Top Mini Gaming PCs to Buy in 2025

Gone are the days when gaming PCs were synonymous with hulking towers requiring dedicated desks. Today, the best mini PCs for gaming can rival the size of a cable box, offering powerful performance in a compact form. These mini marvels prove that you don't need a massive setup to enjoy top-notch gaming.

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 choosing a mini gaming PC over a full tower. The smaller size limits space for high-end graphics cards and CPU coolers, meaning you won't find mini PCs with components like an RTX 5090 or Intel Core Ultra 9 285K without a hefty price tag. Instead, options like the GMKTec Evo-X, with its powerful APU, are more common.

Different manufacturers tackle these space constraints uniquely. Asus, for instance, acquired the NUC brand from Intel to create compact desktop PCs using mobile hardware. Zotac, on the other hand, fits powerful desktop-class hardware into tiny chassis. These mini PCs can be harder to service or upgrade and may cost more, but their compact size is a major 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 miniaturization in gaming PCs, yet it's equipped with a mobile-class RTX 4070. It's incredibly compact, resembling a cable box, making it perfect for blending into a living room setup. While it uses mobile hardware, which can be limiting, especially at 4K, it still delivers solid performance at 1080p, handling demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Black Myth: Wukong. It's more powerful than a PS5 and supports DLSS, which helps at 4K, but you'll need to adjust settings for optimal framerates. Despite its limitations, the Asus ROG NUC is a top choice for those seeking a compact yet capable gaming solution.

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 PowerPROSThe size of a cable boxEasy to open and upgradeCONSMobile-class hardware can hold it back2. MinisForum Venus Series UM773

Best Budget Mini PC for Gaming

### MinisForum Venus Series UM773

14The MinisForum Venus Series UM773 offers an affordable yet powerful solution for gaming enthusiasts. With an AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS and AMD Radeon 680M GPU, it's well-suited for esports titles despite lacking a discrete GPU. The UM773 includes 32GB of DDR5 RAM and a 512GB SSD, providing ample performance for its $450 price point.

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 JackPROSAffordableGood GPU performanceCONSNo discrete GPU3. 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 small chassis, delivering excellent 1440p gaming performance. Though it uses an older Intel Core i5-10400 CPU, it doesn't bottleneck the GPU, ensuring smooth gameplay. With 16GB of DDR4 RAM and a 512GB SSD, it's a premium option for those who value a compact form factor.

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)PROSDedicated and powerful GPUSmall despite the specsCONSMore RAM for the price would be nice4. Mac mini M2

Best Mini PC for Mac

### Apple Mac mini M2

8The Mac mini M2 offers robust performance for both work and play, thanks to its M2 chip with eight CPU cores and 10 GPU cores. While not primarily designed for gaming, it handles a wide range of games at decent frame rates. With support for up to two 4K displays at 120Hz and Thunderbolt ports for external GPUs, it's a versatile choice for Mac users interested in 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 jackPROSVery capable for the pricePerformance increase over the M1CONSLimited to two displaysHow to Pick the Best Mini PC for Gaming

Choosing the best mini PC for gaming depends on your gaming needs and desired resolution. Mini PCs, due to their smaller size, have component limitations. For the latest titles, prioritize a strong GPU like Nvidia RTX or AMD Radeon cards over integrated graphics. For budget-conscious gamers, less powerful options may suffice.

A capable CPU is essential for gaming and system responsiveness. Aim for at least 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 smooth gameplay and storage. Also, check for sufficient ports, including HDMI or DisplayPort, and consider Thunderbolt for high-speed peripherals.

Mini PC FAQ

Are mini PCs good for gaming?

Mini PCs can be excellent for gaming, especially at 1080p. While they may struggle with 4K gaming, they handle indie and less demanding titles well. The era of PC gaming has evolved, making even mini PCs with integrated graphics viable for gaming.

What is better: mini PC or PC?

The choice between a mini PC and a full-sized PC depends on your needs. Full-sized PCs with high-end components outperform mini PCs, but mini PCs offer space-saving benefits, particularly in smaller living spaces.

What are the downsides to a mini PC?

Mini PCs require compromises in price, performance, or upgradability. High-end mini PCs with desktop components are expensive, while affordable options may use integrated graphics suitable only for 1080p gaming. Upgradability is limited in smaller form factors, though more powerful options exist at a higher cost.