Gone are the days when a gaming PC was synonymous with a bulky tower that dominated your desk. Today, the best mini PCs for gaming offer incredible performance in a compact package, taking up no more space than a cable box. These mini marvels prove that you don't need a giant machine to enjoy top-notch gaming.
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, space-saving solution, they come with certain trade-offs. The compact size limits the room for high-end components like the RTX 5090 and Intel Core Ultra 9 285K, making such configurations rare and pricey. Instead, you'll find models like the GMKTec Evo-X, which use powerful APUs rather than discrete graphics cards. Manufacturers like Asus and Zotac have different approaches to these space constraints, either using mobile hardware or cramming powerful desktop components into tiny cases. These systems can be harder to upgrade and more expensive, but their small footprint is a significant advantage.
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. Despite its diminutive size, it's powered by 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 PowerPROSCompact size, resembling a cable boxEasy to open and upgradeCONSMobile-class hardware can limit performance
Upon first inspection, the Asus ROG NUC's lightweight and small form factor stood out. Utilizing mobile-class hardware, it's perfect for a living room setup, blending seamlessly with other entertainment devices. The inclusion of an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 ensures it's capable of handling modern games, though with some limitations at 4K. At 1080p, it powers through titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Black Myth: Wukong, but for 4K gaming, you may need to adjust settings to maintain smooth gameplay. Despite these limitations, it outperforms the PS5 and supports DLSS, narrowing the performance gap at higher resolutions. However, given its size, fitting a full desktop-class graphics card is out of the question. While the Asus ROG NUC is a top choice among mini gaming PCs, consider 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 delivers solid performance for esports gaming.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 performance for the priceCONSIntegrated graphics
If you're seeking a cost-effective mini PC without sacrificing performance, the MinisForum Venus Series UM773 is an excellent choice. Priced at $450, it's powered by an AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS and AMD Radeon 680M graphics, offering competitive performance in esports titles. While it lacks a discrete GPU, the integrated graphics are sufficient for budget-conscious gamers. With 32GB of DDR5 RAM and a 512GB SSD, it provides a solid foundation for gaming and may require upgrades in the future.
Zotac ZBox Magnus One
Best Mini PC with Desktop Graphics
### Zotac ZBox Magnus One
12Experience desktop-level graphics with this compact gaming PC featuring a powerful RTX 3070 GPU 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)PROSPowerful dedicated GPUCompact size despite high specsCONSMore RAM could enhance value
The Zotac ZBox Magnus One packs a punch with its RTX 3070 GPU, delivering strong 1440p gaming performance in a surprisingly small package. Although the CPU is older, it complements the GPU well, ensuring smooth gameplay. With 16GB of RAM, it's adequate for gaming but may feel limited compared to other mini PCs. While it's pricier, the Magnus One offers a compelling balance of size and performance, making it ideal for gamers who prioritize space and power.
Mac mini M2
Best Mini PC for Mac
### Apple Mac mini M2
8The Mac mini M2 offers robust performance for both work and play, powered by the M2 chip with 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 jackPROSExcellent performance for the priceNotable improvement over the M1CONSLimited to two displays
While not traditionally considered a gaming machine, the Mac mini M2 offers surprisingly capable performance for casual gaming. With its M2 chip, it handles a variety of games at decent frame rates, making it a versatile option for Mac users interested in gaming. It supports up to two 4K displays at 120Hz and comes with Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, enhancing its connectivity for online gaming. Though a Windows PC may offer better pure gaming performance, the Mac mini M2 is a solid choice for those seeking a Mac that can handle gaming. Check out our guide on the best monitors for Mac Mini to find the perfect display.
How to Pick the Best Mini PC for Gaming
Selecting the best mini PC for gaming involves considering the games you want to play and your preferred resolution. Mini PCs, while smaller than traditional desktops, can still deliver impressive gaming performance if equipped with the right components. A strong GPU, such as those from Nvidia's RTX series or AMD Radeon, is essential for smooth gameplay. Budget-conscious gamers might opt for less powerful options suitable for older or less demanding titles. A capable CPU with at least 4 cores and 8 threads, along with high clockspeed, ensures smooth multitasking. Adequate RAM (at least 16GB) and storage (512GB SSD or more) are also crucial for a seamless gaming experience. Ensure the mini PC has sufficient ports for peripherals and high-quality video outputs like HDMI or DisplayPort. Thunderbolt ports are a bonus for connecting high-speed external devices.
Mini PC FAQ
Are mini PCs good for gaming?
Mini PCs can be quite effective for gaming, particularly at resolutions like 1080p. While they may struggle with 4K gaming, they offer solid performance for indie games and less demanding titles. With the evolution of PC gaming, even mini PCs with integrated graphics can provide a satisfactory 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 any mini PC in terms of raw power. However, for those in space-constrained environments, a mini PC's compact size can be a significant advantage, especially when paired with lower-resolution gaming monitors.
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 may rely on integrated graphics, limiting them to 1080p gaming at medium settings. Upgradability is also limited in mini PCs, though some higher-end models offer more flexibility at a cost.
