The best mini PCs for gaming can offer similar levels of performance to a desktop PC, without taking up all the real estate. If you’re strapped for space, a mini PC is a good alternative to a gaming PC, because despite the compact size, these tiny computers can still be upgraded with the best CPUs and GPUs.
TL;DR – These are the Best Mini PCs for Gaming:
- Intel NUC 12 Enthusiast
- MINISFORUM Venus Series UM773
- Zotac ZBox Magnus One
- Mac Mini M2
- Acemagician Mini PC
While mini PCs are arguably less popular than full-sized tower PCs for gamers, there are still some decent ones to choose from. But, rather than looking through the rubble trying to find the best mini PC for gaming, we can help you decide. Whether you’re on a tight budget or simply want something that will run the latest AAA titles, we’ve got something for you.
The Best Mini PCs For Gaming:
1. Intel NUC 12 Enthusiast
Best Mini PC for Gaming
Intel NUC 12 Enthusiast
Pros:
- Dedicated graphics
- Plenty of ports
Cons:
- Similar price to a decent gaming laptop
The Intel NUC 12 Enthusiast, also known as the Serpent Canyon, packs a punch despite its small size. With a 12th Gen Intel CPU and Windows 11 Pro pre-installed, you’re off to a good start. Additionally, with the 16GB GDDR6 Intel Arc A770M GPU, this mini gaming PC delivers solid 1080p gaming performance, and it can even punch up to 1440p in some games.
To keep things cool, there’s an innovative cooling design, featuring a dual-fan air intake and five heat pipes, which carry heat away from the GPU. When it comes to storage and memory, the NUC 12 Enthusiast doesn't disappoint. With 64GB dual-channel DDR4-3200MHz RAM (expandable up to 64GB) and a lightning-fast 2TB PCIe 4.0 SSD, you'll have plenty of space for your games, apps, and media - and more than enough memory to keep them running smoothly.
2. MINISFORUM Venus Series UM773
Best Budget Mini PC for Gaming
Pros:
- Affordable
- Good GPU performance
Cons:
- No discrete GPU
If you're on the hunt for a wallet-friendly mini PC that doesn't skimp on performance, then the MINISFORUM Venus Series UM773 is worth considering. Despite its budget-friendly price tag, the UM773 packs a punch with an AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS, with dedicated AMD graphics. And, yeah, there isn't a discrete GPU, but the integrated AMD Radeon 680M GPU can rival some lower-end dedicated graphics cards, especially in esports titles.
Stepping into the next generation, the UM773 features 16GB of speedy DDR5 RAM and a generous 512GB SSD. You may need to consider an upgrade later down the line, but for now, it will definitely serve you well for the price.
The best part? All of this gaming goodness comes with a price tag of just $450. So, if you're looking to build a gaming setup on a budget without compromising on performance, the MINISFORUM Venus Series UM773 is definitely worth considering.
3. Zotac ZBox Magnus One
Best Mini PC with Dedicated Graphics
Zotac ZBox Magnus One
Pros:
- Dedicated and powerful GPU
- Small despite the specs
Cons:
- More RAM for the price would be nice
The Zotac Magnus One doesn't look like much, but the tiny chassis is hiding a beefy RTX 3070 GPU. This graphics card is a powerhouse, delivering solid 1440p gaming performance that'll let you dive into most modern titles with ease. While the CPU is quite old, it’s still a solid performer that won't bottleneck the GPU, ensuring you get the best gaming experience possible. While the 16GB of RAM might seem a bit modest compared to some other mini PCs on the market, it's more than enough for gaming and general use.
In terms of pricing, the Zotac Magnus One is on the pricier side. You could arguably get a more powerful full-sized gaming PC for the same amount of money. However, if you're looking for a compact, space-saving solution without sacrificing gaming performance, the Magnus One is worth every penny. Its sleek design, impressive specs, and solid gaming performance make it one of the best mini PCs for gaming enthusiasts who value form factor and functionality.
4. Mac mini M2
Best Mini PC for Mac
Mac Mini M2
Pros:
- Very capable for the price
- Performance increase over the M1
Cons:
- Limited to two displays
You might not think of gaming when you think of the Mac mini M2, but it delivers surprisingly good performance, allowing you to play a wide range of games at a decent frame rate. And given its cost, it’s hard not to consider the Mac mini M2 as a capable gaming mini PC. With a noticeable performance increase over the M1 chip, the M2 chip comes with eight CPU cores and 10 GPU cores, supporting strong performance, whether you're playing games or getting work done.
Thanks to the plethora of ports, the Mac mini M2 supports up to two 4K displays at 120Hz, and because the M2 natively supports Thunderbolt, you can even back it up with an external GPU later down the line. It also comes with Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, so if you plan to game online, you won’t be disappointed. Yes, for pure gaming performance, a Windows PC is a better option, but if you want a Mac and want to dabble with playing games here and there, it’s an affordable option.
5. Acemagician Mini PC
Best Ultracheap Mini PC for Gaming
Acemagician Mini PC
Pros:
- Very cheap
- Decent RAM
Cons:
- Better for casual gamers
We get it, mini PCs are expensive, but if you're looking to save a few bucks, the Acemagician Mini PC might be right up your alley. It doesn't have a dedicated graphics card, and probably won't run AAA games super well, but if you just want something that'll play the odd indie game, and you're ok with turning down the settings, you could do a lot worse, especially considering the price of this thing. Plus, this mini PC is strapped with 16GB of RAM, so it can even play the most demanding game of them all: Google Chrome.
It’s incredibly compact but still packs the latest connectivity technology like Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2. It’s an ideal investment if you enjoy playing casual games like Hearthstone, but is still capable enough of more demanding games like Rust and GTA5.
How to Pick The Best Mini PC for Gaming
Just like with any gaming PC, finding the best mini PC for gaming is all about what games you're looking to play, and at what resolution. Mini PCs are much smaller compared to desktop PCs, and even some laptops, and size constraints naturally limit the components included.
If you want to play the latest titles without any hiccups, you'll want to aim for a mini PC with a solid GPU. Look for models that come equipped with modern graphics like the NVIDIA RTX series or AMD Radeon cards, rather than integrated graphics. However, if you’re on a budget and you’re not fussed about playing games that have just been released, you could get away with something less powerful.
A good CPU is crucial for gaming performance and overall system responsiveness. Aim for mini PCs with mid-to-high-end CPUs, ideally with around 4 cores, 8 threads and a high clockspeed - around 4.0GHz or higher - just so your computer doesn't grind to a hault when you're trying to multitask. Similarly, you’ll need a decent amount of RAM (at least 16GB) and storage (at least 512GB SSD) to run and store your games smoothly.
Once you’ve nailed down the specs, make sure the mini PC has enough ports for your peripherals, as well as HDMI or DisplayPort outputs for connecting to external monitors or TVs. Thunderbolt ports are also a nice bonus if you plan on connecting high-speed external storage or other devices.
FAQ
Are Mini PCs Good for Gaming?
Mini PCs are capable enough of offering gamers decent performance in a small and compact package. However, due to their size, mini PCs will never be capable of achieving the same levels of performance as a full-sized desktop PC.
What is Better, Mini PC or PC?
Full-sized PCs tend to be more powerful, allow more room for upgrades, and often are more future-proof. However, mini PCs take up much less room, can still offer plenty of power, and can be upgraded.
What Are The Downsides to a Mini PC?
Because mini PCs are smaller, upgradability can sometimes be a problem. Depending on the CPU and GPU you want to run, you might not be able to fit it all into a mini PC. They are designed to be compact, meaning there’s less room overall.
