Top Mini Gaming PCs to Buy in 2025

Gone are the days when gaming PCs were synonymous with massive, space-consuming towers. Modern technology has revolutionized compact gaming with mini PCs that can fit into spaces no larger than a cable box, delivering impressive performance without the bulk.

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 space-saving advantages, their smaller form factor poses challenges. Limited space means you're less likely to find high-end components like an RTX 5090 or an Intel Core Ultra 9 285K inside these compact machines. Instead, you'll encounter innovative solutions like the GMKTec Evo-X, which utilizes a powerful APU to deliver solid gaming performance.

Manufacturers like Asus have creatively addressed these constraints by acquiring Intel's NUC brand to produce mini PCs that leverage mobile hardware for compactness. Meanwhile, companies such as Zotac manage to squeeze powerful desktop hardware into tiny chassis, resulting in devices that are harder to upgrade and more expensive but incredibly space-efficient.

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 epitomizes the mini gaming PC, impressively equipped with a mobile-class RTX 4070 in an incredibly compact package. 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, its lightweight and compact design immediately stood out. Despite utilizing mobile-class hardware, it's perfect for integrating into your living room setup, mimicking the look of a cable box. It's well-suited for a media center PC and boasts robust gaming capabilities, driven by the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070. However, when connected to a 4K TV, you'll need to adjust settings to maintain a smooth frame rate in demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Black Myth: Wukong.

Despite its limitations, the Asus ROG NUC outperforms the PS5 and benefits from DLSS technology to enhance 4K gaming. Just remember, you won't be able to run games at maximum settings with full ray tracing due to its compact size, which precludes fitting a full desktop-class graphics card. It's an excellent mini gaming PC, but consider whether a gaming laptop might better suit your needs.

2. MinisForum Venus Series UM773

Best Budget Mini PC for Gaming

### MinisForum Venus Series UM773

14A budget-friendly mini PC that excels in esports gaming thanks to its performance. 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

If you're seeking a cost-effective mini PC without sacrificing performance, the MinisForum Venus Series UM773 is a compelling choice. Powered by an AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS and AMD Radeon 680M graphics, it's well-suited for esports gaming. While it lacks a discrete GPU, its integrated graphics hold their own against entry-level dedicated cards. With 32GB of DDR5 RAM and a 512GB SSD, it's a robust performer at a budget-friendly price of $450.

3. Zotac ZBox Magnus One

Best Mini PC with Desktop Graphics

### Zotac ZBox Magnus One

12Experience desktop-level graphics with the Zotac ZBox Magnus One, equipped with a powerful RTX 3070 GPU for 1440p gaming. 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

The Zotac ZBox Magnus One may not look imposing, but it houses a formidable RTX 3070 GPU, delivering exceptional 1440p gaming performance. The Intel Core i5-10400 CPU complements the GPU without causing bottlenecks, and 16GB of RAM is sufficient for gaming and everyday tasks. Although pricier, the Zotac Magnus One offers a compact, high-performance solution for gaming enthusiasts who prioritize space and functionality.

4. Mac mini M2

Best Mini PC for Mac

### Apple Mac mini M2

8The Mac mini M2 offers strong performance for both work and gaming, powered by the M2 chip. 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 (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

The Mac mini M2 may not be the first device you associate with gaming, but it surprises with its capability to handle a variety of games at respectable frame rates. With the M2 chip boasting eight CPU cores and ten GPU cores, it's a significant upgrade from the M1, making it a versatile choice for both work and play. It supports up to two 4K displays at 120Hz and includes Thunderbolt ports for potential external GPU expansion. While a Windows PC might offer better gaming performance, the Mac mini M2 is a solid choice for casual gaming on a Mac.

How to Pick the Best Mini PC for Gaming

Selecting the ideal mini PC for gaming hinges on your gaming preferences and desired resolution. Mini PCs, while smaller than traditional desktops and some laptops, face component limitations due to their size. For seamless gameplay of the latest titles, prioritize a mini PC with a robust GPU, such as Nvidia RTX or AMD Radeon cards, over integrated graphics. Budget-conscious gamers might find less powerful options sufficient for older or less demanding games.

A strong CPU is essential for gaming and system responsiveness. Opt for mini PCs with mid-to-high-end CPUs featuring at least 4 cores, 8 threads, and a clockspeed of around 4.0GHz or higher to ensure smooth multitasking. Adequate RAM (at least 16GB) and storage (at least 512GB SSD) are crucial for running and storing games efficiently. Ensure the mini PC has ample ports for peripherals and HDMI or DisplayPort outputs for external displays, with Thunderbolt ports being a valuable addition for high-speed connections.

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 deliver a solid experience at 1080p, especially for indie games. With the evolution of PC gaming, even mini PCs with integrated graphics can provide enjoyable gameplay.

What is better: mini PC or PC?

The choice between a mini PC and a traditional PC depends on your needs. A full-sized gaming PC with top-tier components will outperform mini PCs in raw performance. However, in smaller living spaces, the compactness of a mini PC can be a significant advantage, particularly when paired with a lower-resolution monitor.

What are the downsides to a mini PC?

Mini PCs require compromises in price, performance, or upgradability. High-end desktop components in a mini PC come at a premium, while budget-friendly options often rely on integrated graphics suitable for 1080p gaming. Upgradability is limited in mini PCs, with only a few models offering swappable components, which tend to be more powerful and expensive.