Gone are the days when a gaming PC had to be a massive tower that dominated your desk space. Today, the best mini PCs offer incredible gaming performance in a package as small as a cable box, revolutionizing the way we think about gaming setups.
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 inevitably some trade-offs when choosing a mini gaming PC over a traditional full tower. The compact form factor limits the space available for high-end graphics cards and CPU coolers. As a result, you're unlikely to find mini PCs equipped with top-tier components like an RTX 5090 or an Intel Core Ultra 9 285K without breaking the bank. Instead, you'll encounter innovative solutions like the GMKTec Evo-X, which utilizes a powerful APU rather than discrete graphics.
Different PC manufacturers address these space constraints in unique ways. For instance, Asus acquired the NUC (next unit of computing) brand from Intel to create desktop PCs that utilize mobile hardware, fitting into remarkably small cases. Meanwhile, companies like Zotac manage to pack powerful desktop-class hardware into tiny chassis. These mini PCs are often more challenging to service or upgrade and come with a higher price tag, but they offer the benefit of minimal space usage.
Additional contributions by Kegan Mooney
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1. Asus ROG NUCOur Top Pick### Asus ROG NUC
22The Asus ROG NUC epitomizes the potential of mini gaming PCs, being as compact as possible while sporting a mobile-class RTX 4070. Its sleek design is perfect for blending into a living room setup, resembling a cable box in both size and appearance. Despite using mobile hardware, it delivers impressive gaming performance, especially at 1080p. However, when connected to a 4K TV, some settings may need to be adjusted to maintain a smooth frame rate. While it can't match the raw power of a full desktop-class graphics card, the Nvidia RTX 4070 and DLSS technology help bridge the gap at 4K resolution. For gamers looking for a balance between size and performance, the Asus ROG NUC is a top choice, though it's worth considering a gaming laptop as an alternative.
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 backWhen I first opened up the Asus ROG NUC, I was surprised by its lightweight and compact nature. Despite utilizing mobile-class hardware, it's ideal for TV setups, offering robust gaming capabilities with its Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070. Its cable box-like appearance makes it perfect for a media center in the living room. However, the mobile hardware does limit its performance, particularly at 4K resolution, where settings may need to be adjusted for optimal gameplay. It still outperforms a PS5 in many scenarios, thanks to the power of DLSS. Remember, though, it won't handle maxed-out settings in games like Black Myth: Wukong with full ray tracing. Given its size, fitting a full desktop-class graphics card is simply not feasible.
The Asus ROG NUC stands out as one of the best mini gaming PCs available, but like all mini PCs, you'll need to weigh whether a gaming laptop might be a better fit for your needs.
### MinisForum Venus Series UM773
14The MinisForum Venus Series UM773 offers an affordable yet powerful option for gamers, particularly those focused on esports. While it lacks a discrete GPU, its integrated AMD Radeon 680M provides performance comparable to some entry-level dedicated graphics cards. Coupled with an AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS and 32GB of DDR5 RAM, this mini PC delivers solid gaming experiences at a budget-friendly price.
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 GPUFor those seeking a cost-effective gaming solution, the MinisForum Venus Series UM773 is a compelling choice. It combines an AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS with integrated AMD graphics to offer robust performance, especially in esports titles. With 32GB of DDR5 RAM and a 512GB SSD, it's well-equipped for gaming at a modest price point, though you might consider upgrading storage later.
### Zotac ZBox Magnus One
12The Zotac ZBox Magnus One stands out with its compact design and a powerful RTX 3070 GPU, making it ideal for 1440p gaming. Despite its older Intel Core i5-10400 CPU, 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.
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 niceThe Zotac ZBox Magnus One is a powerhouse in a tiny package, featuring an RTX 3070 GPU that delivers excellent 1440p gaming performance. Its older CPU still performs well, ensuring no bottlenecks with the GPU. While the 16GB of RAM may seem limited, it's adequate for gaming. Although pricier, the Magnus One is a worthy investment for those prioritizing a compact form factor without sacrificing gaming performance.
### Apple Mac mini M2
8The Mac mini M2 offers a surprising gaming capability thanks to its Apple M2 chip with eight CPU cores and 10 GPU cores. It's an excellent choice for those within the Apple ecosystem looking to dabble in gaming without breaking the bank.
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 displaysWhile not traditionally considered a gaming machine, the Mac mini M2 delivers solid performance for a variety of games. Its M2 chip provides a significant boost over the M1, making it a viable option for casual gamers within the Apple ecosystem. With support for up to two 4K displays at 120Hz and Thunderbolt connectivity, it's versatile enough to handle external GPU upgrades. For dedicated gaming, a Windows PC might be better, but for Mac users interested in occasional gaming, the Mac mini M2 is a solid choice.
Choosing the best mini PC for gaming involves considering the types of games you want to play and the resolution you aim to achieve. Mini PCs have size constraints that limit the components they can house, so focus on key specs like the GPU, CPU, RAM, and storage.
A strong GPU is essential for smooth gaming. Opt for models with modern graphics like Nvidia RTX or AMD Radeon cards for the best performance. Budget gamers might find integrated graphics sufficient for less demanding titles.
The CPU is vital for gaming performance and system responsiveness. Aim for mini PCs with mid-to-high-end CPUs, ideally with at least 4 cores, 8 threads, and a high clock speed around 4.0GHz. Ensure the PC has at least 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD for seamless game operation and storage.
Check the availability of ports for peripherals, including HDMI or DisplayPort outputs for connecting to external monitors or TVs. Thunderbolt ports are a bonus for high-speed external storage or devices.
Mini PCs can be excellent for gaming, especially if you're playing at 1080p or focusing on indie games. While they may not excel at 4K gaming, they offer a solid experience for many modern titles and are increasingly capable thanks to advancements in technology.
The choice between a mini PC and a traditional PC depends on your needs. While a full-sized PC with top-tier components will always outperform a mini PC, the latter's small size is a significant advantage in space-constrained environments. Performance isn't everything; the right choice depends on your priorities.
Mini PCs require compromises in price, performance, or upgradability. High-end desktop components in a mini PC can be costly, while budget options often rely on integrated graphics, suitable mainly for 1080p gaming. Upgradability is limited, though some models offer more flexibility at a higher price point.
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