In the ever-evolving world of gaming technology, mini gaming PCs have carved out a niche for themselves, combining compactness, power, and versatility. These tiny powerhouses defy expectations, delivering impressive gaming performance despite their small size. Whether you’re a space-conscious gamer, a frequent traveler, or simply drawn to sleek, minimalist design, there’s something for everyone in the world of mini gaming PCs.
Compact yet powerful, these miniature rigs boast hardware configurations that rival full-sized PCs and pack powerful punch (in some cases). From budget-friendly options to high-end gaming monsters, each mini gaming PC comes with its own unique set of features and performance. Let’s dive into the world of mini gaming PCs and discover the top contenders for 2024.
Updated by Sai Vsr on April 30, 2024: In this update, we present to you the Minisforum Neptune HX99G, a great compact option, more details below.
MiniForum Neptune HX99G
Best Compact
Minisforum Venus Series UM773 Lite Mini PC – AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS, AMD Radeon 680M, 32GB DDR5 RAM, 512GB SSD
Best Mini PC Overall
Blackview MP200 Mini Gaming PC – Intel i5-11400H, Intel UHD Graphics Xe, 16GB DDR4 RAM, 512GB SSD
Best Mini Gaming PCs Under $500
Thermaltake Reactor i460T Gaming Desktop – Intel Core i7-13700F, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 Ti, 32GB DDR5 RAM, 1TB SSD
Best Design Award
Intel NUC 12 Enthusiast Gaming Mini PC – Core i7-12700H, Intel Arc A770M, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD
Best Mini PCs with Dedicated Graphics
see next
Best Mini Gaming PC
Best Compact
MiniForum Neptune HX99G
If you need to save space.
The MINISFORUM Neptune HX99G Mini PC packs great gaming performance into a compact form factor, with a Ryzen 9 6900HX CPU, Radeon RX 6600M GPU, 32GB DDR5 RAM, and extensive connectivity options for a powerful yet space-saving setup.
Pros: Powerful Ryzen 9 6900HX CPU with 8 cores/16 threads. Supports up to 64GB DDR5 RAM, 2TB SSD. RX 6600M GPU for 1080p gaming. Cons: Plastic build quality could be improved.
If you’re looking for something small yet powerful, the Neptune HX99G should already be on your radar. First off, this little beauty is powered by an 8-core 16-thread AMD Ryzen 9 6900HX processor, perfect for gaming, content creation, or watching MrBeast videos in full resolution. In terms of speed, it has a base clock of 3.3 GHz, but if you’re a fan of overclocking, you can easily push it all the way up to 4.9 GHz.
So once again, a great processor is useless if your GPU isn’t equally great, and that’s where the AMD Radeon RX 6600M (with 8GB of GDDR6 memory) comes in, meaning visuals will be jaw-droppingly amazing. Onboard memory is also pretty generous, with 64GB of DDR5 RAM across two SODIMM slots.
In terms of storage, 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 it. On the connectivity side, there are two USB4 ports and two HDMI 2.0 ports that support 8K displays at a smooth 60Hz, meaning you can connect a total of four displays. To be honest, the plastic build quality could do with a bit of an upgrade; it feels flimsy, and the included power brick is more of a brick than a power supply. But if you can live with that, this is a pretty solid choice.
Best Mini PC Overall
Minisforum 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 small but powerful machine equipped with a Ryzen 7/Radeon 680M combo, a massive 32GB RAM, and plenty of storage for gaming.
Pros Powerful integrated graphics Multiple slots for upgradeability Compact form factor Cons High price compared to other options Limited number of USB4 ports
At $539.99 (£495.20), the Minisforum UM773 Lite emerges as a standout choice in the mini gaming PC field. With an AMD 680M integrated graphics card and 32GB of lightning-fast DDR5 RAM, this compact powerhouse strikes a balance between performance and efficiency. While not as robust as its 780M sibling, the 680M is energy-efficient, ensuring optimal performance within power constraints. Esports titles and emulation run seamlessly at 1080p, making it the ideal companion for gaming enthusiasts.
Despite its compact footprint, the UM773 Lite boasts great connectivity options, including USB4 port compatibility for future eGPU expansion. With upgrade options such as dual SODIMM slots and PCIe 4.0 M.2 slot, the UM773 Lite is flexible for future expansion, making it the perfect choice for discerning gamers looking for power and versatility in a compact package.
Best Mini Gaming PCs Under $500
Blackview MP200 Mini Gaming PC
Intel i5-11400H, Intel UHD Graphics Xe, 16GB DDR4 RAM, 512GB SSD
The upgradeable Blackview MP200 Mini PC is perfect for those who want to increase gaming or productivity without taking up too much space.
Pros Competitive price Compact size Good for basic gaming Cons Limited cooling, so heat issues may occur Not suitable for demanding gaming
For budget-conscious gamers, the sub-$500 Blackview Mini Gaming PC offers great value without sacrificing performance. Equipped with Intel Ultra-HD Graphics, this mini PC offers a cost-effective solution for casual gaming experiences. While AAA titles may require lower graphics settings, the USB 3.2 connectivity allows for multi-display setups, increasing productivity and multitasking capabilities. With the option to double the storage and RAM for future upgrades, the Blackview Mini Gaming PC offers expandability and durability to meet your evolving gaming needs.
Its affordable price makes it an attractive choice for beginner gamers, but the lack of a dedicated graphics card and cooling system may limit its potential in more demanding gaming applications. That said, for gamers on a budget, the Blackview Mini Gaming PC is an attractive option that delivers gaming performance at an affordable price.
Best Design Award
Thermaltake Reactor i460T Gaming Desktop
Intel Core i7-13700F, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 Ti, 32GB DDR5 RAM, 1TB SSD
This beautiful mini PC from Thermaltake is equipped with a powerful RTX 4060 Ti GPU and a Core i7 processor, delivering the best gaming experience in a small form factor.
ProsHigh-performance componentsLiquid cooling systemCustomizable aesthetics with RGB lightingConsHigh priceA little larger than other options
Thermaltake Reactor i460T stands out with its sleek design and powerful hardware configuration, making it a visual and gaming powerhouse. Equipped with an Intel Core i7-13700F processor, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Ti graphics card, and 32GB DDR5 RGB memory, this mini gaming PC delivers unmatched gaming and multitasking performance, even when playing the most demanding titles. The closed-loop liquid cooling system ensures optimal thermal management, allowing you to sustain high-performance computing without thermal throttling.
With a variety of connectivity options including USB 3.0 and Type C ports, Reactor i460T offers versatility for your peripheral and display setup. The combination of premium components and eye-catching aesthetics makes Thermaltake Reactor i460T the perfect choice for gamers who want both style and practicality in their mini gaming rig.
Best Mini PCs with Dedicated Graphics
Intel 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 punch: with an i7 processor and an Intel Arc A770M graphics card, gaming is a breeze.
Pros All-Intel system Compact size perfect for small setups PCIe 4.0 M.2 slot for fast storage Cons Not upgradeable Limited GPU cooling
Intel’s NUC 12 Serpent Canyon redefines compact gaming performance with innovative design and powerful hardware. Powered by an Intel Arc A770M GPU and Intel Core i7-12700H processor with 16GB of GDDR6 VRAM, this mini PC delivers great gaming performance in a small form factor. It’s future-proof and upgradable, with a PCIe 4.0 slot for storage expansion and user-replaceable RAM. Despite its compact size, the NUC 12 Serpent Canyon boasts excellent thermal management, allowing you to sustain high-performance gaming sessions without overheating.
With its unique design and powerful hardware configuration, the Intel NUC 12 Serpent Canyon delivers unparalleled gaming performance in a true mini PC form factor, making it a compelling choice for gamers looking for a compact yet powerful gaming solution.
Best Budget
Beelink SER7 Pro Mini PC
AMD Ryzen 7 5700U, AMD Radeon Graphics, 16GB DDR4 RAM, 500GB SSD
This affordable mini PC from Beelink is equipped with a Ryzen 7 processor and AMD graphics, making it perfect for both productivity and gaming.
Pros: Decent gaming performance, expandable RAM and storage options, budget-friendly price Cons: Limited gaming performance, plastic construction means less premium feel
Beelink SER6 Gaming Mini PC combines solid performance with an affordable price, providing great value for budget-conscious gamers. Equipped with AMD integrated graphics, the SER6 delivers excellent gaming performance in popular titles such as Minecraft and League of Legends. With 16GB of DDR5 RAM and expandable storage options, including a PCIe 4.0 M.2 slot and support for 2.5″ drives, the SER6 offers flexibility for future upgrades and storage expansion.
Although the dual-fan cooling system can generate some noise under heavy loads, the SER6’s compact design and competitive price make it an attractive choice for gamers on a budget who prioritize performance and upgradability.
Best Handheld Mini PC for Gaming
Asus ROG Ally
Enjoy gaming on the go
The ASUS ROG Ally is a handheld gaming console that aims to rival Steam Deck. It runs Windows 11 with an incredibly powerful GPU, offering 1080p resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate, and access to your entire game library.
Pros: Solid performance Beautiful 120Hz screen Flexible control scheme Cons: Turbo mode drains battery quickly
Asus ROG Ally redefines portable gaming with innovative design and powerful hardware, making it the ultimate handheld mini PC for gaming enthusiasts. With a high-resolution display and built-in controller, Ally delivers an immersive gaming experience on the go. With a powerful CPU and GPU, and support for an external GPU via the XMG connector, Ally delivers smooth gaming performance at 1080p resolution. Featuring Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) technology, Ally minimizes stuttering and tearing for smooth gameplay.
While desktop mode may require additional peripherals for optimal productivity, Ally excels as a portable gaming device, offering unmatched performance and versatility in a compact form factor.
From budget-friendly options to high-performance rigs, the world of mini gaming PCs offers something for every gamer. Whether you prioritize affordability, portability, or pure power, there’s a mini PC to fit your needs. With compact designs and powerful hardware, these mini gaming PCs prove that big things can come in small packages.
FAQ
Can a mini gaming PC run the latest AAA titles?
Some mini gaming PCs are capable of handling the latest AAA titles but may not be able to handle demanding graphics settings. Opting for a model with a dedicated graphics card will improve performance.
Is a mini gaming PC upgradeable?
Yes, many mini gaming PCs offer upgrade options for storage, RAM, and even external GPUs, but the level of upgrades varies by model, so it’s important to check compatibility before upgrading.
Are mini PCs as good as desktop PCs?
Desktop PCs are powerful enough and can be upgraded, but they take up more space. Mini PCs are less powerful and usually not upgradeable, but they are ultra-portable and perfect for everyday tasks.
The next best PC accessory for $10
For just $10, you can get your gaming setup in order and get the essential PC accessories you need.
