Gone are the days when a gaming PC had to be a hulking tower that dominated your desk space. Nowadays, the best mini PCs for gaming can be as compact as a cable box, offering powerful performance without the bulk.

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

Opting for a mini gaming PC does come with some trade-offs. The smaller form factor means less room for high-end graphics cards and CPU coolers, making it challenging to fit components like an RTX 5090 or an Intel Core Ultra 9 285K without a hefty price tag. Instead, you'll encounter mini PCs like the GMKTec Evo-X, which use powerful APUs rather than discrete graphics.

Different manufacturers tackle these space limitations uniquely. Asus, for instance, has acquired the NUC (next unit of computing) brand from Intel to create compact desktops using mobile hardware. Meanwhile, companies like Zotac manage to pack powerful desktop-class hardware into tiny cases, although these can be more challenging to service or upgrade and are often pricier.

Additional contributions by Kegan Mooney

Asus ROG NUC – Photos

View 7 Images1. Asus ROG NUC

Best Mini PC for Gaming

Our Top Pick### Asus ROG NUC

22The Asus ROG NUC is the epitome of compactness in gaming PCs, yet it's equipped with a mobile-class RTX 4070 that delivers impressive performance. Its design is sleek and light, resembling a cable box, making it an ideal choice for a living room setup. While it excels in 1080p gaming, including demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Black Myth: Wukong, its mobile hardware may struggle at 4K resolutions without some compromises on settings. However, with DLSS support, it can still handle 4K gaming better than you might expect. Despite its limitations, it's a powerhouse compared to the PS5, making it one of the best mini gaming PCs available. Just remember, when considering mini PCs, you might also weigh the benefits of a gaming laptop.

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 back

2. MinisForum Venus Series UM773

Best Budget Mini PC for Gaming

### MinisForum Venus Series UM773

14For those seeking a cost-effective solution without sacrificing performance, the MinisForum Venus Series UM773 is an excellent choice. Despite its affordable price, it features an AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS and integrated AMD Radeon 680M graphics, which can hold its own in esports games. It comes with 16GB of DDR5 RAM and a 512GB SSD, offering a solid foundation for gaming at a budget-friendly price of $450.

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 GPU

3. Zotac ZBox Magnus One

Best Mini PC with Desktop Graphics

### Zotac ZBox Magnus One

12The Zotac ZBox Magnus One packs a punch with its RTX 3070 GPU, offering robust 1440p gaming performance in a surprisingly small chassis. While the Intel Core i5-10400 CPU might be older, it pairs well with the GPU, ensuring smooth gameplay. With 16GB of DDR4 RAM and a 512GB SSD, it's a solid choice for gamers looking for a compact yet powerful solution. Although it's on the pricier side, its performance and design justify the cost for those prioritizing space and gaming capabilities.

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 nice

4. Mac mini M2

Best Mini PC for Mac

### Apple Mac mini M2

8The Mac mini M2 surprises with its gaming capabilities, thanks to the M2 chip's eight CPU cores and 10 GPU cores. It's a versatile option for those within the Apple ecosystem, offering strong performance for both work and play. With up to 24GB of unified memory and various ports, including Thunderbolt 4, it's well-equipped for connectivity and expansion. While not ideal for hardcore gaming, it's a great choice for casual gamers who want a Mac.

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 displays

How to Pick the Best Mini PC for Gaming

Choosing the best mini PC for gaming hinges on your gaming needs and desired resolution. Due to their smaller size, mini PCs have limitations on component choices. For the latest games at high settings, prioritize a robust GPU, such as Nvidia RTX or AMD Radeon cards. Budget-conscious gamers might opt for less powerful options suitable for older or less demanding titles.

A strong CPU is vital for smooth gameplay and system responsiveness. Aim for at least 4 cores, 8 threads, and a clockspeed around 4.0GHz or higher. Additionally, ensure the mini PC has at least 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD for optimal performance. Check for ample ports, including HDMI or DisplayPort, and consider Thunderbolt for future expansions.

Mini PC FAQ

Are mini PCs good for gaming?

Mini PCs can be surprisingly good for gaming, especially at 1080p resolutions. While they may not excel at 4K gaming, they're more than capable of handling indie games and even some modern titles with the right hardware. Today's mini PCs can offer a solid gaming experience, even with integrated graphics.

What is better: mini PC or PC?

The choice between a mini PC and a traditional PC depends on your priorities. A full-sized gaming PC with top-tier components will outperform any mini PC. However, if space is a concern, a mini PC's compact design can be a significant advantage, particularly when paired with a lower-resolution monitor.

What are the downsides to a mini PC?

Mini PCs require compromises in price, performance, or upgradability. High-end desktop components in a mini PC come at a premium. Budget-friendly options often rely on integrated graphics, suitable mainly for 1080p gaming. If upgradability is important, options are limited in small form factors, though these tend to be more powerful and expensive.