Top Mini Gaming PCs to Buy in 2025

The notion that a gaming PC must be a bulky tower requiring a dedicated desk is outdated. Today, the best mini PCs for gaming can be as compact as a cable box, offering impressive performance without dominating your space.

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 compact solution, they come with trade-offs. Their smaller size limits the space for high-end components like the RTX 5090 and Intel Core Ultra 9 285K, which can make them pricier for the performance they offer. Instead, mini PCs often use powerful APUs or mobile hardware, as seen with the GMKTec Evo-X. Different manufacturers tackle these space constraints uniquely. For example, Asus uses mobile hardware in their NUC designs, while Zotac fits desktop-class hardware into tiny chassis, making these systems less serviceable but highly portable.

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 stands out as one of the most compact mini gaming PCs available, equipped with a mobile-class RTX 4070 for impressive performance in a small 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 be limiting

Upon unboxing the Asus ROG NUC, its compact and lightweight design was immediately apparent. Despite using mobile-class components, it's perfect for a living room setup, blending seamlessly with other electronics. Its RTX 4070 GPU delivers solid gaming performance, particularly at 1080p. However, when connected to a 4K TV, you may need to adjust settings to maintain a smooth framerate. Despite its limitations, it outperforms the PS5 and supports DLSS for enhanced 4K gaming. The Asus ROG NUC is a top choice for mini gaming PCs, though it's worth considering if a gaming laptop might better suit your needs.

2. MinisForum Venus Series UM773

Best Budget Mini PC for Gaming

### MinisForum Venus Series UM773

14The MinisForum Venus Series UM773 offers excellent value, delivering solid performance for esports gaming on a budget. 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

The MinisForum Venus Series UM773 is an ideal choice for those seeking a budget-friendly mini PC with gaming capabilities. Its AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS and integrated AMD Radeon 680M GPU offer strong performance in esports titles, despite lacking a discrete GPU. With 32GB of DDR5 RAM and a 512GB SSD, it provides a solid foundation for gaming at a price point of just $450.

3. Zotac ZBox Magnus One

Best Mini PC with Desktop Graphics

### Zotac ZBox Magnus One

12The Zotac ZBox Magnus One delivers desktop-level graphics with its RTX 3070, perfect 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 packs a punch with its RTX 3070 GPU, offering impressive 1440p gaming performance in a compact chassis. While its CPU might be older, it complements the GPU well, ensuring a smooth gaming experience. Though the 16GB of RAM might seem modest, it's sufficient for gaming and general use. Priced on the higher end, the Magnus One is a worthwhile investment for those prioritizing a compact form factor without compromising on gaming performance.

4. Mac mini M2

Best Mini PC for Mac

### Apple Mac mini M2

8The Mac mini M2 offers robust performance for both work and gaming, thanks to its powerful 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 might not be the first choice for gamers, but it delivers solid gaming performance at a competitive price. Its M2 chip with eight CPU cores and ten GPU cores offers a noticeable boost over the M1, making it suitable for both work and play. With support for up to two 4K displays at 120Hz and Thunderbolt ports for external GPUs, it's a versatile option for Mac users looking to dabble in gaming. For more on enhancing your setup, check out our guide on the best monitors for Mac Mini.

How to Pick the Best Mini PC for Gaming

Choosing the right mini PC for gaming depends on the games you play and your desired resolution. Mini PCs face size constraints, limiting their component options. For smooth gameplay, prioritize a GPU like the Nvidia RTX series or AMD Radeon over integrated graphics. Budget gamers might opt for less powerful options.

A strong CPU is vital for gaming and system performance. Aim for a mid-to-high-end CPU with at least 4 cores, 8 threads, and a clockspeed of around 4.0GHz or higher for smooth multitasking. Ensure your mini PC has at least 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD for optimal game performance and storage. Don't forget to check for sufficient ports, including HDMI or DisplayPort outputs, and consider Thunderbolt for connecting high-speed external devices.

Mini PC FAQ

Are mini PCs good for gaming?

Mini PCs can offer a good gaming experience, especially at 1080p resolution. They excel with indie games and can handle mainstream titles with adjusted settings. With the right hardware, mini PCs can provide a solid gaming experience despite their size.

What is better: mini PC or PC?

The choice between a mini PC and a full-sized PC depends on your needs. Full-sized PCs with high-end components like a Ryzen 9 and RTX 5090 offer superior performance. However, mini PCs provide a compact solution ideal for smaller spaces, balancing performance with portability.

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 can be expensive. Budget-friendly options may rely on integrated graphics, suitable for 1080p gaming. Upgradability is limited, with only a few models offering swappable components, often at a higher cost.