Gone are the days when a gaming PC had to be a colossal tower of metal and plastic, requiring a dedicated desk to handle its bulk. Today, the best mini PCs can fit into spaces as small as a cable box, delivering remarkable gaming performance without taking over your living room.
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 some trade-offs when opting for a mini gaming PC over a full tower. The smaller form factor inherently limits space for high-end graphics cards and CPU coolers. As a result, you're unlikely to find mini gaming PCs equipped with top-tier components like an RTX 5090 or an Intel Core Ultra 9 285K without a hefty price tag. Instead, you might come across models like the GMKTec Evo-X, which leverage powerful APUs rather than discrete graphics.
Different PC manufacturers tackle these space constraints in various ways. For instance, Asus acquired the NUC (next unit of computing) brand from Intel to create compact desktop PCs that utilize mobile hardware to fit into tiny cases. Meanwhile, companies like Zotac manage to pack powerful desktop-class hardware into small chassis, though these systems are often more challenging to service or upgrade and come with a higher price tag.
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1. Asus ROG NUCOur Top Pick### Asus ROG NUC
22The Asus ROG NUC is a prime example of how compact a mini gaming PC can be, yet it's equipped with a mobile-class RTX 4070 that packs a surprising punch. 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.mm 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 unpacked the Asus ROG NUC, its small and lightweight design caught me off guard. Despite using mobile-class hardware, its minimal weight and cable box-like appearance make it an ideal fit for a living room setup. It doubles as a fantastic media center PC, but with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070, it's also adept at gaming—albeit with some limitations.
The challenge I encountered while reviewing the Asus ROG NUC was the mobile-class hardware's limitations, particularly when connected to a 4K TV. It can handle any PC game at 1080p, including demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Black Myth: Wukong. However, at 4K, you'll need to adjust settings to maintain a smooth frame rate.
Even with its limitations, the Asus ROG NUC surpasses the PS5 in performance, and the Nvidia graphics support DLSS to help bridge the gap at 4K. Just remember, you won't be able to max out games like Black Myth: Wukong with full ray tracing. Given its tiny size, fitting a full desktop-class graphics card inside is simply not feasible.
The Asus ROG NUC stands out as one of the best mini gaming PCs available, but like all mini PCs, you'll need to weigh whether a gaming laptop might better suit your needs.
### MinisForum Venus Series UM773
14A budget-friendly mini PC that offers impressive 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 performanceCONSNo discrete GPUIf you're looking for a cost-effective mini PC that doesn't compromise on performance, the MinisForum Venus Series UM773 is a compelling choice. Despite its affordable price, it boasts an AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS with integrated AMD graphics. Although it lacks a discrete GPU, the AMD Radeon 680M can compete with some entry-level dedicated graphics cards, especially in esports titles.
The UM773 comes equipped with 16GB of fast DDR5 RAM and a 512GB SSD, which should serve well for gaming at its price point of $450. You might consider an upgrade later, but for now, it's a solid option.
### Zotac ZBox Magnus One
12Experience desktop-level graphics with this gaming PC featuring a powerful RTX 3070 GPU for 1440p gaming. 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 Magnus One may not look imposing, but its small chassis houses a robust RTX 3070 GPU, capable of delivering excellent 1440p gaming performance. The CPU, while older, remains a strong performer and doesn't bottleneck the GPU, ensuring a top-notch gaming experience. While 16GB of RAM might seem limited compared to other mini PCs, it's sufficient for gaming and everyday tasks.
Although the Zotac Magnus One is on the pricier side, it's a worthwhile investment for those seeking a compact yet powerful gaming solution. Its sleek design, impressive specs, and solid gaming performance make it an excellent choice for gaming enthusiasts who prioritize both form factor and functionality.
### Apple Mac mini M2
8The Mac mini M2 offers robust performance for both work and play, thanks to its 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 jackPROSVery capable for the pricePerformance increase over the M1CONSLimited to two displaysWhile the Mac mini M2 may not be the first device you think of for gaming, it delivers solid performance, enabling you to enjoy a wide range of games at respectable frame rates. Given its cost, the Mac mini M2 stands out as a capable gaming mini PC. The M2 chip, with its performance boost over the M1, features eight CPU cores and 10 GPU cores, ensuring strong performance across gaming and productivity tasks.
The Mac mini M2 supports up to two 4K displays at 120Hz through its multiple ports, and with Thunderbolt support, you can even add an external GPU down the line. It also includes Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 for seamless online gaming. While a Windows PC might offer superior gaming performance, the Mac mini M2 is a solid choice for Mac users interested in casual gaming. Check out our roundup on the best monitors for Mac Mini when selecting a display to pair with it.
Choosing the best mini PC for gaming depends on your gaming preferences and desired resolution. Mini PCs, being smaller than their desktop counterparts, have inherent component limitations.
For seamless gameplay with the latest titles, prioritize a mini PC with a robust GPU. Opt for models featuring modern graphics like Nvidia RTX series or AMD Radeon cards rather than integrated graphics. If you're on a budget and don't mind playing slightly older games, a less powerful GPU might suffice.
A strong CPU is essential for gaming performance and system responsiveness. Aim for mini PCs with mid-to-high-end CPUs, ideally with at least 4 cores, 8 threads, and a clockspeed of around 4.0GHz or higher to prevent slowdowns during multitasking. Additionally, ensure you have ample RAM (at least 16GB) and storage (at least 512GB SSD) for smooth game operation and storage.
Ensure the mini PC has sufficient ports for peripherals and HDMI or DisplayPort outputs for connecting to external monitors or TVs. Thunderbolt ports are a valuable addition for high-speed external storage or other devices.
The answer hinges on your definition of "good for gaming." While mini gaming PCs might struggle with 4K gaming, they can offer solid performance at 1080p, particularly for indie games. Today's mini PCs with integrated graphics can deliver a satisfactory gaming experience, reflecting the evolving landscape of PC gaming.
This depends on your specific needs. A full-sized gaming PC with a high-end CPU and GPU will outperform any mini gaming PC in raw performance. However, factors like space and convenience are crucial. In a compact living space, the smaller size of a mini PC can outweigh performance considerations, especially if paired with a lower-resolution monitor.
Choosing a mini gaming PC involves balancing price, performance, and upgradability. High-end desktop components in a mini PC can be prohibitively expensive. Budget-friendly options typically use integrated graphics and are best suited for 1080p gaming with medium-high settings. If upgradability is a priority, only a few small form factor PCs offer this flexibility, though these tend to be more powerful—and pricier—than other mini gaming PCs.
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