What Is the Best Mini PC for Gaming in 2024?
In 2024, several mini PCs stand out as excellent choices for gaming, combining compact design with powerful performance. The Asus ROG NUC, MinisForum Venus Series UM773, and Zotac ZBox Magnus One are among the top contenders, each offering unique features tailored for gamers. Selecting the right one depends on your budget and gaming needs.
What are the best mini PCs for gaming in 2024?
The following mini PCs are highly recommended for gaming this year:
2024 Best 5 Mini PCs Under $500
| Best Mini PCs Under $500 | Description | Amazon URL |
|---|---|---|
|
Beelink S12 Pro Mini PC  |
Intel 12th Gen Alder Lake-N100, 16GB RAM, 500GB SSD, supports 4K dual display. | View on Amazon |
|
ACEMAGICIAN Mini Gaming PC  |
AMD Ryzen 7 5800U, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, supports 4K triple display. | View on Amazon |
|
GMKtec Mini PC M5 Plus  |
AMD Ryzen 7 5825U, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD, features WiFi 6E and dual LAN. | View on Amazon |
|
Maxtang ALN50 Mini PC ![Maxtang Ryzen 7 7735HS Mini PC [8C/16T up to 4.75GHz] Windows 11 Home Supported 32GB DDR5 Ram 1TB PCIe4.0 Nvme SSD WIFI6 BT5.2 Mini Desktop Gaming Computer](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51oZECsOffL._AC_SX466_.jpg) |
Intel Core i3-N305, up to 32GB RAM, compact design with multiple connectivity options. | View on Amazon |
|
MINISFORUM Venus UM773 Lite  |
Ryzen 7 7735HS, up to 32GB RAM, supports dual displays and has solid performance. | View on Amazon |
- Asus ROG NUC 970: Known for its powerful Intel Core Ultra processor and mobile Nvidia GPU, it offers excellent performance in a compact form factor.
- MinisForum Venus Series UM773: A budget-friendly option featuring an AMD Ryzen 7 processor and integrated graphics, making it suitable for casual gamers.
- Zotac ZBox Magnus One: Equipped with a dedicated RTX 3070 GPU, this model excels at 1440p gaming and is designed for serious gamers seeking compact solutions.
Best Mini PCs Chart
| Mini PC Model | CPU | GPU | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asus ROG NUC 970 | Intel Core Ultra | Mobile Nvidia GPU | $1,200 – $1,500 |
| MinisForum Venus UM773 | AMD Ryzen 7 | Integrated Radeon | $450 – $600 |
| Zotac ZBox Magnus One | Intel Core i7 | RTX 3070 | $1,300 – $1,500 |
How does the Asus ROG NUC perform for gaming?
The Asus ROG NUC 970 is designed specifically for gamers, featuring an Intel Core Ultra processor paired with a mobile Nvidia GPU. This combination allows it to handle modern AAA games at high settings smoothly. Its compact design makes it versatile enough to fit into any setup while maintaining excellent thermal management.Performance Overview Chart
| Game Title | Resolution | Average FPS |
|---|---|---|
| Cyberpunk 2077 | 1080p | 60 |
| Call of Duty: Warzone | 1440p | 75 |
| Fortnite | 1440p | 120 |
What makes the MinisForum Venus Series UM773 a good budget option?
The MinisForum Venus Series UM773 is an excellent budget choice due to its impressive specifications relative to its price. With an AMD Ryzen 7 processor and integrated Radeon graphics, it can run many popular games at decent settings. Priced around $450, it offers great value without compromising too much on performance.Budget Performance Chart
| Game Title | Resolution | Average FPS |
|---|---|---|
| League of Legends | 1080p | 100 |
| Dota 2 | 1080p | 80 |
| CS:GO | 1080p | 90 |
How does the Zotac ZBox Magnus One compare to others?
The Zotac ZBox Magnus One stands out with its dedicated RTX 3070 GPU, making it one of the most powerful mini PCs available. It excels in delivering solid performance at higher resolutions (1440p) and can even handle some light ray tracing. While it is on the pricier side, its capabilities justify the investment for serious gamers.Comparison of Mini PCs Chart
| Mini PC Model | Gaming Performance | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Asus ROG NUC 970 | Excellent | $1,200 – $1,500 |
| MinisForum Venus UM773 | Good | $450 – $600 |
| Zotac ZBox Magnus One | Outstanding | $1,300 – $1,500 |
What specifications should you look for in a gaming mini PC?
When selecting a mini PC for gaming, consider these key specifications:
- CPU: Look for at least a quad-core processor; AMD Ryzen or Intel Core i5/i7 are good options.
- GPU: A dedicated graphics card (like NVIDIA RTX or AMD Radeon) will significantly enhance gaming performance.
- RAM: Aim for a minimum of 16GB of RAM to ensure smooth multitasking.
- Storage: SSDs provide faster load times; consider models with at least 512GB SSD.
- Cooling Solutions: Ensure adequate cooling mechanisms to prevent overheating during intense gameplay.
How do iGPU and discrete GPU options affect gaming performance?
Integrated GPUs (iGPUs) are built into CPUs and share system memory, making them less powerful than discrete GPUs (dGPUs), which have their own dedicated memory:
- Integrated Graphics: Suitable for casual or older games at lower settings but may struggle with modern AAA titles.
- Discrete Graphics: Essential for high-performance gaming; they deliver superior frame rates and visual fidelity.
GPU Performance Comparison Chart
| Type | Use Case | Performance Level |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated Graphics | Casual games | Low to Medium |
| Discrete Graphics | AAA titles | High |
Industrial News
The market for mini PCs continues to evolve as manufacturers enhance their capabilities to cater to gamers’ demands. Recent releases feature powerful CPUs and GPUs that rival traditional desktops while maintaining compact sizes. Innovations in cooling technology and design also contribute to improved performance and efficiency in these small form-factor systems.
Expert Views
“Mini PCs have come a long way in terms of performance,” says tech analyst Sarah Johnson. “With powerful components packed into such small designs, they are now viable alternatives to traditional desktops for gamers.” She emphasizes that as technology advances, we can expect even more powerful options tailored specifically for high-end gaming experiences.