Are you in search of the ultimate mini gaming PC? Say goodbye to the bulky, flashy setups of the past. Modern mini gaming PCs offer serious power in a compact design, making them perfect for smaller gaming setups or on-the-go gaming sessions. These powerful machines deliver top-notch performance without taking up much space.
In this guide, we’ve curated a selection of pre-built mini gaming PCs from trusted brands like Origin and Corsair. For those who prefer a hands-on approach, we also provide tips on building your own gaming PC from scratch.
Some budget-friendly options from Minisforum utilize AMD mobile CPUs with surprisingly strong integrated graphics, capable of handling demanding games at 1080p resolution effortlessly.
When choosing a mini gaming PC, consider factors like cooling capabilities and upgradability. You want to ensure your system remains cool and doesn’t become obsolete too quickly. With our recommendations, you can game confidently in any space, big or small. If you need maximum power, check out our comprehensive guide to the best gaming PCs on the market.
Apple Mac mini (M2, 2023): A Compact Powerhouse
The Apple Mac mini (M2, 2023) represents a significant upgrade in Apple’s lineup of mini PCs, delivering powerful performance in a sleek, compact package. Whether you need a reliable computer for basic tasks or intensive creative projects, the Mac mini stands out with its impressive specifications and efficiency.
Specifications
- CPU: Apple M2 (up to 12-core)
- Graphics: Integrated GPU (up to 19-core)
- RAM: Up to 32GB
- Storage: 256GB SSD
- Connectivity:
- Up to 4x Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C)
- 2x USB-A
- Gigabit Ethernet
- HDMI
- 3.5mm audio jack
- Wi-Fi 6E
- Bluetooth
Reasons to Buy
- Even More Powerful: The M2 chip offers a substantial performance boost, perfect for everything from basic office applications to intensive tasks like photo and video editing.
- Small Form Factor: Its compact size makes it ideal for those needing a powerful computer without taking up much desk space.
- Reduced Price: With prices starting around $600 / £600, it offers excellent value for its performance.
Reasons to Avoid
- Can’t Upgrade After Purchasing: Once purchased, you can’t upgrade the RAM or storage, which might be a limitation for future needs.
- Premium Price: Despite its affordability relative to its performance, it still carries a premium price tag compared to other customizable mini PCs.
Minisforum UM790 Pro: Powerful and Versatile
The Minisforum UM790 Pro impresses with its compact design and powerful performance, making it a standout for video editing and other resource-intensive tasks. This mini PC is designed to handle demanding applications, offering versatile connectivity and robust specifications.
Specifications
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 9
- Graphics: Radeon 780M
- RAM: 32GB DDR5 (expandable to 64GB)
- Storage: 1TB M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 SSD
- Connectivity:
- 4x USB 3.2 Type-A
- 2x HDMI 2.1
- 2x USB 4
- 1x 3.5mm audio jack
- 1x RJ45 2.5G Ethernet
- Wi-Fi 6E
- Bluetooth 5.3
Reasons to Buy
- Powerful Processing: Equipped with AMD Ryzen 9 and Radeon 780M, it excels in processor and graphics-intensive tasks, including gaming and 4K video editing.
- Versatile Connectivity: Offers a wide range of connectivity options and VESA mounting compatibility.
- Effective Cooling: Designed for efficient cooling, ensuring consistent performance.
Reasons to Avoid
- Premium Price Tag: It is priced in the mid-range for high-end mini PCs, which might be a concern for budget-conscious buyers.
- Limited Design Innovation: While practical, its design is plain and emphasizes functionality over aesthetics.
Minisforum Mercury EM780: Ultra-Compact Performance
The Minisforum Mercury EM780 offers potent performance in an ultra-compact design, making it a perfect choice for those who prioritize size and power. This mini PC combines high performance with a tiny footprint, ideal for users with limited space who need robust computing capabilities.
Specifications
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7840U
- Graphics**: AMD Radeon 780M
- RAM: 16GB – 32GB LPDDR5
- Storage: 1TB M.2 PCIe 4.0 SSD
- Connectivity:
- 2x USB 4
- 2x USB 3.2 Type-A
- 1x HDMI
- 1x 3.5mm audio in
- Wi-Fi 6E
- Bluetooth 5.2
Reasons to Buy
- Ultra Compact: At a quarter of the size of a standard mini PC, it saves space without compromising performance.
- Excellent Performance: The AMD Ryzen 7 7840U and Radeon 780M handle office apps, basic video editing, and even some gaming efficiently.
- Lots of Connectivity: Offers a variety of connectivity options for different needs.
Reasons to Avoid
- Expensive: It’s not the cheapest mini PC available.
- Limited Upgradeability: Few options for upgrading hardware.
- External Storage: Additional storage may be needed for some users.
Intel NUC 13 Pro: Cutting-Edge Compact Computing
The Intel NUC 13 Pro brings the latest Intel technology in a compact, efficient design, ideal for both business and personal use. Known for its robust performance and upgradability, this mini PC caters to users who need a powerful and versatile computing solution.
Specifications
- CPU: Intel Core i7-1360P
- Graphics: Intel Iris Xe Graphics
- RAM: 32GB DDR4 (expandable to 64GB)
- Storage: 512GB PCIe Gen 4 NVMe SSD
- Connectivity:
- 2x Thunderbolt 4 (USB 4.0 Type-C)
- 3x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A
- 2x USB 2.0
- 2x HDMI 2.1
- 1x audio jack
- RJ45 Ethernet port
- Wi-Fi 6E
- Bluetooth v5.2
Reasons to Buy
- 13th Gen Intel Silicon: Offers significant performance improvements, especially for multi-threaded tasks.
- Upgradable Storage and RAM: Allows for customization to suit your specific needs.
- Silent Operation: Designed for near-silent operation, perfect for quiet environments.
Reasons to Avoid
- Barrel-Type Power Connector: Uses a barrel-type power connector instead of USB-C.
- Availability: May be harder to find compared to other mini PCs.
Conclusion
In the world of mini PCs, each model offers distinct advantages tailored to various user needs and preferences. Here’s a quick recap to help you decide which mini PC might be the best fit for you:
Apple Mac mini (M2, 2023)
The Apple Mac mini (M2, 2023) is a compact powerhouse perfect for users embedded in the Apple ecosystem or those seeking a reliable and stylish desktop solution. Its powerful M2 chip, sleek design, and competitive pricing make it an excellent choice for both basic and intensive tasks. However, its lack of upgradability and premium price tag might be limiting for some users.
Minisforum UM790 Pro
The Minisforum UM790 Pro stands out for its impressive processing power and versatile connectivity options. It’s ideal for creative professionals and gamers who need a robust mini PC capable of handling demanding applications. While its premium price might be a consideration, the performance and features justify the investment.
Minisforum Mercury EM780
For those who prioritize ultra-compact design without sacrificing performance, the Minisforum Mercury EM780 is a perfect match. Its tiny footprint and potent specifications make it suitable for limited spaces, offering excellent performance for office tasks, basic video editing, and light gaming. Though it is on the pricier side and offers limited upgradeability, it delivers a powerful punch in a small package.
Intel NUC 13 Pro
The Intel NUC 13 Pro is a cutting-edge mini PC that combines the latest Intel technology with a highly customizable and upgradable design. It’s an excellent choice for business and personal use, providing significant performance improvements and near-silent operation. However, potential buyers should be aware of its barrel-type power connector and possible availability issues.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right mini PC depends on your specific needs and preferences. Whether you need a seamless Apple experience, robust performance for creative tasks, an ultra-compact solution, or cutting-edge Intel technology, there’s a mini PC on this list to meet your requirements. Consider your budget, performance needs, and future upgrade plans to make the best decision for your computing needs.
