Top Mini Gaming PCs to Buy in 2025

The notion that a gaming PC must be a hulking tower of metal and plastic that dominates your desk is outdated. Today, the best mini PCs can offer incredible gaming performance while taking up as little space as a cable box, revolutionizing the way we think about gaming setups.

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 AppleWhile mini gaming PCs offer a compact and stylish alternative, they come with some trade-offs. Their smaller size limits the space available for high-end components like graphics cards and CPU coolers. As a result, you're unlikely to find mini PCs equipped with top-tier hardware like an RTX 5090 or Intel Core Ultra 9 285K at a reasonable price. Instead, you'll encounter options like the GMKTec Evo-X, which utilizes a powerful APU to deliver impressive performance within a tiny footprint.

Different manufacturers approach these space constraints uniquely. For example, Asus has acquired the NUC (next unit of computing) brand from Intel to create desktop PCs that leverage mobile hardware, fitting into remarkably small cases. Conversely, companies like Zotac manage to pack powerful desktop-class hardware into a compact chassis. These mini PCs can be more challenging to service or upgrade and are often pricier, but 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 an exceptionally compact mini gaming PC, equipped with a mobile-class RTX 4070 that delivers surprising 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 3.5mm 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 PowerPROSCompact size resembling a cable boxEase of opening and upgradingCONSLimited by mobile-class hardwareUpon unboxing the Asus ROG NUC, its compact and lightweight design immediately stands out. Although it utilizes mobile-class components, it's perfect for integration into a living room setup, resembling a cable box. This mini PC excels as a media center and handles gaming well, especially at 1080p. However, when connected to a 4K TV, you might need to adjust settings to maintain a solid frame rate in demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Black Myth: Wukong. Despite these limitations, it outperforms the PS5 in many aspects, and with Nvidia's DLSS technology, it narrows the performance gap at 4K. Remember, though, that you won't be able to max out settings with full ray tracing on high-end games due to its compact size.

The Asus ROG NUC stands as one of the best mini gaming PCs available, though it's worth considering whether a gaming laptop might be a better fit depending on your needs.

2. MinisForum Venus Series UM773

Best Budget Mini PC for Gaming

### MinisForum Venus Series UM773

14The MinisForum Venus Series UM773 offers budget-friendly pricing with performance suitable for esports gaming. 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 its categoryCONSLacks a discrete GPUThe MinisForum Venus Series UM773 is an excellent choice for those seeking a cost-effective mini PC with robust performance. Powered by an AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS and integrated AMD Radeon 680M GPU, it delivers impressive performance in esports titles despite not having a discrete GPU. With 32GB of DDR5 RAM and a 512GB SSD, it's well-equipped for its price point of $450, offering a solid foundation for gaming and multitasking.

3. 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, perfect for 1440p gaming in a compact form. 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 design despite high-end specsCONSAdditional RAM could enhance valueThe Zotac ZBox Magnus One houses a formidable RTX 3070 GPU within its small chassis, delivering excellent 1440p gaming performance. While the Intel Core i5-10400 CPU might be older, it complements the GPU well, preventing any bottlenecks. Although 16GB of RAM might seem modest, it's sufficient for gaming and general use. Priced on the higher end, the Magnus One justifies its cost with its compact design and impressive performance, making it ideal for gaming enthusiasts who prioritize space efficiency.

4. Mac mini M2

Best Mini PC for Mac

### Apple Mac mini M2

8The Mac mini M2 offers strong performance for both work and play, thanks to its powerful M2 chip. 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 jackPROSCompetitive pricingNoticeable performance boost over M1CONSLimited to two displaysWhile not typically considered a gaming powerhouse, the Mac mini M2 surprises with its capability to run a variety of games at decent frame rates. Its M2 chip, with eight CPU cores and 10 GPU cores, provides a significant performance upgrade over the M1, making it a versatile choice for both gaming and professional tasks. 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 casual gaming. For dedicated gaming, a Windows PC might be preferable, but the Mac mini M2 offers a compelling balance of performance and cost.

How to Pick the Best Mini PC for Gaming

Choosing the best mini PC for gaming involves considering the types of games you want to play and the desired resolution. Due to their smaller size, mini PCs have inherent limitations on component capacity. For seamless gaming, prioritize a mini PC with a strong GPU, ideally from the Nvidia RTX series or AMD Radeon line, rather than integrated graphics. If budget is a concern and you're not focused on the latest releases, a less powerful GPU might suffice.

A robust CPU is essential for gaming and system responsiveness. Aim for mid-to-high-end CPUs with at least 4 cores, 8 threads, and a clockspeed around 4.0GHz or higher to handle multitasking. Additionally, ensure the mini PC has sufficient RAM (at least 16GB) and storage (at least 512GB SSD) for smooth gameplay and ample game storage.

Don't forget to check for sufficient ports for peripherals, as well as HDMI or DisplayPort outputs for connecting to external displays. 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, depending on your expectations. While they may not excel at 4K gaming, they perform well at 1080p, especially for indie games. Modern mini PCs with integrated graphics can provide a solid gaming experience, proving that any PC can now handle gaming to some degree.

What is better: mini PC or PC?

The choice between a mini PC and a traditional PC depends on your priorities. While a full-sized gaming PC with high-end components will offer superior performance, mini PCs provide a compact solution that's invaluable in space-constrained environments. They may not match the raw power of larger PCs, but they offer a compelling trade-off in terms of size and convenience.

What are the downsides to a mini PC?

Mini PCs require compromises in at least one of three areas: price, performance, or upgradability. High-end desktop components in a mini PC will be expensive, while budget-friendly options often rely on integrated graphics suitable only for 1080p gaming. Upgradability is limited in small form factors, though some more powerful and pricier models offer more flexibility.