Top Mini Gaming PCs to Buy in 2025

If you're under the impression that a gaming PC has to be a massive metal-and-plastic tower that demands a dedicated desk, think again. Today's mini PCs are here to shatter that stereotype. Small in size but big on performance, these pint-sized powerhouses can easily fit on your entertainment center, taking up no more space than a cable box.

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 are awesome, they do come with trade-offs. Space constraints mean they often can't accommodate high-end graphics cards or large CPU coolers. You’re unlikely to find an RTX 5090 paired with an Intel Core Ultra 9 285K, at least not at a reasonable price. Instead, expect to see more compact setups like the GMKTec Evo-X, which relies on powerful APUs instead of discrete GPUs.

Different manufacturers tackle the space issue differently. Asus acquired the NUC (Next Unit of Computing) brand from Intel to create compact PCs using mobile-grade hardware. Other brands, like Zotac, manage to cram desktop-class components into minuscule cases. These mini PCs are harder to upgrade and usually more expensive, but their compact size makes them a dream for space-conscious gamers.

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 mini as mini gaming PCs come. Despite its compact size, it's surprisingly well-equipped with mobile-class RTX 4070 graphics. See it at Amazon
Product Specifications:

• CPU: Intel Core Ultra 7 – Intel Core Ultra 9
• GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 – Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 (Mobile)
• RAM: 16GB – 32GB DDR5
• Storage: 512GB – 1TB PCIe 4.0 M.2 SSD
• Ports: 1 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 Power

PROS:

• Compact size, similar to a cable box
• Easy to open and upgrade

CONS:

• Limited by mobile-class hardware

When I first laid eyes on the Asus ROG NUC, I was impressed by its petite frame and lightweight build. It’s small enough to blend seamlessly into your living room, looking like just another cable box. Despite its diminutive size, it’s packing a punch with its Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070, making it far from sluggish in the gaming department—up to a point, of course.

One recurring challenge with the Asus ROG NUC is the limitation imposed by its mobile-class hardware, particularly noticeable when connected to a 4K TV. While it can handle most modern games at 1080p, maintaining a steady frame rate at 4K requires dialing down settings in graphically intensive titles. Even so, it still outperforms the PS5 in many scenarios, and the RTX 4070’s DLSS feature helps bridge the gap at 4K.

That said, the ROG NUC's size means it can't accommodate a full desktop-class graphics card like an RTX 5090. Still, it remains one of the best mini gaming PCs available, though you’ll need to weigh its pros and cons against the merits of a gaming laptop.

2. MinisForum Venus Series UM773

Best Budget Mini PC for Gaming

### MinisForum Venus Series UM773

14A wallet-friendly mini PC with the performance chops to excel in esports games.
See it at Amazon
Product Specifications:

• CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS
• GPU: AMD Radeon 680M
• RAM: 32GB DDR5
• Storage: 512GB SSD
• Ports: 2 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 Jack

PROS:

• Affordable price point
• Decent GPU performance

CONS:

• No discrete GPU

If you're hunting for an economical mini PC that doesn't skimp on performance, the MinisForum Venus Series UM773 is worth checking out. Priced at just $450, it offers solid value with an AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS CPU and integrated AMD Radeon 680M graphics. Although it lacks a discrete GPU, the integrated graphics perform admirably in esports titles and casual gaming.

The UM773 also boasts 32GB of DDR5 RAM and a 512GB SSD, ensuring smooth performance for most users. While storage might require an upgrade down the line, it’s plenty sufficient for now.

3. Zotac ZBox Magnus One

Best Mini PC with Desktop Graphics

### Zotac ZBox Magnus One

12Enjoy desktop-level graphics with this gaming PC rocking a beefy RTX 3070 GPU for 1440p gaming.
See it at Amazon
Product Specifications:

• CPU: Intel Core i5-10400G
• GPU: GeForce RTX 3060
• RAM: 16GB DDR4
• Storage: 512GB SSD
• Ports: 1 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)

PROS:

• Dedicated and powerful GPU
• Sleek design despite the specs

CONS:

• Could benefit from more RAM

The Zotac ZBox Magnus One might look unassuming, but its tiny chassis houses a formidable RTX 3070 GPU. This powerhouse delivers solid 1440p gaming performance. While the CPU is older, it still performs well enough to avoid bottlenecking the GPU, ensuring smooth gameplay. With 16GB of DDR4 RAM, it’s more than adequate for gaming and everyday tasks.

Priced on the higher end, the Zotac Magnus One is comparable in cost to full-sized gaming PCs. However, its compact form factor and impressive performance make it a worthwhile investment for gamers who prioritize space efficiency and functionality. Its sleek design and robust specs make it a standout choice for those who want a small yet powerful gaming rig.

4. Mac mini M2

Best Mini PC for Mac

### Apple Mac mini M2

8The Mac mini M2 delivers strong performance in both work and play thanks to the eight CPU cores and 10 GPU cores.
See it at Amazon
See it at Apple
Product Specifications:

• **