Gone are the days when a gaming PC had to be a massive tower requiring a dedicated desk. Today, the best mini PCs for gaming can be as compact as a cable box, offering incredible performance without the bulk. These tiny powerhouses bring high-end gaming to smaller spaces, making them perfect for those with limited room or a minimalist setup.

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 AppleChoosing a mini gaming PC does come with some trade-offs. Their smaller size means less room for top-tier graphics cards and CPU coolers, making high-end components like the RTX 5090 or Intel Core Ultra 9 285K rare and expensive in this form factor. Instead, you might encounter systems like the GMKTec Evo-X, which use powerful APUs to balance performance and size.

Manufacturers tackle these space limitations creatively. Asus, for example, acquired the NUC brand from Intel to produce compact desktops with mobile hardware. Meanwhile, Zotac squeezes powerful desktop components into tiny cases, though these are often pricier and less upgradeable than traditional towers.

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 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.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 PowerPROSCompact size akin to a cable boxUser-friendly for upgradesCONSMobile-class hardware may limit performanceUpon unboxing the Asus ROG NUC, its compact and lightweight design was a pleasant surprise. Despite using mobile-class hardware, it's perfect for a living room setup, blending seamlessly with other electronics. While it's ideal for a media center, the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 ensures it's also capable of handling gaming demands, particularly at 1080p. When connected to a 4K TV, some settings may need to be adjusted to maintain a smooth frame rate, but it still outperforms the PS5 in many scenarios, thanks to DLSS technology.

Although the Asus ROG NUC is an outstanding mini gaming PC, it's worth considering whether a gaming laptop might better suit your needs, given the performance limitations of its mobile hardware.

2. MinisForum Venus Series UM773

Best Budget Mini PC for Gaming

### MinisForum Venus Series UM773

14The MinisForum Venus Series UM773 offers budget-friendly gaming without compromising on performance, excelling in esports titles. 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 dedicated GPUFor those seeking a cost-effective mini PC with solid gaming capabilities, the MinisForum Venus Series UM773 is an excellent choice. It features an AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS and an integrated AMD Radeon 680M GPU that holds its own against entry-level dedicated graphics, especially in esports games. With 32GB of DDR5 RAM and a 512GB SSD, this mini PC offers good value at just $450, though storage upgrades may be necessary in the future.

3. Zotac ZBox Magnus One

Best Mini PC with Desktop Graphics

### Zotac ZBox Magnus One

12Experience desktop-level graphics with the Zotac ZBox Magnus One, powered by an RTX 3070 for smooth 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 dedicated GPUCompact despite its specsCONSAdditional RAM would enhance valueThe Zotac ZBox Magnus One houses an RTX 3070 GPU within its small frame, delivering robust 1440p gaming performance. The Intel Core i5-10400 CPU complements the GPU without causing bottlenecks, ensuring a smooth gaming experience. While 16GB of RAM might be modest, it's adequate for gaming and everyday tasks.

Though pricier, the Magnus One is a worthwhile investment for those prioritizing space without sacrificing performance, offering a sleek design and powerful specs for gaming enthusiasts.

4. Mac mini M2

Best Mini PC for Mac

### Apple Mac mini M2

8The Mac mini M2 provides impressive performance for both work and play, powered by the M2 chip with 8 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 value for moneyNotable performance boost from M1CONSLimited to two displaysWhile not traditionally considered a gaming machine, the Mac mini M2 offers strong gaming performance for a wide range of titles. The M2 chip's eight CPU cores and ten GPU cores provide a significant upgrade over the M1, making it a versatile choice for gaming and productivity. With support for up to two 4K displays at 120Hz and Thunderbolt ports for potential eGPU upgrades, it's a solid option for Mac users interested in gaming. For the best pairing, check out our guide 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 your gaming preferences and desired resolution. Due to their smaller size, mini PCs have limitations on component selection. For top-tier gaming, prioritize a strong GPU like Nvidia RTX or AMD Radeon cards over integrated graphics. If budget is a concern, consider less demanding games where integrated graphics might suffice.

A robust CPU is essential for smooth gameplay and multitasking. Look for mini PCs with CPUs featuring at least 4 cores, 8 threads, and a high clock speed of around 4.0GHz or more. Adequate RAM (at least 16GB) and storage (512GB SSD or more) are also crucial for running and storing games efficiently.

Ensure the mini PC has ample ports for 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?

Mini PCs can be excellent for gaming, especially at 1080p resolution. While they may struggle with 4K gaming, they are more than capable of running indie and less demanding games smoothly. As PC gaming evolves, even mini PCs with integrated graphics can offer a solid gaming experience.

What is better: mini PC or PC?

The choice between a mini PC and a traditional PC hinges on your needs. A full-sized PC with high-end components will outperform any mini PC in terms of raw power. However, for those with space constraints or a preference for minimalism, a mini PC's compact design can be a significant advantage, particularly when paired with lower-resolution monitors.

What are the downsides to a mini PC?

Mini PCs require compromises in price, performance, or upgradability. High-performance mini PCs with desktop components are often expensive, while budget-friendly options may rely on integrated graphics, suitable mainly for 1080p gaming. Upgradability is limited in most mini PCs, though some higher-end models offer more flexibility, albeit at a higher cost.