Top Mini Gaming PCs to Buy in 2025

The notion that a gaming PC must be a colossal tower is outdated. Today, the best mini PCs offer exceptional gaming performance in a compact form, rivaling the size of a cable box, making them perfect for those with limited space or a desire for a sleek 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 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 graphics cards and CPU coolers, meaning you won't often find mini PCs with top-tier components like an RTX 5090 or Intel Core Ultra 9 285K without a hefty price tag. Instead, models like the GMKTec Evo-X utilize powerful APUs to deliver impressive performance within a compact chassis.

Manufacturers address these space limitations differently. Asus, for instance, acquired the NUC (next unit of computing) brand from Intel to create desktop PCs that leverage mobile hardware for an ultra-compact design. Meanwhile, companies like Zotac manage to fit powerful desktop-class hardware into tiny cases, although these can be more challenging to service or upgrade and typically come at a higher cost.

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 get, yet it's equipped with a mobile-class RTX 4070 for surprisingly robust performance. Its design is reminiscent of a cable box, making it an ideal fit for a living room setup. It's perfect for a media center PC and handles gaming well, 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 a PS5 in many aspects, thanks to Nvidia's DLSS technology. Despite its limitations, the Asus ROG NUC is a top choice for those 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 3.5mm 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 is an affordable option that doesn't compromise on performance, particularly in esports games. It's powered by an AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS and comes with integrated AMD Radeon 680M graphics, which can compete with some entry-level dedicated graphics cards. With 32GB of DDR5 RAM and a 512GB SSD, it offers a solid foundation for gaming 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 GPU3. Zotac ZBox Magnus One

Best Mini PC with Desktop Graphics

### Zotac ZBox Magnus One

12The Zotac ZBox Magnus One packs a powerful RTX 3070 GPU into a small chassis, delivering excellent 1440p gaming performance. While the Intel Core i5-10400 CPU is older, it's still robust enough to complement the GPU without causing bottlenecks. Though 16GB of RAM may seem modest, it's sufficient for gaming and everyday tasks. Despite its higher price, the Magnus One is a premium choice for those who prioritize both compactness and 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 nice4. Mac mini M2

Best Mini PC for Mac

### Apple Mac mini M2

8The Mac mini M2 is a versatile mini PC that performs well for both work and play. With the Apple M2 chip featuring eight CPU cores and ten GPU cores, it offers a significant performance boost over its predecessor. It's capable of running a variety of games at decent frame rates, making it an attractive option for Mac users interested in gaming. The Mac mini M2 supports up to two 4K displays at 120Hz and includes Thunderbolt ports for potential future upgrades like external GPUs.

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

Choosing the best mini PC for gaming hinges on your gaming preferences and resolution goals. Mini PCs, while smaller, have inherent limitations on component size. For smooth gameplay, prioritize a robust GPU, such as Nvidia RTX or AMD Radeon series, over integrated graphics if you're aiming for the latest games. For budget-conscious gamers, less powerful options may suffice for older or less demanding titles.

A strong CPU is essential for gaming and multitasking. Aim for at least a mid-to-high-end CPU with around 4 cores, 8 threads, and a clockspeed of 4.0GHz or higher. Ensure your mini PC has at least 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD for optimal performance. Also, consider the availability of ports, including HDMI or DisplayPort for monitor connectivity, and Thunderbolt for high-speed external devices.

Mini PC FAQ

Are mini PCs good for gaming?

The answer varies based on your gaming expectations. Mini PCs may struggle with 4K gaming, but they can excel at 1080p, particularly for indie games. With advancements in technology, even integrated graphics in mini PCs can provide a satisfactory gaming experience for many titles.

What is better: mini PC or PC?

It depends on your needs. While a full-sized PC with top-tier components will outperform any mini PC, factors like space and portability can make mini PCs more appealing. In smaller living spaces, the compactness of a mini PC can outweigh the performance benefits of a larger tower.

What are the downsides to a mini PC?

Mini PCs often require compromises in price, performance, or upgradability. High-end desktop components in a mini PC can be extremely costly, while budget-friendly options may rely on integrated graphics suitable only for 1080p gaming. Upgradability is limited in mini PCs, though some higher-end models offer more flexibility at a premium price.