Technology Elevation
In today’s rapidly evolving gaming world, more and more gamers are looking for the perfect mix of power and portability. That’s where the Mini PCs for Gaming in 2024 come in. These small yet mighty devices are changing the game by offering the same high performance as their larger counterparts but in a compact and convenient size.
Picture this a high-speed processor, a dedicated graphics card, and plenty of RAM all packed into a sleek, small form that fits perfectly into your gaming setup. No more bulky towers taking up space just efficient, powerful mini PCs that deliver an amazing gaming experience.
What makes these mini PCs even more impressive is their advanced cooling systems to keep things running smoothly, customizable RGB lighting to match your style, and full support for VR gaming to immerse you in your favorite games. With these features, you get stunning visuals and fast performance without sacrificing space or speed.
Join us as we dive into the best Mini PCs for gaming in 2024. Whether you’re a casual gamer or a hardcore enthusiast, these mini PCs are designed to elevate your gaming experience to the next level.
Top 8 Best Mini PCs for Gaming in 2024
1. Intel NUC 12 NUC12WSHi7
The NUC 12 Pro is a brand-new example of Intel’s Next Unit of Computing initiative. Its 4.6-by-4.4-inch size fits up to 8TB of storage and 64GB of RAM, which is a lot of power. If you don’t want to use Linux or Chromium, you’ll need to buy a copy of Windows since both ready-made and bare-bones kit NUCs don’t come with one.
It has a Core i7 chip and Iris Xe integrated graphics that make it great for work. It also has three USB 3.0 ports, two Thunderbolt 4/USB-C ports, two HDMI ports, 2.5Gbps Ethernet, and Wi-Fi 6E, so it’s very easy to connect to other devices.
As of now, it’s the top model from the mini-PC leader, and people who are very picky about their configurations will really like it. The little Intel is a great choice for any office job that doesn’t need a professional workstation’s power and is ready for a desk with two monitors.
Specifications
- Brand: GEEK+
- Personal computer design type: Barebone
- OperatingSystem: Windows 11 Pro
- Memory Storage Capacity: 512 GB
- Ram Memory Installed Size: 16 GB
- Model Name: NUC12WSK
- CPU Model: Intel Core i7
- Color: Black
- Special Feature: Microphone
Reasons To Buy
+ Very small design
+ The Intel Core i7 CPU and Intel Iris Xe graphics work very well.
+ The classic NUC design is easy to use and can be upgraded.
+ A lot of connections and support for two displays
Reasons To Avoid
– A “bare-bones” kit doesn’t come with RAM, SSD, or OS.
– No option for a separate GPU
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2. MSI PRO DP21 12M-407US
The dimensions are 2.2 by 8 by 8.2 inches, which is bigger than an Intel NUC Pro but not even close to the size of the midtowers that are the norm in the low-cost desktop market.
But MSI’s Pro DP21 has surprisingly good performance for how small it is. It can sit horizontally on your desk, on its side in the stand that comes with it, behind a monitor, or on the underside of your desk thanks to a VESA mount.
If you want to get into mini PCs but don’t want to spend a lot of money on bare-bones kits, the DP21 is a great option. There are four old USB 2.0 ports on the front panel that aren’t very useful.
Around the back, there are four USB 3.2 ports (three Type-A and one Type-C), 4K HDMI and DisplayPort monitor connectors, Gigabit Ethernet, and audio jacks.
It has up to 64GB of RAM, two 2.5-inch drives, an M.2 SSD, and an Intel 12th Gen CPU upgrade instead of the usual fixed mobile processor. Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth are also inside.
Specifications
- Specific Uses For Product: Multimedia, Everyday Use, Business
- Brand: MSI
- Personal computer design: type Mini PC
- Operating System: Windows 11 Home
- Memory Storage Capacity: 250 GB
- Screen Size: 0.01
- Ram Memory Installed Size: 8 GB
- Model Name: PRO DP21 12M-407US
- Included Components: Desktop, Power Cord, Adaptor
- CPU Model: Intel Core i3
Reasons To Buy
+ Small and VESA-mountable design
+ Reasonably priced
+ Fast Core i3 processor
+ A lot of ways to connect, such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi 6
+ Easy to upgrade
Reasons To Avoid
– It’s not the biggest compact PC.
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3. Intel NUC 9 NUC9i7QNX
This is the newest in a long line of popular mini PCs for gamers, and the Intel NUC 9 is one of the best ones you can get right out of the box right now. The CPU is the most important part of a gaming PC, no matter how small it is.
The one inside the Intel NUC 9 is very good. The Intel Core i7 processor is fast and beautiful, so you can play a lot of your favorite triple-A games. Not only that, but it’s powerful enough to run emulators for older consoles like the Nintendo 3DS and PS3.
That’s a lot of space on your hard drive. You can download most of your Steam library, or at least the games you play often. It has a cool-looking skull on its shell, and the honeycomb screen is one of the best ways for a mini PC to cool down. This has a fast enough processor and memory that it could easily serve as your main computer.
The fact that the device has two USB-C ports and an SD card port on the front makes it very easy to use. The only real problem is that it’s one of the more expensive models here, especially since you need to buy your own accessories, like a good gaming monitor of course.
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Specifications
- Specific Uses For Product: Gaming
- Brand: Intel
- Personal computer design: type Mini PC
- Operating System: Windows 11 Home
- Memory Storage Capacity: 1 TB
- Ram Memory Installed Size: 16 GB
- Model Name: NUC 9 NUC9i7QNX
- Included Components: No, 1xHDMI Port
- CPU Model: Core i7
- Color: Core i7
Reasons To Buy
+ It has a unique shell and is well-built.
+ Process quickly
+ Great machine for imitating
Reasons To Avoid
– Costs a lot
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4. MeLE Quieter HD3Q
Android phones like the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra are almost as powerful as some PCs, so more and more gamers are using them as their main gaming devices. The MeLe Quieter 2Q is a mini PC for gaming that is so small it’s hard to believe. It’s about the size of a normal smartphone, and it’s so small that you might be able to hide it behind your screen. Taking your PC with you? This is by far the most portable option, especially if you bring a good portable monitor with you.
While it has an impressive 8 GB of RAM, it only has 120 GB of storage. However, it can be upgraded like any good mini PC. A new solid-state drive or micro SD card can be used to add more storage space. Setting it up is pretty much the same as setting up a new phone. And even though it comes with Windows 10 Pro, don’t expect too much from this tiny computer.
You can expect it to get hot since it doesn’t have a fan, even when it does amazing things. Making sure this thing stays cool is half the battle, but at this price, it’s a good backup. It’s also the easiest to carry around and fits into any desk drawer.
Specifications
- Specific Uses For Product: Everyday Use, Education, Business
- Brand: MeLE
- Personal computer design type: Mini PC
- Operating System: Windows 11 Pro
- Memory Storage Capacity: 128 GB
- Ram Memory Installed Size: 8 GB
- Model Name: Quieter HD3Q
- Included Components: 1* MeLE Quieter HD3 mini pc, 1*Power adapter 12V 2A, 1*user manual, 1* UL plug, 1* GS plug
- CPU Model: Celeron
- Color: black
Reasons To Buy
+ Not visible at all
+ Extra storage space
+ Simple set up
Reasons To Avoid
– Gets hot
5. Apple Mac M2
The popular Mac mini got a great update from Apple that added a new M2 chip and made it cheaper than the M1 model. The Apple Mac mini M2 is the best choice for businesses that want to get the most out of their investment. It’s hard to beat this machine because it combines great performance with a lower price.
Apple says the Mac mini has 1.9 times faster CPU performance and 2.6 times faster GPU performance than the M1 model. This puts it at the top of our list of the best computers for business, including the best mini PC of the year, especially when we compare it to machines that cost more or aren’t as powerful.
We know that when you think of the best mini PC, you might not think of a Mac. But the fact that Windows can be easily installed on the Mac mini makes the hardware specs hard to ignore.
Specifications
- Brand: Apple
- Ram Memory Installed Size: 32 GB
- Color: Silver
- Special Feature: Microphone
- CPU Manufacturer: Apple
- Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth, Ethernet
- CPU Speed: 4.2, 4.2
- Display Type: LED
- RAM Memory Maximum Size: 32 GB
- Hard Disk Description: SSD
Reasons To Buy
+ Even stronger
+ Small size and shape
+ Price cut
Reasons To Avoid
– After buying, you can’t upgrade.
– A higher price
6. GEEKOM Mini PC AS6
There is a big difference between the AS 6 and the AS 5. This NUC system might look identical from the outside, but the Zen 3+ processor and DDR5 in this system can deliver a dramatically improved performance.
The AS 6 has almost everything going for it: DRR5 memory with better bandwidth, a processor that uses less power, a better GPU, and a PCIe 4.0 infrastructure. If it has any flaws, they are a loud cooling system, an all-plastic build, and the same Asus-designed layout inside where the motherboard is split in two and connected by a flexible ribbon cable.
It does, however, have USB 4.0 and two 2280 M.2 NVMe slots that are both Gen 4, which means that a lot of performance storage can be added along with a 2.5-inch SATA mechanism. Geekom unfortunately only includes a Gen 3 NVMe drive with the machine, but it’s easy and doesn’t cost much to replace it with a faster one.
Specifications
- Specific Uses For Product: Education
- Brand: GEEKOM
- Personal computer design type: Mini PC
- Operating System: Windows 11 Pro
- Memory Storage Capacity: 1 TB
- Ram Memory Installed Size: 32 GB
- Included Components: 1x AS 6 Mini PC, 1 x SSD Mounting Screws, 1 x Power Adapter, 1 x HDD Mounting Screws, 1 x VESA Mount
- CPU Model: Ryzen 7
- Color: Black
- Special Feature: Mini pc
Reasons To Buy
+ The Ryzen 9 mobile CPU
+ Two M.2 2280 slots
+ USB 4.0
Reasons To Avoid
– The plastic case
– A fan that makes noise
– Ribbon cables that can bend
7. MSI Cubi 5 Mini PC
The latest hardware is built into the Cubi 5 12M. It has Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, and Thunderbolt 4. Even with all of that, the Cubi 5 12M only costs $100 more than the last person in this spot. This is a good place to start your search if you don’t need the full desktop power of the MSI Pro DP21 but do need more up-to-date features to help you work.
Instead of the more powerful MSI Pro DP21, the MSI Cubi 5 12M is a great choice if you don’t have much room on your desk but still want a PC with the latest drivers and enough power for basic tasks. For some of you, processing power on par with a laptop is enough to do simple computer tasks. What’s more important are the features that help you do those tasks.
Specifications
- Specific Uses For Product: Multimedia, Education, Business
- Brand: MSI
- Operating System Windows: 11 Home
- Memory Storage Capacity: 256 GB
- Ram Memory Installed Size: 8 GB
- Model Name: Cubi 5 12M-030US
- Included Components: Power Adapter
- CPU Model: Core i3
- Color: Black
- Special Feature: Microphone
Reasons To Buy
+ Small design
+ Operation in silence
+ Strong enough to run office apps and stream videos
+ Room to add more RAM
+ A huge number of ports
Reasons To Avoid
– You can add more storage by using a free M.2 slot or a SATA connection.
– Doesn’t have an SD card slot
– There is no keyboard or mouse included.
8. GMKtec Mini Gaming PC
Thanks to its powerful Ryzen 7 6800H processor and Radeon 680M GPU, the NucBox K1 really makes the most of its great performance.
Because it uses the same mobile processor as many high-end laptops, the K1 is very similar in speed to the Beelink SER6 Pro 7735HS, which also uses the Ryzen 7 7735HS mobile CPU. If you want to buy the NucBox K1, the base model is a cheap “barebones” system that needs DDR5 memory, NVMe, and an operating system. For an extra fee, it can also be bought already set up with up to 32GB of memory and 1TB of NVMe Gen 4 storage. But be aware that the review unit we got only had one 16GB memory module, which didn’t work as well as it could have because it didn’t have the bandwidth of dual-channel memory.
When running with two memory modules, the K1 is quickly enough to beat the Intel NUC 13 Pro and any Core i5 or Celeron-powered computers. It’s surprisingly easy to get to for memory or storage changes, and you don’t even have to take screws out.
Specifications
- Brand: GMKtec
- Personal computer design type: Mini PC
- Operating System: Windows 11 Pro
- Memory Storage Capacity: 8 TB
- Ram Memory Installed Size: 32 GB
- Model Name: NucBox K1
- Included Components: Power Adapter, User Manual, VESA Mount, GMKtec Nucbox K1 Ryzen 7 6800H Mini PC, HDMI Cable
- CPU Model: AMD Ryzen 7
Reasons To Buy
+ Small
+ Powerful
+ Lots of ports
+ Mostly silent
Reasons To Avoid
– Can’t be upgraded
– Doesn’t come with a mouse and keyboard
What To Look for While Buying the Best Mini PCs for Gaming in 2024
When searching for the best Mini PCs for gaming in 2024, there are a few important factors to consider. Here’s what you should keep in mind:
Performance
Make sure the Mini PC has a high-speed processor and a dedicated graphics card. These components are essential for smooth gameplay and handling demanding games. Aim for the latest generation of CPUs and GPUs to get the best performance.
RAM and Storage
Enough RAM is crucial for multitasking and running games efficiently. A minimum of 16GB of RAM is recommended, but 32GB is ideal for heavy gaming. For storage, opt for SSDs instead of HDDs. SSDs are much faster and significantly improve load times.
Cooling System
A good cooling system is important to prevent your Mini PC from overheating during intense gaming sessions. Look for models with advanced cooling solutions to keep things running smoothly and extend the lifespan of your device.
Size and Design
One of the main benefits of Mini PCs is their compact size. Make sure the PC fits well into your gaming setup. Additionally, consider the design elements, such as customizable RGB lighting, to match your gaming style.
Connectivity
Check that the Mini PC has enough connectivity options. USB ports, HDMI, and DisplayPort are essential for connecting peripherals and monitors. Also, ensure the PC has Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities for wireless connections.
VR Support
If you’re into virtual reality gaming, ensure the Mini PC supports VR. This requires a powerful GPU and a compatible VR headset.
Upgradability
Think about how easy it is to upgrade components in the future. Some Mini PCs allow for RAM and storage upgrades, which can help extend the device’s lifespan.
Price and Warranty
Finally, balance the features with your budget. Look for models that offer the best value for your money. Also, check the warranty and customer support options to ensure you’re covered in case of any issues.
By considering these factors, you can find the best Mini PC that fits your gaming needs and enhances your overall experience.
Types of The Best Mini PCs for Gaming in 2024
Small Powerhouses:
These compact PCs compress speed into a small package by grouping high-quality components including discrete graphics cards and powerful CPUs into a smaller chassis. Though they are still portable and take less space, they offer gaming capacity on par with desktop PCs.
Modular mini PCs for gaming:
Parts include swapped-out graphics cards, CPUs, and storage drives let modular tiny PCs be upgraded and personalized. Upgrading particular components is one simple way gamers can satisfy changing gaming needs without having to purchase a whole new system.
Mini PCs that are very small:
Extremely compact PCs are supposed to be portable and take little room. This makes this perfect for players that travel a lot or lack a lot of workspace. Though small, they offer good gaming performance and are easy to include into a variety of settings.
Mini PCs that won’t break the bank:
Easy on the wallet tiny PCs enable PC gaming to be more reachable without sacrificing too much speed. Usually with mid-range hardware that offers reasonable gaming performance at a fair price most people can afford, these systems fit casual players or those on a budget-conscious mission.
Mini PCs that do everything:
All-in-one game mini PCs include every component of a regular desktop PC combined in one box. The CPU, other hardware parts, and display all fit a thin, space-saving form. For individuals who need a lot of space or who just appreciate the look with few frills and cord, these systems streamline gameplay.
Mini PCs built just for you:
Custom-built small computers let users choose and combine original components to build a gaming system that fits their needs and tastes, therefore empowering individuals who wish to do things themselves. This offers the finest speed and gaming experience, hence you can modify and improve things even more.
Mini PCs ready for VR:
Virtual reality (VR) mini PCs are made to meet the performance needs of VR games. They have powerful hardware components that can deliver smooth and immersive VR experiences.
You can play VR games and apps on these systems without any lag or stuttering because they have the processing power and graphics speed to do so.
FAQs – Best Mini PCs for Gaming in 2024
Q: Why would you want to use a small PC for gaming?
A: Mini PCs are great for gamers because they are small, portable, and designed to take up little room. They are great for gamers who don’t have a lot of room or who like to keep their gaming area clean.
Furthermore, mini PCs frequently come with strong hardware parts and can offer great gaming performance on par with traditional desktop PCs.
Q: Can mini PCs be updated the same way desktop PCs can?
A: Indeed, a lot of mini PCs are made to be easily upgradeable, so users can change parts like RAM, storage drives, and even graphics cards to keep up with changing game needs.
For gamers who want to make sure their systems will work in the future, modular mini PCs are the best choice because they offer a lot of update and customization options.
Q: Can high-end games be played on small PCs?
A: Yes, a lot of mini PCs can easily handle high-end games. This is possible with powerful gear like dedicated graphics cards and high-performance processors.
Compact powerhouses and modular mini PCs are specially made to give you desktop-level gaming performance in a small package, so you can use them for tough gaming jobs.
Q: How do mini PCs and gaming computers compare in terms of how well they work and how portable they are?
A: Mini PCs and gaming laptops usually have similar hardware, so their speed levels are about the same. Mini PCs, on the other hand, can be upgraded and changed in more ways, so users can make the system fit their needs.
A mini PC also lets you choose from a wider range of displays and accessories, while game laptops have built-in displays and accessories that make them easier to use while you’re on the go.
Q: Can virtual reality (VR) games be played on tiny PCs?
A: There are a lot of mini PCs that are ready for virtual reality and can support VR games. These systems have strong technology, like high-performance processors and graphics cards, that make VR experiences smooth and immersive, with no lag or stuttering. But it’s important to make sure that the mini PC meets the requirements for VR games so that it works at its best.
Q: When it comes to games, are mini PCs cheaper than regular desktop PCs?
A: Mini PCs can be a cheap way to play games, especially when you think about how much room they save, how portable they are, and how much energy they use.
Even though a mini PC may cost more upfront than a regular desktop PC, it may be a better investment in the long run because it will take up less room and use less energy.
Mini PCs also have the benefit of being easy to improve, which means users can make the system last longer and avoid having to buy new ones or upgrades all the time.
Conclusion
In 2024, the Best Mini PCs for Gaming offer an unbeatable combination of speed, portability, and flexibility, catering to the needs of every gamer. Whether you prioritize affordability, upgrade potential, or a compact design, there’s a mini PC that will elevate your gaming setup.
These compact devices are game-changers, equipped with powerful hardware, customizable features, and support for advanced gaming technologies like VR. Despite their small size, they deliver performance that rivals traditional desktops.
Within the Best Mini PCs for Gaming in 2024, you’ll find a variety of options, from high-powered mini machines to cost-effective solutions. They provide gamers with immersive, high-quality experiences without sacrificing space or performance. With a mini PC, you can enjoy the best of gaming in a sleek, efficient package that fits seamlessly into any setup.
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