Gone are the days when a gaming PC had to be a massive tower that dominated your desk. Today, the best mini PCs can deliver exceptional gaming performance in a package no larger than a cable box, making them perfect for space-conscious gamers.
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 compact convenience, they come with some trade-offs. Their smaller size limits the space for high-end components like graphics cards and CPU coolers. You won't find many with top-tier hardware like an RTX 5090 or an Intel Core Ultra 9 285K without breaking the bank. Instead, models like the GMKTec Evo-X use powerful APUs to balance performance and size.
Manufacturers tackle these space constraints differently. For instance, Asus has acquired the NUC brand from Intel to produce compact PCs with mobile hardware. Meanwhile, Zotac crams powerful desktop components into tiny cases, resulting in pricier but more compact systems that are challenging to upgrade.
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 as compact as mini gaming PCs come, yet it's equipped with a mobile-class RTX 4070 for impressive 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 backThe Asus ROG NUC is incredibly compact and lightweight, resembling a cable box, making it ideal for blending into a living room setup. Despite its size, it's powered by mobile-class hardware, including an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070, which handles gaming well, especially at 1080p. However, when connected to a 4K TV, you may need to adjust settings for demanding games to maintain a smooth frame rate. While it can't match the performance of a full desktop-class graphics card, the Asus ROG NUC remains a powerful option for its size, offering a compelling alternative to larger gaming PCs or even gaming laptops.
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 gamers looking for an affordable mini PC with solid performance, the MinisForum Venus Series UM773 is an excellent choice. It features an AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS and integrated AMD Radeon 680M graphics, which can hold its own against lower-end dedicated graphics cards, particularly in esports titles. With 32GB of DDR5 RAM and a 512GB SSD, it offers a great balance of speed and storage for its $450 price tag, making it a smart investment for budget-conscious gamers.
Zotac ZBox Magnus One
Best Mini PC with Desktop Graphics
### Zotac ZBox Magnus One
12A compact gaming PC with a powerful RTX 3070 GPU, ideal for 1440p gaming. 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 GPUSmall despite the specsCONSMore RAM for the price would be niceThe Zotac ZBox Magnus One packs a punch with an RTX 3070 GPU within its compact chassis, delivering strong 1440p gaming performance. Despite its older Intel Core i5-10400 CPU, it remains a solid choice for gaming without bottlenecks. While 16GB of RAM may seem modest, it's sufficient for gaming and everyday use. Although pricier than some alternatives, the Magnus One's blend of size and performance makes it an attractive option for gamers who prioritize space efficiency without compromising on gaming quality.
Mac mini M2
Best Mini PC for Mac
### Apple Mac mini M2
8A versatile mini PC that offers strong performance for both work and gaming. 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 displaysThe Mac mini M2 might not be the first choice for gaming, but it offers surprisingly solid performance for a wide range of games. With the M2 chip's eight CPU cores and 10 GPU cores, it provides a notable improvement over the M1, making it a capable option for casual gamers. Its extensive port selection supports up to two 4K displays at 120Hz, and with Thunderbolt support, it can even be paired with an external GPU for enhanced performance. While it may not match the gaming prowess of a Windows PC, the Mac mini M2 is an excellent choice for Mac users looking to enjoy some gaming on the side.
How to Pick the Best Mini PC for Gaming
Choosing the best mini PC for gaming depends on the games you play and the resolution you prefer. Mini PCs are inherently smaller than traditional desktops, which limits the components they can house. For the latest games, prioritize a mini PC with a strong GPU, such as Nvidia RTX or AMD Radeon series, over integrated graphics. If budget is a concern and you're not focused on new releases, a less powerful GPU might suffice.
A robust CPU is essential for gaming and system responsiveness. Look for mini PCs with at least 4 cores, 8 threads, and a high clock speed around 4.0GHz to ensure smooth multitasking. Ensure the PC has at least 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD for optimal game performance and storage. Additionally, check for ample ports, including HDMI or DisplayPort for connecting to monitors or TVs, and consider Thunderbolt ports for high-speed external devices.
Mini PC FAQ
Are mini PCs good for gaming?
The answer depends on your gaming expectations. While mini PCs may struggle with 4K gaming, they can deliver solid performance at 1080p, especially for indie games. Modern mini PCs with integrated graphics are increasingly capable, offering a good gaming experience for many players.
What is better: mini PC or PC?
It depends on your needs. A full-sized PC with high-end components will outperform any mini PC in terms of raw power. However, for those with limited space or who prioritize compactness, a mini PC's smaller footprint can be invaluable, particularly when paired with a lower-resolution monitor.
What are the downsides to a mini PC?
Mini PCs often require compromises in price, performance, or upgradability. High-end mini PCs with desktop components are expensive, while budget-friendly options typically use integrated graphics suitable mainly for 1080p gaming. Upgradability is limited, though some higher-end models offer more flexibility at a higher cost.
