The notion that a gaming PC must be a bulky tower that demands a dedicated desk is outdated. Nowadays, the best mini PCs deliver exceptional gaming performance while occupying minimal space, comparable to a cable box. These compact powerhouses prove that you don't need a massive setup to enjoy high-quality 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 AppleThere are, however, some trade-offs when opting for a mini gaming PC over a full tower. The smaller size limits the space for high-end graphics cards and CPU coolers, meaning you won't typically find mini 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 encounter devices like the GMKTec Evo-X, which utilizes a powerful APU rather than discrete graphics.
Different PC manufacturers tackle these space constraints uniquely. Asus, for example, acquired the NUC (next unit of computing) brand from Intel to produce compact desktop PCs that leverage mobile hardware. Conversely, companies like Zotac manage to fit powerful desktop-class components into tiny chassis, although these are often pricier and less upgradable than traditional towers.
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. 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, its compact and lightweight design immediately stands out. Despite using mobile-class hardware, it's ideal for a living room setup, resembling a cable box in both size and appearance. It's perfect for a media center PC, but the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 ensures it's also capable of handling gaming demands, particularly at 1080p. However, when connected to a 4K TV, you may need to adjust settings for some games to maintain smooth gameplay.
While the ROG NUC outperforms the PS5 and supports DLSS to enhance 4K gaming, it's important to set realistic expectations. Full ray tracing in demanding games like Black Myth: Wukong might not be feasible at maximum settings. Nevertheless, given its size, fitting a full desktop-class graphics card is impractical.
The Asus ROG NUC stands out as one of the best mini gaming PCs available, though you might consider whether a gaming laptop would be a better fit for your needs.
MinisForum Venus Series UM773
Best Budget Mini PC for Gaming
### MinisForum Venus Series UM773
14This cost-effective mini PC offers solid performance, particularly in esports games. 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 JackPROSAffordableImpressive GPU performanceCONSNo discrete GPUFor those seeking a budget-friendly yet powerful mini PC, the MinisForum Venus Series UM773 is an excellent choice. With an AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS and integrated AMD Radeon 680M GPU, it offers performance comparable to some entry-level dedicated graphics cards, especially in esports titles.
Equipped with 16GB of DDR5 RAM and a 512GB SSD, the UM773 is well-suited for gaming at a competitive price point of just $450.
Zotac ZBox Magnus One
Best Mini PC with Desktop Graphics
### Zotac ZBox Magnus One
12Experience desktop-level graphics with this compact PC, powered by an RTX 3070 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 GPUCompact designCONSAdditional RAM could enhance valueThe Zotac ZBox Magnus One houses a formidable RTX 3070 GPU within its small chassis, delivering robust 1440p gaming performance. Despite its older CPU, the Intel Core i5-10400, it complements the GPU well, ensuring smooth gameplay. While 16GB of RAM is adequate, more RAM might justify its premium price.
Although a full-sized PC might offer more power for the same cost, the Magnus One is an ideal choice for those prioritizing space efficiency without compromising on gaming quality.
Mac mini M2
Best Mini PC for Mac
### Apple Mac mini M2
8This mini PC delivers strong performance for both productivity and casual gaming, thanks to its 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 jackPROSVersatile performanceSignificant improvement over M1CONSLimited to two displaysThe Mac mini M2 may not be the first device you consider for gaming, but it offers surprisingly good performance for casual gaming. The M2 chip, with its eight CPU cores and ten GPU cores, provides a noticeable upgrade from the M1, making it a capable option for both work and play.
With its versatile port selection, the Mac mini M2 supports up to two 4K displays at 120Hz and is compatible with external GPUs via Thunderbolt. While a Windows PC might be better for dedicated gaming, the Mac mini M2 is a solid choice for Mac users interested in occasional gaming. For display options, check out our roundup on the best monitors for Mac Mini.
How to Pick the Best Mini PC for Gaming
Choosing the best mini PC for gaming depends on the games you want to play and the resolution at which you plan to play them. Due to their compact size, mini PCs have inherent limitations on the components they can house.
For seamless gameplay, prioritize a mini PC with a robust GPU. Opt for models with modern graphics like Nvidia RTX or AMD Radeon cards, rather than integrated graphics, especially if you're aiming to play the latest titles. Budget-conscious gamers who don't mind playing older games can consider less powerful options.
A strong CPU is essential for gaming performance and system responsiveness. Look for mini PCs with mid-to-high-end CPUs featuring around 4 cores, 8 threads, and a clockspeed of at least 4.0GHz to ensure smooth multitasking. Additionally, ensure the mini PC has at least 16GB of RAM and 512GB of SSD storage for optimal gaming.
Don't forget to check the availability of ports for peripherals, as well as HDMI or DisplayPort outputs for connecting to external monitors or TVs. Thunderbolt ports are a valuable addition for connecting high-speed external storage or other devices.
Mini PC FAQ
Are mini PCs good for gaming?
The suitability of mini PCs for gaming depends on your expectations. While they may not excel at 4K gaming, they can deliver a solid gaming experience at 1080p, especially for indie games. In today's PC gaming landscape, 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 full-sized PC hinges on your priorities. While a full-sized PC with top-tier components will outperform any mini PC, factors like space constraints can make a mini PC a more practical choice, especially when paired with a lower-resolution gaming monitor.
What are the downsides to a mini PC?
When choosing a mini gaming PC, you'll need to compromise on at least one of three key areas: price, performance, or upgradability. High-end desktop components in a compact form factor come at a premium, while budget-friendly options often rely on integrated graphics suitable only for 1080p gaming. Upgradable mini PCs tend to be more powerful but also more expensive.
