The 6 Best Mini Gaming PCs

Intel created the NUC gaming kits to tailor specifically to gamers looking for a smaller console, so there's no question this PC should be one the best mini gaming PCs available. The processor was built to handle virtual reality experiences and top-notch graphics.

The NUC Extreme Gaming PC is about three pounds in weight and holds up to 512 gigabytes in flash memory. Its maximum boost speed is 4.2 GHz, and it connects to WiFi and Bluetooth.

The NUC gaming kits feature an 8th generation Intel Core i7 processor and Radeon RX Vega M graphics. There are six video ports, including two HDMI ports, two mini-DisplayPorts, and two Thunderbolt 3 ports. The Thunderbolt 3 port uses a USB Type-C connector to transmit data up to 10 gigabytes per second while also connecting two 4k displays simultaneously.

While it's an outstanding PC for gaming and virtual reality experiences, you can also use the NUC kits for home theaters. The front panel infrared sensors allow wireless communication with remotes, keyboards, and other devices.

Pros
• Small and Lightweight
• VR ready
• Customizable

Cons
• Expensive
• Noisy when overloaded

If you're looking for something small, powerful, and on the cheaper side, the Acer Chromebox CXI3 is right for you. The company boasts the PC to be the Chromebook's desktop equivalent for "casual users." Using the Google Chrome operating system, this console features an 8th generation Intel Core i7-8550U processor and comes with a USB keyboard and mouse.

The Chromebox has five USB ports, a USB Type C port, and an HDMI port to allow you to connect to a monitor, TV, or whatever you desire. It works best when using Google apps and connects easily to the Chrome Web Store.

The Acer Chromebox is the best desktop version you can get of the Chrome operating system. It connects well to the internet and provides easy multitasking without overloading.

Chromeboxes also have built-in virus protection, 8 GB of RAM, and 16 GB of computer memory size. While it's more affordable and relatively powerful, the Chromebox isn't the best for PC gaming but is top-notch with mobile games. It's also a fast processor for work needs, so if you work and play on the same computer, this may be the one for you.

Pros
• Has several USB and HDMI ports
• Runs fast
• Connects online quickly

Cons
• Chrome OS has gaming limitations
• Not ideal for intense, high-graphics gaming

Though it's called a mini PC, the SkyTech Legacy Mini console is the largest on our list. At 28 pounds, it's a heavy one, but it packs a punch in terms of great gaming experiences, making it one of the best mini PCs for gaming.

This SkyTech console features a Ryzen 7 1700 8-Core 3.0 GHz processor and a one-year warranty to replace any part. This "mini" PC is the best on the list for hardcore, intense gamers who need the best graphics, highest speeds, and ultimate power. The RTX 2060 graphics card is one of the best for gaming.

The SkyTech Mini Legacy PC is still reasonably portable, as you can connect it from anywhere in the house and even get a good connection from its WiFi antenna. It operates on Windows 10 and comes with an excellent gaming keyboard and mouse.

This console is excellent for everyday computer use as the processor is fast and powerful. However, it was made for gaming and operates best for the gamer experience. It's arguably the best on this list for gaming, though it's heavy and will fill up space.

Pros
• Powerful
• Excellent graphics card
• WiFi antenna

Cons
• Largest Mini PC on this list
• Not very portable

If the price isn't a concern to you, the MSI Trident X will provide everything you need for any gaming experience. It is on the larger side, but this mini console is still portable and can fit on your desk or counter.

The 20-pound PC runs on Windows 10 and features an Intel Core-i7-10700K(F) processor and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 1070 Super graphics card, one of the best for a good gaming experience. It has a fan cooler to keep the PC running while you go for hours and comes with a special keyboard and mouse.

While this PC is suitable for any use, it was made for intense gaming. Its built-in WiFi, three display ports, and HDMI port allow you to customize your gaming experience to your needs, and that's why this is one of the best mini gaming PCs out there.

The MSI Trident X has everything you need for gaming, working, or even watching movies with great graphics. This console will take up space on your desk on the heavier side, so it's best if you have room below or on the ground. If anything goes wrong, the MSI Trident X comes with a one-year warranty to replace any part you need.

Pros
• Great storage
• Can be upgraded
• Powerful

Cons
• Large and heavy
• Expensive

A proper mini gaming PC is the Corsair One i164. Though it's on the higher end of mini PCs, this little PC is quiet, powerful, and customizable. It can fit in a small nook by your desk and hidden among your living room game consoles. It's half the size of a standard desktop PC at about eight pounds, so you can even take it on the go.

The Corsair's liquid cooling system keeps the console so quiet you could hear a pin drop - if you don't have your game's noise on! It comes with an excellent i7-9700K processor and GeForce RTX 2080 graphics card, an ideal combo for the ultimate gaming experience.

Great graphics, portability, and quiet run-time are the best characteristics of this PC. There's a lot of space on this little guy, too. With 32 GB of RAM and a 480 GB SSD, you won't be running out of storage space for a long, long time.

The built-in lights on the PC are customizable, too. You can change the colors to basically have your own dance party while playing. You can also add up to three 4k displays.

Pros
• Quiet
• Very portable
• Customizable lights

Cons
• Expensive
• Not many upgrade options

Like the other NUC gaming kit on this list, the Intel Hades Canyon NUC is one of the best mini gaming PCs, thanks to its power and customization options. The Intel Core i7-8009G processor and AMD Radeon RV Vega M GH hybrid graphics chip create the perfect combination for fantastic gaming. You won't even be able to tell the difference from a standard desktop-sized PC!

The Hades Canyon NUC can handle AAA games and virtual reality experiences. At 7 pounds, you can fit it in the smallest nook or cranny and even take it on the go and put it in your backpack! It's terrific for travel, especially if you're going on longer trips but don't have room for a big, clunky desktop.

This powerful PC has three Thunderbolt 3 ports and an HDMI port so you can hook up multiple monitors and customize your gaming experience how you see fit. You can plug in up to six displays at a time.

While it’s not the cheapest mini PC on this list, it bests most of these PCs for operability and portability. The price also goes up if you want more storage space or better graphics.

Pros
• Great graphics
• Extremely portable
• Many ports

Cons
• Expensive (especially when adding parts)
• Keyboard and mouse sold separately