Top Mini Gaming PCs to Buy in 2025

Gone are the days when you needed a massive tower to achieve top-notch gaming performance. Modern technology has paved the way for mini PCs that rival the performance of traditional gaming setups while taking up minimal space—comparable to a cable box. These compact powerhouses are perfect for those looking to game without dedicating an entire desk to a bulky PC.

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 space-saving solution, they come with certain trade-offs. The smaller form factor limits the space available for high-end components like graphics cards and CPU coolers. As a result, you're unlikely to find a mini PC with top-tier components like an RTX 5090 or an Intel Core Ultra 9 285K without a hefty price tag. Instead, you might come across models like the GMKTec Evo-X, which utilize powerful APUs rather than discrete graphics.

Manufacturers tackle these space constraints differently. For example, Asus has acquired the NUC (next unit of computing) brand from Intel to create compact desktop PCs using mobile hardware. Meanwhile, companies like Zotac manage to fit powerful desktop-class components into tiny cases, though these are often more challenging to service or upgrade and come at a higher cost.

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 PCs, featuring a mobile-class RTX 4070 that delivers impressive performance in a tiny package. 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, similar to a cable boxEasy to open and upgradeCONSMobile-class hardware can limit performanceUpon unboxing the Asus ROG NUC, its compact and lightweight design immediately stands out. Despite using mobile-class hardware, it's perfect for a living room setup, resembling a cable box and seamlessly blending into your entertainment center. While it excels as a media center PC, the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 ensures it's also capable of handling gaming demands, albeit with some limitations at 4K resolution. For 1080p gaming, it performs admirably, even with demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Black Myth: Wukong. At 4K, you may need to adjust settings to maintain a smooth framerate, but DLSS helps bridge the performance gap. Despite its constraints, the Asus ROG NUC remains a top choice for those seeking a powerful yet compact gaming solution.

2. MinisForum Venus Series UM773

Best Budget Mini PC for Gaming

### MinisForum Venus Series UM773

14This budget-friendly mini PC offers solid performance, making it 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 the priceCONSNo discrete GPUThe MinisForum Venus Series UM773 is an excellent choice for gamers on a budget. Despite its lower price point, it delivers impressive performance thanks to the AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS and integrated AMD Radeon 680M GPU. While it lacks a discrete GPU, the integrated graphics are sufficient for esports titles and can compete with some entry-level dedicated graphics cards. With 32GB of DDR5 RAM and a 512GB SSD, it's well-equipped for gaming at a competitive price of $450.

3. Zotac ZBox Magnus One

Best Mini PC with Desktop Graphics

### Zotac ZBox Magnus One

12Experience desktop-level graphics with this compact gaming PC featuring a powerful 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)PROSPowerful dedicated GPUCompact design despite high-end specsCONSMore RAM could enhance valueThe Zotac ZBox Magnus One packs a punch with its RTX 3070 GPU, delivering robust 1440p gaming performance in a surprisingly small package. Although the CPU is older, it's still capable and won't bottleneck the GPU, ensuring a smooth gaming experience. While 16GB of RAM might seem modest, it's sufficient for gaming and general use. Priced on the higher end, the Magnus One offers a compelling option for those prioritizing a compact form factor without sacrificing gaming performance.

4. Mac mini M2

Best Mini PC for Mac

### Apple Mac mini M2

8The Mac mini M2 offers strong performance for both work and play, thanks to its eight 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 may not be the first choice for gaming, but it offers surprisingly good performance for a wide range of games. With a notable performance boost over the M1, the M2 chip's eight CPU cores and 10 GPU cores make it a capable option for both gaming and productivity. Its extensive port selection supports up to two 4K displays at 120Hz, and Thunderbolt support allows for future GPU upgrades. While a Windows PC might be better for pure gaming, the Mac mini M2 is a solid choice for Mac users interested in casual gaming. For the best display pairing, check out our roundup of the best monitors for Mac Mini.

How to Pick the Best Mini PC for Gaming

Choosing the best mini PC for gaming depends on your gaming preferences and desired resolution. Mini PCs, while smaller than traditional desktops and some laptops, have inherent limitations due to their size. For seamless gameplay with the latest titles, prioritize a mini PC with a robust GPU, such as Nvidia RTX or AMD Radeon cards, over integrated graphics. Budget-conscious gamers can opt for less powerful options if they're not focused on the newest releases.

A strong CPU is essential for gaming and system responsiveness. Aim for a mid-to-high-end CPU with at least 4 cores, 8 threads, and a clockspeed of around 4.0GHz or higher to ensure smooth multitasking. Additionally, ensure the mini PC has at least 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD for optimal game performance and storage. Don't forget to check for sufficient ports, including HDMI or DisplayPort for external monitors or TVs, and Thunderbolt for high-speed peripherals.

Mini PC FAQ

Are mini PCs good for gaming?

Mini PCs can be suitable for gaming, depending on your expectations. While they may struggle with 4K gaming, they can handle 1080p gaming well, especially for indie games. With the right hardware, even mini PCs with integrated graphics can provide a satisfying gaming experience.

What is better: mini PC or PC?

The choice between a mini PC and a traditional PC depends on your needs. A full-sized PC with high-end components will outperform mini PCs in raw performance. However, for those with limited space or who prioritize a smaller footprint, a mini PC can be a valuable compromise, especially when paired with a lower-resolution monitor.

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 budget-friendly options often use integrated graphics and are best suited for 1080p gaming. Upgradability is limited in mini PCs, though some higher-end models offer more flexibility at a higher cost.