Ranking: Best gaming mini-PCs reviewed by Notebookcheck

A powerful gaming PC, the Asus ROG NUC 14  features an Intel Core Ultra 9 185H and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Laptop GPU, delivering smooth frame rates in a compact 2.5-liter case with an advanced cooling system. The processor performs exceptionally well, though it falls slightly behind the AMD Ryzen 9 7945HX in testing. A comprehensive selection of ports, including Thunderbolt 4, enhances its versatility.

The Asus ROG NUC stands out as an ultra-compact gaming PC with impressive performance and low emissions compared to similar devices.

The top configuration costs around 2,250 euros and is available on Amazon Germany, while a less powerful variant (Intel Core Ultra 7 155H, RTX 4060 Laptop, 16 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD) is currently listed at 1,849 euros on Alternate.

The Minisforum AtomMan G7 PT is one of the most powerful gaming mini PCs available, featuring an AMD Ryzen 9 7945HX and AMD Radeon 7600M XT, making it the fastest all-AMD mini PC we've tested. While its gaming performance is solid, it falls short of securing the top spot due to the lack of USB 4 (Thunderbolt), which impacts its rating. However, it excels in everyday performance, offering exceptional multi-core capabilities while maintaining relatively quiet operation under load.

With its unique design and impressive CPU power, the Minisforum AtomMan G7 PT is also a great choice for content creators handling video and photo editing.

The system is available for 1,359 euros from the Minisforum store, with a barebone version priced at 1,139 euros. It can also be ordered via Amazon Germany for 1,299 euros.

The Acemagic M2A Starship stands out with its highly unique design while delivering solid gaming performance. Internally, it shares hardware with the Acemagic Tank 03, featuring an Intel Core i9-12900H, 32 GB RAM, and a 1 TB SSD. For graphics, it relies on the Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 Laptop GPU with 16 GB VRAM, though its power limit is restricted to 115 watts despite an efficient cooling system. The case remains cool, offers a wide range of ports, and its striking visual design makes it an appealing choice for those seeking a distinctive mini PC.

The Acemagic M2A Starship is a compact and visually striking gaming PC with strong overall performance.

The top model (Core i9-12900H, RTX 3080 Laptop, 32 GB RAM, 1 TB SSD) is available directly from the manufacturer for 1,039 euros. Other configurations are currently out of stock.

The Minisforum AtomMan G7 Ti is a powerful and compact mini PC equipped with the Intel Core i9-14900HX and Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Laptop GPU, making it well-suited for gaming, office work, and multimedia tasks. Its book-like design optimizes space while ensuring efficient cooling, though the cooling system is also its biggest drawback. 

Under load, the AtomMan G7 Ti can be quite loud, but switching to a lower-power profile significantly reduces noise levels with minimal impact on gaming performance.

The Minisforum AtomMan G7 Ti is an excellent choice for users who need high performance in a compact form factor, though noise levels under load should be considered. Available directly from the manufacturer for 1,639 euros or from Amazon DE for 1,635 euros.

The Zotac ZBOX Magnus EN374070 is a powerful mini PC in a compact 2.65 liter format that is particularly suitable for gaming, creative applications and demanding multitasking tasks. Inside, an Intel Core i7-13700HX with 16 cores works in combination with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 laptop GPU to provide plenty of power for modern games and graphics-intensive programs. On the connection side, the mini PC is well equipped: Dual 2.5 Gigabit LAN, Wi-Fi 6, Thunderbolt 4, HDMI, DisplayPort and multiple USB ports allow for flexible use in the home office, studio or living room. Up to three monitors can be operated simultaneously. The cooling is solid, but the system is clearly audible under high load.

The HP Z2 Mini G9 is a compact workstation featuring a replaceable Intel Core i7-14700K CPU and an Nvidia RTX A2000 GPU, setting it apart from typical mini PCs that primarily use laptop components. The socketed processor is a rarity in this category, offering greater flexibility. RAM and SSD upgrades are also easily accessible, and HP provides multiple configurations to suit different needs.

The HP Z2 Mini G9 delivers excellent workstation-class performance but comes with high emissions and limited connectivity.

The tested configuration is available for 1,974 euros at Notebooksbilliger, while the top model with an Intel Core i9-14900K and RTX A4000 costs 3,197 euros.

The Lenovo ThinkStation P3 Tiny proves that a workstation doesn’t need to be large. Even more compact than the HP Z2 Mini G9, it still features a socketed Intel Core i9-14900 CPU. Due to space constraints, only an Nvidia T1000 GPU is included, but it remains a professional-grade graphics solution. With 64 GB RAM and a fast 1 TB SSD, the overall package is well-equipped, though connectivity options could be better.

The Lenovo ThinkStation P3 Tiny delivers excellent workstation performance, but high emissions and limited connectivity are drawbacks.

The tested SKU is an education model available for 2,149 euros from Campuspoint and at Playox for 1,980 euros.

The Minisforum Neptune Series HX77G is a compact mini PC powered by an AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS and an AMD Radeon RX 6600M, delivering solid gaming performance. The tested configuration includes fast DDR5 RAM and a 512 GB NVMe SSD.
In our tests, the HX77G impressed with strong system performance, low noise levels, and extensive connectivity, including USB 4 and support for up to four screens. Its design is also appealing, with a sturdy stand adding to its stability.

The Minisforum Neptune Series HX77G is a stylish compact gaming PC for uncompromised Full HD gaming.

Available from the manufacturer at 653 euros. As an alternative, the Minisforum HX99G (Ryzen 9 6900HX, 32 GB RAM, 1 TB SSD) is available from Amazon DE for 899 euros.

The Intel NUC 12 Enthusiast Kit - Serpent Canyon is a compact mini PC powered by an Intel Core i7-12700H and an Intel Arc A770M GPU. While Intel's dedicated graphics adapter boasts ample VRAM, it struggles to match the performance of Nvidia and AMD competitors. Nevertheless, overall performance remains solid, especially in everyday use.
Intel’s design is both stylish and compact, with fast Wi-Fi and strong connectivity, including Thunderbolt, adding to its appeal. These features help justify its place in the top 10.

The Intel NUC 12 Enthusiast Kit is a sleek mini PC with a fast Intel Core i7-12700H, offering solid entry-level gaming performance with the Arc A770M.

The barebone version is available from Notebooksbilliger for 699 euros.

The Acemagic Tank03 is powered by an Intel Core i9-12900H and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 Laptop GPU, making it well-equipped for modern gaming. The dedicated GPU offers 16 GB of VRAM, while our test model featured a 1 TB SSD and 32 GB of DDR5 RAM—ideal for early 2025. While 16 GB of RAM is sufficient, 32 GB provides a better experience. Both RAM and storage are easily upgradeable via two maintenance flaps.
Connectivity is solid, and a unique feature is the rotary control on the front, which adjusts CPU performance, affecting both benchmarks and fan noise.

The Acemagic Tank03 is a compact gaming PC with strong performance but may exceed many buyers' budgets.

As of 02/25, the Acemagic Tank03 is only available second-hand.

The Minisforum Neptune Series HN2673 is a high-performance mini PC designed for demanding office tasks. It features an Intel Core i7-12650H with 10 cores inside a sleek metal case. The system also includes an Intel Arc A730M, offering significantly better 3D performance than current iGPUs, along with 16 GB RAM and a 512 GB NVMe SSD.

The Minisforum Neptune Series HN2673 is a powerful mini PC that can handle occasional gaming thanks to its dedicated GPU.