Gone are the days when a gaming PC had to be a hulking tower that dominated your desk. Today, the best mini PCs for gaming offer impressive performance in a compact package, rivaling the size of a cable box. These tiny powerhouses prove that you don't need a large space to enjoy top-notch 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 some trade-offs when choosing a mini gaming PC over a traditional tower. The smaller size limits the space available for high-end components like graphics cards and CPU coolers. You won't typically find mini PCs with an RTX 5090 and an Intel Core Ultra 9 285K, at least not without a hefty price tag. Instead, you might come across models like the GMKTec Evo-X, which uses a powerful APU rather than discrete graphics.

Manufacturers tackle these space constraints differently. For instance, Asus has acquired the NUC (next unit of computing) brand from Intel to create compact PCs using mobile hardware. Other companies, like Zotac, manage to fit powerful desktop-class hardware into tiny chassis. These mini PCs can be more challenging to service or upgrade and are often more expensive, but their compact size is a significant advantage.

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 as compact as mini gaming PCs come, yet it packs a surprising punch with a mobile-class RTX 4070. Its small size and light weight make it perfect for a living room setup, blending seamlessly with other entertainment devices. While it's ideal for a media center, the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 ensures it's also capable of handling gaming demands, though you may need to adjust settings for 4K gaming. It's more powerful than a PS5 in many scenarios, and DLSS helps bridge the gap at higher resolutions. Just remember, the mobile-class hardware might limit performance in the most demanding games at higher resolutions. Overall, the Asus ROG NUC is a top choice for anyone seeking a compact yet capable gaming solution.

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

14The MinisForum Venus Series UM773 is a cost-effective mini PC that delivers solid performance, especially for esports gaming. With an AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS and integrated AMD Radeon 680M GPU, it offers competitive performance without breaking the bank. It's equipped with 32GB of DDR5 RAM and a 512GB SSD, providing a robust setup for the price. While it lacks a discrete GPU, the integrated graphics are sufficient for many games, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious gamers.

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 is a powerhouse in a small package, featuring a beefy RTX 3070 GPU that delivers excellent 1440p gaming performance. Despite its older Intel Core i5-10400 CPU, it remains a solid performer and doesn't bottleneck the GPU. While 16GB of DDR4 RAM might seem modest, it's sufficient for gaming and general use. Although pricier, the Magnus One offers a compact solution for those who refuse to compromise on gaming performance.

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 is a versatile mini PC that excels in both work and play. With its Apple M2 chip featuring eight CPU cores and 10 GPU cores, it offers a significant performance boost over the M1. It's capable of handling a range of games at decent frame rates, making it a solid choice for casual gamers who prefer the Mac ecosystem. The Mac mini M2 supports up to two 4K displays at 120Hz and includes Thunderbolt ports for potential external GPU upgrades. While not ideal for hardcore gaming, it's a great option for Mac users looking to dabble in gaming.

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 depends on your gaming preferences and resolution requirements. Mini PCs are smaller than traditional desktops and even some laptops, which naturally limits their component size. For smooth gameplay, especially with the latest titles, prioritize a robust GPU. Opt for models with modern graphics like Nvidia RTX or AMD Radeon rather than integrated graphics. If budget is a concern and you're not focused on the newest releases, a less powerful GPU might suffice.

A strong CPU is essential for gaming performance and system responsiveness. Aim for mid-to-high-end CPUs with at least 4 cores, 8 threads, and a clockspeed around 4.0GHz or higher. Ensure you have at least 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD for smooth gameplay and ample storage. Check for sufficient ports to connect peripherals and displays, including HDMI or DisplayPort outputs. Thunderbolt ports are a valuable addition for high-speed external devices.

Mini PC FAQ

Are mini PCs good for gaming?

The suitability of mini PCs for gaming depends on your expectations. They may not excel at 4K gaming, but they can handle 1080p gaming well, especially for indie games. Today's mini gaming PCs with integrated graphics can offer a satisfactory gaming experience, especially as PC gaming becomes more accessible across various hardware.

What is better: mini PC or PC?

The choice between a mini PC and a traditional PC hinges on your needs. While a full-sized PC with a high-end processor and GPU will outperform mini PCs in raw performance, factors like space and portability can make a mini PC more appealing. In smaller living spaces, the compact size of a mini PC can outweigh performance considerations, especially 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 models with desktop components are costly, while budget-friendly options often rely on integrated graphics suitable for 1080p gaming at medium-high settings. Upgradability is limited in most mini PCs, though some premium models offer more flexibility, albeit at a higher cost.