Ranking: Best gaming mini-PCs reviewed by Notebookcheck

With its AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 CPU, Radeon 8060S iGPU and 64 GB of RAM, Framework's Desktop is targeted at users who want limitless performance paired with a high degree of flexibility. The latest Ryzen APU generation impresses with its enormous computing power, while also offering a dedicated NPU to master demanding workflows, creative projects and latest applications. AMD's Radeon 8060S graphics ensures first-class 3D performance and is currently the fastest iGPU available. With 64 GB of RAM, the machine delivers a working environment that won't stall even with multiple data-intensive tasks working in parallel. As with all Framework devices, modularity plays a key role here, as the desktop PC is designed so that individual components can be easily adapted, expanded or replaced without limiting the life of the entire system. The Desktop combines future-proof technology with a sustainable approach that does not lock users into a rigid system, but offers them freedom to design their own work-and-play environment instead.

The M5 is a high-end mini-PC that delivers lots of performance per a liter of space. Equipped with the Ryzen AI Max+ 395 CPU, the unbelievably powerful Radeon 8060S iGPU and up to 128 GB of fast LPDDR5X RAM, it offers performance that is suitable for both gaming and professional workloads. It is particularly strong in AI applications, as up to 96 GB of RAM can be assigned to the iGPU. Modern features such as USB 4, Wi-Fi 7 and a fast card reader round off the deal. Despite its compact design, the system impresses with its high stability, but it does makes some noise when under full load to get there. Its drawbacks are predictable given the compact size, with maintenance options being scarce one of them. Overall, Bosgame's M5 still stands out from most mini-PCs on the market and gets a recommendation from us as an extremely powerful alternative to the classic full-size desktop PC.

The Evo-X2 combines enormous performance with an exceptionally compact case and, like most other options listed in this article, is aimed at anyone who needs maximum computing capacity in a small space. AMD's Ryzen AI Max+ 395 runs the business here, with its latest-generation architecture and a wealth of CPU cores powering through both classic applications and productivity/creativity tasks with its specialized AI engine. It is supported by the Radeon 8060S, the fastest iGPU available as of Fall 2025, which renders even demanding visual content smoothly and in great detail, be that image editing, 3D design or the latest games. With 64 GB of RAM, the mini PC has enough reserves to handle complex data processing, parallel workflows and resource-intensive projects without delays. The super-compact design makes maintenance and upgrades unnecessarily time-consuming, and the limited fan control options are something worth frowning over, too.

A powerful gaming PC, the 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 thanks in no small part to an advanced cooling solution. The processor performs exceptionally well, although it falls behind AMD's Ryzen 9 7945HX. A comprehensive selection of ports, including Thunderbolt 4, is included, ensuring versatility.

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

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

Minisforum's AtomMan G7 PT is one of the most powerful gaming mini-PCs available, featuring an AMD Ryzen 9 7945HX and AMD's Radeon 7600M XT. The system is among the fastest all-AMD mini-PC we've ever tested. While its gaming performance is solid, it falls short of securing the top spot in the rankings due to the lack of USB 4 (Thunderbolt). It excels in everyday tasks, offering exceptional multi-thread capabilities while being relatively quiet under load.

With its unique design and impressive CPU power, Minisforum's AtomMan G7 PT is a great choice for content creators (video and photo editing), too, not just for gamers.

The system is available for 1,359 euros direct 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 MS-S1 Max brings to the table both the latest-gen components and enormous computing power, mastering even the most demanding use cases with ease. Powered by AMD's Ryzen AI Max+ 395, it not only impresses in classic applications, but also has an integrated AI engine to accelerate processing across content creation, data analysis and productive multitasking. The Radeon 8060S is onboard for clear, detailed image output and sufficient performance to handle both graphically intensive tasks and the latest games smoothly. With 128 GB of RAM, the system has wagonloads of memory, ensuring stability and speed even when using several professional applications in parallel or processing super-complex projects. Particularly striking is the versatile connectivity, with dual USB 4 v2 and 10G LAN ports. The mini-PC also has an internal PCIe x16 interface, which enables the use of additional expansion cards.

Despite all the praise above, there are things to criticise here, too, such as its noise emissions, simply too loud with the high-performance profile activated.

The Z2 Mini G1a is a particularly compact workstation that delivers high computing power in the smallest of cases. Hidden inside is a fresh AMD processor of the Strix Halo series with 16 CPU cores, which performs impressively in both classic applications and AI-enabled tasks. It is supported by a powerful integrated graphics solution that can compete with high-end dedicated laptop GPUs in many use cases. The computer's casing has a high-quality finish and is easy to open up; it also offers a good variety of connections including modern USB-C and Thunderbolt interfaces, DisplayPort outputs as well as Ethernet. For wireless networking needs, there is Wi-Fi 7. The system is well-prepared for use in professional environments, for example for CAD, video editing or multi-monitor setups.

The SKU tested featured 64 GB of soldered-in RAM and a 2-TB SSD that delivered solid read and write rates in our tests. The non-upgradable RAM may be a disadvantage for some users. The HP machine gets very loud under full load, which is its biggest drawback; thankfully, with the quieter profile activated, little performance is lost. Despite the powerful hardware, its power consumption remains comparatively moderate.

This system's high computing power, good connectivity and compact design are offset by its relatively high price and limited upgrade options.

The Zbox Magnus EN374070 is a powerful mini-PC in a compact 2.65-liter case that is particularly suitable for gaming, creative applications and demanding multitasking tasks thanks to its 16-core Intel Core i7-13700HX mated to an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 laptop GPU. These provide plenty of power for modern games and graphics-intensive programs. On the connectivity front, the mini-PC has little to be ashamed of: 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 driven simultaneously. Its cooling solution is solid, but the machine is clearly audible when under high load in return.

The Z2 Mini G9 is a compact workstation featuring a user-replaceable Intel Core i7-14700K CPU and an Nvidia RTX A2000 GPU, setting it apart from your average mini-PCs that is virtually guaranteed to use laptop components, all soldered in for good. RAM and SSD upgrades are also easy to do here, and HP provides multiple configurations to suit different needs.

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

The SKU tested is available for 1,974 euros at Notebooksbilliger.de, while the top model featuring an Intel Core i9-14900K and Nvidia's RTX A4000 will set you back 3,197 euros.

Lenovo's 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, a professional-grade graphics solution, albeit certainly not the fastest one. With 64 GB of RAM and a fast 1 TB SSD, this is an attractive enough offer, although connectivity options could be better.

The ThinkStation P3 Tiny delivers excellent workstation performance, with high emissions and limited connectivity as the drawbacks to keep in mind.

The SKU tested was a model for students and teachers available for 2,149 euros from Campuspoint.de and for 1,980 euros from Playox.de, among other options.