Mini PC gaming: the best models to play in 2025
Compact, powerful, and ready for 1080p or 4K—discover the top Mini PCs to level up your gaming this year.
Imagine diving into Cyberpunk 2077 or Baldur’s Gate 3 with buttery-smooth visuals, all from a device no bigger than a book. Mini PCs have come a long way, and in 2025, they’re serious contenders for gaming. Compact, powerful, and versatile, these tiny machines deliver big performance without cluttering your desk. Whether you’re aiming for crisp 1080p or pushing toward 4K, we’ve rounded up the best Mini PCs for gaming this year, tailored to budgets starting at €500. Let’s explore the top picks that’ll level up your gaming in 2025.
Why choose a Mini PC for gaming?
Mini PCs aren’t just for streaming or spreadsheets anymore. Here’s why gamers are turning to them:
- Space-saving: They fit anywhere—your desk, TV stand, or even a backpack.
- Power-packed: Modern models pack dedicated GPUs and high-end CPUs for smooth gameplay.
- Versatile: Many support multiple displays, perfect for gaming and multitasking.
- Quiet and cool: Advanced cooling keeps performance steady without a jet-engine hum.
But not every Mini PC can handle gaming. For fluid 1080p (or better), you’ll need at least €500 to get the right specs—think mid-range or dedicated GPUs and fast processors. Our picks below meet those demands and then some.
Our top Mini PCs for gaming in 2025
We’ve scoured the market (and our handy Mini PC Configurator quiz) to bring you the best gaming Mini PCs. These models shine for 1080p gaming, with some tackling 4K, and they all fit budgets from €500 to premium tiers.
Beelink SER8 (€700-1000)
Why it rocks: The Beelink SER8 is a 1080p gaming beast. Its mid-range GPU (think Radeon 780M-level performance) and 32GB of RAM chew through titles like Elden Ring or Starfield without breaking a sweat. It’s compact, supports triple displays for immersive setups, and runs quietly even during marathon sessions.
Perfect for: Gamers who want high frame rates at 1080p and flexibility for work or streaming.
€700-1000
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MINISFORUM UM790 Pro (€700-1000)
Why it rocks: This sleek powerhouse balances gaming and style. With a mid-range GPU and zippy processor, it handles Apex Legends or God of War Ragnarök at 1080p with ease. Its WiFi 6 and multiple HDMI ports make it a dream for lag-free online play and multi-monitor rigs.
Perfect for: Competitive gamers needing speed and connectivity.
€700-1000
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ROG NUC 970 (€1000+)
Why it rocks: For those chasing 4K or maxed-out 1080p, the ROG NUC 970 delivers. Its dedicated GPU (comparable to an RTX 4070) and 32GB RAM crush demanding games like Hogwarts Legacy. It’s pricier, but the premium build and RGB flair scream “gamer.”
Perfect for: Enthusiasts who want top-tier performance in a tiny package.
€1000+
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Kinupute Gaming i9 (€1000+)
Why it rocks: Built for gamers who don’t compromise, this Mini PC pairs a beefy i9 processor with a dedicated GPU. It sails through Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 at 1080p and flirts with 4K. Plus, its robust cooling keeps things chill during intense battles.
Perfect for: Hardcore gamers craving future-proof power.
€1000+
See on AmazonHow we picked these Mini PCs
Our recommendations come from rigorous testing and user-focused criteria, inspired by our Mini PC Configurator quiz. We prioritized:
- Gaming performance: Mid-range or dedicated GPUs for 1080p (or 4K where possible).
- Budget fit: Starting at €500 to ensure smooth gameplay without overspending.
- Connectivity: Fast WiFi and multi-display support for seamless setups.
- User needs: Models versatile enough for gaming, streaming, or work.
Each PC was chosen to match what gamers want in 2025: power, portability, and polish.
Tips for gaming on a Mini PC
To get the most out of your Mini PC:
- Optimize settings: For 1080p, tweak in-game settings (e.g., medium-high for Cyberpunk 2077) to balance visuals and speed.
- Add storage: Games like Starfield eat space—consider a 1TB SSD upgrade.
- Use a good monitor: A 144Hz display pairs perfectly with these PCs for fluid motion.
- Keep it cool: Place your Mini PC in a well-ventilated spot to maintain performance.
Ready to game in 2025?
Mini PCs are rewriting the rules of gaming, blending power with portability. Whether you’re battling in Fortnite or exploring The Witcher 4 (fingers crossed!), our top picks—Beelink SER8, MINISFORUM UM790 Pro, ROG NUC 970, and Kinupute Gaming i9—deliver epic performance. Not sure which fits you best? Take our Mini PC Configurator quiz to find your perfect match in minutes.
Explore more Mini PC options
Check out our full Mini PC rankings or grab accessories like monitors and keyboards to complete your setup.
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