The notion that a gaming PC must be a hulking tower is outdated. Today's best mini PCs can deliver exceptional gaming performance while taking up as little space as a cable box, making them perfect for compact living spaces or minimalist setups.
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, however, some trade-offs with mini gaming PCs compared to traditional towers. Their compact size limits the space available for high-end components like graphics cards and CPU coolers. You won't often find mini PCs with top-tier components like an RTX 5090 and an Intel Core Ultra 9 285K without a hefty price tag. Instead, models like the GMKTec Evo-X, which uses a powerful APU rather than discrete graphics, are more common.
Different manufacturers tackle these space constraints uniquely. Asus, for example, acquired Intel's NUC brand to produce compact PCs using mobile hardware. Meanwhile, Zotac squeezes powerful desktop hardware into small chassis, which can be less serviceable and more costly but offers a compact solution.
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, featuring a mobile-class RTX 4070 that surprises with its performance. Its small size and lightweight design make it an ideal choice for a living room setup, blending seamlessly with other electronics. While it excels at 1080p gaming, its mobile hardware may limit performance at higher resolutions like 4K, requiring some settings adjustments for optimal frame rates. Despite these limitations, it's more powerful than a PS5 and benefits from Nvidia's DLSS technology, making it a strong contender in the mini PC gaming market.
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 backWhen I first opened the Asus ROG NUC, I was struck by its compact and lightweight design. Despite using mobile hardware, it's perfect for connecting to a TV without adding bulk. Its cable box-like appearance ensures it blends effortlessly into a living room setup, making it an excellent choice for a media center PC. The Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 delivers impressive gaming performance, particularly at 1080p, though it faces challenges at 4K, requiring some settings adjustments to maintain smooth gameplay. Nonetheless, its performance surpasses that of a PS5, and DLSS technology helps bridge the gap at higher resolutions.
MinisForum Venus Series UM773
Best Budget Mini PC for Gaming
### MinisForum Venus Series UM773
14The MinisForum Venus Series UM773 offers impressive gaming performance at a budget-friendly price, making it an excellent choice for esports enthusiasts. It features an AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS and integrated AMD Radeon 680M graphics, providing solid performance for its price point. With 32GB of DDR5 RAM and a 512GB SSD, it's well-equipped for gaming, though you might consider upgrading storage later.
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 a budget-friendly yet capable mini PC, the MinisForum Venus Series UM773 is an attractive option. It delivers strong performance for esports games thanks to its AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS and integrated AMD Radeon 680M GPU, which can compete with some entry-level dedicated graphics cards. With 32GB of DDR5 RAM and a 512GB SSD, it offers a solid foundation for gaming at a competitive price point.
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 its compact design, making it ideal for 1440p gaming. Despite its older Intel Core i5-10400 CPU, it still offers a robust gaming experience. With 16GB of DDR4 RAM and a 512GB SSD, it's well-equipped for gaming, though additional RAM might enhance its capabilities.
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 may not look impressive at first glance, but it houses a formidable RTX 3070 GPU, enabling solid 1440p gaming performance. Although the CPU is older, it remains effective and doesn't bottleneck the GPU, ensuring a smooth gaming experience. While 16GB of RAM may seem modest, it's sufficient for most gaming needs. The Magnus One is pricier, but its compact design and powerful specs justify the cost for those prioritizing space efficiency and gaming performance.
Mac mini M2
Best Mini PC for Mac
### Apple Mac mini M2
8The Mac mini M2 offers robust performance for both work and play, making it a compelling choice for Mac users interested in gaming. With its M2 chip featuring eight CPU cores and 10 GPU cores, it delivers impressive performance across various applications. It supports up to two 4K displays at 120Hz and includes Thunderbolt ports for potential external GPU upgrades.
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 the Mac mini M2 might not be the first choice for hardcore gamers, it offers surprisingly good performance for a wide range of games. Its M2 chip provides a significant boost over the M1, making it a versatile option for both productivity and casual gaming. With support for multiple high-resolution displays and the potential for external GPU upgrades, it's a solid choice for Mac users looking to dip their toes into gaming.
How to Pick the Best Mini PC for Gaming
Choosing the best mini PC for gaming involves considering the games you want to play and your preferred resolution. Mini PCs are inherently limited by their size, which affects the components they can accommodate.
For the latest titles, prioritize a mini PC with a strong GPU. Opt for models with Nvidia RTX or AMD Radeon graphics rather than integrated solutions. Budget-conscious gamers might find less powerful options suitable for older or less demanding games.
A capable CPU is essential for gaming and overall system performance. Aim for at least a mid-range CPU with around 4 cores, 8 threads, and a clockspeed of 4.0GHz or higher to ensure smooth multitasking. Additionally, ensure you have sufficient RAM (at least 16GB) and storage (at least 512GB SSD) for seamless gameplay and game storage.
Check the mini PC's ports to ensure compatibility with your peripherals and displays. HDMI or DisplayPort outputs are crucial for connecting to external monitors or TVs, while Thunderbolt ports can enhance connectivity with high-speed devices.
Mini PC FAQ
Are mini PCs good for gaming?
Mini PCs can be excellent for gaming, especially at 1080p resolutions or for less demanding titles like indie games. While they may struggle with 4K gaming, many modern mini PCs with integrated graphics can still offer a satisfying gaming experience.
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, a mini PC's compact size can be crucial in space-constrained environments, making it a worthwhile compromise for many.
What are the downsides to a mini PC?
Mini PCs often require compromises in price, performance, or upgradability. High-end models with powerful components can be expensive, while budget options might only handle gaming at lower resolutions. Upgradability is also limited in many mini PCs, though some higher-end models offer more flexibility.
