The 3 Best Mini PCs for Gaming: Reviews and Recommendations

Mini PCs have revolutionized the gaming landscape, offering powerful performance in a compact form factor. For gamers who lack the space for a full-sized tower on their gaming desk but don't want to compromise on gaming experience, mini PCs present an ideal solution. These small yet mighty devices pack impressive hardware, making them capable of running the latest AAA titles and handling multitasking with ease.

In this article, we'll delve into the best budget gaming PCs on the market: the Intel NUC 12 Enthusiast, MINISFORUM Venus Series UM773, and Zotac ZBox Magnus One.

3 Best Mini PCs for Gaming

Each of the following mini PCs has its unique strengths, catering to different gaming needs and budgets. We'll explore their key features, performance metrics, and overall value to help you decide which mini PC is the perfect fit for your gaming setup.

Whether you're a budget-conscious gamer or someone seeking top-tier performance in a dual PC setup, our reviews will guide you through making an informed choice.

1. Intel NUC 12 Enthusiast

The Intel NUC 12 Enthusiast, also known as the Serpent Canyon, is a gaming PC under $500 that packs an impressive punch despite its compact size. With a 12th Gen Intel Core i7-12700H processor and an Intel Arc A770M GPU, this is probably the best mini PC for gaming 2024. It is tailored for gamers who demand performance without the bulk of a traditional desktop. It comes pre-installed with Windows 11 Pro, ensuring you're ready to dive into gaming right out of the box.

The NUC 12 Enthusiast boasts a unique cooling system, featuring a dual-fan air intake and five heat pipes that efficiently dissipate heat. This keeps the mini PC running smoothly even during intense gaming sessions. The device also offers an ample 64GB of DDR4 RAM and a 2TB PCIe 4.0 SSD, providing plenty of space and speed for your games, apps, and media.

Intel NUC 12 Enthusiast

7 reviews

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Pros

• The Intel Arc A770M GPU can handle 1440p in some titles, making it a great choice for gamers.
• With 2 Thunderbolt 4 ports, 6 USB 3.2 ports, HDMI 2.1, 2 DisplayPort 2.0, RJ45, and more, connectivity options are abundant.
• The innovative cooling design ensures that the mini PC stays cool under pressure, enhancing performance and longevity.

Cons

• The NUC 12 Enthusiast is priced similarly to some high-end gaming laptops, which might make it a less attractive option for someone looking for the best budget mini PC for gaming.
• While it offers great specs out of the box, upgrading components in such a compact form factor can be challenging.

2. MINISFORUM Venus Series UM773

For those looking for the most powerful mini PC for gaming, the MINISFORUM Venus Series UM773 is a budget-friendly mini PC that doesn't compromise on performance. Equipped with an AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS processor and AMD Radeon 680M integrated graphics, this mini PC is a solid choice for gamers on a tight budget. Despite lacking a discrete GPU, the integrated graphics can handle esports titles and some lower-end dedicated graphics tasks effectively.

The UM773 features 32GB of DDR5 RAM and a 512GB SSD, which provide ample speed and storage for gaming and general use. At just $450, it offers impressive value for money, making it an ideal choice for those looking to build a gaming setup without breaking the bank. In fact, this is the best cheap mini PC for gaming.

MINISFORUM Venus Series UM773

17 reviews

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Pros

• The UM773 offers excellent performance at a wallet-friendly price, making it accessible to more gamers.
• The integrated AMD Radeon 680M GPU is capable of handling esports titles and performs similarly to some lower-end dedicated graphics cards.

Cons

• The lack of a discrete graphics card means it might struggle with more demanding AAA games.
• While the initial specs are good, gamers might find the need to upgrade storage or RAM in the future for the best mini PC build for gaming.

3. Zotac ZBox Magnus One

The Zotac ZBox Magnus One is a powerhouse mini PC designed for gamers who need dedicated graphics performance in a compact form. It features an Intel Core i5-10400 processor paired with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 GPU, making it a formidable machine for 1440p gaming. Despite its small size, the Magnus One doesn't skimp on performance, ensuring you can dive into modern titles with ease.

With 16GB of DDR4 RAM and a 512GB SSD, this mini PC offers sufficient memory and storage for most gaming and multitasking needs. The Magnus One's sleek design and impressive specs make it a top choice for those seeking a space-saving yet powerful gaming solution.

Zotac ZBox Magnus One

20 reviews

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Pros

• The RTX 3060 GPU provides excellent gaming performance, handling most modern titles at 1440p with ease.
• Despite its powerful components, the Magnus One maintains a small form factor, making it perfect for limited spaces.

Cons

• While 16GB is adequate, some users might find it limiting compared to other mini PCs that offer more RAM for the price.
• The Magnus One is on the pricier side, and some might argue that a full-sized gaming PC with similar specs could be more cost-effective.

How Much Does a Gaming PC Cost?

The cost of a gaming PC varies widely. A simple PC setup costs between $500 and $800, featuring mid-range components like an Intel Core i3 or AMD Ryzen 3 CPU, 8GB of RAM, and a modest GPU such as the NVIDIA GTX 1650.

A mid-range gaming PC ranges from $800 to $1,500, with better specs like an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5, 16GB of RAM, and a GPU like the NVIDIA RTX 3060, which is the best $1000 gaming PC. High-end gaming PCs start at $1,500, boasting top-tier parts like an Intel Core i7, 32GB of RAM, and an advanced GPU like the NVIDIA RTX 3080.

Conclusion

The gaming potential of mini PCs has grown significantly, offering a viable alternative to traditional desktops without sacrificing performance. The Intel NUC 12 Enthusiast, MINISFORUM Venus Series UM773, and Zotac ZBox Magnus One each bring something unique to the table, catering to various gaming preferences and budgets.

Whether you prioritize raw power, affordability, or a balance of both, there's a mini PC that fits your needs. By carefully considering the strengths and limitations of each model from this list of best mini PCs for gaming, you can find a compact gaming powerhouse that enhances your gaming experience while saving valuable space.