Top Mini Gaming PCs to Buy in 2025

Gone are the days when a gaming PC was synonymous with a large, space-consuming tower requiring a dedicated desk. Today, the best mini PCs for gaming can be as compact as a cable box, offering impressive performance without taking up much room.

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 trade-offs with mini gaming PCs compared to traditional towers. Their smaller size limits the space for high-end graphics cards and CPU coolers. You won't typically find mini PCs equipped with the latest high-performance components like an RTX 5090 or Intel Core Ultra 9 285K at a reasonable price. Instead, you might come across models like the GMKTec Evo-X, which uses a powerful APU rather than discrete graphics.

Manufacturers tackle these space constraints differently. Asus, for example, acquired the NUC (next unit of computing) brand from Intel to create compact desktops using mobile hardware. Meanwhile, companies like Zotac manage to fit robust desktop-class components into tiny cases. These mini PCs are more challenging to service or upgrade and often come with a higher price tag, but their compact 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 one of the smallest mini gaming PCs available, yet it's equipped with a mobile-class RTX 4070, making it a powerhouse in a compact package. 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, similar to a cable boxEasy to open and upgradeCONSMobile-class hardware can limit performanceWhen I first opened the Asus ROG NUC, I was amazed at its small and lightweight design. Despite using mobile-class hardware, it's perfect for connecting to a TV, resembling a cable box and seamlessly blending into a living room setup. The Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 delivers strong gaming performance, especially at 1080p. However, when connected to a 4K TV, some settings may need to be adjusted to maintain a solid frame rate. The ROG NUC outperforms the PS5 in many aspects, and with DLSS, it narrows the performance gap at 4K. Keep in mind, though, that it's not designed for maxing out demanding games with full ray tracing. Given its tiny form factor, fitting a full desktop-class graphics card would be impossible.

The Asus ROG NUC is one of the best mini gaming PCs available, but you'll need to consider whether it's worth opting for a gaming laptop instead, depending on your needs.

2. MinisForum Venus Series UM773

Best Budget Mini PC for Gaming

### MinisForum Venus Series UM773

14This budget-friendly mini PC offers impressive performance, especially 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 JackPROSAffordableGood GPU performanceCONSNo discrete GPUIf you're looking for a cost-effective mini PC with solid performance, the MinisForum Venus Series UM773 is an excellent choice. Despite its affordable price, it's powered by an AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS and integrated AMD Radeon 680M graphics, which can compete with some entry-level dedicated graphics cards, particularly in esports titles.

The UM773 comes with 32GB of fast DDR5 RAM and a 512GB SSD, ensuring smooth gameplay at a budget-friendly price of around $450. While you might consider upgrading storage in the future, this mini PC offers great value for money.

3. Zotac ZBox Magnus One

Best Mini PC with Desktop Graphics

### Zotac ZBox Magnus One

12This compact PC boasts a powerful RTX 3070 GPU, ideal for 1440p gaming. 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 specsCONSMore RAM for the price would be beneficialThe Zotac ZBox Magnus One packs a punch with its RTX 3070 GPU, offering excellent 1440p gaming performance. While the CPU is older, it's still robust enough not to bottleneck the GPU, ensuring a smooth gaming experience. The 16GB of RAM is sufficient for gaming and everyday tasks.

Although pricier, the Zotac Magnus One is a worthwhile investment for those prioritizing a compact form factor without compromising on gaming performance. Its sleek design and powerful specs make it an ideal choice for gaming enthusiasts.

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 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 jackPROSExcellent performance for the priceSignificant improvement over the M1CONSLimited to two displaysWhile not typically associated with gaming, the Mac mini M2 delivers solid performance, capable of running a variety of games at decent frame rates. With the M2 chip's eight CPU cores and 10 GPU cores, it offers a noticeable performance boost over the M1, making it a versatile choice for both gaming and work.

The Mac mini M2 supports up to two 4K displays at 120Hz and includes Thunderbolt ports for potential future upgrades with an external GPU. While a Windows PC might offer better pure gaming performance, the Mac mini M2 is a great option for Mac users interested in casual gaming. Check out our guide on the best monitors for Mac Mini for display recommendations.

How to Pick the Best Mini PC for Gaming

Choosing the best mini PC for gaming depends on the games you want to play and your desired resolution. Mini PCs are smaller than traditional desktops and even some laptops, which limits their components.

For smooth gameplay, prioritize a strong GPU. Opt for models with modern graphics like Nvidia RTX or AMD Radeon rather than integrated options. If you're on a budget and not focused on the latest titles, a less powerful GPU might suffice.

A capable CPU is essential for gaming and overall system performance. Look for mini PCs with mid-to-high-end CPUs, ideally with 4 cores, 8 threads, and a clockspeed of around 4.0GHz or higher for multitasking. Ensure you have at least 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD for smooth game operation and storage.

Check that the mini PC has sufficient ports for your peripherals and HDMI or DisplayPort outputs for connecting to monitors or TVs. Thunderbolt ports are a bonus for high-speed external devices.

Mini PC FAQ

Are mini PCs good for gaming?

Mini PCs can be good for gaming, especially if you're playing at 1080p or focusing on indie games. While they might not excel at 4K gaming, many mini PCs with integrated graphics offer a solid gaming experience for a variety of titles.

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 will outperform mini PCs in raw performance, but mini PCs offer the advantage of a smaller footprint, which can be crucial in space-constrained environments.

What are the downsides to a mini PC?

Mini PCs require compromises in price, performance, or upgradability. High-end models with desktop components are expensive, while budget-friendly options may use integrated graphics, suitable mainly for 1080p gaming. Upgradability is limited, though some higher-end mini PCs offer more powerful, yet costly, options.