PCs have been by quite a few evolutions by way of measurement. They’ve remodeled from hulking machines to one thing in regards to the measurement of a hardback ebook that also packs sufficient energy to deal with demanding workloads. The identical has occurred with gaming PCs. With their elevated energy and cooling demand, it is wonderful simply how a lot can match into such a small bundle.
Additionally: The best gaming PCs you can buy
If you do not have the house in your life for an enormous gaming rig, a mini gaming PC can nonetheless ship the ability you want. For April, I changed the entire entries with mini PCs from well-known manufacturers together with HP, Dell, and Raspberry Pi.
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What’s the finest mini gaming PC proper now?
I selected the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5 as the very best mini gaming PC you should purchase for it is unbelievable versatility, really micro type issue, and energetic modding neighborhood. However should you’re on the lookout for one thing much less DIY, manufacturers like HP, Dell, and Lenovo all provide nice micro PCs.
Hold studying beneath to seek out out extra in regards to the Raspberry Pi CM5 and my different picks for the very best mini gaming PC.
The very best mini gaming PCs of 2026
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Raspberry Pi
Why we prefer it: The Raspberry Pi is the last word DIY gaming rig, with almost countless configuration choices and an impressively compact design. You should purchase partially pre-built configurations with as much as 16GB of RAM and 64GB of storage, letting you get a jumpstart in your customized construct. You can too go for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity modules to spherical out your rig.
Who it is for: Extra superior DIY PC builders will love the flexibility of the Raspberry Pi. It lets you construct customized emulation machines for retro video games in addition to ultra-portable rigs for informal gaming on-the-go. There are many configuration choices in addition to a sturdy hobbyist neighborhood to assist rookies seeking to lower their enamel.
Additionally: Your Raspberry Pi 5 just got a major functionality upgrade
Who ought to look elsewhere: The Raspberry Pi can nearly do all of it with regards to retro gaming and emulation, nevertheless it requires fairly a little bit of technical know-how to get began. Particularly should you’re wanting to construct a customized rig. Fortunately, there are many pre-built mini PC configurations from HP, Dell, and extra that do not really feel like they require a pc engineering diploma use.
Raspberry Pi tech specs CPU: Customized 2.4GHz ARM processor | RAM: As much as 16GB | Storage: As much as 64GB | Graphics: Person added
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HP/ZDNET
Why we prefer it: The HP EliteDesk 8 Mini manages to pack a ton of energy and efficiency into an ultra-tiny construct. Measuring simply 7 x7 x 1 inches, you’ll be able to simply tuck the PC behind your monitor or mount it to your desk, making it excellent for tremendous small areas. Constructed with an AMD Ryzen AI 5 Professional CPU, 32GB of RAM, and 1TB SSD, you get a strong rig with out the majority of a full-size tower.
Who it is for: This ultra-compact AMD construct is ideal for anybody who wants a desktop that may pull double responsibility as a workstation and gaming rig. With 4 M.2 SSD slots, you may have loads of room to develop as your wants change, whereas Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 assist provide you with blazing quick wi-fi web and extra secure connections to wi-fi peripherals.
Extra: The best HP laptops you can buy
Who ought to look elsewhere: The HP EliteDesk 8 does not have a configuration possibility to incorporate a devoted graphics card from AMD, Intel, or Nvidia. The built-in AMD Radeon graphics engine is highly effective sufficient to deal with informal video games and older titles. If you wish to play triple-A releases, you may must spend money on a GPU and exterior housing.
HP EliteDesk 8 Mini G1a tech specs CPU: AMD Ryzen AI 5 Professional 340 | RAM: 32GB | Storage: 1TB SSD | Graphics: Built-in AMD Radeon 840M
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Lenovo/ZDNET
Why we prefer it: The Lenovo ThinkCentre M90s does not skimp out on reminiscence and storage, providing 32GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD. In case your wants change down the road, it helps as much as 64GB of reminiscence and as much as 10TB of SSD drives. A devoted Intel Arc graphics card means you’ll deal with all the things from informal pixel artwork video games to the most recent triple-A titles.
Who it is for: If you happen to favor Intel builds, the ThinkCentre M90s is a strong setup that pushes into the upper finish of mid-range. You may get tons of storage and efficiency for all the things from workplace work and streaming to content material creation and gaming. With Wi-Fi 6E assist and Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity, you may get quicker wi-fi web and extra secure connections to peripherals like headsets and mice.
Learn extra: The best Lenovo laptops you can buy
Who ought to look elsewhere: Though the Lenovo ThinkCentre M90s is a strong construct with 32GB of RAM and 1TB of storage, the Intel Arc graphics card might not work properly with all sport titles. You’ll be able to select to configure your ThinkCentre M90s with an RTX 3050, however it’ll increase the value fairly a bit.
Lenovo ThinkCentre M90s tech specs CPU: Intel Core Extremely 5 225 | RAM: 32GB | Storage: 1TB SSD | Graphics: Intel Arc
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Asus/ZDNET
Why we prefer it: The Asus ROG GR70 is a micro PC tailored for gaming, with an RTX 5070 laptop computer version graphics card for high-end gaming. It is constructed with 16GB of RAM and a 2TB SSD however can assist as much as 96GB of reminiscence and as much as 4 SSD drives.
Who it is for: Critical avid gamers and content material creators who want a whole lot of energy in a really small bundle can take full benefit of the high-end elements included. With assist for high-capacity RAM and SSDs, you may have room to develop as your wants change.
Extra: The best mini PCs you can buy
Who ought to look elsewhere: The high-end elements and inclusion of a discrete graphics card implies that the GR70 has a premium worth to match. If you happen to’re on the lookout for one thing extra modestly priced, there are mid-range choices from HP, Dell, and Lenovo, however all of them require a separate GPU housing for extra demanding sport titles.
Asus ROG GR70 tech specs CPU: AMD Ryzen 9955HX | RAM: As much as 96GB | Storage: 2TB SSD included, helps as much as 4 SSD drives | Graphics: Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 laptop computer version
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Cesar Cadenas/ZDNET
Why we prefer it: The MSI Claw 8 AI Plus is one in every of our favourite options to the Nintendo Swap and Steam Deck. Constructed with an Intel Core Extremely 7 CPU, 32GB of RAM, a 1TB SSD, and an Intel Arc graphics card, you may have loads of energy for enjoying your favourite video games on-the-go.
Who it is for: If you happen to’re on the lookout for a Steam Deck competitor that is definitely worth the elevated retail worth, the MSI Claw 8 AI Plus is a good possibility. With an 8-inch show able to 1080p decision and a 120Hz refresh price, you may get a clear picture whereas enjoying fast-paced motion or sports activities titles. And the 1TB SSD offers you loads of space for storing for big downloads, save recordsdata, and apps.
Additionally: MSI Claw 8 AI Plus
Who ought to look elsewhere: The MSI Claw 8 AI Plus is one other sufferer of rising costs on account of RAM and SSD shortages, seeing retail costs above $1,000. With such a excessive price ticket, a stationary micro desktop provides extra efficiency for about the identical value. It additionally offers you a lot extra customization choices for storage, working methods, and your show.
MSI Claw 8 AI Plus tech specs CPU: Intel Core Extremely 7 258V | RAM: 32GB | Storage: 1TB SSD | Graphics: Intel Arc
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I selected the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5 as the very best mini gaming PC you should purchase. It is an extremely versatile piece of tech, with almost infinite customization choices for operating ROMs and Linux-compatible video games. Its excessive type issue means you’ll be able to match it into nearly any housing you’ll be able to dream up, and its very reasonably priced worth implies that even newbie DIY PC builders can take an opportunity on one.
|
Finest mini gaming PC |
Value |
CPU |
RAM/Storage |
|
Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5 |
$68 |
N/A |
N/A |
|
HP EliteDesk 8 Mini G1a |
$1,609 |
AMD Ryzen AI 5 PRO 340 |
32GB, 1TB SSD |
|
Lenovo ThinkCentre M90s |
$1,529 |
Intel Core Extremely 5 225 |
32GB, 1TB SSD |
|
Asus ROG GR70 |
$3,349 |
AMD Ryzen 9 9955HX |
As much as 96GB, 2TB |
|
MSI Claw 8 AI Plus |
$1,162 |
Intel Core Extremely 7 258V |
32GB, 1TB SSD |
*MSRP on the time of writing.
A micro gaming PC construct limits your choices with regards to graphics playing cards, reminiscence, and cooling methods. Fastidiously contemplate the really helpful elements in your favourite video games to ensure your new mini PC is ready to deal with them. If you happen to’re on the lookout for one thing you may make fully your personal, you’ll be able to’t go mistaken with the Raspberry Pi CM5.
|
Purchase this mini gaming PC… |
If you happen to want… |
|
Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5 |
A customizable and versatile mini gaming PC that is additionally reasonably priced. |
|
HP EliteDesk 8 Mini G1a |
An AMD-based mini gaming PC. |
|
Lenovo ThinkCentre M90s |
An Intel-based mini gaming PC. |
|
Asus ROG GR70 |
A strong mini gaming PC with a discrete graphics card. |
|
MSI Claw 8 AI Plus |
A handheld gaming PC for enjoying your favourite titles on the go. |
In some ways, selecting a mini PC is sort of a common PC. There are all the same old efficiency, worth, and assist for all of your peripherals to bear in mind. In case you are after a mini PC, then measurement does come into play. The excellent news is these machines are available in a spread of sizes, from methods that may match within the palm of your hand to methods so small you can maintain a number of.
- Do you want a mini gaming PC? That is the highest query when selecting a mini gaming PC. Do you really want one, or would a full-size gaming PC be extra apt for you?
- Efficiency: Fairly customary PC consideration right here. That is usually a case of extra velocity, extra spend.
- Funds: Small does not all the time imply low cost, however it can save you cash by selecting a mini PC that fits your wants.
- Upgradability: How a lot upgradability would you like your mini gaming PC to have?
There are a whole lot of mini PCs in the marketplace from a wide range of totally different distributors, and I’ve examined and used mini gaming PCs from all of the distributors listed right here, I’ve based mostly my alternatives on my expertise utilizing these manufacturers in addition to present mannequin person opinions.
Product specs and worth additionally come into play, however having the ability to draw on dozens, and generally a whole bunch, of different folks’s views permits me to get a broad sense of how well-received a specific mini gaming PC is. I’ve paid specific consideration to experiences of efficiency, stability, how quiet or noisy the PC is, and weeded out many who appeared to have a poor lifespan.
What we’re left with is the very best of the very best, in a broad number of classes which can be relevant to mini gaming PCs.
Newest information on mini gaming PCs in 2026
January 2026: Proper now RAM costs are going by the roof. That is climbing the costs of all the things that has reminiscence chips, like mini PCs. We’re already seeing this impact costs, and that is more likely to proceed all through 2026.
October 2025: Already listening to issues from among the large names in mini gaming PCs about some cool new product popping out in 2026. Keep tuned for mini PCs that may be upgraded, and a few severe efficiency enhancements.
A mini PC is a compact but absolutely practical laptop that gives many, if not all of, the capabilities of a desktop PC, however is packaged right into a smaller measurement. Mini PCs are designed to avoid wasting house and can be utilized for a wide range of duties, from primary computing to extra demanding purposes resembling programming and even gaming.
A mini gaming PC takes this one step additional and is a system that is constructed with gaming in thoughts.
Folks typically select to spend money on a mini gaming PC for these causes:
- House-saving: The highest good thing about going for a mini gaming PC is that it takes up considerably much less house than conventional desktop PCs.
- Transportable: Mini gaming PCs are light-weight and simple to maneuver, making them ideally suited for customers who want computing energy on the go.
- Power effectivity: Most mini gaming PCs devour considerably much less energy than a similarly-specced desktop system, which might result in value financial savings on electrical energy.
- Quiet: Whereas a mini gaming PC is not going to be fanless, these methods are far quieter than a typical desktop system.
It relies on the mannequin. Most mini gaming PCs permit for simple upgrades to elements like RAM and storage. There’s additionally a system with an OCuLink port that enables the usage of an exterior graphics card.
Like laptops, mini PCs are higher aimed toward these conditions the place you purchase the PC with the spec that you simply want fairly than counting on an improve down the road. If you would like the utmost upgradability potential, an everyday desktop gaming PC could be higher for you.
Newest updates
April 2026: I changed the entire entries with mini PCs from well-known manufacturers together with HP, Dell, and Raspberry Pi.
Extra mini gaming PCs to contemplate
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Dell/ZDNET
The Dell Professional Max Micro provides dozens of configurations for CPUs, graphics playing cards, reminiscence, storage, and even working methods for a very customized construct. Whereas the discrete GPU choices are optimized for workstations and animation, they nonetheless pack loads of punch for high-end gaming.
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Sonnet/ZDNET
Whereas not a whole mini PC construct, the Sonnet eGPU enclosure is a necessary accent for including a devoted graphics card to your micro construct. With sufficient house to suit full-size playing cards, you’ll be able to rapidly join your favourite AMD, Intel, or Nvidia graphics card whenever you want an influence enhance for high-end gaming when the built-in graphics aren’t sufficient.
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For extra, try our favourite laptops, all-in-one computers, and gaming PCs of 2026.
