Top Mini Gaming PCs to Buy in 2025

Gone are the days when a gaming PC had to be a bulky tower that dominated your desk space. Today, the best mini PCs offer powerful gaming performance in a compact form that rivals the size of a cable box, making them a perfect fit for any setup, no matter how cramped.

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

Opting for a mini gaming PC does come with some trade-offs. The smaller form factor limits the space for high-end components like top-tier graphics cards and CPU coolers. You're unlikely to find mini PCs with the likes of an RTX 5090 and an Intel Core Ultra 9 285K at a reasonable price. Instead, consider models like the GMKTec Evo-X, which use powerful APUs to deliver solid performance within a compact chassis.

Manufacturers tackle these space constraints differently. For example, Asus has embraced the NUC (next unit of computing) brand from Intel to craft PCs using mobile hardware, fitting them into incredibly small cases. Meanwhile, companies like Zotac manage to squeeze in powerful desktop-class hardware, though these models are often pricier and less easy to upgrade.

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 compact gaming prowess. Despite its tiny footprint, it's equipped with a mobile-class RTX 4070, delivering impressive performance 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 3.5mm 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 boxUser-friendly upgrade accessCONSMay be limited by mobile hardwareUpon unboxing the Asus ROG NUC, its surprising lightness and compact size stand out. Despite using mobile-class components, it's perfect for a living room setup, blending seamlessly with other electronics. It's an excellent choice for a media center PC, yet its Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 ensures robust gaming performance, especially at 1080p.

When connected to a 4K TV, however, you might need to adjust settings in demanding games to maintain smooth gameplay. Despite these limitations, it outperforms a PS5, and with DLSS, it narrows the gap at 4K. Remember, though, that fitting a full desktop-class GPU into this tiny frame is simply not feasible.

The Asus ROG NUC is a standout choice among mini gaming PCs, though you might consider whether a gaming laptop would better meet your needs.

2. MinisForum Venus Series UM773

Best Budget Mini PC for Gaming

### MinisForum Venus Series UM773

14The MinisForum Venus Series UM773 offers budget-friendly gaming with strong performance in esports titles. 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 yet powerfulSolid GPU performanceCONSNo discrete GPUFor those seeking a cost-effective yet capable mini PC, the MinisForum Venus Series UM773 is an excellent choice. Despite lacking a discrete GPU, its integrated AMD Radeon 680M holds its own, especially in esports games.

The UM773 comes equipped with 16GB of DDR5 RAM and a 512GB SSD, providing solid performance for just $450. While future upgrades might be necessary, it's a great starting point for budget-conscious gamers.

3. 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, 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 desktop-class GPUCompact despite high specsCONSMore RAM could be beneficial at this price pointThe Zotac ZBox Magnus One is a powerhouse in a small package, featuring a robust RTX 3070 GPU that excels at 1440p gaming. While its CPU is older, it's still efficient and won't hinder the GPU's performance. The 16GB of RAM is adequate for gaming, though more would be welcome at its price.

While a full-sized PC might offer more power for the same cost, the Zotac Magnus One is a top choice for those prioritizing compactness without sacrificing gaming performance.

4. Mac mini M2

Best Mini PC for Mac

### Apple Mac mini M2

8The Mac mini M2 offers solid performance for both work and play, thanks to its efficient 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 jackPROSCost-effectiveHigh performance over M1CONSLimited to two displaysThough not typically associated with gaming, the Mac mini M2 surprises with its ability to handle a variety of games at decent frame rates. Its M2 chip, with 8 CPU cores and 10 GPU cores, offers a significant boost over the M1, making it a viable option for casual gamers.

With support for two 4K displays at 120Hz and Thunderbolt ports for external GPU expansion, the Mac mini M2 is versatile. While it may not match the gaming prowess of a Windows PC, it's a solid choice for Mac users interested in gaming.

How to Pick the Best Mini PC for Gaming

Choosing the best mini PC for gaming depends on your gaming needs and preferred resolution. Due to their smaller size, mini PCs have limitations on components.

For the latest games, prioritize a strong GPU, such as Nvidia RTX or AMD Radeon cards, over integrated graphics. Budget gamers can opt for less powerful but still capable options.

A robust CPU is essential for smooth gaming and multitasking. Look for mini PCs with mid-to-high-end CPUs, ideally with around 4 cores, 8 threads, and a high clock speed (around 4.0GHz or higher). Adequate RAM (at least 16GB) and storage (512GB SSD minimum) are crucial for running and storing games.

Ensure the mini PC has sufficient ports for your peripherals and HDMI or DisplayPort outputs for monitors or TVs. Thunderbolt ports are advantageous for high-speed connections.

Mini PC FAQ

Are mini PCs good for gaming?

Mini PCs can be excellent for gaming, particularly at 1080p resolution. While they may struggle with 4K gaming, many models with integrated or dedicated GPUs can handle indie and mainstream titles effectively.

What is better: mini PC or PC?

The choice between a mini PC and a traditional PC hinges on your priorities. While full-sized PCs offer superior performance, mini PCs are ideal for space-constrained environments, offering a balance of performance and size.

What are the downsides to a mini PC?

Mini PCs often require compromises in price, performance, or upgradability. High-end mini PCs with desktop components are expensive, while budget-friendly options may limit you to 1080p gaming. Upgradability is also limited in most mini PCs, though some higher-end models offer more flexibility.