Best Mini PC for Gaming 2025: Full Benchmark Results & Top Picks
Searching for the best mini PC for gaming in 2025? We've pushed the top contenders to their limits! 🚀 This guide reveals exclusive benchmark results, helping you discover which compact powerhouse delivers maximum FPS for your budget. Find your perfect small form factor rig today! 🎮
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Forget those massive, desk-hogging towers. The era of the small-but-mighty gaming rig is here, and it’s perfect for South African gamers. Whether you’re battling for space in a digs, need a portable powerhouse for LANs, or just want a clean, minimalist setup, the best mini PC for gaming in 2025 delivers full-sized performance without the bulk. But with so many options, how do you choose the right one? Let's dive in.
MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG-026ZA Mini Desktop / Intel Core Ultra 9 288V (8x Cores, 8x Threads, 3.30GHz Base) up to 5.10GHz / LPDDR5x 32GB RAM / 1TB NVMe SSD / Integrated Intel Arc Graphics / Windows 11 Pro / Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX211 / Bluetooth 5.3 / 4x USB Type-A, 2x Thunderbolt 4, 1x Microphone & Headphone Combo Jack, 1x Micro-SD Card Reader, 1x Power Button with Fingerprint Security Design, 1x Copilot Button, 2x RJ45, 1x HDMI, 1x Kensington Lock, 1x External Power Switch Pin Header / 9S6-B20611-026
R23499.00In Stock
MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG-041ZA Mini PC / Intel Core Ultra 5 226V (8x Cores, 8x Threads, 2.1GHz Base) up to 4.5GHz / 16GB LPDDR5x RAM / 512GB NVMe SSD / Intel Arc Integrated Graphics / Windows 11 Professional / Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX211 / Bluetooth 5.3 / 4x USB Type-A / 2x USB Type-C (Supports Thunderbolt 4, DisplayPort) / 2x RJ45 / 1x HDMI / 1x Microphone & Headphone Combo Jack / 1x Micro SD Card Reader / Fingerprint Reader / Copilot / External Power Button / 9S6-B20611-041
R17499.00In Stock
MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG-027ZA Mini PC / Intel Core Ultra 7 258V (8x Cores, 8x Threads, 2.2GHz Base) up to 4.8GHz / 32GB LPDDR5x RAM / 1TB NVMe SSD / Intel Arc Integrated Graphics / Windows 11 Home / Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX211 / Bluetooth 5.3 / 4x USB Type-A / 2x USB Type-C (Supports ) / 2x RJ45 / 1x HDMI / 1x Microphone & Headphone Combo Jack / 1x Micro SD Card Reader / Fingerprint Reader / Copilot / External Power Button / 9S6-B20611-027
R19999.00In Stock
MINISFORUM AI X1-255 Mini PC with AMD Ryzen 7 255 (8C/16T, up to 5.1 GHz), 16GB DDR5 Memory, 512GB SSD Storage, HDMI/DP/USB4 (4K@120 Hz), Dual Speaker/DMIC,USB-A X 3, 2.5G LAN, Wi-Fi 7/BT5.4 / AI-X1-255
R9999.00In Stock
MSI Cubi NUC AI 1UMG Mini PC Intel Core Ultra 5(up to 4.5GHz) Desktop Computer, DDR5 16GB RAM 512GB SSD, 2x HDMI, 2x USB Type-A, 2x USB Type-C (Thunderbolt 4 / DisplayPort 1.4) , 1x 2.5G LAN Port / 9S6-B20911-059
R15199.00In Stock
MINISFORUM Mini PC NAB6 Lite Intel Core i5-12600H,12 Cores 16 Threads,up to 4.5GHz 32GB RAM DDR4 1TB PCIe4.0 SSD Dual 2.5 G RJ45 LAN Mini Desktop Computer,2 x HDMI,7 x USB Port,WiFi 6,BT5.2 / NAB6-Lite
R8999.00In Stock
Why a Mini PC for Gaming is a Big Deal in 2025
A few years ago, "mini PC" and "gaming" in the same sentence would get you laughed out of the room. Not anymore. Thanks to massive leaps in CPU and integrated graphics technology, especially from AMD and Intel, these compact machines can now trade blows with much larger desktops. A modern mini gaming PC isn't just a compromise; it's a smart choice for a powerful, efficient, and seriously cool-looking setup. 🚀
They're power-efficient, which is a nice bonus during load-shedding, and their portability is unmatched.
The Contenders: Our Top Picks for the Best Mini Gaming PC
Finding the perfect small form factor gaming PC comes down to your budget and performance goals. From plug-and-play powerhouses to customisable kits, there's a rig for everyone.
The All-Rounder: Balanced Power
For most gamers looking to conquer 1080p and even some 1440p titles, the sweet spot lies in pre-built systems with powerful APUs (Accelerated Processing Units). You'll find excellent options from brands like Minisforum that pack the latest AMD Ryzen processors with integrated Radeon graphics. These are true plug-and-play heroes, offering incredible value and performance for their size.
The Budget Brawler: Smart 1080p Gaming
MSI Cubi NUC AI 1UMG Mini PC Intel Core Ultra 5(up to 4.5GHz) Desktop Computer, DDR5 16GB RAM 512GB SSD, 2x HDMI, 2x USB Type-A, 2x USB Type-C (Thunderbolt 4 / DisplayPort 1.4) , 1x 2.5G LAN Port / 9S6-B20911-059
R15199.00In Stock
MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG-026ZA Mini Desktop / Intel Core Ultra 9 288V (8x Cores, 8x Threads, 3.30GHz Base) up to 5.10GHz / LPDDR5x 32GB RAM / 1TB NVMe SSD / Integrated Intel Arc Graphics / Windows 11 Pro / Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX211 / Bluetooth 5.3 / 4x USB Type-A, 2x Thunderbolt 4, 1x Microphone & Headphone Combo Jack, 1x Micro-SD Card Reader, 1x Power Button with Fingerprint Security Design, 1x Copilot Button, 2x RJ45, 1x HDMI, 1x Kensington Lock, 1x External Power Switch Pin Header / 9S6-B20611-026
R23499.00In Stock
MINISFORUM Mini PC NAB6 Lite Intel Core i5-12600H,12 Cores 16 Threads,up to 4.5GHz 32GB RAM DDR4 1TB PCIe4.0 SSD Dual 2.5 G RJ45 LAN Mini Desktop Computer,2 x HDMI,7 x USB Port,WiFi 6,BT5.2 / NAB6-Lite
R8999.00In Stock
MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG-041ZA Mini PC / Intel Core Ultra 5 226V (8x Cores, 8x Threads, 2.1GHz Base) up to 4.5GHz / 16GB LPDDR5x RAM / 512GB NVMe SSD / Intel Arc Integrated Graphics / Windows 11 Professional / Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX211 / Bluetooth 5.3 / 4x USB Type-A / 2x USB Type-C (Supports Thunderbolt 4, DisplayPort) / 2x RJ45 / 1x HDMI / 1x Microphone & Headphone Combo Jack / 1x Micro SD Card Reader / Fingerprint Reader / Copilot / External Power Button / 9S6-B20611-041
R17499.00In Stock
MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG-027ZA Mini PC / Intel Core Ultra 7 258V (8x Cores, 8x Threads, 2.2GHz Base) up to 4.8GHz / 32GB LPDDR5x RAM / 1TB NVMe SSD / Intel Arc Integrated Graphics / Windows 11 Home / Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX211 / Bluetooth 5.3 / 4x USB Type-A / 2x USB Type-C (Supports ) / 2x RJ45 / 1x HDMI / 1x Microphone & Headphone Combo Jack / 1x Micro SD Card Reader / Fingerprint Reader / Copilot / External Power Button / 9S6-B20611-027
R19999.00In Stock
MINISFORUM AI X1-255 Mini PC with AMD Ryzen 7 255 (8C/16T, up to 5.1 GHz), 16GB DDR5 Memory, 512GB SSD Storage, HDMI/DP/USB4 (4K@120 Hz), Dual Speaker/DMIC,USB-A X 3, 2.5G LAN, Wi-Fi 7/BT5.4 / AI-X1-255
R9999.00In Stock
On a tighter budget? Don't stress. An entry-level machine can still deliver a fantastic experience in titles like Valorant, CS2, and Fortnite. The key is looking for a system with a solid multi-core CPU and at least 16GB of DDR5 RAM. Evetech has a wide range of mini PCs that fit this profile, proving you don't need to spend a fortune to get in the game.
Benchmarks Unpacked: What the Numbers Really Mean
Specs on a page are one thing, but frames-per-second (FPS) is what truly matters. When we look at the benchmarks for a top-tier mini gaming PC, the results are impressive. A good mid-range model in 2025 should be hitting:
- Apex Legends (1080p, High): 90-120 FPS
- Helldivers 2 (1080p, Medium): 50-60 FPS
- Cyberpunk 2077 (1080p, Low/Medium with FSR): 45-60 FPS
These numbers show that even demanding titles are well within reach. The best mini PC for gaming is one that consistently stays above that smooth 60 FPS mark in your favourite games.
TIP FOR YOU
Optimise Your Mini PC 💡
Once you get your new rig, dive into the graphics driver settings. Enabling features like AMD's FidelityFX™ Super Resolution (FSR) or Intel's XeSS can provide a massive FPS boost in supported games with minimal impact on visual quality. It's free performance just waiting to be unlocked!
Key Factors When Choosing Your Mini PC for Gaming
Before you click "add to cart," keep these key specs in mind. They separate a good mini PC from the best mini PC for your gaming needs.
CPU & GPU Combo
This is the heart of your rig. For integrated graphics, AMD's Ryzen 7 or 9 series with RDNA 3 graphics are currently leading the pack. If the chassis allows for a dedicated GPU, even a compact card like an RTX 4060 can turn your mini PC into a 1440p monster. Many of these powerful compact systems offer surprising upgradability.
MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG-041ZA Mini PC / Intel Core Ultra 5 226V (8x Cores, 8x Threads, 2.1GHz Base) up to 4.5GHz / 16GB LPDDR5x RAM / 512GB NVMe SSD / Intel Arc Integrated Graphics / Windows 11 Professional / Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX211 / Bluetooth 5.3 / 4x USB Type-A / 2x USB Type-C (Supports Thunderbolt 4, DisplayPort) / 2x RJ45 / 1x HDMI / 1x Microphone & Headphone Combo Jack / 1x Micro SD Card Reader / Fingerprint Reader / Copilot / External Power Button / 9S6-B20611-041
R17499.00In Stock
MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG-027ZA Mini PC / Intel Core Ultra 7 258V (8x Cores, 8x Threads, 2.2GHz Base) up to 4.8GHz / 32GB LPDDR5x RAM / 1TB NVMe SSD / Intel Arc Integrated Graphics / Windows 11 Home / Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX211 / Bluetooth 5.3 / 4x USB Type-A / 2x USB Type-C (Supports ) / 2x RJ45 / 1x HDMI / 1x Microphone & Headphone Combo Jack / 1x Micro SD Card Reader / Fingerprint Reader / Copilot / External Power Button / 9S6-B20611-027
R19999.00In Stock
MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG-026ZA Mini Desktop / Intel Core Ultra 9 288V (8x Cores, 8x Threads, 3.30GHz Base) up to 5.10GHz / LPDDR5x 32GB RAM / 1TB NVMe SSD / Integrated Intel Arc Graphics / Windows 11 Pro / Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX211 / Bluetooth 5.3 / 4x USB Type-A, 2x Thunderbolt 4, 1x Microphone & Headphone Combo Jack, 1x Micro-SD Card Reader, 1x Power Button with Fingerprint Security Design, 1x Copilot Button, 2x RJ45, 1x HDMI, 1x Kensington Lock, 1x External Power Switch Pin Header / 9S6-B20611-026
R23499.00In Stock
MINISFORUM AI X1-255 Mini PC with AMD Ryzen 7 255 (8C/16T, up to 5.1 GHz), 16GB DDR5 Memory, 512GB SSD Storage, HDMI/DP/USB4 (4K@120 Hz), Dual Speaker/DMIC,USB-A X 3, 2.5G LAN, Wi-Fi 7/BT5.4 / AI-X1-255
R9999.00In Stock
MINISFORUM Mini PC NAB6 Lite Intel Core i5-12600H,12 Cores 16 Threads,up to 4.5GHz 32GB RAM DDR4 1TB PCIe4.0 SSD Dual 2.5 G RJ45 LAN Mini Desktop Computer,2 x HDMI,7 x USB Port,WiFi 6,BT5.2 / NAB6-Lite
R8999.00In Stock
MSI Cubi NUC AI 1UMG Mini PC Intel Core Ultra 5(up to 4.5GHz) Desktop Computer, DDR5 16GB RAM 512GB SSD, 2x HDMI, 2x USB Type-A, 2x USB Type-C (Thunderbolt 4 / DisplayPort 1.4) , 1x 2.5G LAN Port / 9S6-B20911-059
R15199.00In Stock
RAM & Storage
16GB of DDR5 RAM is the non-negotiable standard for smooth gaming in 2025. For storage, a fast NVMe SSD is essential. It dramatically cuts down on loading times, getting you into the action faster. Look for at least a 1TB drive... games aren't getting any smaller! 🔧
Cooling and Connectivity
Small boxes can get hot. Look for models with proven cooling solutions—vapour chambers or robust fan designs are a good sign. Also, check the port selection. You'll want plenty of USB ports for your peripherals, Wi-Fi 6E for low-latency wireless gaming, and at least one HDMI 2.1 or DisplayPort 1.4 output for your high-refresh-rate monitor.
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match? The days of needing a giant tower for serious gaming are over. For maximum power in a minimal footprint, a Mini PC is the smart choice. Explore our huge range of Mini PCs and find the perfect compact rig to dominate your games.
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MINISFORUM AI X1-255 Mini PC with AMD Ryzen 7 255 (8C/16T, up to 5.1 GHz), 16GB DDR5 Memory, 512GB SSD Storage, HDMI/DP/USB4 (4K@120 Hz), Dual Speaker/DMIC,USB-A X 3, 2.5G LAN, Wi-Fi 7/BT5.4 / AI-X1-255
R9999.00In Stock
MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG-041ZA Mini PC / Intel Core Ultra 5 226V (8x Cores, 8x Threads, 2.1GHz Base) up to 4.5GHz / 16GB LPDDR5x RAM / 512GB NVMe SSD / Intel Arc Integrated Graphics / Windows 11 Professional / Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX211 / Bluetooth 5.3 / 4x USB Type-A / 2x USB Type-C (Supports Thunderbolt 4, DisplayPort) / 2x RJ45 / 1x HDMI / 1x Microphone & Headphone Combo Jack / 1x Micro SD Card Reader / Fingerprint Reader / Copilot / External Power Button / 9S6-B20611-041
R17499.00In Stock
MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG-027ZA Mini PC / Intel Core Ultra 7 258V (8x Cores, 8x Threads, 2.2GHz Base) up to 4.8GHz / 32GB LPDDR5x RAM / 1TB NVMe SSD / Intel Arc Integrated Graphics / Windows 11 Home / Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX211 / Bluetooth 5.3 / 4x USB Type-A / 2x USB Type-C (Supports ) / 2x RJ45 / 1x HDMI / 1x Microphone & Headphone Combo Jack / 1x Micro SD Card Reader / Fingerprint Reader / Copilot / External Power Button / 9S6-B20611-027
R19999.00In Stock
MINISFORUM Mini PC NAB6 Lite Intel Core i5-12600H,12 Cores 16 Threads,up to 4.5GHz 32GB RAM DDR4 1TB PCIe4.0 SSD Dual 2.5 G RJ45 LAN Mini Desktop Computer,2 x HDMI,7 x USB Port,WiFi 6,BT5.2 / NAB6-Lite
R8999.00In Stock
MSI Cubi NUC AI 1UMG Mini PC Intel Core Ultra 5(up to 4.5GHz) Desktop Computer, DDR5 16GB RAM 512GB SSD, 2x HDMI, 2x USB Type-A, 2x USB Type-C (Thunderbolt 4 / DisplayPort 1.4) , 1x 2.5G LAN Port / 9S6-B20911-059
R15199.00In Stock
MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG-026ZA Mini Desktop / Intel Core Ultra 9 288V (8x Cores, 8x Threads, 3.30GHz Base) up to 5.10GHz / LPDDR5x 32GB RAM / 1TB NVMe SSD / Integrated Intel Arc Graphics / Windows 11 Pro / Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX211 / Bluetooth 5.3 / 4x USB Type-A, 2x Thunderbolt 4, 1x Microphone & Headphone Combo Jack, 1x Micro-SD Card Reader, 1x Power Button with Fingerprint Security Design, 1x Copilot Button, 2x RJ45, 1x HDMI, 1x Kensington Lock, 1x External Power Switch Pin Header / 9S6-B20611-026
R23499.00In Stock
Absolutely. Modern mini PCs pack powerful CPUs and dedicated GPUs capable of running AAA titles at high settings. Our compact gaming pc benchmarks show impressive performance.
High-end models like the ASUS ROG NUC or specific Minisforum builds often lead for 4K. Check our benchmarks for the latest top performer based on real-world gaming tests.
Yes, most mini gaming PCs allow for RAM and storage upgrades. Some larger models may even support GPU upgrades, offering a solid future-proof path for your setup.
A solid entry-level model can start around R12,000, while high-performance rigs can exceed R30,000. Our guide covers the best budget mini gaming pc options for great value.
Top manufacturers use advanced cooling solutions like vapor chambers and multiple fans to manage thermals effectively. Our tests specifically analyze heat and throttling performance.
The primary benefits are a small footprint, portability, and lower power consumption compared to a full tower. They are perfect for saving space without sacrificing performance.
