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The notion that a gaming PC must be a large, cumbersome tower is outdated. Today, the best mini PCs for gaming can be as compact as a cable box, offering impressive performance without taking up much space.
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 some trade-offs when opting for a mini gaming PC over a traditional tower. The smaller form factor limits space for high-end graphics cards and CPU coolers, meaning you're unlikely to find mini PCs with top-tier components like an RTX 5090 or an Intel Core Ultra 9 285K at reasonable prices. Instead, you might encounter devices like the GMKTec Evo-X, which utilize powerful APUs rather than discrete graphics.
Different manufacturers tackle these space constraints uniquely. Asus, for instance, has acquired the NUC brand from Intel to create compact desktop PCs using mobile hardware. Meanwhile, companies like Zotac manage to fit powerful desktop-class hardware into tiny chassis, though these are typically more expensive and less upgradeable than traditional towers.
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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 one of the smallest mini gaming PCs available, yet it's equipped with a mobile-class RTX 4070. It's compact enough to resemble a cable box, making it perfect for a living room setup. While the mobile-class hardware can be a limitation, especially at 4K, it still delivers strong gaming performance at 1080p, handling demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Black Myth: Wukong. The Nvidia graphics support DLSS, which helps at higher resolutions, though you'll need to adjust settings for optimal performance. Despite its size, the Asus ROG NUC offers a compelling blend of power and compactness, making it a top choice for gamers looking to save space without sacrificing too much 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 PowerPROSCompact size, easy to upgradeCONSMobile-class hardware can limit performance2. MinisForum Venus Series UM773
Best Budget Mini PC for Gaming
### MinisForum Venus Series UM773
14The MinisForum Venus Series UM773 offers a budget-friendly solution with impressive performance, particularly in esports games. It features an 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 provides solid performance for its price point of $450, making it an excellent choice for gamers on a budget.
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 JackPROSAffordable, good GPU performanceCONSNo discrete GPU3. 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 a small chassis, offering robust 1440p gaming performance. Despite its older Intel Core i5-10400 CPU, it doesn't bottleneck the GPU, ensuring a smooth gaming experience. While it comes with 16GB of DDR4 RAM, which might seem modest, it's sufficient for gaming and general use. Although more expensive, the Magnus One is ideal for those who prioritize compact design without compromising on gaming capabilities.
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 GPU, compact designCONSMore RAM for the price would be beneficial4. Mac mini M2
Best Mini PC for Mac
### Apple Mac mini M2
8The Mac mini M2 offers surprising gaming performance, thanks to its 8-core CPU and 10-core GPU. It's a versatile machine suitable for both work and play, with the ability to connect to two 4K displays at 120Hz. While not the best choice for hardcore gaming, it's a solid option for casual gamers who prefer the Mac ecosystem. Its performance upgrade over the M1 chip and Thunderbolt support for external GPUs make it a compelling choice.
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 jackPROSCapable performance for the price, upgrade over M1CONSLimited to two displaysHow to Pick the Best Mini PC for Gaming
Choosing the best mini PC for gaming involves considering the games you want to play and the desired resolution. Mini PCs, due to their compact size, have limitations in component selection. For smooth gameplay, prioritize a strong GPU like Nvidia RTX or AMD Radeon cards. If budget is a concern, integrated graphics might suffice for less demanding games.
A robust CPU is essential for gaming and system performance. Opt for models with at least 4 cores, 8 threads, and a high clockspeed (around 4.0GHz or higher) to handle multitasking. Ensure the mini PC has sufficient RAM (at least 16GB) and storage (512GB SSD or more) for smooth game operation.
Check for adequate ports to connect peripherals and displays, with HDMI or DisplayPort outputs being essential. Thunderbolt ports are advantageous for high-speed external devices.
Mini PC FAQ
Are mini PCs good for gaming?
Mini PCs can be suitable for gaming, particularly at 1080p resolutions. They may not excel at 4K gaming, but they offer solid performance for indie and less demanding titles. Modern mini PCs with integrated graphics can provide a satisfactory gaming experience, especially as PC gaming becomes more accessible.
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 top-tier components will outperform mini PCs in raw power, mini PCs offer space-saving benefits. For those with limited space, like in small apartments, the compactness of a mini PC can outweigh performance differences, especially when paired with lower-resolution monitors.
What are the downsides to a mini PC?
Mini PCs require compromises in price, performance, or upgradability. High-end mini PCs with desktop components are expensive, while budget-friendly models often use integrated graphics, suitable mainly for 1080p gaming. Upgradability is limited in mini PCs, with only a few offering swappable components, typically at a higher cost.
