No matter your workload - from office work using large Figma files and multiple client sites to streaming video chat remotely or working remotely remotely - these small computers can keep up. Equipped with high-performance Intel processors and enough RAM, these compact systems offer reliable multitasking performance.
Integral graphics silicon can handle most games, but for a better gaming experience it would be beneficial to look for one with dedicated GPUs.
Best Mini-PCs
Mini-PCs pack an impressive amount of power into their small cases, making them suitable for web browsing, basic office productivity tasks, video editing or gaming at an entry-level level. However, for more demanding tasks you should opt for a traditional desktop PC with dedicated graphics performance.
Mini PCs should be compact, quiet and versatile. Look for models with Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 support; HDMI/Dockport connections are useful for connecting displays and peripherals while USB 3.0 and 3.1 ports provide fast connections for storage and peripherals - many even come equipped with at least one SD card slot for additional storage needs.
Mini-PCs come equipped with various mounting options, from VESA mounts designed for monitors to models featuring built-in fans that keep them cool; some models even include removable batteries for travel convenience.
Zotac stands out among mini-PC manufacturers as one of the premier examples, with its Zbox line that ranges from the classic NUC size upward. Some larger "Extreme" NUCs by Intel make room for dual slot desktop GPUs for improved productivity and gaming performance within a compact form factor.
Mini-PCs that deliver excellent all-around performance combine Intel processors with discrete mobile GPUs for optimal all-round performance. Our top pick, the Minisforum AtomMan G7 PT, has this combination perfectly, sporting an AMD Ryzen RX 7600M XT GPU which excels both gaming and iGPU-based video editing performance. You can either purchase this model fully configured or as an unconfigured shell to add your own RAM, storage and operating system later. Asus NUC 14 Pro is another fantastic option which offers full-sized ports around its back as well as an impressive third-party ecosystem of expansion modules that can help tailor configuration options according to specific workflow needs.
Best Compact Gaming PCs
If you want to play PC games that require both a strong CPU and graphics card, mini PCs with mid-to-high-end components are ideal. They will have enough processing power and RAM storage to allow your favorite titles to run without slowing down, as well as enough space for future expansion without performance hiccups.
Here you'll find an impressive range of compact gaming PCs designed to offer both work and play experiences, from sleekly designed machines like the Asus ROG NUC to more budget-conscious options such as Minisforum AtomMan G7 PT. Each option in this category provides solid iGPU-based gaming performance suitable for most gamers; if additional power is desired, discrete laptop GPUs may be added for further flexibility.
The Corsair One i500 mini PC is an elegant yet space-efficient machine. Equipped with an Intel Core i9 14900K CPU and Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090 GPU, this machine can replace full-sized desktops while looking great beneath your TV screen.
For an easier and more affordable gaming PC option, look at the Asus Megamini G1. Although not quite as fast, its CPU/GPU combination should still meet most of your gaming needs. Furthermore, it is easily upgradeable with two SODIMM slots and a PCIe 4.0 M.2 slot providing upgrades as necessary (allowing for the potential addition of discrete GPUs later). Finally, unlike many compact gaming PCs on the market today, its silent operation and small footprint make this an excellent option if space-conserving gamers wish for simplicity when choosing their setup!
Best Small Form Factor Desktops
Gaming PCs don't need to be vast towers of metal and plastic to offer impressive performance; micro desktops can deliver incredible gaming performance too. We've seen more micro desktop options from manufacturers this year than ever before - though they may be harder to upgrade or service than larger towers, they still provide excellent value when it comes to gaming!
One such small example is the Beelink SER9. Packed with a brand-new 7th Generation Intel Core i7 H-series chip and an impressive iGPU, this machine can comfortably run games at 1080p resolution with ease. Furthermore, its upgradability is remarkable: two SODIMM slots and room on its bottom for a 2.5-inch hard drive make for an upgrade path of unparalleled efficiency in such a space-efficient machine!
Intel offers solutions for people seeking more power than the Core i7 chips available in this category, such as their new Core Ultra mobile CPUs based on Kaby Lake architecture. We've seen some examples such as ECS Liva Q3 Plus and Geekom AX8 Pro machines which use these processors - the latter in particular is an impressive beast that looks great while providing some of the best iGPU performance we've witnessed to date.
The Minisforum AtomMan G7 PT is another premium option that takes the concept further by including a discrete AMD Radeon RX 7600M XT graphics card for enhanced gaming performance - up to 1440p if settings are adjusted appropriately). Furthermore, its CPU is an eight-core, 16-thread Ryzen 5 8600G that delivers ample productivity performance as well.
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