Top Mini Gaming PCs to Buy in 2025

Gone are the days when a gaming PC had to be a massive tower that dominates your desk space. Today's best mini PCs for gaming can be as compact as a cable box, offering powerful performance without the bulk. These miniature marvels are perfect for gamers looking to save space without sacrificing gameplay.

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 due to their smaller size. Limited space means less room for top-tier graphics cards and CPU coolers, so you won't often see mini PCs equipped with the likes of an RTX 5090 or an Intel Core Ultra 9 285K without a hefty price tag. Instead, you might find innovative solutions like the GMKTec Evo-X, which uses a powerful APU for gaming.

Different manufacturers approach the space challenge uniquely. Asus, for instance, has acquired the NUC (next unit of computing) brand from Intel to create compact PCs using mobile hardware. On the other hand, companies like Zotac manage to fit robust desktop-class components into tiny cases. These mini PCs might be harder to service or upgrade and can be pricier, but they excel in their 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 is an excellent example of how small a gaming PC can be. Despite its compact size, it's equipped with a mobile-class RTX 4070, delivering impressive performance for its size. See it at Amazon

Product Specifications
CPU: Intel Core Ultra 7 – Intel Core Ultra 9
GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 – Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 (Mobile)
RAM: 16GB – 32GB DDR5
Storage: 512GB – 1TB PCIe 4.0 M.2 SSD
Ports: 1 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 Power

PROS

• The size of a cable box
• Easy to open and upgrade

CONS

• Mobile-class hardware can hold it back

Upon unboxing the Asus ROG NUC, its lightweight and compact design was immediately striking. Despite using mobile-class components, it's ideal for a living room setup, blending in seamlessly with other entertainment devices. The Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 offers robust gaming capabilities, particularly at 1080p. However, when connected to a 4K TV, some compromises on settings are necessary to maintain a smooth framerate. Even with these limitations, it outperforms the PS5 and utilizes DLSS to bridge the gap at 4K. Just remember, you won't be running the latest titles at max settings with full ray tracing, but for its size, the Asus ROG NUC is a top contender in the mini PC gaming market.

2. MinisForum Venus Series UM773

Best Budget Mini PC for Gaming

### MinisForum Venus Series UM773

14A budget-friendly mini PC that excels in esports games with solid performance. See it at Amazon

Product Specifications
CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS
GPU: AMD Radeon 680M
RAM: 32GB DDR5
Storage: 512GB SSD
Ports: 2 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 Jack

PROS

• Affordable
• Good GPU performance

CONS

• No discrete GPU

If you're seeking a cost-effective mini PC without compromising on performance, the MinisForum Venus Series UM773 is an excellent choice. Priced at just $450, it boasts an AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS and integrated AMD Radeon 680M graphics, offering solid performance for esports gaming. Although it lacks a discrete GPU, the integrated graphics hold their own against some entry-level dedicated cards. With 32GB of DDR5 RAM and a 512GB SSD, it's well-equipped for gaming and general use, though future storage upgrades might be necessary.

3. Zotac ZBox Magnus One

Best Mini PC with Desktop Graphics

### Zotac ZBox Magnus One

12Experience desktop-level graphics with the Zotac ZBox Magnus One, featuring a powerful RTX 3070 GPU for smooth 1440p gaming. See it at Amazon

Product Specifications
CPU: Intel Core i5-10400
GPU: GeForce RTX 3070
RAM: 16GB DDR4
Storage: 512GB SSD
Ports: 1 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)

PROS

• Dedicated and powerful GPU
• Small despite the specs

CONS

• More RAM for the price would be nice

The Zotac ZBox Magnus One may not stand out at first glance, but it houses a potent RTX 3070 GPU within its compact frame, delivering exceptional 1440p gaming performance. Though equipped with an older Intel Core i5-10400 CPU, it remains a solid performer that won't bottleneck the GPU. While 16GB of RAM might seem modest, it's sufficient for gaming and everyday tasks. Priced on the higher end, the Magnus One justifies its cost with its blend of performance and compact design, making it a top choice for gamers prioritizing space efficiency.

4. Mac mini M2

Best Mini PC for Mac

### Apple Mac mini M2

8The Mac mini M2 offers robust performance for both work and play, powered by the M2 chip with eight CPU cores and 10 GPU cores. See it at AmazonSee it at Apple

Product Specifications
CPU: Apple M2 chip (8-core)
GPU: 10-core GPU
RAM: Up to 24GB unified memory
Storage: Up to 2TB
Ports: 2 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 jack

PROS

• Very capable for the price
• Performance increase over the M1

CONS

• Limited to two displays

While the Mac mini M2 might not be the first choice for gaming, it surprises with its ability to handle a variety of games at decent frame rates. With its cost-effectiveness and significant performance boost over the M1, the M2's eight CPU cores and 10 GPU cores make it a versatile option for both productivity and gaming. It supports up to two 4K displays at 120Hz and features Thunderbolt ports for potential eGPU expansion. Although a Windows PC might offer better gaming performance, the Mac mini M2 is a solid choice for Mac users interested in casual gaming.

How to Pick the Best Mini PC for Gaming

Selecting the ideal mini PC for gaming involves considering the games you play and your desired resolution. Due to their smaller size, mini PCs have inherent limitations in component capacity. For the latest titles, prioritize a strong **GPU**, such as the Nvidia RTX series or AMD Radeon cards. Budget gamers or those focused on older games might find integrated graphics sufficient.

A powerful **CPU** is essential for smooth gameplay and multitasking. Opt for mini PCs with mid-to-high-end CPUs, ideally with 4 cores, 8 threads, and a clockspeed of around 4.0GHz or higher. Ensure you have at least 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD for optimal performance and storage. Additionally, check for sufficient ports, including HDMI or DisplayPort for monitors or TVs, and consider Thunderbolt ports for future expansions.

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 games and less demanding titles. With the advancement in PC gaming, even mini PCs with integrated graphics can provide enjoyable gaming experiences.

What is better: mini PC or PC?

The choice between a mini PC and a traditional PC depends on your needs. Full-sized PCs with high-end components like a Ryzen 9 and RTX 5090 offer superior performance. However, for those with space constraints, such as in small apartments, a mini PC can be a valuable compromise, particularly when paired with a lower-resolution monitor.

What are the downsides to a mini PC?

Mini PCs require trade-offs in price, performance, and upgradability. High-end mini PCs with desktop components are expensive, while budget-friendly options might use integrated graphics, suitable mainly for 1080p gaming. If upgradability is a priority, few mini PCs offer this flexibility, and those that do tend to be more powerful and costly.