The best mini PCs for gaming of All Time

Buying a ready-made gaming PC can be too expensive. Yes, if you decide to build your computer yourself, then it will be a little cheaper, but still, you should count on spending a lot of money on this. Not to mention how much space a full-fledged gaming PC can take. Fortunately, there is an answer to all these problems: a mini pcs for gaming.

Mini PCs should not be avoided: manufacturers are introducing some pretty insane specifications into them. They are also pretty good because they are significantly less expensive than conventional computers and do not take up much space. In this article, we’ll find out which is the best mini PC for gaming, but there are actually a few optimal options here.

Best mini PCs for gaming

Intel NUC6I7KYK

Our number one pick is the Intel NUC6i7KYK. It is equipped with a Core i7 6770HQ processor and plenty of RAM and disk space. This beast will cope with games without any problems (of course, you will have to look for compromises in the graphics settings – such is the price for the compactness of the computer). The PC has an Iris Pro graphics chipset that allows you to re-watch content in 4K without any problems. It also supports video output via HDMI or DisplayPort.

HP Elite Slice

The HP Elite Slice is on the list not only because it looks impeccable, but also because it has low-profile and high-end hardware. It’s also a modular mini PC that lets you upgrade parts over time. In fact, this mini PC comes with a lot: a conference soundbar, a wireless phone charger, an optical drive, and a VESA mount. You will have no problem with everyday tasks on this mini pcs for gaming, as well as with the coolest games.

Plus, you can add many elements to the Elite Slice, but by default, it has a 1TB hard drive, 128GB SSD, 16GB RAM, Iris Pro graphics, and an Intel Core i5 processor. Also, you can increase the RAM of up to 32 GB.

Minix NEO N42C-4

This MINIX PC can be used for gaming, too, although it is unlikely to handle the latest games at ultra settings. Nevertheless, the gadget is equipped with very good equipment – dual-band blade antennas can support networks up to 5 GHz for the fast Internet connection. It runs on Windows 10 and can display 4K videos without any lag.

Intel NUC 7 Home

Believe it or not, this mini PC has VR support. This means you can use the Oculus Rift or HTC Vive with your computer. This is one of the noisiest mini PCs out there, but that’s because it comes with some really big hardware to keep from overheating.

You can equip your PC with an Intel i3, i5, or i7 processor, and in addition, you get 1TB storage and 4GB of DDR4 RAM. It also features the Intel Graphics 650 chipset, which is capable of 4K video playback, perfect for VR.

Lenovo Ideacentre 310S

A compact desktop mini pcs for gaming with a utilitarian design and all the tools you need to get the job done. The “heart” of the device is the AMD A9-9430 processor in conjunction with the AMD Radeon R5 graphics chip, and 4 GB of RAM and a terabyte hard drive are responsible for the speed and data storage. Not the most powerful gadget in our selection, but it will cope with undemanding games.

Intel NUC 8 Home

The evolution of the Intel NUC 7 that sits above. This mini-PC is equipped with an 8th generation Intel Core processor, 8 GB of DDR4 RAM, and an AMD Radeon 540 video adapter. You can use a 2.5-inch HDD or SSD, as well as an M-format SSD. .2. This set of components is enough to play 4K video and provide acceptable fps in games with modest system requirements. At the same time, Intel NUC 8 Home takes up very little space near the monitor or TV.

MSI Trident A 9SC

This model may seem larger than other compact PCs – it is 45 cm high, 49 cm long and 21 cm wide. However, in defense of MSI Trident A, it should be said that this is a more powerful computer than its competitors in this segment.

So, it uses a six-core Intel Core i5-9400 in conjunction with 8 GB (expandable up to 32 GB) of RAM and a productive Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 graphics card, which will delight gamers with high fps in all new products and will even be able to run games with ray tracing. As a bonus, the device has a fast SSD for system and games and a terabyte HDD for storing files.

Lenovo Thinkcentre M715 TINY

The compact “tower” from Lenovo does not take up much space on the mini pcs for a gaming desktop and, at the same time, provides the user with high performance due to the AMD A9-9420e processor, 4 GB of RAM and the AMD Radeon R5 video chip. Such a bundle consumes only 65 W of energy, does not heat up, and works silently. Of course, you can forget about the games heaped up with newfangled effects with the Lenovo ThinkCentre M715 Tiny, but you can play the cult hits of the past and undemanding modern novelties.

MSI CUBI N 8GL

The previous gadget from MSI was a powerful gaming PC. This one belongs to the nettop category: in front of you is a miniature (only 11x11x4 cm) device, which, nevertheless, can provide you with a comfortable work with documents, surfing the Internet and watching videos – including in 4K. And if you want to play some classic game, the integrated graphics Intel UHD Graphics 600 will cope with this task.

Acer Veriton N4660G

When developing the Veriton N4660G. Acer engineers were clearly inspired by the design of the PlayStation 2 console – this compact PC painfully resembles an iconic gaming station. However, its power is much higher: the device carries a quad-core Intel Core i3-8100, 4GB of RAM, and Intel UHD Graphics 630, complemented by a 1TB hard drive. This is enough to create a multimedia platform or a working tool. As for games, only the most undemanding projects will lend themselves to it.

MSI Infinite A 9SC

Another rather large (45x49x21 cm), but also a very powerful PC, which also boasts a stylish design. MSI Infinite A is equipped with an Intel Core i5-9400 processor, 8 GB of RAM (it can be expanded if desired), and a discrete Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 graphics card, which can confidently cope with any games at maximum graphics settings. Despite the fact that the device loses to other mini-PCs in terms of dimensions. It is still smaller than standard desktop PC cases and therefore fits perfectly into any interior.

HP Elitedesk 800 G5

Designed by HP engineers in a small form factor design, this computer can be used as a work tool or home media center. The developers have provided for the possibility of expanding the device with auxiliary modules so that if necessary. You can increase its power. The Intel Core i5-9500 processor. 8 GB of RAM and Intel UHD Graphics 630 is responsible for the performance here, and an SSD is provided for data storage. “Serious” games are too tough for the gadget. But it will cope with undemanding projects mini pcs for gaming.

HP Elite Slice

The Elite Slice, which entered Russian counters at the beginning of the year, has performance comparable to stationary models. The necessary set of ports and wireless interfaces. Stylish design and a practical modular design that allows you to expand your capabilities. Additional modules have identical body and dimensions to each other. Differing from each other only in height, and are attached to the main module from the bottom. A Bang & Olufsen Audio Module, optical CD, DVD drive, and VESA mount for discreet placement behind the screen are available as modules.

With the performance of the OptiPlex 9020 Micro. Everything is in perfect order: there is an Intel Core i3, i5, or i7 and up to 32 GB of RAM. The 2.5-inch drive can be up to 2TB. The set of ports is represented by six USB 3.0, one DisplayPort, one VGA, and one Ethernet. Unfortunately, there are no wireless modules, but there is the possibility of using three monitors at once. The only thing is that to connect the third. You will need an M.2 card with DisplayPort, HDMI, and Serial + PS2 connectors.

Apple Mac mini

The latest generation of the Mac mini pcs for gaming so far released is still relevant. Not least thanks to the regularly updated macOS operating system. This PC is slightly inferior in performance to the top-end Elite Slice and OptiPlex 9020 Micro assemblies. But you cannot call it weak. Onboard can be an Intel Core i5 processor with a clock speed of 1.4 to 2.8 GHz or a Core i7 processor with a frequency of 3.0 GHz and 4 (8 GB of RAM. Apple positions are mini as the most affordable and compact Mac. Allowing you to meet all family benefits or expand the company’s existing ecosystem.

For connecting to image output devices, connecting peripherals, and other switching, ports are allocated: 2x Thunderbolt 2, 4x USB 3.0, and HDMI. The network connection is provided by a gigabit port and wireless Wi-Fi / Bluetooth modules. The built-in storage (HDD or Fusion Drive) can be up to 2 TB. An SDXC card slot is provided. All this is complemented by a branded minimalistic design, beloved by fans of Apple products. You can learn more about the advantages and disadvantages of Mac mini in our review.

MSI Cubi 2

The first Cubi nettop was introduced in 2015. Since then, MSI has expanded the range, bringing the number of models to be released to 5. The latest of them Cubi 2 uses Intel Core (Kaby Lake) i3 or Pentium processors and allows you to install up to 32 GB of RAM (two DDR4 slots). One SSD (M.2) fits inside the device. To install another 2.5-inch HDD or SSD, you need to use the included tray at the bottom of the case.

On the front panel of the nettop, there are USB 3.0 (Type-A) and USB 3.0 Type-C ports, on the back: 2x USB 3.0 (Type-A), Ethernet, HDMI, and Mini-DP.

The computer looks neat, modern and although it does not solve super tasks. It will cope with everyday tasks with a bang. The device has rubber feet for desktop placement.

Asus Vivo Mini VC66

A nettop from the popular VivoMini line was presented by ASUS earlier this year. The VC66 has a split body, making it larger than the competition. The mini pcs for gaming device has a solid performance and a special easily-collapsible design that allows you to replace the RAM or disk system. Configurations are available with three HDD / SSD, two drives and one optical drive, or a barebone system for self-assembly. The bottom of the case is the main hardware and SSD with an M.2 interface, while the top contains a bay for a 2.5-inch SSD or HDD and a drive hole.

VivoMini VC66 comes with one of the 7th Gen Intel Core processors (i3-7100, i5-7400, i7-7700) and up to 32GB DDR4 RAM. The total amount of disk space can be up to 2 TB. The switching connectors are 6x USB (3x USB 3.0, 2x USB 2.0, 1x USB 3.0 Type-C). DisplayPort, HDMI, DVI-D, and COM port interfaces. There is a card reader (SD / SDHC / SDXC / MMC), a gigabit network port. Modules for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth wireless interfaces. The set includes a VESA mount.

Quiet operation distinguishes the device from some of its “colleagues” – there is a proprietary cooling system with slow-speed fans.

Acer Aspire M2-601 Revo

Acer’s novelty is the Aspire M2-601 modular mini-PC based on the Intel Core i3-6100U dual-core processor. Capable of operating at up to 2.3 GHz. The amount of RAM in the base configuration is 4 GB. The capacity of the drive installed in the M2-601 can be up to 1 TB. But due to the presence of removable modules with a volume of 2 TB each.

In the Asus VC66 nettop, additional drives look more aesthetically pleasing. But the Aspire M2-601 solution will be relevant for a home media server. Especially since, in addition to memory, the manufacturer offers modules with wireless charging. An audio system or a powerful video card (NVIDIA or AMD to choose from). The set of switching ports includes 3x USB 3.0, RJ-45 for network connection. One DisplayPort and one HDMI. Wireless capabilities are provided by Wi-Fi and Bluetooth adapters.