Mini Gaming PCs: Beelink SER8, Minisforum UM790 Pro and ASUS ROG NUC
What palm-sized mini PCs can play, the difference between integrated-graphics models and those with a dedicated GPU, and what to check before buying.
What palm-sized mini PCs can play, the difference between integrated-graphics models and those with a dedicated GPU, and what to check before buying.
Photo by PantheraLeo1359531 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 4.0
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Mini PCs fit in a hand, run quietly, and can sit behind a monitor or under a TV. Most use laptop-class processors with integrated graphics, which are good for lighter games. A few include dedicated graphics for more demanding titles.
Integrated graphics mini PCs
- Beelink SER8: a mini PC with an AMD Ryzen processor and Radeon integrated graphics.
- Minisforum UM790 Pro: another compact AMD-based mini PC with Radeon integrated graphics.
Expect esports titles, indie games and older games to run well at 1080p with modest settings. Demanding new games are limited to low settings, often with upscaling.
Dedicated graphics mini PCs
The ASUS ROG NUC is a compact PC with a dedicated NVIDIA laptop GPU. It runs much more demanding games than integrated-graphics models, but it costs more and is louder under load.
What to check
- Exact configuration: mini PCs are sold with different CPUs, RAM and storage under the same name.
- RAM: 16GB at minimum for gaming; 32GB is better, because integrated graphics share system memory.
- Upgradeability: many mini PCs have SO-DIMM slots and M.2 slots you can upgrade.
- Ports: HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort or USB4 for high-refresh monitors.
- Seller and support: buy from authorized sellers, and check warranty coverage in your country.
Bottom line
An integrated-graphics mini PC is a great, quiet machine for lighter games and media. Choose one with a dedicated GPU, or a full-size PC, for demanding games.
Our picks: Prebuilt gaming PCs
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Skytech Gaming PC RTX 5070
Prebuilt with standard parts that are easy to upgrade.
Check price on Amazon
Illustrative photos: Photo by Gaming PC Bundle / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0; Photo by PantheraLeo1359531 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 4.0; Photo by Brian Wong / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0