Let’s face it, your average gaming PC is about as subtle as a firework display in a library. They gobble up desk space like a hungry T-Rex, leaving little room for anything else – a problem if your gaming den is more of a gaming closet.
Enter mini gaming PCs – compact powerhouses that pack a serious punch, delivering impressive performance in a fraction of the space. That’s right, you can have your cake and eat it too (or, in this case, your RGB lighting and your desk space).
But there’s a catch. Going smaller often means making some compromises, especially when it comes to graphical firepower. But don’t fret, we’ve combed through the market to find the best mini gaming PCs for every budget and performance level. So whether you’re a casual gamer looking to dip your toes into 1080p gaming or a hardcore enthusiast craving those glorious 4K visuals, we’ve got you covered.
No matter which of these you pick, your mileage with thermal throttling may vary. Airflow and cooling aren’t the same for every person. Just make sure there’s ample of breathing room around these mini PCs. A lot of them have vents on multiple sides to amp up the air inflow, but you’re best off keeping all sides clear for more efficient heat dissipation.
MINISFORUM Venus Series UM773
- Integrated Radeon 680M
- Ryzen 7 7735HS
- 16GB DDR5
- 512 GB SSD
- LWH 5.04 x 4.98 x 1.83 in
- 3.65 lbs
This pint-sized powerhouse proves that you don’t need to empty your wallet to get a decent gaming experience. Packing an AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS processor, this little guy isn’t messing around. Now, I know what you’re thinking – “But wait, there’s no discrete GPU?” And you’d be right. But don’t dismiss it just yet.
This little guy is packing the integrated AMD Radeon 680M GPU. And surprisingly, this integrated graphics card can go toe-to-toe with some discrete GPUs like the GeForce GTX 1650 Max-Q. That means you can actually fire up some decent games without breaking a sweat (or your bank account).
Sure, you won’t be playing the latest AAA titles at maxed-out settings, but for esports and older games, it’s a surprisingly capable contender. Plus, you get 16GB of that fancy DDR5 RAM, which is pretty darn good for the price. And let’s not forget the 512GB SSD – not too shabby for storing your games and cat videos.
It has enough USB ports and HDMI outputs to satisfy even the most demanding gamer. You might even have a few leftovers for connecting, well, who knows what else you might want to connect. A toaster? A disco ball? Hey, I don’t judge.
But the real kicker? This bad boy comes in at a mere $450. Yep, you read that right. So if you’re looking for an affordable entry into the world of mini gaming PCs, this one might just be your ticket.
- Pros: Affordable, surprisingly good GPU performance for integrated graphics, plenty of ports.
- Cons: No discrete GPU, storage could be better for serious gamers.
Is it the most powerful mini gaming PC on the market? Nope. But does it offer an incredible value for its price? Absolutely. So if you’re ready to game without breaking the bank, the MINISFORUM Venus Series UM773 might just be your new best friend.
Intel NUC 12 Enthusiast Mini PC
- Arc A770M
- Core i7-12700H
- 32GB DDR4
- 1 TB SSD
- LWH 7.09 x 2.36 x 9.06 in
- 11.11 lbs
Now we’re stepping into the big leagues with the Intel NUC 12 Enthusiast, also known as the “Serpent Canyon.” Don’t let its small size fool you, this mini PC is a beast in disguise.
Under the hood, you’ll find an Intel Core i7-12700H processor, a chip that laughs in the face of multitasking. It’s a versatile powerhouse, handling productivity tasks with ease while flexing its muscles for gaming. And speaking of gaming, this little guy boasts an Intel Arc A770M GPU. Now, I know Intel’s Arc GPUs are the new kids on the block, but this one packs a surprising punch. It delivers smooth 1080p gaming and can even handle some 1440p action, though you might want to keep an eye on those thermals.
This mini PC is rocking a whopping 32GB of DDR4 RAM, enough to juggle a browser with enough tabs to make your head spin. And the storage? Oh, it’s got that covered too, with a generous 1TB SSD. No need for external drives here, folks. You can also choose the barebones version or the 16GB + 512GB variant.
Now, let’s talk aesthetics. This thing is small, sleek, and downright sexy. It’s got a console-like design that’ll look right at home in your entertainment center. But don’t be fooled by its good looks, it’s still a PC at heart, with plenty of ports for all your peripherals and gadgets.
Of course, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. This little guy is a bit pricey, but hey, good things often come at a cost. And there’s also the fact that Intel’s Arc GPUs are still finding their footing, with some teething issues to iron out. But if you’re willing to take a chance on Intel’s latest tech, the NUC 12 Enthusiast might just surprise you.
- Pros: Powerful performance, sleek design, plenty of RAM and storage.
- Cons: Pricey, Intel Arc GPU is still relatively new.
The Intel NUC 12 Enthusiast is like a pocket rocket – small, fast, and ready to take on the world (or at least your gaming library). It’s not perfect, but it’s a darn good option for gamers who want power and portability in one sleek package. So if you’re looking for a mini gaming PC that’s a cut above the rest, the NUC 12 Enthusiast is definitely worth considering.
Zotac ZBox Magnus ONE
- RTX 3070
- Core i7-10700
- 16GB DDR4
- 1.5 TB SSD
- LWH 18 x 15.3 x 9.1 in
- 16.17 lbs
If you crave top-notch gaming performance in a compact package, this might just be your dream machine. Under the hood, the Magnus One packs an Nvidia RTX 3070, a GPU that’ll handle 1440p gaming like a champ. Sure, it only has 8GB of VRAM, but let’s be real, most of us aren’t future-proofing our builds for the next decade. And even with that “limitation,” you’ll be blasting through most modern games with ease.
Backing up that graphical muscle is an Intel Core i7-10700 processor. Now, I know it’s not the freshest chip on the market, but it’s a solid workhorse that won’t bottleneck your GPU, so you can game to your heart’s content. The 16GB of RAM might seem a bit skimpy for the price, but hey, it’s plenty for most gamers and everyday tasks. And let’s not forget the storage – you get a 512GB SSD and a 1TB HDD, giving you ample space for your ever-growing game library.
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room – the price. This little guy will set you back a pretty penny, and you could probably build a more powerful full-sized PC for the same amount. But if space is at a premium and you’re not willing to sacrifice performance, the Magnus One is worth considering.
- Pros: Powerful GPU, ample storage space, surprisingly small form factor.
- Cons: Pricey, could have more RAM for the price, 8GB VRAM might be limiting in a few years.
The Zotac Magnus One is like a luxury sports car – it’s not for everyone, but if you can afford it, it’s a thrill to drive. It’s a statement piece, a symbol of power and prestige. So if you’re ready to splurge on a mini gaming PC that’ll turn heads and deliver exceptional performance, the Magnus One is definitely worth checking out. It even has a promotion ongoing called “Fulfill Your Destiny” where you get Black Myth: Wukong bundled with the PC.
Corsair ONE i500
- RTX 4090
- Core i9-14900K
- 32GB DDR5
- 2TB SSD
- LWH 11.8 x 7.6 x 15.3 in
- 15.83 lbs
It has a wooden texture! It’s liquid-cooled! It has an RTX 4090, 64GB RAM, 2TB SSD, and an i9-14900K. And … it costs $4600. Well, if money is no bar and you want to show off your gaming PC to others while getting insane power for your money, go for it! I have no qualms in you joining the 50-odd community of Corsair ONE i500 owners! I’m sure they have a Discord group (not a server) for this.
The Corsair ONE i500 is a masterpiece of design and engineering. This is not just a mini gaming PC; it’s a work of art, the perfect amalgamation of wood, metal, and RGB lighting that anybody ever designed. Forget those clunky towers and generic boxes, the Corsair ONE i500 is a head-turner. Its wooden panels, subtle RGB accents, and impeccable build quality scream luxury and sophistication. It’s the kind of PC that’ll make you want to rearrange your entire setup just to show it off.
But don’t be fooled by its charming looks, this thing is a beast under the hood. It packs a liquid-cooled Intel Core i9 14900K CPU and your choice of either an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080 Super or RTX 4090 GPU. That means you can run pretty much any game at maxed-out settings without breaking a sweat. And thanks to DLSS 3, you can even push those frame rates even higher, making it a dream for high-refresh-rate gaming.
But like any masterpiece, it’s not without its quirks. The CPU cooler can get a bit noisy under load, but hey, even the Mona Lisa has a few cracks. And while the 64GB of VENGEANCE DDR5 RAM and 2TB M.2 SSD are nothing to scoff at, some might find it a bit lacking for the price you are paying.
- Pros: Stunning design, top-notch performance, liquid cooling.
- Cons: Pricey, can be noisy under load, could use more storage for some users.
The Corsair ONE i500 is not just a gaming PC; it’s a lifestyle statement. It’s for those who want the best of the best, who appreciate fine craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology. So if you’re ready to invest in a mini gaming PC that’s as much a work of art as it is a gaming machine, the Corsair ONE i500 is waiting for you.
