Gone are the days when a gaming PC had to be a hulking tower that dominated your desk space. Today's best mini PCs for gaming can be as compact as a cable box, offering powerful performance in a tiny package.
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, so you won't often find mini PCs with top-tier components like an RTX 5090 or an Intel Core Ultra 9 285K without breaking the bank. Instead, you'll encounter options like the GMKTec Evo-X, which leverages a robust APU rather than discrete graphics.
Different manufacturers tackle the space limitations in unique ways. For instance, Asus has acquired the NUC (next unit of computing) brand from Intel to create compact desktops that utilize mobile hardware. Meanwhile, companies like Zotac manage to squeeze powerful desktop-class components into tiny cases. These mini PCs can be pricier and less upgradable than their larger counterparts, but their compact size is a significant advantage.
Additional contributions by Kegan Mooney
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1. Asus ROG NUC
Best Mini PC for Gaming
Our Top Pick### Asus ROG NUC
22The Asus ROG NUC epitomizes the mini gaming PC, boasting a compact size akin to a cable box, yet it's equipped with a mobile-class RTX 4070. 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, blends into any setupEasy to open and upgradeCONSMobile-class hardware may limit performanceUpon first inspection, the Asus ROG NUC impressed me with its diminutive size and lightweight design. Despite using mobile-class hardware, its integration into a living room setup is seamless, resembling a cable box. It's not just a media center PC; the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 ensures solid gaming performance, particularly at 1080p. However, connecting it to a 4K TV requires some adjustments to settings for optimal gameplay.
While the mobile-class hardware can be a bottleneck, especially at higher resolutions, the ROG NUC still outshines the PS5 in many ways. The Nvidia graphics support DLSS, which helps bridge the performance gap at 4K. Just remember, you won't be maxing out games like Black Myth: Wukong with full ray tracing, but for its size, the Asus ROG NUC is a top contender in the mini gaming PC market.
MinisForum Venus Series UM773
Best Budget Mini PC for Gaming
### MinisForum Venus Series UM773
14This budget-friendly mini PC delivers impressive performance, especially 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 JackPROSAffordable price pointStrong GPU performance for the costCONSNo discrete GPUFor those seeking a cost-effective mini PC without sacrificing performance, the MinisForum Venus Series UM773 is an excellent choice. With an AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS and integrated AMD Radeon 680M GPU, it offers solid performance for esports titles. Although it lacks a discrete GPU, the integrated graphics can compete with some entry-level dedicated cards.
The UM773 also comes with 32GB of DDR5 RAM and a 512GB SSD, ensuring smooth gameplay and quick load times. Priced at just $450, it's a fantastic entry-level option that can be upgraded in the future to meet evolving needs.
Zotac ZBox Magnus One
Best Mini PC with Desktop Graphics
### Zotac ZBox Magnus One
12This compact powerhouse features a robust RTX 3070 GPU, ideal 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 desktop GPUCompact design despite high-end specsCONSMore RAM could enhance valueThe Zotac ZBox Magnus One packs a formidable RTX 3070 GPU into a small chassis, delivering excellent 1440p gaming performance. Although the CPU is older, it doesn't bottleneck the GPU, ensuring a smooth gaming experience. While 16GB of RAM might seem modest, it's sufficient for gaming and general use.
Priced on the higher end, the Magnus One offers a compelling option for those prioritizing a compact form factor without sacrificing gaming prowess. Its sleek design and robust performance make it a top choice for gaming enthusiasts.
Mac mini M2
Best Mini PC for Mac
### Apple Mac mini M2
8The Mac mini M2 offers robust performance for both work and play, thanks to its 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 priceSignificant improvement over the M1CONSLimited to two displaysWhile not traditionally associated with gaming, the Mac mini M2 delivers surprisingly solid performance for a range of games. Its M2 chip offers a noticeable boost over the M1, making it a capable gaming mini PC for casual gamers. The Mac mini M2 supports up to two 4K displays at 120Hz and includes Thunderbolt ports for potential eGPU expansion.
For dedicated gaming, a Windows PC remains the better choice, but if you're a Mac user looking to dabble in gaming, the Mac mini M2 is a solid option. Check out our best monitors for Mac Mini guide when choosing a display.
How to Pick the Best Mini PC for Gaming
Selecting the best mini PC for gaming hinges on your gaming preferences and desired resolution. Mini PCs, while smaller than traditional desktops or some laptops, face size constraints that limit their components.
For seamless gameplay, prioritize a mini PC with a robust GPU. Opt for models with modern graphics like Nvidia RTX series or AMD Radeon cards over integrated graphics. If budget is a concern and you're not after the latest releases, a less powerful GPU might suffice.
A strong CPU is essential for gaming performance and overall system responsiveness. Aim for mini PCs with mid-to-high-end CPUs, ideally with around 4 cores, 8 threads, and a high clockspeed—around 4.0GHz or higher—to prevent slowdowns during multitasking. Ensure you have at least 16GB of RAM and 512GB of SSD storage for smooth game operations.
Verify the mini PC has sufficient ports for your peripherals, along with HDMI or DisplayPort outputs for external monitors or TVs. Thunderbolt ports are a bonus for high-speed external device connectivity.
Mini PC FAQ
Are mini PCs good for gaming?
It depends on your gaming expectations. While unlikely to excel at 4K gaming, mini PCs can handle 1080p gaming well, especially for indie titles. Modern mini PCs, even those with integrated graphics, can provide a satisfactory gaming experience for many players.
What is better: mini PC or PC?
This depends on your needs. A full-sized PC with top-tier components will outperform mini PCs in raw performance. However, in compact living spaces, the smaller size of a mini PC can be invaluable, especially when paired with a lower-resolution monitor.
What are the downsides to a mini PC?
Choosing a mini PC involves compromises in price, performance, or upgradability. High-end mini PCs with desktop components are costly, while budget-friendly options often use integrated graphics suitable mainly for 1080p gaming. If upgradability is a priority, only a few mini PCs offer this feature, typically at a higher cost.
