Top Mini Gaming PCs to Buy in 2025

Gone are the days when a gaming PC was synonymous with a massive, space-consuming tower. Nowadays, you can achieve top-notch gaming performance with mini PCs that are as compact as a cable box, making them ideal for any setup, no matter the size.

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 offer a sleek, space-saving solution, they come with some trade-offs. The smaller size limits the capacity for high-end graphics cards and CPU coolers, meaning you won't typically find models equipped with the likes of an RTX 5090 or an Intel Core Ultra 9 285K without breaking the bank. Instead, you might come across devices like the GMKTec Evo-X, which utilizes a powerful APU rather than discrete graphics.

Manufacturers tackle these space constraints uniquely. For instance, Asus has acquired the NUC (Next Unit of Computing) brand from Intel to produce compact desktops that use mobile hardware. Meanwhile, companies like Zotac manage to fit powerful desktop-class components into tiny cases, though these are often pricier and less upgradable than traditional towers.

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 redefines what it means to be a mini gaming PC, offering a compact solution that's packed with a mobile-class RTX 4070 for impressive gaming performance. Its design is as small as a cable box, making it perfect for integrating into any living space.
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
- The size of a cable box
- Easy to open and upgrade
CONS
- Mobile-class hardware can hold it back

Upon unboxing the Asus ROG NUC, I was struck by its diminutive size and lightweight design. Despite using mobile-class hardware, it's remarkably efficient, especially when connected to a TV. Its resemblance to a cable box makes it an excellent choice for a living room setup. It's not just a media center PC; the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 ensures robust gaming performance at 1080p. However, when connected to a 4K TV, some adjustments in game settings may be necessary to maintain smooth gameplay.

Even with its limitations, the Asus ROG NUC outperforms the PS5 in many scenarios, thanks to features like DLSS, which help bridge the gap at higher resolutions. It's important to manage expectations; while you won't be maxing out demanding games like Black Myth: Wukong with full ray tracing, the Asus ROG NUC still offers a compelling gaming experience for its size. Considering its compactness, fitting a full desktop-class graphics card is simply not feasible.

Overall, the Asus ROG NUC stands out as one of the premier mini gaming PCs available. However, potential buyers should weigh the benefits against the option of a gaming laptop, depending on their specific needs.

2. MinisForum Venus Series UM773

Best Budget Mini PC for Gaming

### MinisForum Venus Series UM773

14The MinisForum Venus Series UM773 offers an affordable entry into mini PC gaming without compromising on performance, especially in esports titles.
See it at Amazon
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
- Good GPU performance
CONS
- No discrete GPU

For those seeking a cost-effective mini PC that doesn't skimp on gaming capabilities, the MinisForum Venus Series UM773 is an excellent choice. It boasts an AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS paired with integrated AMD Radeon 680M graphics, which can handle esports games admirably. Although it lacks a discrete GPU, the integrated graphics perform well enough for its price point of $450.

Equipped with 16GB of DDR5 RAM and a 512GB SSD, the UM773 is ready to serve as a reliable gaming machine right out of the box. While future storage upgrades might be necessary, it offers a solid foundation for gamers on a budget.

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 into a tiny chassis, delivering exceptional 1440p gaming performance.
See it at Amazon
Product Specifications
CPU: Intel Core i5-10400
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
- Small despite the specs
CONS
- More RAM for the price would be nice

Despite its unassuming appearance, the Zotac Magnus One houses a formidable RTX 3070 GPU, making it a powerhouse for 1440p gaming. While the CPU might be older, it complements the GPU well, ensuring smooth gameplay without bottlenecks. Although the 16GB of RAM may seem modest, it's sufficient for gaming and everyday tasks.

Priced on the higher end, the Zotac Magnus One might not be the cheapest option, but its compact design and impressive specs justify the cost for those prioritizing both performance and space efficiency. It's an ideal choice for gaming enthusiasts who value a sleek form factor without sacrificing performance.

4. Mac mini M2

Best Mini PC for Mac

### Apple Mac mini M2

8The Mac mini M2 provides robust performance for both work and play, thanks to its M2 chip with eight CPU cores and 10 GPU cores.
See it at Amazon
See 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 (up to 10Gb/s), 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 considered a gaming machine, the Mac mini M2 surprises with its gaming capabilities, delivering solid performance across various titles. Its M2 chip offers a significant boost over the M1, with eight CPU cores and 10 GPU cores, making it a versatile choice for both productivity and gaming.

With multiple ports supporting up to two 4K displays at 120Hz, and Thunderbolt compatibility for potential eGPU upgrades, the Mac mini M2 is well-equipped for future expansions. While it may not match Windows PCs in pure gaming performance, it's an excellent option for Mac users interested in occasional gaming. For the best setup, consider pairing it with one of the best monitors for Mac Mini.

How to Pick the Best Mini PC for Gaming

Choosing the ideal mini PC for gaming involves considering your gaming preferences and desired resolution. Mini PCs, while smaller than traditional desktops and some laptops, have inherent limitations due to their size.

For seamless gameplay with the latest titles, focus on a mini PC with a robust **GPU**. Opt for models featuring modern graphics like Nvidia RTX or AMD Radeon cards, rather than integrated graphics. If budget is a concern and you're not after the newest releases, a less powerful GPU might suffice.

A solid **CPU** is essential for gaming performance and system responsiveness. Target mini PCs with mid-to-high-end CPUs, ideally with around 4 cores, 8 threads, and a high clockspeed of approximately 4.0GHz or more to ensure smooth multitasking. Additionally, ensure you have at least 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD for smooth game operation and storage.

Ensure the mini PC has sufficient ports for your peripherals, as well as HDMI or DisplayPort outputs for external monitors or TVs. Thunderbolt ports are a valuable addition for connecting high-speed external devices.

Mini PC FAQ

Are mini PCs good for gaming?

The suitability of mini PCs for gaming depends on your expectations. While they may not excel at 4K gaming, they can offer a solid gaming experience at 1080p, particularly with indie games. Today's mini gaming PCs, even those with integrated graphics, can handle a variety of games, making them a viable option for gamers with moderate expectations.

What is better: mini PC or PC?

The choice between a mini PC and a traditional PC depends on your specific needs. While a full-sized gaming PC with high-end components will outperform any mini PC in raw performance, factors like space and portability can make a mini PC a more practical choice. In smaller living spaces, the compactness of a mini PC can outweigh the performance benefits of a larger PC, especially when paired with a lower-resolution monitor.

What are the downsides to a mini PC?

When opting for a mini gaming PC, you'll need to compromise in at least one of three areas: price, performance, or upgradability. High-end mini PCs with desktop components are often expensive. Budget-friendly options typically use integrated graphics and are best suited for 1080p gaming at medium to high settings. For upgradability, only a few mini PCs offer swappable components, and these tend to be more powerful and costly than others in the category.