landscape is evolving, and even mini PCs with integrated graphics can offer a solid gaming experience.
What is better: mini PC or PC?
The choice between a mini PC and a traditional PC depends on your priorities. A full-sized PC with high-end components will outperform mini PCs in raw performance. However, for those with limited space or who value a smaller footprint, a mini PC can be a better fit, especially when paired with a lower-resolution monitor.
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 and are best for 1080p gaming. Upgradability is limited in mini PCs, though some models offer more flexibility at a higher cost.
