Top 5 Best Mini Gaming Pc Buying Guide

Mini gaming PCs have become increasingly popular in recent years, especially among gamers who want a compact and portable setup without sacrificing performance. These small form factor PCs can handle the latest games and offer a great gaming experience while taking up minimal space on your desk.

When buying a mini gaming PC, there are several factors to consider. The hardware specifications, including the processor, graphics card, RAM, and storage, are the most important. These components determine the PC’s performance and how well it can handle demanding games.

In addition to hardware, it’s also essential to consider the size and design of the mini gaming PC. Some models are more compact than others, while some offer unique designs and features that may appeal to certain gamers. It’s also important to consider the connectivity options, such as USB ports and HDMI outputs, and additional features like built-in Wi-Fi or RGB lighting.

After researching and testing multiple mini-gaming PCs, we’ve identified the top options available. In this guide, we’ll break down each model’s key features and specifications, along with their pros and cons, to help you make an informed decision and find the best mini-gaming PC for your needs.

Best Mini Gaming PC Buying Guide

We understand that finding the perfect mini gaming PC can be daunting, especially with so many available options. We have compiled a list of the best mini-gaming PCs currently available. Our team of experts has spent countless hours researching and testing these products to ensure they meet our high standards. Whether you are a casual gamer or a professional, we have something for everyone on our list. So, without further ado, let’s dive into our top picks for the best mini-gaming PC buying guide.

CHUWI HeroBox Mini PC

We highly recommend the CHUWI HeroBox Mini PC for those looking for a compact yet powerful device that can easily handle various tasks.

Pros

• The CHUWI HeroBox Mini PC is equipped with a 64-bit Windows 11 Intel Celeron N100 Quad-Core Quad-Threaded processor, which makes it run more smoothly and stable.
• It comes with 8GB LPDDR4 RAM and 256GB SSD ROM, which provides faster running speed and efficient multitasking capabilities.
• The HeroBox Mini PC supports SATA HDD (up to 2TB) and TF card (up to 512GB), making it easy to expand storage. It also has 2 USB 2.0 ports, 2 USB 3.0 ports, Type-C, VGA, and HD ports, which allow you to connect various devices and peripherals.

Cons

• The HeroBox Mini PC’s thermal conductive aluminum alloy design ensures continuous effective cooling in all directions, but it may still get hot after long periods of use.
• The HeroBox Mini PC has a dated Intel UHD Graphics 600 graphics coprocessor, which may not be suitable for heavy gaming or graphics-intensive tasks.
• The HeroBox Mini PC’s 256GB SSD storage may not be enough for some users who need more storage space.

The CHUWI HeroBox Mini PC is a powerful and versatile device that can easily handle various tasks. Its compact size makes it easy to carry around, and its expandable storage and multiple ports make it an excellent option for those who need to connect various devices and peripherals.

The HeroBox Mini PC’s powerful hardware and efficient multitasking capabilities make it perfect for everyday use, such as web browsing, video streaming, and office work. Its Dual-Band 2.4G+5G Wi-Fi also significantly improves transmission frequency, providing faster internet speeds.

However, the HeroBox Mini PC’s graphics coprocessor may not be suitable for heavy gaming or graphics-intensive tasks. Its 256GB SSD storage may also not be enough for some users who need more storage space.

Overall, the CHUWI HeroBox Mini PC is an excellent option for those who need a compact yet powerful device for everyday use. Its expandable storage and multiple ports make it a versatile device that can easily handle various tasks.

COOFUN UM350 Mini PC

If you’re looking for a mini PC that delivers high performance and is easy to set up and use, the COOFUN UM350 Mini PC is a great option.

Pros

• The AMD Ryzen 5 3550H processor and 16GB of DDR4 RAM make this mini PC a powerful machine that can easily handle gaming, office work, media center, and even mini-server tasks.
• The intelligent and elegant mini PC form factor is easy to set up, upgrade, and configure, and it saves desk real estate and consumes less energy than equivalent alternatives.
• The COOFUN UM350 Mini PC is almost silent in operation thanks to its intelligent fan and clever airflow design, and the metal frame design adds durability and style.

Cons

• The COOFUN UM350 Mini PC may not be the most affordable option on the market, but it delivers excellent value for the price.
• Some users may find the 512 GB M.2 SSD drive insufficient for their needs, but it can be upgraded if necessary.
• The COOFUN UM350 Mini PC may require technical knowledge to set up correctly, but the instruction manual is comprehensive and easy to follow.

We’ve been using the COOFUN UM350 Mini PC for a few weeks now, and we’re impressed with its performance and versatility. The AMD Ryzen 5 3550H processor and 16GB of DDR4 RAM make this mini PC a powerful machine that can easily handle multitasking and demanding applications. We’ve used it for gaming, office work, media center, and even mini-server tasks, and it has performed admirably in all scenarios.

The intelligent and elegant mini PC form factor is easy to set up, upgrade, and configure, and it saves desk real estate and consumes less energy than equivalent alternatives. We appreciate the almost silent operation of the COOFUN UM350 Mini PC thanks to its intelligent fan and clever airflow design, and the metal frame design adds durability and style to the overall package.

While the COOFUN UM350 Mini PC may not be the most affordable option on the market, we believe it delivers excellent value for the price. Some users may find the 512 GB M.2 SSD drive insufficient for their needs, but it can be upgraded if necessary. We also found that the COOFUN UM350 Mini PC may require some technical knowledge to set up correctly, but the instruction manual is comprehensive and easy to follow.

Overall, we’re happy with our purchase of the COOFUN UM350 Mini PC, and we recommend it to anyone looking for a mini PC that delivers high performance and is easy to use.

Skytech Gaming Mini PC

If you’re looking for a powerful mini gaming PC, the Skytech Gaming Mini PC is a great option.

Pros

• The Ryzen 3 3100 processor and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Super graphics card provide excellent performance for gaming and other tasks.
• The 16GB DDR4 RAM and 500GB SSD provide ample storage and fast load times.
• The included RGB keyboard and mouse are a nice bonus.

Cons

• The number and type of USB ports may vary.
• The included AC Wi-Fi antenna can be finicky.
• The tower can be a bit bulky for a mini PC.

We recently tried out the Skytech Gaming Mini PC and were impressed with its performance. The Ryzen 3 3100 processor and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Super graphics card efficiently handled modern games, and we didn’t experience any lag or stuttering. The 16GB DDR4 RAM and 500GB SSD provided plenty of storage and fast load times.

One thing to note is that the number and type of USB ports may vary, so you may need to purchase additional adapters or hubs if you need more ports. The included AC Wi-Fi antenna can also be selective and require troubleshooting for a stable connection.

Overall, the Skytech Gaming Mini PC is an excellent option for anyone looking for a powerful and compact gaming PC. The included RGB keyboard and mouse are a nice bonus, and the performance is top-notch.

Computer Upgrade King Micro Gaming Desktop

We recommend the Computer Upgrade King Micro Gaming Desktop for those looking for a powerful mini-gaming PC.

Pros

• The Intel Core i9-13900KF processor with 24 cores ensures fast and efficient performance.
• The 32GB DDR5 RAM and 1TB Gen4 NVMe SSD + 3TB HDD provide ample storage and speed.
• The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 graphics card with 12GB GDDR6X ensures high-quality graphics.

Cons

• The computer may experience occasional blue screens of death.
• The Windows 11 operating system may not be suitable for all users.
• The price point is higher than that of other mini gaming PCs on the market.

The Computer Upgrade King Micro Gaming Desktop performed exceptionally well in our testing. The Intel Core i9-13900KF processor with 24 cores allowed for fast and efficient performance, making it easy to multitask and run demanding applications. The 32GB DDR5 RAM and 1TB Gen4 NVMe SSD + 3TB HDD provided ample storage and speed, ensuring we never experienced any lag or delays. The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 graphics card with 12GB GDDR6X ensured high-quality graphics, making it perfect for gaming and other graphics-intensive tasks.

However, we did experience occasional blue screens of death, which was frustrating. Additionally, the Windows 11 operating system may not be suitable for all users, and some may prefer a different one. Lastly, the price point is higher than that of other mini gaming PCs on the market, making it less accessible for budget-conscious consumers.

Overall, we highly recommend the Computer Upgrade King Micro Gaming Desktop for those looking for a powerful and efficient mini-gaming PC.

ZOTAC ZBOX CI331 Nano Fanless Silent Mini PC

If you’re looking for a compact PC with a silent experience, the ZOTAC ZBOX CI331 nano is an excellent option.

Pros

• The fanless, silent cooling design is ideal for home theater, digital signage, and light productivity.
• You can expect excellent video quality with Intel Clear Video HD technology and Intel Quick Sync Video technology.
• The triple display ready feature, 4K Ready @ 60 Hz, HDMI 2.0b, DisplayPort 1.2, and VGA make it easy to connect to multiple monitors.

Cons

• The product does not have memory, storage, or an operating system, so you must purchase and install them separately.
• The USB ports are unstable when transferring files.
• The computer may overheat if the “turbo boost” is set to “on” in the BIOS.

We recently purchased the ZOTAC ZBOX CI331 nano and were impressed with its compact size and silent operation. We installed Windows 10 and a 256GB SSD, providing plenty of storage and a fast boot-up time. We used it for light productivity, streaming movies, and playing games. The triple display feature enabled us to connect to multiple monitors, and the video quality was excellent. However, we did experience some instability with the USB ports when transferring files, and we had to turn off the “turbo boost” in the BIOS to prevent overheating. Overall, we recommend the ZOTAC ZBOX CI331 nano for those who need a compact PC with a silent operation.

Buying Guide

When buying a mini gaming PC, there are a few essential factors to ensure you get the best product for your needs. In this buying guide, we will review some key features to look for when selecting a mini gaming PC.

Processor

The processor is the brain of your mini gaming PC. It is responsible for executing instructions and running programs. When selecting a mini gaming PC, it is essential to choose a processor that can handle the demands of modern games. Look for a processor with a high clock speed and multiple cores to ensure smooth gameplay.

Graphics Card

The graphics card is responsible for rendering images and video on your screen. It is a crucial component for gaming, as it can significantly impact the quality and performance of your games. Look for a graphics card with a dedicated GPU, as this will provide the best performance for gaming.

RAM

RAM, or Random Access Memory, temporarily stores data that your computer is actively using. It is essential to have enough RAM to run games smoothly for gaming. Look for a mini gaming PC with at least 8GB of RAM, although 16GB or more is ideal for optimal performance.

Storage

Storage is where your games and other files are stored on your computer. For gaming, it is essential to have fast storage to reduce load times and improve performance. Look for a mini gaming PC with an SSD, which will provide faster load times and overall performance compared to a traditional hard drive.

Ports and Connectivity

Finally, consider the ports and connectivity options available on the mini gaming PC. Look for a PC with multiple USB ports, HDMI or DisplayPort outputs for connecting to a monitor, and Ethernet or Wi-Fi connectivity for online gaming.

By considering these essential features when selecting a mini gaming PC, you can ensure that you get the best product for your needs and enjoy smooth, high-quality gaming experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top mini gaming PCs with dedicated graphics cards?

Some top options for mini gaming PCs with dedicated graphics cards are the ASUS ROG Strix GA15, Alienware Aurora R10, and MSI Trident 3. These mini-gaming PCs offer high-end graphics cards that handle even the most demanding games.

What factors should I consider when choosing a mini gaming PC?

When choosing a mini gaming PC, there are several factors to consider. These include the graphics card, processor, RAM, storage, and overall size and design of the PC. Choosing a mini gaming PC with the right power and size balance is essential for your needs.

How much RAM do I need for a mini gaming PC?

The amount of RAM you need for a mini gaming PC will depend on the games you plan to play and the other tasks you will use your PC for. Generally, a minimum of 8GB of RAM is recommended for gaming, but 16GB or more is ideal for the best performance.

What are the best pre-built mini gaming PCs on the market?

Some of the best pre-built mini gaming PCs on the market include the ASUS above ROG Strix GA15, Alienware Aurora R10, MSI Trident 3, and the HP Omen Obelisk and Corsair One i160. These mini gaming PCs offer high-end components and excellent performance.

Are mini PCs a good choice for gaming?

Mini PCs can be a good choice for gaming, especially if you want a compact and portable gaming setup. However, choosing a mini gaming PC with the right components is essential to ensure good performance.

How do I choose between a Ryzen or Intel mini gaming PC?

When choosing between a Ryzen or Intel mini gaming PC, it’s essential to consider each PC’s specific components and performance. Ryzen processors are generally better for multitasking and productivity, while Intel processors offer better single-core performance for gaming. Ultimately, the choice will depend on your specific needs and preferences.

FAQ