The notion that a gaming PC must be a massive, space-consuming tower is outdated. Today's best mini PCs can deliver impressive gaming performance in a footprint as small as a cable box, making them ideal for those looking to save space without sacrificing gaming quality.

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. Due to their smaller size, these systems often can't accommodate the highest-end graphics cards and CPU coolers. You won't typically find mini PCs with an RTX 5090 and an Intel Core Ultra 9 285K without spending a fortune. Instead, you might come across models like the recently announced GMKTec Evo-X, which use powerful APUs rather than discrete graphics.

Manufacturers tackle these space constraints creatively. Asus, for example, acquired the NUC (next unit of computing) brand from Intel to produce desktop PCs that leverage mobile hardware to fit into compact cases. Meanwhile, companies like Zotac manage to pack powerful desktop-class hardware into tiny chassis. While these mini PCs can be pricier and harder to upgrade, their small 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 remarkably compact, yet it's powered by a mobile-class RTX 4070, making it a formidable choice for gaming. Its design is reminiscent of a cable box, perfect for blending into a living room setup. While it excels at 1080p gaming, the mobile-class hardware can be a bottleneck when connected to a 4K TV, requiring some settings adjustments for demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Black Myth: Wukong. Despite this, it outperforms the PS5 in many scenarios, thanks to Nvidia's DLSS technology, which helps close the performance gap at 4K. The Asus ROG NUC stands out as one of the best mini gaming PCs available, though it's worth considering whether a gaming laptop might be a better fit for your needs.

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 PowerPROSThe size of a cable boxEasy to open and upgradeCONSMobile-class hardware can hold it back2. MinisForum Venus Series UM773

Best Budget Mini PC for Gaming

### MinisForum Venus Series UM773

14The MinisForum Venus Series UM773 offers a cost-effective solution without compromising on performance, particularly in esports games. It features an AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS and integrated AMD Radeon 680M GPU, which performs well for its class. With 32GB of DDR5 RAM and a 512GB SSD, it's a solid choice for those looking to save money without sacrificing too much performance.

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 GPU3. 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 strong performer. While 16GB of RAM might seem modest, it's sufficient for gaming and everyday use. Although pricier, it's an ideal choice for those prioritizing both performance and a compact form factor.

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 nice4. Mac mini M2

Best Mini PC for Mac

### Apple Mac mini M2

8The Mac mini M2 is a versatile choice, offering robust performance for both work and play. With its M2 chip featuring eight CPU cores and 10 GPU cores, it handles a variety of games well, especially considering its price. It supports up to two 4K displays at 120Hz and comes equipped with Thunderbolt ports for future upgrades like an external GPU. While not ideal for hardcore gaming, it's a solid option for casual gamers who prefer the Mac ecosystem.

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 displaysHow to Pick the Best Mini PC for Gaming

Selecting the ideal mini PC for gaming hinges on your gaming preferences and desired resolution. Mini PCs, smaller than traditional desktops and some laptops, have inherent component limitations. For the latest games, prioritize a robust GPU, ideally from the Nvidia RTX or AMD Radeon series. Budget gamers might opt for less powerful options suitable for older or less demanding titles.

A capable CPU is vital for gaming and system efficiency. Look for models with at least 4 cores, 8 threads, and a clockspeed around 4.0GHz or higher to ensure smooth multitasking. Adequate RAM (at least 16GB) and storage (512GB SSD minimum) are essential for running and storing games efficiently. Ensure the mini PC has ample ports for peripherals and supports HDMI or DisplayPort for monitor or TV connections. Thunderbolt ports are a plus for connecting high-speed external devices.

Mini PC FAQ

Are mini PCs good for gaming?

The answer varies based on your gaming expectations. Mini PCs are less suited for 4K gaming but can handle 1080p and indie games effectively. Today's mini gaming PCs with integrated graphics can offer a satisfying gaming experience, especially for casual gamers.

What is better: mini PC or PC?

It depends on your priorities. A full-sized PC with top-tier components will outperform mini PCs in raw performance. However, for those with limited space or who prefer a smaller footprint, mini PCs offer a compelling alternative, particularly when paired with a suitable gaming 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, while budget-friendly options often use integrated graphics, suitable mainly for 1080p gaming. Upgradability is limited in mini PCs, though more powerful options exist, they tend to be pricier.