As new hardware and features become available in the world of PCs the options for gamers are endless. Gaming laptops can offer games-on-the-go but is not to everyone's preference. If you want a desktop rig that saves space mini gaming PCs are here.
Compact yet mighty, these miniature rigs pack a punch, boasting hardware configurations that rival their full-sized counterparts (sometimes). From budget-friendly options to high-end gaming beasts, each mini gaming PC brings unique advantages. You won't need to worry about long research to find out what's best for you, as we've gathered all the top picks for any gamer's needs.
Updated on August 9, 2024, by Jacob Austin: We've come back to ensure that all the best information is here for you and offer new choices. The Cooler Master NR2 Pro with a 4080 super was added for those with heavy gaming needs. It's high-end performance wrapped up in a mini ITX case for ultimate power in a small space.
Minisforum Neptune HX99G
Best Compact See at AmazonMinisforum Venus Series UM773 Lite Mini PC - AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS, AMD Radeon 680M, 32GB DDR5 RAM, 512GB SSD
Best mini PC overall See at AmazonCooler Master NR2 Pro Mini ITX Gaming PC
Best High-End Buy See at AmazonThermaltake Reactor i460T Gaming Desktop - Intel Core i7-13700F, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 Ti, 32GB DDR5 RAM, 1TB SSD
Best Design See at AmazonIntel NUC 12 Enthusiast Gaming Mini PC - Core i7-12700H, Intel Arc A770M, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD
Best Mini PC with Dedicated Graphics See at Amazon- See More
Beelink SER7 Pro Mini PC - AMD Ryzen 7 5700U, AMD Radeon Graphics, 16GB DDR4 RAM, 500GB SSD
Best Budget See at AmazonAsus ROG Ally
Best handheld mini PC for gaming $600 at Official Site
Best Mini Gaming PCs
Best CompactMinisforum Neptune HX99G
If you need to save some space.
The MINISFORUM Neptune HX99G Mini PC packs impressive gaming performance into a compact form factor, featuring a Ryzen 9 6900HX CPU, Radeon RX 6600M GPU, 32GB DDR5 RAM, and extensive connectivity options for a powerful yet space-saving setup.
Pros & Cons- Powerful Ryzen 9 6900HX CPU with 8 cores/16 threads.
- Supports up to 64GB DDR5 RAM, 2TB SSD
- Capable RX 6600M GPU for 1080p gaming.
- Plastic build quality could be better.
If you're looking for something small but also powerful, the Neptune HX99G should already be on your radar. For starters, this lil' beauty is powered by an AMD Ryzen 9 6900HX processor with 8 cores and 16 threads, which is great for gaming, content creation, or watching MrBeast videos in full resolution.
Then, again, what's the point of having a great processor if the GPU is not equally kick-ass? This is where the AMD Radeon RX 6600M comes in (with a glorious 8GB of GDDR6 memory). This means that your visuals are going to be stunning as hell. Onboard memory is pretty sorted, too, with 64GB of DDR5 RAM across two SODIMM slots.
Storage-wise, the HX99G comes equipped with two M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 SSD slots, so you can always bump it up a bit if you need to. On the connectivity front, you’ve got two USB4 ports ready to support 8K displays at a smooth 60Hz plus two HDMI 2.0 ports. That means you're good enough to get a total of four displays.
However, alongside all the upsides the plastic build quality could do with an upgrade because it has a flimsy feel, and the power brick they threw in is more brick than power. But if you can work with that, it's a pretty solid choice.
Best mini PC overallMinisforum Venus Series UM773 Lite Mini PC
AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS, AMD Radeon 680M, 32GB DDR5 RAM, 512GB SSD
The Minisforum Venus Series mini gaming PC is a powerful machine in diminutive form, featuring a Ryzen 7/Radeon 680M combo, a massive 32GB RAM, and plenty of storage for your games.
Pros & Cons- Powerful integrated graphics
- Upgradable with multiple slots
- Compact form factor
- Higher price point compared to other options
- Limited availability of USB4 ports
Available at a steal of a price, the Minisforum UM773 Lite emerges as a standout choice in the mini gaming PC arena. Featuring an AMD 680M integrated graphics card and 32 GB of lightning-fast DDR5 RAM, this compact powerhouse strikes a balance between performance and efficiency.
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PostsWhile not as robust as its sibling, the 780M, the 680M excels in energy efficiency, ensuring optimal performance within power constraints. Esports titles and emulation run seamlessly at 1080p, making it an ideal companion for gaming enthusiasts.
Despite its compact footprint, the UM773 Lite boasts impressive connectivity options, including USB4 port compatibility for future eGPU expansions. With upgradeability options like dual SODIMM slots and a PCIe 4.0 M.2 slot, the UM773 Lite offers flexibility for future enhancements, making it a top choice for discerning gamers seeking power and versatility in a compact package.
Best High-End BuyCooler Master NR2 Pro Mini ITX Gaming PC
When you want the most but in the least space
If you want a gaming PC with speed to spare then this Cooler Master NR2 Pro is for you. With the incredible 4080 Super, you'll tackle any gaming needs while your case remains compact.
Pros & Cons- A 4080 Super will handle anything
- Small footprint in a sleek case
- Thermals could stay higher due to size
If integrated graphics or performance compromises are not your thing, then here is a small form factor build for you that offers the very best. Sporting an i7 14700F processor and the mighty 4080 Super this powerhouse will play like any other PC build.
This case is packed with 32GB of 5600Mhz DDR5 RAM and a blazing-fast 1TB SSD, leaving you with plenty of memory and storage. Gaming on this mini-ITX build won't feel any different than on a full-tower.
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PostsThe only downside of the tightly packed 4080 is that hot case exhausts will be a constant aspect of your gaming sessions. Be sure to plan carefully if you are one to tinker with clock speeds and other settings, as this type of case does not lend towards overclocking.
Best DesignThermaltake Reactor i460T Gaming Desktop
Intel Core i7-13700F, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 Ti, 32GB DDR5 RAM, 1TB SSD
This beautiful, mini PC from Thermaltake features a powerhouse RTX 4060 Ti GPU and Core i7 processor, for supreme gaming in a smaller form factor.
Pros & Cons- High-performance components
- Liquid cooling system
- RGB lighting for customizable aesthetics
- Higher price point
- Slightly larger than other options
The Thermaltake Reactor i460T stands out with its sleek design and formidable hardware configuration, making it a visual and gaming powerhouse. Boasting an Intel Core i7-13700F processor, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Ti graphics card, and 32GB DDR5 RGB memory, this mini gaming PC delivers unparalleled performance for gaming and multitasking.
Even while playing some of the most demanding titles. Its closed-loop liquid cooling system ensures optimal thermal management, allowing for sustained use without your hardware suffering from thermal throttling. Besides the comfort of knowing your PC is safe, liquid cooling for your 4060 Ti means this beauty still packs a beast's worth of power.
With a range of connectivity options, including USB 3.0 and Type C ports, the Reactor i460T offers versatility for peripheral and display setups. The combination of premium components and eye-catching aesthetics makes the Thermaltake Reactor i460T a top choice for gamers seeking both style and substance in their mini gaming rig.
Best Mini PC with Dedicated GraphicsIntel NUC 12 Enthusiast Gaming Mini PC
Core i7-12700H, Intel Arc A770M, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD
This Intel NUC 12 Enthusiast Gaming mini PC packs a mighty punch. Gaming won't be an issue with its i7 processor and Intel Arc A770M graphics card.
Pros & Cons- All-Intel system
- Compact size ideal for small setups
- PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots for fast storage
- Non-upgradeable GPU
- Limited cooling
Intel's NUC 12 Serpent Canyon redefines compact gaming performance with its innovative design and powerful hardware. Featuring an Intel Arc A770M GPU with 16GB of GDDR6 VRAM and an Intel Core i7-12700H processor, this mini PC delivers impressive gaming performance in a diminutive form factor.
The inclusion of PCIe 4.0 slots for storage expansion and user-replaceable RAM ensures future-proofing and upgradability. Despite its compact size, the NUC 12 Serpent Canyon boasts excellent thermal management, allowing for sustained high-performance gaming sessions without overheating.
With its unique design and potent hardware configuration, the Intel NUC 12 Serpent Canyon offers unparalleled gaming performance in a true mini PC form factor, making it a compelling choice for gamers seeking compact yet powerful gaming solutions.
Best BudgetBeelink SER7 Pro Mini PC
AMD Ryzen 7 5700U, AMD Radeon Graphics, 16GB DDR4 RAM, 500GB SSD
This budget-friendly and tiny PC from Beelink is perfect for productivity and gaming alike, with a Ryzen 7 processor and AMD graphics.
Pros & Cons- Decent gaming performance
- Expansion options for RAM and storage
- Budget-friendly pricing
- Limited gaming performance
- Plastic construction may feel less premium
The Beelink SER6 Gaming Mini PC offers exceptional value for budget-conscious gamers, combining solid performance with affordability. Powered by AMD's integrated graphics, the SER6 delivers respectable gaming performance for popular titles like Minecraft and League of Legends.
With 16GB of DDR5 RAM and expandable storage options, including PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots and support for 2.5" drives, the SER6 provides flexibility for future upgrades.
While its dual-fan cooling system may produce some noise under heavy load, the SER6's compact design and competitive pricing make it an attractive option for gamers on a budget who prioritize performance and upgradability.
Best handheld mini PC for gamingYour Rating
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Like Follow FollowedAsus ROG Ally
Gaming On-the-Go
Dimensions 28.0 x 11.1 x 2.12 ~3.24cm Number of Games Included Dependent on user's catalogues Playing Time Up to 8 hours Brand ASUS Republic of Gamers Weight ~608gThe ASUS ROG Ally is a handheld gaming console aiming to take on the Steam Deck. Running Windows 11 with an incredibly powerful GPU, it promises access to all your gaming libraries, offering 1080p resolution and 120Hz refresh rate.
Pros & Cons- Solid performance
- Beautiful, 120Hz screen
- Flexible control scheme
- Turbo mode drains battery quickly
The Asus ROG Ally redefines portable gaming with its innovative design and powerful hardware, making it the ultimate handheld mini PC for gaming enthusiasts. Featuring a high-resolution display and built-in controller, the Ally offers an immersive gaming experience on the go.
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PostsWith its powerful CPU and GPU, including support for external GPUs via the XMG connector, the Ally delivers smooth gaming performance at 1080p resolution. The inclusion of variable refresh rate (VRR) technology ensures smooth gameplay with minimal stuttering or tearing.
While its desktop mode may require additional peripherals for optimal productivity, the Ally excels as a portable gaming device, offering unrivaled performance and versatility in a compact form factor.
FAQ
Can mini gaming PCs run modern AAA titles?
While some mini gaming PCs can handle modern AAA titles, they may struggle with demanding graphics settings. Opting for models with dedicated graphics cards can improve performance.
Are mini gaming PCs upgradeable?
Yes, many mini gaming PCs offer upgrade options for storage, RAM, and even external GPUs. However, the level of upgradeability varies between models, so it's essential to check compatibility before making any upgrades.
Are mini PCs as good as desktops?
While a desktop PC will give you plenty of power and can be upgraded, it'll take up more space. A mini PC is not as powerful and generally can't be upgraded, but they are ultra-portable and are just the job for those everyday tasks.
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