Top Mini Gaming PCs to Buy in 2025

Gone are the days when a gaming PC had to be a hulking tower that dominated your desk space. Now, you can enjoy top-tier gaming performance with mini PCs that are as compact as a cable box. These tiny powerhouses are perfect for gamers looking to save space without sacrificing the thrill of gaming.

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 sleek solution, they come with trade-offs. The compact size limits the space for high-end components like powerful graphics cards and advanced CPU coolers. You're unlikely to find a mini PC equipped with an RTX 5090 and an Intel Core Ultra 9 285K without breaking the bank. Instead, models like the GMKTec Evo-X use powerful APUs to balance performance and size.

Manufacturers employ various strategies to fit performance into smaller cases. Asus, for example, acquired the NUC brand from Intel to create mini PCs using mobile hardware, achieving an incredibly small footprint. Zotac, on the other hand, squeezes desktop-class hardware into tiny chassis, resulting in higher costs and reduced upgradeability, but delivering impressive compactness.

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 a mini gaming PC can be, featuring a mobile-class RTX 4070 in a surprisingly lightweight package. It's perfect for those who want to blend gaming with their living room setup without the bulk of traditional PCs. Its design resembles a cable box, making it an unobtrusive addition to any entertainment center. While it excels at 1080p gaming, the mobile hardware may struggle at 4K, requiring you to adjust settings for optimal performance. Despite this, its power surpasses that of a PS5, with DLSS helping to close the gap at higher resolutions. The Asus ROG NUC is a top choice for gamers who prioritize space and performance, though it's worth considering whether a gaming laptop might better suit your needs.

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 PowerPROSThe size of a cable boxEasy to open and upgradeCONSMobile-class hardware can hold it back2. MinisForum Venus Series UM773

Best Budget Mini PC for Gaming

### MinisForum Venus Series UM773

14For gamers on a budget seeking performance, the MinisForum Venus Series UM773 is a compelling choice. Priced at just $450, it offers robust performance with an AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS and an AMD Radeon 680M GPU, making it ideal for esports titles. While it lacks a discrete GPU, its integrated graphics hold their own against some entry-level dedicated cards. With 16GB of DDR5 RAM and a 512GB SSD, it's well-equipped for its price point, though you might consider upgrading storage down the line.

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 GPU3. Zotac ZBox Magnus One

Best Mini PC with Desktop Graphics

### Zotac ZBox Magnus One

12The Zotac ZBox Magnus One packs a punch with an RTX 3070 GPU, delivering excellent 1440p gaming performance in a compact form. Despite its older Intel Core i5-10400 CPU, it won't bottleneck the GPU, ensuring smooth gameplay. With 16GB of DDR4 RAM and a 512GB SSD, it's well-equipped for gaming. While it's pricier, it's a solid choice for those seeking high performance in a smaller package.

See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsCPUIntel Core i5-10400GPUGeForce RTX 3060 RAM16GB 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)PROSDedicated and powerful GPUSmall despite the specsCONSMore RAM for the price would be nice4. Mac mini M2

Best Mini PC for Mac

### Apple Mac mini M2

8The Mac mini M2 offers a surprising gaming experience thanks to its M2 chip with eight CPU cores and 10 GPU cores. It's capable of running a variety of games at solid frame rates, making it a versatile choice for Mac users interested in gaming. While it supports up to two 4K displays at 120Hz, it's not the top choice for hardcore gaming, but it's a great option for those who want a Mac that can handle occasional gaming sessions.

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 jackPROSVery capable for the pricePerformance increase over the M1CONSLimited to two displaysHow to Pick the Best Mini PC for Gaming

Selecting the best mini PC for gaming involves understanding your gaming needs and resolution preferences. Mini PCs, due to their smaller size, have limitations on components, but you can still find powerful options. A strong GPU is essential for smooth gameplay; aim for models with Nvidia RTX or AMD Radeon cards. For budget-conscious gamers or those playing older titles, integrated graphics may suffice. A capable CPU with at least 4 cores and 8 threads, along with a high clockspeed, ensures overall system performance. Adequate RAM (16GB or more) and storage (512GB SSD minimum) are crucial for running and storing games. Ensure the mini PC has sufficient ports for peripherals and display outputs like HDMI or DisplayPort, with Thunderbolt ports being a valuable addition for high-speed connections.

Mini PC FAQ

Are mini PCs good for gaming?

Mini PCs can offer a solid gaming experience, particularly at 1080p resolution. While they may not excel at 4K gaming, they are well-suited for indie games and less demanding titles. As PC gaming evolves, even mini PCs with integrated graphics can provide a satisfactory gaming experience for many players.

What is better: mini PC or PC?

The choice between a mini PC and a traditional PC depends on your priorities. A full-sized PC with high-end components will outperform mini PCs in raw performance. However, if space is a concern, or if you're using a lower-resolution monitor, a mini PC's compactness can be a significant advantage, making it a worthy trade-off.

What are the downsides to a mini PC?

Mini PCs require compromises in price, performance, or upgradability. High-performance mini PCs with desktop components are costly, while more affordable options may rely on integrated graphics and are best suited for 1080p gaming. Upgradability is limited in mini PCs, with only a few models offering swappable components, which are typically more expensive.