The Best Mini Gaming PCs Worth Buying in 2025

Gone are the days when a gaming PC was synonymous with a bulky tower that demanded its own desk space. Today, the best mini PCs can deliver impressive gaming performance while occupying no more room than a standard cable box. These compact machines are perfect for gamers who want high performance without sacrificing space.

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 AppleChoosing a mini gaming PC over a traditional tower does come with some trade-offs. The smaller size limits the space available for high-end graphics cards and CPU coolers, meaning you won't typically find top-tier components like an RTX 5090 or an Intel Core Ultra 9 285K. Instead, you might encounter systems like the GMKTec Evo-X, which uses a powerful APU rather than a discrete graphics card.

Manufacturers tackle these space constraints differently. For example, Asus has acquired the NUC (Next Unit of Computing) brand from Intel to create compact desktops using mobile hardware. Meanwhile, companies like Zotac manage to fit powerful desktop-class hardware into tiny cases. These mini PCs can be more challenging to service or upgrade and are often pricier, but they offer a sleek, space-saving solution.

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 as compact as mini gaming PCs come, yet it's equipped with a mobile-class RTX 4070, making it a powerhouse 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 PowerPROSThe size of a cable boxEasy to open and upgradeCONSMobile-class hardware can hold it backUpon unboxing the Asus ROG NUC, its lightweight and compact design immediately stands out. Despite using mobile-class hardware, it's an excellent choice for a living room setup, blending seamlessly with other entertainment devices. The Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 ensures robust gaming performance, though it may struggle at 4K resolutions. For games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Black Myth: Wukong, you'll need to adjust settings to maintain smooth gameplay at 1080p. While not as powerful as a full desktop-class PC, the ROG NUC offers a compelling balance of size and performance, enhanced by DLSS technology to improve 4K gaming.

When considering a mini gaming PC like the Asus ROG NUC, it's worth weighing whether a gaming laptop might be a better fit for your needs.

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 thanks to its solid performance. 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 GPUThe MinisForum Venus Series UM773 offers a compelling option for budget-conscious gamers. It features an AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS and an integrated AMD Radeon 680M GPU, which delivers impressive performance for esports titles. With 32GB of DDR5 RAM and a 512GB SSD, it provides a solid foundation for gaming at a competitive price point of $450.

3. Zotac ZBox Magnus One

Best Mini PC with Desktop Graphics

### Zotac ZBox Magnus One

12This mini PC packs a punch with a desktop-class RTX 3070 GPU, 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)PROSDedicated and powerful GPUSmall despite the specsCONSMore RAM for the price would be niceThe Zotac ZBox Magnus One is a compact powerhouse featuring an RTX 3070 GPU, delivering exceptional 1440p gaming performance. Despite its older Intel Core i5-10400 CPU, it still performs admirably, ensuring a smooth gaming experience. While the 16GB of RAM might seem limited, it's sufficient for most gaming needs. Though pricier, the Magnus One is an excellent choice for those prioritizing a small form factor without compromising on gaming performance.

4. Mac mini M2

Best Mini PC for Mac

### Apple Mac mini M2

8Surprisingly capable for gaming, the Mac mini M2 offers a solid performance boost over its predecessor. 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 displaysThe Mac mini M2 might not be the first choice for gamers, but it handles a variety of games well, especially at lower resolutions. With its M2 chip boasting eight CPU cores and 10 GPU cores, it provides a significant performance leap from the M1, making it a versatile option for both work and play. It supports up to two 4K displays at 120Hz and includes Thunderbolt ports for potential eGPU upgrades. While a Windows PC might be better for pure gaming performance, the Mac mini M2 is a solid choice for Mac users interested in gaming.

How to Pick the Best Mini PC for Gaming

Selecting the best mini PC for gaming hinges on your gaming preferences and desired resolution. Mini PCs, due to their size, have inherent component limitations. For smooth gameplay of the latest titles, focus on a mini PC with a robust GPU, ideally from the Nvidia RTX or AMD Radeon series. Budget gamers might find integrated graphics sufficient for less demanding games.

A strong CPU is essential for both gaming and system responsiveness. Aim for mid-to-high-end CPUs with at least 4 cores, 8 threads, and a clock speed of around 4.0GHz or higher. Ensure your 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 outputs for external monitors or TVs, and consider Thunderbolt ports for high-speed connections.

Mini PC FAQ

Are mini PCs good for gaming?

Mini PCs can be surprisingly effective for gaming, particularly at 1080p resolutions. While they may not excel at 4K gaming, many modern mini PCs with integrated graphics can handle indie and less demanding games well, providing a solid gaming experience.

What is better: mini PC or PC?

The choice between a mini PC and a traditional PC depends on your needs. While a full-sized PC with top-tier components will outperform a mini PC, factors like space and portability can make a mini PC a better choice, especially in smaller living spaces or when paired with lower-resolution monitors.

What are the downsides to a mini PC?

Mini PCs require compromises in price, performance, or upgradability. High-end desktop components in mini PCs can be very expensive, while more affordable options might rely on integrated graphics, suitable only for 1080p gaming. Upgradability is also limited in smaller form factors, though some models offer more powerful, yet pricier, options.