If you're under the impression that gaming PCs must be oversized monoliths that dominate your desk space, think again. Today's mini gaming PCs are compact marvels that can be as small as a cable box while offering impressive performance. These pint-sized powerhouses bring gaming to life without requiring a sprawling 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 Apple
While mini gaming PCs are convenient, they come with trade-offs. Due to their compact design, they often lack space for high-end GPUs and cooling solutions. You won’t find many models with an RTX 5090 paired with an Intel Core Ultra 9 285K, at least not at a reasonable price. Instead, you’re more likely to encounter powerful APUs, like the recently announced GMKTec Evo-X. Different manufacturers tackle the space constraints differently—Asus uses mobile hardware in their ROG NUCs, while Zotac squeezes desktop-class components into tight cases. These designs are typically harder to service or upgrade, and pricier, but they deliver the ultimate in convenience with their diminutive sizes.
Additional contributions by Kegan Mooney
Asus ROG NUC – Photos
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1. Asus ROG NUC
Best Mini PC for Gaming
Our Top Pick
Asus ROG NUC
22
The Asus ROG NUC is as mini as mini gaming PCs get, yet it packs a surprising punch with a mobile-class RTX 4070.
See it at Amazon
Product Specifications
- CPU: Intel Core Ultra 7 – Intel Core Ultra 9
- GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 – Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 (Mobile)
- RAM: 16GB – 32GB DDR5
- Storage: 512GB – 1TB PCIe 4.0 M.2 SSD
- Ports: 1 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 Power
PROS:
- Compact size, similar to a cable box
- Easy to open and upgrade
CONS:
- Mobile-class hardware can be limiting
When I first opened the Asus ROG NUC, I was struck by its compactness and lightweight build. Using mobile-class hardware, it feels surprisingly light for its purpose, resembling a cable box in appearance. This makes it perfect for blending into your living room setup while still being a powerhouse for gaming.
However, the mobile-class hardware does impose some limitations. When connected to a 4K TV, the performance drops slightly, particularly in graphically intensive games like Cyberpunk 2077 or Black Myth: Wukong. At 1080p, it handles most games smoothly, but at 4K, you’ll need to adjust settings to maintain a solid frame rate.
Despite these limitations, the ROG NUC remains more powerful than the PS5 in many areas, and its Nvidia RTX 4070 supports DLSS technology to help bridge the gap at higher resolutions.
MinisForum Venus Series UM773
Best Budget Mini PC for Gaming
MinisForum Venus Series UM773
14
A wallet-friendly mini PC with strong GPU performance for esports games.
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Product Specifications
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS
- GPU: AMD Radeon 680M
- RAM: 32GB DDR5
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Ports: 2 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 Jack
PROS:
- Affordable price
- Good GPU performance
CONS:
- No discrete GPU
For gamers on a budget, the MinisForum Venus Series UM773 offers excellent value. Though it lacks a discrete GPU, the integrated AMD Radeon 680M performs well in esports titles. With 32GB of DDR5 RAM and 512GB of SSD storage, it’s a solid choice for around $450.
Zotac ZBox Magnus One
Best Mini PC with Desktop Graphics
Zotac ZBox Magnus One
12
Enjoy desktop-level graphics in a compact form factor with this RTX 3070-powered mini PC.
See it at Amazon
Product Specifications
- CPU: Intel Core i5-10400G
- GPU: GeForce RTX 3060
- RAM: 16GB DDR4
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Ports: 1 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)
PROS:
- Dedicated and powerful GPU
- Sleek design
CONS:
- More RAM for the price would be ideal
The Zotac ZBox Magnus One hides a beefy RTX 3060 GPU within its small chassis, making it an excellent choice for 1440p gaming. Despite an older CPU, it ensures the GPU runs efficiently without bottlenecks. While 16GB of RAM may feel modest, it’s sufficient for gaming and general use.
Priced higher than some alternatives, the Magnus One offers a balance between compactness and performance, making it ideal for those who prioritize aesthetics and functionality.
Mac mini M2
Best Mini PC for Mac
Apple Mac mini M2
8
The Mac mini M2 delivers strong performance for both work and play with its 8-core CPU and 10-core GPU.
See it at AmazonSee it at Apple
Product Specifications
- CPU: Apple M2 chip (8-core)
- GPU: 10-core GPU
- RAM: Up to 24GB unified memory
- Storage: Up to 2TB
- Ports: 2 x Thunderbolt 4 with support for DisplayPort, 1 x Thunderbolt 4, 1 x USB 4, 1 x USB 3.1 Gen 2, 1 x Thunderbolt 2, 1 x HDMI, 1 x DVI, 2 x USB-A, Gigabit Ethernet, 3.5 mm headphone jack
PROS:
- Very capable for the price
- Performance increase over the M1
CONS:
- Limited to two displays
Though not traditionally associated with gaming, the Mac mini M2 surprises with its solid performance. With eight CPU cores and 10 GPU cores, it handles games at decent framerates. For its price
