Top Mini Gaming PCs to Buy in 2025

Gone are the days when a gaming PC had to be a bulky tower demanding its own dedicated desk space. Today's best mini PCs can deliver exceptional gaming performance in a package as compact as a cable box, making them a perfect fit for space-conscious gamers.

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, however, some trade-offs when opting for a mini gaming PC over a traditional tower. The compact design limits the space available for high-end graphics cards and CPU coolers. As a result, you're unlikely to find mini PCs equipped with top-tier components like an RTX 5090 and an Intel Core Ultra 9 285K without a hefty price tag. Instead, models like the GMKTec Evo-X, which employ powerful APUs, are more common.

Different manufacturers tackle these space constraints uniquely. Asus, for example, has acquired the NUC (next unit of computing) brand from Intel to create desktop PCs that utilize mobile hardware to fit into incredibly small cases. Meanwhile, companies like Zotac manage to squeeze powerful desktop-class hardware into tiny chassis. These mini PCs are often more challenging to service or upgrade and can be pricier, 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 the epitome of a mini gaming PC, boasting a compact design that rivals a cable box. It's powered by mobile-class hardware, including an RTX 4070, which offers impressive gaming capabilities for its size.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.mm 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 akin to a cable boxEase of opening and upgradingCONSMobile-class hardware may limit performanceUpon unboxing the Asus ROG NUC, its lightweight and small footprint immediately stand out. Despite using mobile-class hardware, it's perfect for a living room setup, blending seamlessly with other entertainment devices. The RTX 4070 ensures robust gaming performance, particularly at 1080p. However, when connected to a 4K TV, you may need to adjust settings for demanding games to maintain smooth gameplay.

While the mobile hardware can be a bottleneck at higher resolutions, the Asus ROG NUC still outperforms the PS5 in many aspects, thanks to Nvidia's DLSS technology. Just remember, for the most demanding games at 4K with full ray tracing, a full desktop-class graphics card would be necessary, which isn't feasible in this compact form factor.

The Asus ROG NUC stands out as one of the premier mini gaming PCs available, though it's essential to weigh its benefits against the potential of opting for a gaming laptop.

2. MinisForum Venus Series UM773

Best Budget Mini PC for Gaming

### MinisForum Venus Series UM773

14This budget-friendly mini PC delivers impressive performance for esports enthusiasts.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 JackPROSAffordable price pointStrong GPU performance for its classCONSNo discrete GPUIf you're looking for a cost-effective mini PC that doesn't compromise on gaming performance, the MinisForum Venus Series UM773 is an excellent choice. It's equipped with an AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS and the integrated AMD Radeon 680M GPU, which holds its own against some entry-level dedicated graphics cards, particularly in esports titles.

With 16GB of DDR5 RAM and a 512GB SSD, the UM773 is well-suited for gaming at its price point of $450. While you might consider upgrading storage later, it's a solid starting point for budget-conscious gamers.

3. Zotac ZBox Magnus One

Best Mini PC with Desktop Graphics

### Zotac ZBox Magnus One

12Experience desktop-level graphics performance with this compact gaming PC, featuring an RTX 3070 GPU for smooth 1440p gaming. 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)PROSPowerful dedicated GPUCompact design despite high specsCONSMore RAM could enhance valueThe Zotac Magnus One packs a punch with its RTX 3070 GPU, enabling excellent 1440p gaming performance. Although its CPU is older, it complements the GPU well, ensuring smooth gameplay. While 16GB of RAM is adequate for gaming, more might be preferable for the price.

The Zotac Magnus One is pricier, but its compact size and strong performance justify the cost for gamers prioritizing space efficiency and gaming prowess.

4. Mac mini M2

Best Mini PC for Mac

### Apple Mac mini M2

8The Mac mini M2 offers solid performance for both productivity and gaming, powered by the M2 chip with eight CPU cores and 10 GPU cores.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 jackPROSCompetitive pricingNotable performance boost over M1CONSLimited to two displaysWhile not primarily known for gaming, the Mac mini M2 surprises with its gaming capabilities. The M2 chip's eight CPU cores and 10 GPU cores provide a significant performance increase over the M1, making it suitable for a variety of games at decent frame rates.

With its array of ports, the Mac mini M2 supports up to two 4K displays at 120Hz and offers Thunderbolt connectivity for potential eGPU upgrades. It's equipped with Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 for seamless online gaming. Although a Windows PC might offer better pure gaming performance, the Mac mini M2 is a solid choice for Mac users interested in casual gaming. Check out our best monitors for Mac Mini guide when selecting a display.

How to Pick the Best Mini PC for Gaming

Choosing the best mini PC for gaming involves understanding your gaming needs and desired resolution. Mini PCs, due to their smaller size, often have component limitations.

For the latest games at high settings, prioritize a mini PC with a robust GPU, such as those with Nvidia RTX or AMD Radeon graphics. Budget gamers might opt for less powerful options suitable for older or less demanding titles.

A strong CPU is vital for gaming and overall 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 to handle multitasking. Ensure your mini PC has at least 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD for smooth game operation and storage.

Consider the availability of ports for peripherals and external displays. HDMI or DisplayPort outputs are essential, while Thunderbolt ports can be advantageous for connecting high-speed devices.

Mini PC FAQ

Are mini PCs good for gaming?

Mini PCs can be suitable for gaming, especially at 1080p resolutions. While they may not excel at 4K gaming, they offer a solid experience for indie and less demanding games. With modern integrated graphics, even budget mini PCs can handle a range of PC games effectively.

What is better: mini PC or PC?

The choice between a mini PC and a traditional PC depends on your priorities. While a full-sized PC with top-tier components will outperform any mini PC, the latter's compact size can be a significant advantage in space-limited environments. Mini PCs can offer a balanced trade-off between performance and space efficiency.

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 often rely on integrated graphics suitable for 1080p gaming. Upgradability is limited in smaller form factors, though some higher-end mini PCs offer more options, albeit at a higher cost.