Best Compact Gaming PCs for 2025

Gone is the notion that gaming PCs must be bulky towers dominating your desk space. Today, compact mini PCs deliver impressive gaming performance in a footprint as small as a cable box.

Top Picks for Compact Gaming PCs:

Our Top Choice

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 Apple

Opting for a mini gaming PC comes with trade-offs compared to a full-sized tower. The compact design limits space for high-end graphics cards and advanced cooling systems, so you’re unlikely to find models equipped with an RTX 5090 or Intel Core Ultra 9 285K without a steep price tag. Instead, models like the GMKTec Evo-X leverage powerful APUs over discrete graphics for efficiency.

Manufacturers tackle these space constraints differently. Asus, for example, acquired Intel’s NUC brand to craft desktops using mobile-grade hardware for ultra-compact cases. Meanwhile, Zotac manages to pack robust desktop-class components into small chassis, though these systems are pricier and tougher to upgrade or maintain compared to larger towers.

Additional contributions by Kegan Mooney

Asus ROG NUC – Photos

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1. Asus ROG NUC

Top Mini PC for Gaming

Our Top Choice

Asus ROG NUC

22The Asus ROG NUC is among the smallest gaming PCs available, yet it packs a punch with a mobile-grade RTX 4070 GPU.See it at Amazon

Product 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 Power

PROSUltra-compact like a cable boxSimple to open and upgradeCONSMobile-grade hardware may limit performance

Opening the Asus ROG NUC, I was struck by its lightweight, compact design. Despite relying on mobile-grade hardware, its sleek, cable-box-like appearance makes it ideal for living room setups. Paired with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070, it handles most games well, though it’s best suited for 1080p gaming.

Connected to a 4K TV, the ROG NUC’s mobile hardware shows its limits, requiring reduced settings for graphically intensive titles like Cyberpunk 2077 or Black Myth: Wukong to maintain smooth frame rates. Still, it outperforms the PS5, and Nvidia’s DLSS helps bridge the 4K performance gap. Its tiny size, however, means fitting a full desktop GPU is impossible.

The Asus ROG NUC stands out as a top mini gaming PC, but its mobile hardware requires weighing whether a gaming laptop might better suit your needs.

2. MinisForum Venus Series UM773

Best Budget Mini PC for Gaming

MinisForum Venus Series UM773

14An affordable mini PC with strong performance for esports gaming.See it at Amazon

Product 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 Jack

PROSCost-effectiveSolid GPU performanceCONSNo dedicated GPU

For those seeking an affordable yet capable mini PC, the MinisForum Venus Series UM773 delivers. Powered by an AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS and AMD Radeon 680M integrated graphics, it competes with some entry-level dedicated GPUs, excelling in esports titles.

With 16GB of fast DDR5 RAM and a 512GB SSD, the UM773 offers solid value at $450, though upgrades may be needed later for more demanding tasks.

3. Zotac ZBox Magnus One

Top Mini PC with Desktop Graphics

Zotac ZBox Magnus One

12Features a powerful RTX 3070 GPU for excellent 1440p gaming performance. See it at Amazon

Product 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)

PROSPowerful dedicated GPUSmall yet capableCONSLimited RAM for the price

The Zotac ZBox Magnus One hides a robust RTX 3070 GPU in its compact frame, delivering strong 1440p gaming performance. Though its CPU is older, it pairs well with the GPU, ensuring smooth gameplay. The 16GB RAM is sufficient for gaming but modest compared to competitors.

While pricier than some full-sized PCs, the Magnus One’s compact design and strong performance make it ideal for gamers prioritizing space and power.

4. Mac mini M2

Top Mini PC for Mac Users

Apple Mac mini M2

8The Mac mini M2 offers robust performance for work and gaming with its 8-core CPU and 10-core GPU.See it at AmazonSee it at Apple

Product 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 jack

PROSAffordable for performanceImproved over M1CONSSupports only two displays

The Mac mini M2 surprises with solid gaming performance, handling a variety of games at decent frame rates. Its 8-core CPU and 10-core GPU outperform the M1, making it a versatile choice for both work and play at a competitive price.

With multiple ports, including Thunderbolt 4, it supports two 4K displays at 120Hz and allows for external GPU upgrades. Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 ensure strong connectivity. While Windows PCs may excel in pure gaming, the Mac mini M2 is a great pick for Mac users who game occasionally.

How to Choose the Best Mini PC for Gaming

Selecting the ideal mini PC for gaming hinges on your preferred games and resolution. Mini PCs are significantly smaller than traditional desktops, which limits component options due to space constraints.

For smooth gameplay in modern titles, prioritize a strong GPU, such as Nvidia RTX or AMD Radeon cards, over integrated graphics. Budget-conscious gamers can opt for less powerful models if they focus on older or less demanding games.

A capable CPU is essential for gaming and system performance. Look for mid-to-high-end CPUs with at least 4 cores, 8 threads, and a clock speed around 4.0GHz. Ensure at least 16GB RAM and a 512GB SSD for smooth operation and storage.

Check for sufficient ports, including HDMI or DisplayPort for monitors, and Thunderbolt for high-speed peripherals or storage.

Mini PC FAQ

Are mini PCs suitable for gaming?

It depends on your gaming expectations. Mini PCs may struggle with 4K gaming, but at 1080p, especially for indie or esports titles, they perform admirably. Modern mini PCs with integrated graphics can deliver a solid gaming experience for less demanding games.

Mini PC vs. Full-Sized PC: Which is better?

Your needs dictate the choice. A full-sized PC with a Ryzen 9 and RTX 5090 offers unmatched performance, but mini PCs shine in space-constrained environments, like small apartments, balancing size and capability for lower-resolution gaming.

What are the drawbacks of mini PCs?

Mini PCs involve trade-offs in price, performance, or upgradability. High-end models with desktop components are costly, while affordable options often rely on integrated graphics, limiting performance to 1080p. Upgradable mini PCs exist but are typically expensive and less flexible than larger systems.