Gone are the days when gaming PCs were synonymous with bulky towers that demanded a dedicated desk. Today, the best mini PCs for gaming can be as compact as a cable box, offering incredible performance without taking up much space. Whether you're looking for high-end gaming capabilities or a budget-friendly option, there's a mini PC that can meet your needs.
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 offer a sleek solution, they come with some trade-offs. Due to their smaller size, these systems often can't accommodate the highest-end graphics cards and CPU coolers. For instance, you won't typically find an RTX 5090 or an Intel Core Ultra 9 285K in a mini PC without a hefty price tag. Instead, models like the GMKTec Evo-X, which use powerful APUs, are more common.
Manufacturers approach the space constraints differently. Asus, for example, has taken over the NUC (next unit of computing) brand from Intel to create compact desktops using mobile hardware. Meanwhile, Zotac manages to fit powerful desktop-class components into tiny cases, though these are more challenging to service or upgrade and come at 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 as compact as mini gaming PCs get, yet it's equipped 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, I was struck by its compact and lightweight design. Despite using mobile-class hardware, it's ideal for a living room setup, resembling a cable box in size and appearance. It's perfect for a media center PC, but with the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070, it also handles gaming well, particularly at 1080p. When connected to a 4K TV, you may need to adjust settings to maintain a smooth frame rate in more demanding games.
While the mobile-class hardware might be a limitation, especially at 4K, the ROG NUC still outperforms a PS5 in many scenarios, thanks to features like DLSS. However, for the most demanding games with full ray tracing, you'll need to temper your expectations. Given its small size, fitting a full desktop-class graphics card isn't feasible.
The Asus ROG NUC stands out as one of the best mini gaming PCs available, though it's worth considering whether a gaming laptop might better suit your needs.
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 solid performance. 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 an affordable yet capable mini PC, the MinisForum Venus Series UM773 is an excellent choice. Priced at just $450, it features an AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS and integrated AMD Radeon 680M graphics, which can compete with some entry-level dedicated GPUs, particularly in esports titles. With 32GB of DDR5 RAM and a 512GB SSD, it's well-equipped for current gaming needs, though future upgrades might be necessary.
Zotac ZBox Magnus One
Best Mini PC with Desktop Graphics
### Zotac ZBox Magnus One
12Experience desktop-level graphics with this compact gaming PC, powered by an 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 houses a powerful RTX 3070 GPU in a surprisingly small chassis, delivering excellent 1440p gaming performance. Although the CPU is older, it remains a solid choice that won't bottleneck the GPU. The 16GB of RAM is sufficient for gaming and general use, though it could be more generous for the price.
While more expensive than some alternatives, the Zotac Magnus One offers a compelling blend of performance and compactness, making it a top pick for gaming enthusiasts who prioritize form factor without sacrificing power.
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 efficient M2 chip. 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 primarily known for gaming, the Mac mini M2 delivers solid performance for a wide range of games. With a notable improvement over the M1 chip, the M2's eight CPU cores and 10 GPU cores make it a strong contender for those looking to game on a Mac. Its extensive port selection supports up to two 4K displays at 120Hz, and with Thunderbolt support, you can even add an external GPU later. Though a Windows PC might be better for pure gaming performance, the Mac mini M2 is a great choice for Mac users interested in occasional gaming.
How to Pick the Best Mini PC for Gaming
Choosing the best mini PC for gaming depends on your gaming goals and preferred resolution. Mini PCs, due to their size, have inherent limitations on component choices. For the latest titles, prioritize a strong GPU, ideally from the Nvidia RTX or AMD Radeon series. Budget-conscious gamers might find integrated graphics sufficient for less demanding games.
A powerful CPU is essential for smooth gaming and multitasking. Aim for at least 4 cores, 8 threads, and a clock speed around 4.0GHz. Ensure you have at least 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD for optimal performance. Check the mini PC's ports for connectivity options, including HDMI, DisplayPort, and Thunderbolt for high-speed peripherals.
Mini PC FAQ
Are mini PCs good for gaming?
Mini PCs can be great for gaming, especially at 1080p resolutions. While they might struggle with 4K gaming, they offer a solid experience for indie and less demanding titles. As PC gaming evolves, even mini PCs with integrated graphics can provide enjoyable gameplay.
What is better: mini PC or PC?
The choice between a mini PC and a traditional PC depends on your priorities. While a full-sized PC with top-tier components will outperform mini PCs in raw power, the compact size of a mini PC can be a significant advantage in space-constrained environments. Performance isn't everything; sometimes, the form factor is crucial.
What are the downsides to a mini PC?
Mini PCs require compromises in price, performance, or upgradability. High-end models with desktop components are expensive, while budget-friendly options often use integrated graphics, suitable mainly for 1080p gaming. Upgradability is limited, though some models offer more flexibility at a higher cost.
