Affordable Mini Gaming PCs in 2024: Budget-Friendly Powerhouses

Mini gaming PCs have seen a surge in popularity, offering a compact yet powerful alternative to traditional gaming desktops. They cater to gamers who crave high performance but lack the space or budget for larger systems.

The concept of mini PCs dates back to the early 2000s when the focus was on creating smaller, energy-efficient computers for basic tasks. However, the demand for portable yet powerful systems led to significant advancements, transforming mini PCs into capable gaming machines.

Technological Advances

Several key technological advancements have driven the rise of mini gaming PCs:

• Processor Improvements: The development of high-performance, low-power CPUs, such as Intel’s Core i7 and AMD’s Ryzen series.
• Graphics Integration: Enhanced integrated graphics and support for external GPUs, allowing for better gaming performance.
• Thermal Management: Innovations in cooling technology have enabled powerful components to be housed in compact chassis without overheating.

When choosing an affordable mini gaming PC in 2024, gamers prioritize several key features to ensure optimal performance and a seamless gaming experience. Below are the critical aspects to consider:

Portability: Easy to Transport for LAN Parties and Gaming on the Go

One of the significant advantages of mini gaming PCs is their portability. These devices are designed to be compact and lightweight, making them easy to transport for LAN parties, gaming events, or simply moving from one room to another. The Beelink U59, for example, is incredibly small, featuring a VESA mount for flexible setup options, enhancing its portability and convenience​​.

Upgradability: Options for RAM and Storage Expansion

Future-proofing is crucial for gamers who want to keep their systems up-to-date. Many mini gaming PCs offer upgradability options, allowing users to expand RAM and storage as needed. The Minisforum UM790 Pro, for instance, supports up to 64GB of DDR5 RAM and features dual M.2 PCIe 4.0 slots, making it an excellent choice for gamers who anticipate needing more power and storage in the future​​.

Connectivity: Multiple USB Ports, HDMI, and Ethernet for Seamless Gaming Setups

A robust connectivity suite is essential for a seamless gaming experience. Mini gaming PCs come equipped with multiple USB ports, HDMI outputs, Ethernet connections, and more to ensure gamers can connect all their peripherals and monitors without hassle. The Intel NUC 12 Serpent Canyon, for instance, offers a variety of ports, including HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 2.0, Thunderbolt/USB4 Type-C, and USB3.2 Gen2 Type-A, providing ample connectivity options for any gaming setup​.

Game Tests: Performance Benchmarks

Intel NUC 12 Serpent Canyon

The Intel NUC 12 Enthusiast, known as Serpent Canyon, is a standout in the mini gaming PC market for 2024. Equipped with an Intel Core i7-12700H processor and Intel Arc A770M graphics, this compact machine delivers impressive performance across various games. For instance, in “Cyberpunk 2077,” it achieves an average of 65 FPS at high settings in 1080p, dropping to 57 FPS at 1440p​.

Graphics and FPS

With the Intel Arc A770M, the NUC 12 supports high settings, ray tracing, and 4K resolution. Benchmarks from 3DMark’s Time Spy show a score of 11,003, which is indicative of its strong gaming capabilities​​. Additionally, it supports multiple displays, including up to four screens at 4K and one at 8K, making it suitable for immersive gaming setups​​.

Best Overall: Intel NUC 12 Serpent Canyon

For gamers seeking a balanced mix of performance and portability, the Intel NUC 12 Serpent Canyon is highly recommended. Its compact design and robust specifications make it an excellent choice for both gaming and productivity tasks. The multiple connectivity options, including Thunderbolt 4 and Wi-Fi 6E, further enhance its versatility​ (Mini PC Reviewer)​.

Best Budget: Beelink U59

For those on a tighter budget, the Beelink U59 offers a cost-effective solution. Although it may not match the high-end performance of the NUC 12, it provides sufficient power for casual gaming and everyday use, making it a great option for budget-conscious gamers.

Best for Creatives: Minisforum UM790 Pro

The Minisforum UM790 Pro stands out for gamers who also need a powerful machine for creative tasks. With strong performance metrics and the ability to handle demanding software, it is ideal for content creators who game on the side.

Video Editing: Performance in Adobe Premiere Pro and DaVinci Resolve

Mini gaming PCs like the Intel NUC 12 Serpent Canyon and the Minisforum UM790 Pro are not just gaming powerhouses; they also excel in creative workflows. In Adobe Premiere Pro, the Intel NUC 12, equipped with an Intel Core i7-12700H and Intel Arc A770M, delivers smooth 4K video editing and rendering. Similarly, DaVinci Resolve runs efficiently, taking full advantage of the GPU acceleration provided by the Arc A770M​​.

3D Rendering: Capability with Software like Blender and Maya

For 3D rendering tasks, the Minisforum UM790 Pro, powered by an AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS and Radeon 780M, provides exceptional performance in Blender and Maya. Its high core count and robust GPU handle complex scenes and simulations with ease, making it a great choice for animators and 3D artists looking for a portable yet powerful workstation​.

Streaming: Streaming Quality on Platforms like Twitch and YouTube

Streaming is another area where these mini PCs shine. The Intel NUC 12’s powerful CPU and GPU combination ensures high-quality streaming on platforms like Twitch and YouTube. With support for multiple monitors, content creators can manage their streams, chat, and games simultaneously without any lag. The inclusion of Thunderbolt 4 and Wi-Fi 6E further enhances streaming capabilities, providing stable and fast internet connections necessary for uninterrupted streaming sessions​​.