Top Mini Gaming PCs to Buy in 2025

Gone are the days when a gaming PC meant a hulking tower that dominated your desk space. Today, the best mini PCs can deliver exceptional gaming performance in a form factor no larger than a cable box, making them perfect for gamers looking to save space without sacrificing power.

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 compact solution, there are trade-offs due to their smaller size. Limited space can restrict the use of high-end graphics cards and CPU coolers, meaning you won't often find mini PCs with top-tier components like an RTX 5090 or Intel Core Ultra 9 285K without a hefty price tag. Instead, you might come across innovative solutions like the GMKTec Evo-X, which leverages a powerful APU rather than a discrete graphics card.

Manufacturers approach these space constraints differently. Asus, for instance, has acquired the NUC (next unit of computing) brand from Intel to produce compact desktops using mobile hardware. Meanwhile, companies like Zotac manage to fit powerful desktop-class components into tiny chassis, though these systems are typically more expensive and less upgradeable.

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 impressively compact gaming PC, equipped with a mobile-class RTX 4070 that delivers solid performance. 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, resembling a cable boxEasy to upgrade despite its small form factorCONSMobile-class hardware can limit performanceThe Asus ROG NUC surprised me with its lightweight and compact design. Despite using mobile-class hardware, it's perfect for a living room setup, blending seamlessly with other electronics. The Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 ensures it's more than capable for gaming, though it struggles at 4K resolutions. For 1080p gaming, it handles demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Black Myth: Wukong with ease. At 4K, you'll need to adjust settings to maintain a smooth frame rate. While it doesn't reach the heights of full desktop-class performance, it's still more powerful than a PS5 and supports DLSS to enhance 4K gaming. Given its size, fitting a full desktop GPU is impossible, but for its class, the Asus ROG NUC is one of the best mini gaming PCs available.

2. MinisForum Venus Series UM773

Best Budget Mini PC for Gaming

### MinisForum Venus Series UM773

14The MinisForum Venus Series UM773 offers great value for gamers on a budget, excelling 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 price pointSolid GPU performance for its classCONSIntegrated GPU limits high-end gaming potentialIf you're looking for a cost-effective mini PC with solid gaming performance, the MinisForum Venus Series UM773 is a compelling choice. Powered by an AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS and integrated AMD Radeon 680M graphics, it's well-suited for esports games. While it doesn't feature a discrete GPU, the integrated graphics can compete with some entry-level dedicated cards. With 32GB of DDR5 RAM and a 512GB SSD, it's a capable machine for $450, though you might consider upgrading storage later.

3. Zotac ZBox Magnus One

Best Mini PC with Desktop Graphics

### Zotac ZBox Magnus One

12The Zotac ZBox Magnus One packs a powerful RTX 3070 GPU into a compact chassis, 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 dedicated GPUCompact design despite high-end specsCONS16GB RAM might be limiting for some usersThe Zotac Magnus One may not look like much, but it's equipped with a formidable RTX 3070 GPU, making it a powerhouse for 1440p gaming. Though the CPU is older, it doesn't bottleneck the GPU, ensuring smooth gameplay. While 16GB of RAM is modest, it suffices for gaming and general use. The Magnus One is pricier but offers a compact solution for those who value space-saving without sacrificing performance.

4. Mac mini M2

Best Mini PC for Mac

### Apple Mac mini M2

8The Mac mini M2 is a versatile choice, offering solid performance for both work and gaming. 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 jackPROSCapable performance for the priceSignificant improvement over the M1CONSLimited to two displaysThe Mac mini M2 might not be your first thought for gaming, but it offers impressive performance for its price. With the M2 chip's eight CPU cores and ten GPU cores, it handles a variety of games well. It supports up to two 4K displays at 120Hz and can be paired with an external GPU via Thunderbolt. While a Windows PC might be better for pure gaming, the Mac mini M2 is a solid choice for casual gamers who prefer the Mac ecosystem. For the best setup, check out our guide on the best monitors for Mac Mini.

How to Pick the Best Mini PC for Gaming

Choosing the best mini PC for gaming involves understanding your gaming needs and the resolution you plan to play at. Mini PCs, due to their smaller size, often have limitations on component choices.

For smooth gameplay of the latest titles, prioritize a mini PC with a strong GPU. Opt for models with modern Nvidia RTX or AMD Radeon graphics over integrated solutions. Budget-conscious gamers can still enjoy gaming with less powerful options, especially for non-recent releases.

A robust CPU is essential for gaming and system responsiveness. Aim for mid-to-high-end CPUs with at least 4 cores, 8 threads, and a clockspeed of around 4.0GHz or higher. Ensure you have at least 16GB of RAM and 512GB of SSD storage to run and store games efficiently.

Check that the mini PC has sufficient ports for your peripherals, including HDMI or DisplayPort outputs for monitors or TVs. Thunderbolt ports can be a valuable addition for connecting high-speed external devices.

Mini PC FAQ

Are mini PCs good for gaming?

Mini PCs can be excellent for gaming, depending on your expectations. While they might struggle with 4K gaming, they offer solid performance at 1080p, especially for indie games. The gaming landscape is evolving, and even mini PCs with integrated graphics can provide a satisfying experience.

What is better: mini PC or PC?

The choice between a mini PC and a traditional PC hinges on your priorities. A full-sized PC with top-tier components will outperform mini PCs in raw power. However, for those in space-constrained environments, the compact nature of mini PCs can outweigh performance differences, particularly when paired with lower-resolution monitors.

What are the downsides to a mini PC?

Mini PCs often require compromises in price, performance, or upgradability. High-end desktop components in a mini PC can be prohibitively expensive. Budget-friendly options often rely on integrated graphics, suitable mainly for 1080p gaming. If upgradability is a priority, your options in small form factors are limited, though these tend to be more powerful and costly.