Top Mini Gaming PCs to Buy in 2025

Gone are the days when a gaming PC was synonymous with a bulky tower that dominated your desk space. Today, the best mini PCs for gaming are compact enough to fit into spaces as small as a cable box, revolutionizing the way we think about gaming setups.

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 some trade-offs when opting for a mini gaming PC over a traditional tower. The smaller size limits the space available for high-end components like graphics cards and CPU coolers. As a result, you're unlikely to find mini PCs equipped with top-tier components like an RTX 5090 or an Intel Core Ultra 9 285K without paying a premium. Instead, you'll encounter models like the GMKTec Evo-X, which utilize powerful APUs rather than discrete graphics cards.

Manufacturers approach these space limitations differently. Asus, for instance, acquired the NUC (next unit of computing) brand from Intel to create compact desktops using mobile hardware. Meanwhile, companies like Zotac manage to pack powerful desktop hardware into tiny enclosures. These mini PCs are generally more challenging to service or upgrade and come at a higher cost, but they offer a significant reduction in size.

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 an exceptionally compact mini gaming PC, featuring a mobile-class RTX 4070 that packs a punch. 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 akin to a cable boxEasy to open and upgradeCONSMobile-class hardware can limit performanceUpon unboxing the Asus ROG NUC, its small and lightweight design was immediately striking. Despite using mobile-class components, it's perfect for a living room setup, resembling a cable box and seamlessly blending in. While it excels as a media center PC, the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 ensures it's no slouch in gaming, though it does have its limits.

During my review, the mobile-class hardware proved to be a bottleneck, particularly when connected to a 4K TV. It handles most PC games, including demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Black Myth: Wukong, at 1080p with ease. However, at 4K, some settings need to be adjusted to maintain a smooth framerate. Despite these limitations, it outperforms the PS5, and the Nvidia graphics enable DLSS to help bridge the gap at 4K. Remember, you won't be able to max out settings with full ray tracing, but given its size, fitting a full desktop-class graphics card is out of the question.

The Asus ROG NUC stands out as one of the top mini gaming PCs available, though it's worth considering whether a gaming laptop might be a better fit for your needs.

2. MinisForum Venus Series UM773

Best Budget Mini PC for Gaming

### MinisForum Venus Series UM773

14This budget-friendly mini PC delivers solid performance, ideal 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 JackPROSAffordableStrong GPU performance for its priceCONSNo discrete GPUFor those seeking an affordable yet capable mini PC, the MinisForum Venus Series UM773 is an excellent choice. Despite its budget price, it boasts an AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS and integrated AMD Radeon 680M graphics, which can compete with entry-level dedicated GPUs, particularly in esports titles.

Equipped with 16GB of DDR5 RAM and a 512GB SSD, the UM773 is well-suited for gaming at a reasonable cost of $450. While you may consider upgrading storage later, it's a solid starting point for gamers on a budget.

3. Zotac ZBox Magnus One

Best Mini PC with Desktop Graphics

### Zotac ZBox Magnus One

12Experience desktop-level graphics with this compact gaming PC, powered by an RTX 3070 GPU 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)PROSDedicated and powerful GPUCompact size despite high-end specsCONSLimited RAM for the priceThe Zotac ZBox Magnus One may not look imposing, but it houses a powerful RTX 3070 GPU, ideal for 1440p gaming. While the CPU is older, it performs well and doesn't bottleneck the GPU, ensuring a smooth gaming experience. Although 16GB of RAM might seem modest, it's sufficient for gaming and everyday tasks.

Priced on the higher end, the Magnus One offers a compact solution without compromising on gaming performance. Its sleek design and robust specs make it an excellent choice for gaming enthusiasts who prioritize space-saving and functionality.

4. Mac mini M2

Best Mini PC for Mac

### Apple Mac mini M2

8The Mac mini M2 offers impressive performance for both work and gaming, powered by the M2 chip with 8 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 jackPROSExcellent performance for the priceSignificant improvement over the M1CONSLimited to two displaysThe Mac mini M2 might not be the first device that comes to mind for gaming, but it offers solid performance, capable of running a variety of games at good frame rates. With the M2 chip's 8 CPU cores and 10 GPU cores, it's a notable upgrade over the M1, providing strong performance for both gaming and productivity tasks.

The Mac mini M2 supports up to two 4K displays at 120Hz and includes Thunderbolt ports for potential eGPU upgrades. It also features Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, making it suitable for online gaming. While a Windows PC might offer better pure gaming performance, the Mac mini M2 is a great choice for Mac users looking to enjoy casual gaming. For the best display options, check out our roundup of the best monitors for Mac Mini.

How to Pick the Best Mini PC for Gaming

Selecting the best mini PC for gaming depends on the games you want to play and your preferred resolution. Due to their compact size, mini PCs have limitations on the components they can house.

For the latest titles without performance issues, prioritize a mini PC with a strong GPU. Opt for models with modern graphics like Nvidia RTX or AMD Radeon cards over integrated graphics. If you're on a budget and don't mind playing slightly older games, less powerful options can suffice.

A robust CPU is essential for gaming and overall system performance. Look for mini PCs with mid-to-high-end CPUs, ideally with at least 4 cores, 8 threads, and a high clockspeed of around 4.0GHz or more to ensure smooth multitasking. Adequate RAM (at least 16GB) and storage (at least 512GB SSD) are also crucial for seamless gaming experiences.

Ensure the mini PC has sufficient ports for your peripherals and HDMI or DisplayPort outputs for connecting to external displays. Thunderbolt ports are a valuable addition for connecting high-speed external devices.

Mini PC FAQ

Are mini PCs good for gaming?

The answer depends on your gaming expectations. Mini PCs are unlikely to excel at 4K gaming, but they can deliver a solid experience at 1080p, especially for indie games. Modern mini PCs with integrated graphics can handle PC games effectively, making them a viable option for casual and competitive gaming.

What is better: mini PC or PC?

It depends on your priorities. A full-sized PC with a high-end processor and GPU will outperform mini PCs in raw performance. However, in smaller living spaces, the compact size of a mini PC can be a significant advantage, especially when paired with a lower-resolution gaming monitor.

What are the downsides to a mini PC?

Choosing a mini PC involves compromises in price, performance, and upgradability. High-end mini PCs with desktop components are costly, while affordable options often rely on integrated graphics and are best suited for 1080p gaming. Upgradable mini PCs tend to be more expensive but offer better performance and flexibility.