The iBUYPOWER Element Mini Gaming PC combines a compact design with mid-tier gaming performance, featuring customizable RGB lighting, Intel Core i5/i7 processors, NVIDIA GTX/RTX graphics, and upgradable storage. Its small form factor makes it ideal for space-constrained setups while delivering 1080p gaming at 60+ FPS.
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How Does the Compact Design Impact Gaming Performance?
Despite its 10-liter chassis, the Element Mini uses efficient cooling and space-optimized hardware to minimize thermal throttling. Benchmarks show less than 10% performance loss compared to bulkier counterparts. However, overclocking headroom is limited due to restricted airflow, making it better suited for moderate gaming rather than extreme workloads.
The chassis employs a dual-chamber layout that isolates the GPU and CPU thermal zones, preventing heat crossover. Three 40mm exhaust fans work in tandem with the main 120mm intake to create negative air pressure, efficiently expelling warm air through rear vents. While this design keeps components within safe temperature ranges during 4-hour gaming sessions, users in warmer climates may want to supplement with external cooling pads for sustained marathon sessions. Compared to similar SFF systems like the CyberPowerPC SFF, the Element Mini maintains 7-9% better thermal efficiency in stress tests.
Which Hardware Configurations Are Available?
| Price | CPU | GPU | RAM | Storage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $899 | Core i5-11400F | GTX 1660 Super | 8GB DDR4 | 500GB NVMe |
| $1,199 | Core i5-11600KF | RTX 3060 | 16GB DDR4 | 1TB NVMe |
| $1,499 | Core i7-11700F | RTX 3060 Ti | 16GB DDR4 | 1TB NVMe + 2TB HDD |
Can You Upgrade Components Easily?
The Mini supports DDR4 RAM upgrades (up to 64GB), dual M.2 NVMe slots, and a 2.5″ SATA bay. GPU upgrades are restricted to dual-slot cards under 270mm, limiting high-end RTX 40-series compatibility. The proprietary 500W PSU necessitates careful power budgeting for component swaps.
Upgrading requires partial disassembly of the chassis’ front panel to access the motherboard. While the process isn’t tool-free like some competitors, clear service manuals and color-coded connectors simplify maintenance. The PSU’s 8-pin CPU power connector and single PCIe 8-pin output mean users upgrading to power-hungry GPUs like the RTX 4070 would need to implement custom power solutions. Storage expansion proves simpler, with tool-less trays for 2.5″ drives and easily accessible M.2 slots beneath a magnetic maintenance panel.
“The Element Mini strikes a rare balance between portability and power,” says Alex Rivera, lead engineer at TechLine Reviews. “While not the absolute fastest, its thoughtful component selection and thermal design make it a standout in the small-form-factor market—especially for users prioritizing desk space without sacrificing 1440p readiness.”
FAQ
- Does the Mini support PCIe 4.0 storage?
- Yes, both M.2 slots are PCIe 4.0 compatible, enabling read speeds up to 7,000 MB/s.
- Can it handle VR gaming?
- The RTX 3060 Ti model meets Oculus Rift S and Valve Index requirements, but performance varies with title optimization.
- Is liquid cooling an option?
- No—the chassis lacks radiator mounting points, restricting cooling to air-based solutions.