Gone are the days when Mini PCs were limited to standard office tasks like word processing. In fact, this year, there has been a rise in the use of high-performance mini PCs by gaming enthusiasts. But with so many options to choose from, what are the best Mini PCs for gaming that you can buy? That’s what this post is all about.
In this article, we’ll look at some of the best mini PCs that you can use for all your gaming needs. These pint-sized powerhouses deliver high performance and come wrapped in a stylish design, allowing you to enjoy all types of games, from classics to modern hits. So, let’s get to it.
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1. Beelink Mini PC
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 5700U
- GPU: Radeon RX Vega8 Graphics
- Storage: 1TB SSD
This Beelink device features an AMD Ryzen 7 5700U processor and Radeon Vega 8 graphics. Needless to say, it can handle entry-level and mid-range games at 1080p with ease. The extremely compact design makes it ideal for users with limited space, such as dorm rooms or home offices. What’s more, despite its tiny design, the Mini PC comes equipped with all the essential ports, which is fantastic.
Apart from that, the Beelink Mini PC also supports both Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2. As such, you can easily connect your wireless gaming controllers without worrying about sacrificing a USB port. The Radeon graphics might not cut it for modern games, but if you prefer to have a compact PC to play emulators, the Beelink Mini PC doesn’t disappoint.
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2. ACEMAGICIAN Mini PC
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 5800U
- GPU: Radeon RX Vega8 Graphics
- Storage: 512GB SSD
Gamers who engage in resource-intensive titles and multitasking will appreciate the prowess of the AMD Ryzen 7 5800U processor. It comes with a total of eight cores and 16 threads, with a max boost clock of up to 4.40GHz. This, paired with the 8-core Radeon Graphics, should let you enjoy your favorite games seamlessly.
The ACEMAGICIAN Mini PC also has RGB lighting, a feature craved by many gamers. Add to that, the power button on this doubles up as a knob, granting you easy access to switch the fan profiles. While gaming, switch to the performance mode, and you can push the machine up to 25W of TDP to get a smooth gaming experience.
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3. GEEKOM Mini PC Mini IT13
- CPU: Intel Core i5-13500H
- GPU: Intel Iris Xe Graphics
- Storage: 512GB SSD
Despite having just 90W of power, the IT13 Mini PC manages to deliver full desktop-grade performance. This is thanks to the unit’s Intel Core i5-13500H processor, which works in conjunction with dual-channel DDR4 RAM clocked at 3,200MHz. The upgraded Intel Iris Xe Graphics performs reasonably well, easily handling titles like DOTA and League of Legends. In fact, you can even enjoy AAA titles like Cyberpunk 2077, albeit at the lowest settings on the machine.
Additionally, gamers who use their PC for professional needs will find the Mini IT13 to their liking. The Mini PC comes with support for a total of four displays, thanks to dual USB 4.0 and HDMI 2.0 ports. Furthermore, the IT13 also comes with support for Wi-Fi 6E, allowing you to enjoy high-speed internet without the hassle of Ethernet cables. Had the USB 4 ports been Thunderbolt 4, it would have had support for external GPUs. But even without it, the IT13 is easily one of the best Mini PCs for gaming.
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4. Apple 2023 Mac Mini
- CPU: Apple M2 Chip
- GPU: 10-core Apple GPU
- Storage: 256GB SSD
The Apple 2023 Mac Mini may not be the traditional choice for gaming, but its unique features make it a contender in the gaming arena. Powered by the Apple M2 chip, this mini PC delivers exceptional processing power that transcends beyond gaming into other creative pursuits. The stunning 4K graphics ensure a visually immersive gaming experience, and the macOS ecosystem adds an extra layer of seamless integration.
There are already a plethora of games available to enjoy via Apple Arcade, with more titles being added. Add to that, the Mac Mini is one of the most powerful Mini PCs out there, which should aid plenty of creative professionals too. Although the Mac Mini’s gaming software library may be more limited compared to Windows, it excels in versatility. That being said, if you do need Windows, the new Parallels Desktop app comes with support for M2 processors as well.
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5. ASUS ROG Ally
- CPU: AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme
- GPU: Radeon 780M
- Storage: 512GB SSD
The ASUS ROG Ally stands out as a unique handheld gaming mini PC, offering portability without compromising on performance. Packed with an AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor, this handheld device ensures gaming on the go. Then, when you’re back home, hook it up to a dock, and you can enjoy gaming on a bigger screen.
In terms of performance, the Ryzen Z1 processor is equipped with the Radeon 780M GPU. We previously reviewed the console and can testify that the 780M offers excellent graphical prowess, and you can easily enjoy AAA titles on this dock. This includes heavy-duty titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and even Red Dead Redemption 2.
While the ROG Ally is a great option, you can also opt for other handheld gaming consoles like the Steam Deck that also transform into a Mini PC for gaming. However, thanks to native Windows support, the ROG Ally does prove to be a better choice.
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6. TOPGRO Mini Gaming PC
- CPU: Intel Core i9-12900H
- GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3050 Ti Graphics
- Storage: 1TB SSD
The TOPGRO Mini Gaming PC comes equipped with an Intel Core i9-12900H processor, which delivers lightning-fast performance for multitasking and tackling demanding games. This is paired with the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti GPU, a mid-range graphics card that punches well above its weight. Combined, you can easily expect excellent performance for 1080p gaming. Add to that, you can even leverage Ray Tracing into games without any hiccups.
There’s also a plethora of ports on board, along with dual fans for heat dissipation. TOPGRO hasn’t compromised on the visual aspect, either. The Mini PC comes in two colorways of either Black or Silver and also has built-in RGB lights. While its size might not be ideal for those seeking ultimate portability, its impressive specs make it a compelling choice for gamers who prioritize raw performance.
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Small Package, Tons of FPS
In the fast-paced world of gaming, these mini PCs redefine what’s possible in compact gaming setups. Whether you prioritize raw power, sleek design, or portability, there’s a mini PC on this list to suit your gaming needs. Whether you want to play indie games or AAA titles, there’s a Mini PC out there for your gaming needs. Let us know which mini gaming PC caught your eye in the comments below.
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Last updated on 29 January, 2024
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