The Best Mini PC for Gaming in 2024

Small computers can be big on power. Even though they’re tiny, the best ones we’ve checked out are strong enough to compete with laptops and desktops. In this article, we’ll be listing the best mini PC for gaming in 2024

These small computers, sometimes called NUCs or thin clients, are little boxes packed with strong stuff inside. Even though they’re small, they can do a lot. The best mini-PC for gaming in 2024 is very powerful beyond what we imagine, and they can do amazing stuff.

People like them because they don’t take up much space (you can even stick some on the back of your monitor), and they’re reliable. That’s why they’re great for video calls, watching stuff online, and even running servers, as well as regular office tasks. And even though they’re not as big as regular computers, they still pack a punch.

Apple Mac mini (M2, 2023) Best overall mini PC

The Apple Mac mini isn’t the tiniest, but it’s super strong for its size. It runs on the fast M2 and M2 Pro chips. Whether you’re doing simple stuff like typing or heavy tasks like editing photos and videos, it handles it all well.

But remember, this is an Apple product. It’s a good way to get into their system, but you can’t customize it much. You can’t change the parts or try different software like you can with most mini PCs. It’s for people who want a mini PC that’s ready to use right away.

Here’s what’s inside the Apple Mac mini:

• CPU: Apple M2 chip with up to 12 cores
• Graphics: Built-in graphics with up to 19 cores
• RAM: You can get up to 32GB of memory
• Storage: It comes with a 256GB solid-state drive (SSD)
• Connectivity: You can connect up to 4 Thunderbolt 4 ports (which look like USB-C), 2 USB-A ports, Gigabit Ethernet (for wired internet), HDMI (for connecting to a monitor or TV), and a 3.5mm audio jack. It also has Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth for wireless connections.

Geekom AS 6 Best for Office use

The Geekom AS 6 is a big upgrade from the AS 5. Even though they might look the same on the outside, the AS 6 has a much better processor called Zen 3+, and it uses DDR5 memory, which makes it a lot faster.

This new system combines faster memory with a more efficient processor, a better graphics card, and a newer type of connection for things like hard drives. Overall, it’s a really strong package. However, there are some downsides. The cooling system can be noisy, it’s made mostly of plastic, and the inside layout is a bit awkward.

But it does have some cool features, like USB 4.0 and two slots for super-fast hard drives. The one downside is that it only comes with a slightly slower hard drive, but you can easily swap it out for a faster one without spending too much.

The price for this system is between $659 and $749, depending on which processor you choose. That might seem a bit high, but considering you get 32GB of RAM and a 1TB hard drive as standard, it’s a pretty good deal. If you need a powerful computer for work, the Geekom AS 6 is a great choice.

Here are the specifications for the system:

• CPU: You can choose up to an AMD Ryzen 9 6900HX processor.
• Graphics: It comes with AMD Radeon Graphics 680M.
• RAM: The system has 32GB of DDR5 memory.
• Storage: There’s a 1TB PCIe Gen 4 NVMe SSD already installed, and there’s an extra slot available for another Gen 4 SSD if you need more storage. Plus, there’s a free bay for a SATA 2.5-inch hard drive.
• Connectivity: You get 2 USB4 Type-C ports, 5 USB 3.2 Gen1 ports, 2 HDMI 2.1 ports, 1 Display Port 1.4, a 2.5G RJ45 LAN port, a DC-in port, a padlock ring, an audio jack, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth version 5.2.

Beelink U59 Affordable mini PC

The Beelink U59 is a small computer, like those NUC ones, and it runs on an Intel Celeron Processor called N5105. It can have either 8GB or 16GB of memory and can come with a storage space of up to 512GB on a type of hard drive called SATA SSD.

Even though it doesn’t have the fanciest parts, the U59 works well for simple stuff like typing or using the internet. It could be good for a small office or for certain special uses. If you get the 8GB version, you can make it even better by adding more memory to make it 16GB, and you can also add more storage space.

What’s cool about this computer is that it’s not too expensive, whether you get the 8GB or 16GB version. It also comes with Windows 11 installed, and there’s not a bunch of extra stuff on it you don’t need. It even has two HDMI ports and two gigabit LAN ports, which makes it good for certain uses, like showing off products or protecting your internet connection.

The Beelink U59 is one of the better small computers we’ve seen, and it’s not too expensive, so it’s great even if you don’t have a lot of money to spend.

Here are the details about the computer:

• Processor: You can pick up an AMD Ryzen 9 6900HX processor.
• Graphics: It uses AMD Radeon Graphics 680M.
• Memory: The computer has 32GB of DDR5 RAM.
• Storage: There’s a 1TB PCIe Gen 4 NVMe SSD already installed, and you can add another Gen 4 SSD in an extra slot. There’s also an open bay for a SATA 2.5-inch hard drive.
• Ports: You’ll find 2 USB4 Type-C ports, 5 USB 3.2 Gen1 ports, 2 HDMI 2.1 ports, 1 Display Port 1.4, a 2.5G RJ45 LAN port, a DC-in port, a padlock ring, an audio jack, and it supports Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth version 5.2.

GMKtec NucBox K1

Mini PCs are awesome because you can make them even better over time – it’s one of the cool things about owning them. Among the many mini PCs out there, we think the GMKtec NucBox K1 stands out for its upgrade options.

The basic version of this mini PC is affordable, but you’ll need to add your own DDR5 memory, NVMe storage, and operating system. But if you don’t want to bother with all that, you can get models with up to 32GB of RAM and a 1TB storage space already set up. So, whether you’re good at fixing computers or just want something that works right away, there’s an option for you.

This mini-PC is super small, one of the tiniest ones we’ve tested. It’s barely bigger than the motherboard inside, but it still works well. However, we wish it had more ports – it’s got USB4.0, which is nice,

Here are the details about the computer:

• Processor: It uses an AMD Ryzen 7 6800H CPU.
• Graphics: The computer has AMD Radeon 680M graphics.
• Memory: It comes with 16GB of DDR5 RAM, but you can expand it to 64GB if you want.
• Storage: A 512GB PCIe Gen 4 NVMe SSD has already been installed.
• Connectivity: You’ll find 1 USB 4.0 port that also supports PD (Power Delivery) and DP (DisplayPort) 1.4, 3 USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports, 1 USB 2.0 Type-A port, 2 HDMI 2.0 ports, an audio jack, a 2.5GbE RJ45 Ethernet port, and support for Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth version 5.2.

Apple Mac Studio

For creative folks, the Apple Mac Studio is top-notch when it comes to mini PCs. It’s like a souped-up version of the Mac mini but with even more power. The Mac Studio is made from a single piece of aluminium and is about 7.7 inches square and 3.7 inches tall.

Simply put, you won’t find another PC this small that performs this well. It’s made specifically for creative professionals, so it might not be right for everyone. But it has plenty of ports and if you need a powerful and compact PC for creative work, the Apple Mac Studio is hard to beat.

Here are the details about the Apple Mac Studio:

• CPU: It uses either the Apple M1 or M2 chip.
• Graphics: The graphics card has either 24 or 60 cores.
• RAM: You can get it with either 32 or 64GB of RAM.
• Storage: The storage space ranges from 512GB to 1TB SSD.
• Connectivity: It has Thunderbolt 4, USB-C, USB 4, USB 3.1, USB-A, HDMI, Ethernet, and an audio jack.

Minisforum Venus NPB7

The Minisforum Venus NPB7 is a powerful mini PC that runs on a 13th Gen Intel Mobile chip. It’s fast, modern, and has cool features like USB 4.0 and Thunderbolt. Plus, it looks nice with its sleek aluminum design.

One of the great things about mini PCs is that you can upgrade them to make them even better as new parts come out. The NPB7 offers good flexibility for upgrades. While it doesn’t come as a ‘barebones’ option, it’s easy to get inside and tinker with the parts if you like doing that sort of thing.

The NPB7 performed well. The Intel processor is super powerful and handles everything we throw at it with ease. The storage speeds were also pretty good. The only downside is that the graphics aren’t the best, so it might not be the ideal choice for tasks like photo editing. But for everything else, this mini PC is top-notch.

Here are the specs for the Minisforum Venus NPB7:

• CPU: It uses an Intel Core i7-13700H processor.
• Graphics: It comes with Intel Iris Xe graphics.
• Memory: The computer has 16GB of DDR5 RAM, but you can expand it to 32GB if you need more.
• Storage: A 512GB PCIe Gen 4 NVMe SSD has already been installed.
• Connectivity: You’ll find 4 USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, 1 USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port, 2 USB 4.0 ports, 2 HDMI ports, an audio jack, 2 2.5GbE RJ45 Ethernet ports, and it supports Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth version 5.2.

Beelink SER6 Pro 7735HS

If you’re on the hunt for a super-fast NUC, you might want to consider the Beelink SER6 Pro 7735HS before jumping to the new Intel NUC 13 Pro. This tiny computer runs on the latest AMD Ryzen 7000 mobile technology, which can match or even outperform the latest Intel 13th Gen chips.

The AMD Ryzen 7000 series processor in this mini PC packs a punch with its eight cores and sixteen threads, making it one of the most powerful options out there for small systems. With 32GB of DDR5-4800 memory, a Gen 4 NVMe drive, and features like Thunderbolt, a 2.5GbE LAN port, and Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX2111, you can expect a smooth user experience.

Currently, there’s only one version available with 32GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, but you can upgrade it to 64GB of RAM and at least 2TB of storage with simple replacements. While adding these upgrades could be easier, most users will only do it once. Our only gripe is that the single Thunderbolt port is at the front, which might not be ideal for those using docking stations.

This mini PC offers both power and efficiency. Beelink was quick to release their machine, and now it’s a no-brainer for anyone who needs an NUC for demanding tasks that lesser hardware might struggle with. Plus, it’s priced around $300 less than the Intel NUC 13 Pro, making it an absolute steal.

Here are the specs for the Beelink SER6 Pro 7735HS:

• CPU: It runs on an AMD Ryzen 7735HS processor.
• Graphics: It has AMD Radeon 680M graphics.
• Memory: The computer comes with 32GB of DDR5 RAM, but you can upgrade it to 64GB if you need more.
• Storage: A 512GB PCIe Gen 4 NVMe SSD has already been installed.
• Connectivity: You’ll find 1 USB 4.0 Type-C port, 3 USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports, 1 USB 2.0 port, 2 HDMI 2.1 ports, and an audio jack.

Intel NUC 13 Pro

The Intel NUC 13 Pro is the latest and possibly the greatest NUC yet. It takes the top-notch processors from Intel’s new 13th Gen mobile lineup and packs them into the classic Intel NUC cases.

Customers get a lot of CPU power with up to 12 threads and the option for 64GB of RAM, along with fast Gen 4 NVMe storage and Thunderbolt 4 technology built right in. Prices start around $320 for the Core-i3 models and go over $1,000 for the top-of-the-line Core-i7 vPro processors, giving you a wide range of options for both performance and price. These machines come as ‘barebones’, so you’ll need to add your own RAM, storage, and other peripherals like a mouse, keyboard, screen, and operating system to get them up and running.

The NUC 13 Pro performed much better than its predecessors when it came to tasks that use multiple threads, but the improvement for tasks that use just one thread was only modest. The best parts of the new NUC are its Thunderbolt 4.0 and USB 3.2 ports and how quiet it runs.

The Intel NUC 13 Pro might not be the cheapest option for small computers, but it comes from a trusted brand and offers the latest in NUC technology.

Here are the specifications for the Intel NUC 13 Pro:

• CPU: Intel Core i7-1360P processor.
• Graphics: Intel Iris Xe Graphics.
• RAM: 32GB DDR4 memory, which can be expanded to 64 GB.
• Storage: 512GB PCIe Gen 4 NVMe SSD.
• Connectivity: 2 Thunderbolt 4 ports (USB 4.0 Type-C), 3 USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, 2 USB 2.0 ports, 2 HDMI 2.1 ports, one audio jack, RJ45 Ethernet port, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth version 5.2.

Khadas Mind

The Khadas Mind machine stands out in a sea of NUC clones, but it’s not exactly budget-friendly. It shares the same processor platform as the Intel NUC 13 Pro, giving it solid performance for a system with a mobile CPU and integrated GPU.

What sets this system apart is its modular design. Instead of following the NUC blueprint, the designers opted for a proprietary Mind Link connection that expands the PCI Express bus to other components. The Mind Dock adds plenty of ports without the bandwidth limitations of Thunderbolt or USB-C, while the Mind Graphics module allows for attaching a discrete graphics card in the future.

But quality comes at a price. Khadas chose to launch the system through Kickstarter, making pricing a bit more complex. Early backers can expect shipments in October and may find discounts for bundle purchases. While not a budget-friendly option, the Khadas Mind offers potential for future performance enhancements, making it a gamble worth considering for enthusiasts.

Here are the specifications for the Khadas Mind machine:

• CPU: Intel Core i7-1360P processor.
• Graphics: Iris Xe integrated graphics.
• RAM: 32GB DDR5 memory, soldered onto the board.
• Storage: 1TB M.2 2230 NVMe SSD installed, with an additional free M.2 2230 slot for expansion.
• Connectivity: 1 USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A port, 2 USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C ports, 2 USB 3.2 Gen1 ports, 1 HDMI 2.0 port, 2 HDMI 2.0 ports, 1 2.5GbE LAN port, 1 Gigabit LAN adapter, 1 3.5mm audio jack, an SD card reader, Dual-Band Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.2.

GMKtec NucBox K2

The K2, a sibling of the GMKtec M2, is an AMD NUC featuring the impressive Zen3+ architecture of the AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS processor. This chip, also used in the Beelink SER6 Pro 7735HS, makes the K2 an excellent choice for a compact yet powerful NUC.

What sets the K2 apart is its sleek and minimalistic case design, which allows for easy access to memory and storage for upgrades. It boasts a fantastic selection of external ports, including four 10Gbps USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports, a USB 2.0 port, and a USB 4.0 Type-C port that doubles as a Thunderbolt port, offering data transfer speeds of up to 40Gbps. With such versatile port options, the K2 is perfect for use as a media centre with external drives, and it’s capable of handling a wide range of tasks.

Internally, accessing components is simple, with a lid that can be easily removed. Once inside, you can upgrade the RAM to 64GB and the M.2 slot to accommodate an NVMe SSD of at least 4TB, with the possibility of larger options becoming available in the future. Despite its small size, the K2 is remarkably quiet and powerful, though our only gripe with the review unit was that it came with a PCIe 3.0 NVMe SSD instead of a faster PCIe 4.0 one.

Here are the specifications for the K2:

• CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS processor.
• Graphics: Radeon 680M graphics.
• RAM: 32GB DDR5 memory, expandable to 64GB.
• Storage: 1TB NVMe M.2 2280 SSD.
• Connectivity: 2x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A ports, 1x USB 4.0 Type-C port, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A port, 1x USB 2.0 port, 2x HDMI 2.0 ports, 1x audio jack, 2.5GbE LAN port, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.2.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Are there different types OF Mini PCs?

Yes, there are tons of varieties of Mini PCs. They come in different sizes and designs. Mini PCs come in different designs. Mini PCs are versatile and cater to a wide range of use cases. They are popular among administrative workers, customer service specialists, call centre offices, creative professionals, and students learning at home.

What is the Best use of a Mini PC?

Mini PCs can be used to perform everyday tasks such as word packages, web browsing, video streaming, song streaming, and writing. You can also use your mini PC to carry out personal office tasks or assignments as a student.

What are the disadvantages of a Mini PC?

Mini PC cannot be used to play heavy or new game titles. They don’t have the recommended GPU and CPU for playing games.

Are Mini PCs good for gaming?

However, this depends on the type of game you intend to play and the mini PC you are using. The best mini PC can only play lightweight games. But if you are going to play heavy titles, you will need to use a gaming PC.

How Much RAM do you need for a mini PC?

If you are going to be using the mini PC for many heavy tasks, you must use 8GB.