The best mini gaming PCs of 2026: Expert tested and reviewed


PCs have been through a number of evolutions in terms of size. They have transformed from hulking machines to something about the size of a hardback book that still packs enough power to handle demanding workloads. The same has happened with gaming PCs. With their increased power and cooling demand, it’s amazing just how much can fit into such a small package.

Also: The best gaming PCs you can buy

If you don’t have the space in your life for a huge gaming rig, a mini gaming PC can still deliver the power you need. For April, I replaced all of the entries with mini PCs from well-known brands including HP, Dell, and Raspberry Pi.

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What is the best mini gaming PC right now?

I chose the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5 as the best mini gaming PC you can buy for it’s incredible versatility, truly micro form factor, and active modding community. But if you’re looking for something less DIY, brands like HP, Dell, and Lenovo all offer great micro PCs. 

Keep reading below to find out more about the Raspberry Pi CM5 and my other picks for the best mini gaming PC.

 The best mini gaming PCs of 2026

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Raspberry Pi 5 kitted out with an M.2 HAT+ and SSD.

Raspberry Pi

Why we like it: The Raspberry Pi is the ultimate DIY gaming rig, with nearly endless configuration options and an impressively compact design. You can purchase partially pre-built configurations with up to 16GB of RAM and 64GB of storage, letting you get a jumpstart on your custom build. You can also opt for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity modules to round out your rig.

Who it’s for: More advanced DIY PC builders will love the versatility of the Raspberry Pi. It allows you to build custom emulation machines for retro games as well as ultra-portable rigs for casual gaming on-the-go. There are plenty of configuration options as well as a robust hobbyist community to help beginners looking to cut their teeth.

Also: Your Raspberry Pi 5 just got a major functionality upgrade

Who should look elsewhere: The Raspberry Pi can just about do it all when it comes to retro gaming and emulation, but it requires quite a bit of technical know-how to get started. Especially if you’re wanting to build a custom rig. Thankfully, there are plenty of pre-built mini PC configurations from HP, Dell, and more that don’t feel like they require a computer engineering degree use.

Raspberry Pi tech specs CPU: Custom 2.4GHz ARM processor | RAM: Up to 16GB | Storage: Up to 64GB | Graphics: User added  


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An HP EliteDesk 8 Mini on a grey background

HP/ZDNET

Why we like it: The HP EliteDesk 8 Mini manages to pack a ton of power and performance into an ultra-tiny build. Measuring just 7 x7 x 1 inches, you can easily tuck the PC behind your monitor or mount it to your desk, making it perfect for super small spaces. Built with an AMD Ryzen AI 5 Pro CPU, 32GB of RAM, and 1TB SSD, you get a solid rig without the bulk of a full-size tower.

Who it’s for: This ultra-compact AMD build is perfect for anyone who needs a desktop that can pull double duty as a workstation and gaming rig. With four M.2 SSD slots, you’ll have plenty of room to grow as your needs change, while Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 support give you blazing fast wireless internet and more stable connections to wireless peripherals.

More: The best HP laptops you can buy

Who should look elsewhere: The HP EliteDesk 8 doesn’t have a configuration option to include a dedicated graphics card from AMD, Intel, or Nvidia. The integrated AMD Radeon graphics engine is powerful enough to handle casual games and older titles. If you want to play triple-A releases, you’ll have to invest in a GPU and external housing.

HP EliteDesk 8 Mini G1a tech specs CPU: AMD Ryzen AI 5 Pro 340 | RAM: 32GB | Storage: 1TB SSD | Graphics: Integrated AMD Radeon 840M 


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A Lenovo ThinkCentre M90s mini PC on a grey background

Lenovo/ZDNET

Why we like it: The Lenovo ThinkCentre M90s doesn’t skimp out on memory and storage, offering 32GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD. If your needs change down the line, it supports up to 64GB of memory and up to 10TB of SSD drives. A dedicated Intel Arc graphics card means you’ll be able to handle everything from casual pixel art games to the latest triple-A titles.

Who it’s for: If you prefer Intel builds, the ThinkCentre M90s is a solid setup that pushes into the higher end of mid-range. You’ll get tons of storage and performance for everything from office work and streaming to content creation and gaming. With Wi-Fi 6E support and Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity, you’ll get faster wireless internet and more stable connections to peripherals like headsets and mice.

Read more: The best Lenovo laptops you can buy

Who should look elsewhere: Even though the Lenovo ThinkCentre M90s is a solid build with 32GB of RAM and 1TB of storage, the Intel Arc graphics card may not work well with all game titles. You can choose to configure your ThinkCentre M90s with an RTX 3050, but it will raise the price quite a bit.

Lenovo ThinkCentre M90s tech specs CPU: Intel Core Ultra 5 225 | RAM: 32GB | Storage: 1TB SSD | Graphics: Intel Arc


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An Asus ROG GR70 micro gaming PC on a grey background

Asus/ZDNET

Why we like it: The Asus ROG GR70 is a micro PC tailor-made for gaming, with an RTX 5070 laptop edition graphics card for high-end gaming. It’s built with 16GB of RAM and a 2TB SSD but can support up to 96GB of memory and up to four SSD drives.

Who it’s for: Serious gamers and content creators who need a lot of power in a very small package can take full advantage of the high-end components included. With support for high-capacity RAM and SSDs, you’ll have room to grow as your needs change.

More: The best mini PCs you can buy

Who should look elsewhere: The high-end components and inclusion of a discrete graphics card means that the GR70 has a premium price to match. If you’re looking for something more modestly priced, there are mid-range options from HP, Dell, and Lenovo, but they all require a separate GPU housing for more demanding game titles.

Asus ROG GR70 tech specs CPU: AMD Ryzen 9955HX | RAM: Up to 96GB | Storage: 2TB SSD included, supports up to 4 SSD drives | Graphics: Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 laptop edition


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msi-claw-8-ai-image-2

Cesar Cadenas/ZDNET

Why we like it: The MSI Claw 8 AI Plus is one of our favorite alternatives to the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck. Built with an Intel Core Ultra 7 CPU, 32GB of RAM, a 1TB SSD, and an Intel Arc graphics card, you’ll have plenty of power for playing your favorite games on-the-go.

Who it’s for: If you’re looking for a Steam Deck competitor that’s worth the elevated retail price, the MSI Claw 8 AI Plus is a great option. With an 8-inch display capable of 1080p resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate, you’ll get a clean image while playing fast-paced action or sports titles. And the 1TB SSD gives you plenty of storage space for large downloads, save files, and apps.

Also: MSI Claw 8 AI Plus

Who should look elsewhere: The MSI Claw 8 AI Plus is another victim of rising prices due to RAM and SSD shortages, seeing retail prices above $1,000. With such a high price tag, a stationary micro desktop offers more performance for about the same cost. It also gives you many more customization options for storage, operating systems, and your display.

MSI Claw 8 AI Plus tech specs CPU: Intel Core Ultra 7 258V | RAM: 32GB | Storage: 1TB SSD | Graphics: Intel Arc


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I chose the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5 as the best mini gaming PC you can buy. It’s an incredibly versatile piece of tech, with nearly infinite customization options for running ROMs and Linux-compatible games. Its extreme form factor means you can fit it into just about any housing you can dream up, and its very affordable price means that even beginner DIY PC builders can take a chance on one.

Best mini gaming PC

Price

CPU

RAM/Storage

Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5

$68

N/A

N/A

HP EliteDesk 8 Mini G1a

$1,609

AMD Ryzen AI 5 PRO 340

32GB, 1TB SSD

Lenovo ThinkCentre M90s

$1,529

Intel Core Ultra 5 225

32GB, 1TB SSD

Asus ROG GR70

$3,349

AMD Ryzen 9 9955HX

Up to 96GB, 2TB

MSI Claw 8 AI Plus

$1,162

Intel Core Ultra 7 258V

32GB, 1TB SSD

*MSRP at the time of writing.


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A micro gaming PC build limits your options when it comes to graphics cards, memory, and cooling systems. Carefully consider the recommended components for your favorite games to make sure your new mini PC is able to handle them. If you’re looking for something you can make completely your own, you can’t go wrong with the Raspberry Pi CM5.

Buy this mini gaming PC…

If you need…

Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5

A customizable and versatile mini gaming PC that’s also affordable.

HP EliteDesk 8 Mini G1a

An AMD-based mini gaming PC.

Lenovo ThinkCentre M90s

An Intel-based mini gaming PC.

Asus ROG GR70

A powerful mini gaming PC with a discrete graphics card.

MSI Claw 8 AI Plus

A handheld gaming PC for playing your favorite titles on the go.


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In many ways, choosing a mini PC is like a regular PC. There are all the usual performance, price, and support for all your peripherals to keep in mind. If you are after a mini PC, then size does come into play. The good news is these machines come in a range of sizes, from systems that can fit in the palm of your hand to systems so small you could hold several.

  • Do you need a mini gaming PC? This is the top question when choosing a mini gaming PC. Do you actually need one, or would a full-size gaming PC be more apt for you?
  • Performance: Pretty standard PC consideration here. This is normally a case of more speed, more spend.
  • Budget: Small doesn’t always mean cheap, but you can save money by choosing a mini PC that suits your needs.
  • Upgradability: How much upgradability do you want your mini gaming PC to have?


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There are a lot of mini PCs on the market from a variety of different vendors, and I’ve tested and used mini gaming PCs from all the vendors listed here, I’ve based my selections on my experience using these brands as well as current model user reviews.

Product specs and price also come into play, but being able to draw on dozens, and sometimes hundreds, of other people’s views allows me to get a broad sense of how well-received a selected mini gaming PC is. I’ve paid particular attention to reports of performance, stability, how quiet or noisy the PC is, and weeded out many that seemed to have a poor lifespan.

What we’re left with is the best of the best, in a broad selection of categories that are applicable to mini gaming PCs.


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Latest news on mini gaming PCs in 2026

January 2026: Right now RAM prices are going through the roof. This is hiking the prices of everything that has memory chips, like mini PCs. We are already seeing this have an effect on prices, and this is likely to continue throughout 2026. 

October 2025: Already hearing things from some of the big names in mini gaming PCs about some cool new product coming out in 2026. Stay tuned for mini PCs that can be upgraded, and some serious performance enhancements. 

A mini PC is a compact yet fully functional computer that offers many, if not all of, the capabilities of a desktop PC, but is packaged into a smaller size. Mini PCs are designed to save space and can be used for a variety of tasks, from basic computing to more demanding applications such as programming or even gaming.

A mini gaming PC takes this one step further and is a system that’s built with gaming in mind.


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People often choose to invest in a mini gaming PC for these reasons:

  • Space-saving: The top benefit of going for a mini gaming PC is that it takes up significantly less space than traditional desktop PCs.
  • Portable: Mini gaming PCs are lightweight and easy to move, making them ideal for users who need computing power on the go.
  • Energy efficiency: Most mini gaming PCs consume significantly less power than a similarly-specced desktop system, which can lead to cost savings on electricity.
  • Quiet: While a mini gaming PC isn’t going to be fanless, these systems are far quieter than a standard desktop system.


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It depends on the model. Most mini gaming PCs allow for easy upgrades to components like RAM and storage. There’s also a system with an OCuLink port that allows the use of an external graphics card.

Like laptops, mini PCs are better aimed at those situations where you buy the PC with the spec that you need rather than relying on an upgrade down the line. If you want the maximum upgradability possible, a regular desktop gaming PC might be better for you.


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OCuLink is a technology that allows you to hook up an external GPU to a PC through a part on the system. As well as the port, you need a dock, and a GPU. This can significantly boost the performance of a PC that’s otherwise limited in the graphics department.


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Latest updates

April 2026: I replaced all of the entries with mini PCs from well-known brands including HP, Dell, and Raspberry Pi.

More mini gaming PCs to consider

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A Dell Pro Max Micro PC on a grey background

Dell/ZDNET

The Dell Pro Max Micro offers dozens of configurations for CPUs, graphics cards, memory, storage, and even operating systems for a truly custom build. While the discrete GPU options are optimized for workstations and animation, they still pack plenty of punch for high-end gaming.


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A Sonnet eGPU enclosure on a grey background

Sonnet/ZDNET

While not a complete mini PC build, the Sonnet eGPU enclosure is an essential accessory for adding a dedicated graphics card to your micro build. With enough space to fit full-size cards, you can quickly connect your favorite AMD, Intel, or Nvidia graphics card when you need a power boost for high-end gaming when the integrated graphics aren’t enough.


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For more, check out our favorite laptops, all-in-one computers, and gaming PCs of 2026.





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Michelin is a French multinational company that many consumers consider to be one of the most satisfying major tire brands. This firm makes several tire models that offer comfort, performance, all-terrain prowess, and everything in between — including cutting-edge products like the $42,000-per-set Michelin Pilot Sport PAX that it developed specifically for the Bugatti Veyron. Aside from its own tires, Michelin also owns other tire brands that you might be familiar with, including BFGoodrich, Achilles, and Corsa.

While tires are what Michelin is known for, the company has put its name to more than the rubber that wraps around your car’s rims. In fact, the company sells several other products that aren’t tires. So, we’re listing a few Michelin-branded items that you can buy online and in retail stores. While they might not all be made of rubber or even related to vehicles, these tools and accessories can come in handy when keeping your car — and even yourself — in good shape.

Michelin tire inflator

Since Michelin is primarily known for its tires, it makes sense for the company to sell a Michelin-branded tire inflator as well. That way, if you get a flat on one of the Michelin tires on your car or want to regularly top up your car’s tire pressure to maintain optimum performance, you can use a Michelin-branded pump to fill up your tires. The company actually sells several types of inflators on its Amazon page, but it only offers a single motorized unit — the Michelin Micro Tyre Inflator, which is available on Amazon for $98.99.

This little device is only slightly wider than an iPhone 17 and weighs about 400 grams, or 14 ounces. This means it’s easy to store in your car and to move to whichever tire needs topping up. More importantly, it takes power from a 12-volt socket, allowing you to run it using your car’s battery. It also has a USB port for charging your phone (or any other USB device) in case of an emergency.

Some users say that the device is slow, taking about 12 minutes to bring a tire from 10 to 32 PSI, but that’s not unexpected given its small size. Still, it should be good enough for regular weekly maintenance if you know your car’s proper tire pressure, or in case of an emergency. Its biggest downside is that you need a power source to run it, but having a dead battery and a flat tire simultaneously is likely a rare occurrence in many modern cars.

Michelin mini fridge

Taking a road trip during the summer can get you thirsty, and there’s no better way to quench that thirst than by drinking a cool can of soda (or your beverage of choice). If you want to ensure that you’ll always have a cold drink ready while you’re driving on the freeway, Michelin’s mini fridge will help you with that. This nifty little refrigerator is available on Amazon for just $99.99 and can be connected to either 110V AC or 12V DC power, ensuring that it will work on both your desk and in your car.

The mini fridge measures 6.9 x 9.45 x 10 inches (17.5 x 24 x 25.4 cm), meaning it can easily fit on a garage shelf or office desk. It should also be small enough to put on the floor of your car. Despite that relatively small size, it’s large enough to fit six 350-ml cans or four 500-ml bottles, and it will keep these items at a chilly 32 degrees Fahrenheit or 18 degrees Celsius. It also has an LED light on the door, so it can double as a night light if necessary.

Aside from keeping your drinks (and other food items) below room temperature, it also has a few other creature comforts. These include a removable shelf and door basket for flexibility and easy cleaning, as well as a retractable carry handle and a self-locking door to make transportation easier.

Michelin car floor mats

Heavy-duty car floor mats are often made from rubber for durability and water resistance, and since Michelin is in the business of rubber, it makes sense for the company to offer exactly that. So, if you want to protect your vehicle’s floor from dirt, dust, and mud, the company can help you with its Michelin all-weather car floor mats. This four-piece package is available on Amazon for $49.99 and comes in either black or tan.

The surface of these floor mats is specially designed to trap debris, snow, and water, preventing them from ruining the carpet on your vehicle. The mats have a cleat backing that grips your car’s floor and prevents them from slipping. The front row mats also come with what Michelin calls a Gripclip Retention System, allowing them to clip into your vehicle’s safety clips and adding even more reassurance that they won’t accidentally slip while you’re driving and pose a hazard to your safety.

These mats are universal and will work in most vehicles. However, they’re also easy to customize: If you find them a bit too large for the footwell of your tiny hatchback, you can use a pair of scissors to trim the edges for a perfect fit.

Michelin Stealth Ultra wiper blades

While Michelin’s Stealth Ultra wiper blades aren’t generally considered among the best windshield wipers, they appear to be a pretty good choice given their four-star rating on Amazon. These wipers cost $49.99 and are available in various size combinations for all sorts of cars. This ensures that no matter what vehicle you’re driving, you can probably find a set that will fit your needs.

These Michelin wipers are curved to conform to the shape of your windscreen for a clean, streak-free wipe. The company’s Amazon listing claims that these are designed to “withstand rain, wind, snow, mud, dust, or any other debris that might hamper your windshield’s visibility.” While you might think that windshield wipers are pretty simple items, and that you can just purchase any generic wipers off the internet, you must remember that they’re essential so that you have the best visibility possible during inclement weather. So, for your safety, consider investing in a set from a reputable brand like Michelin.

Michelin work boots

Michelin is known for making rubber tires to put on your car’s “feet,” but did you know it also makes shoes for the driver’s feet? The company makes sports & outdoor footwear, as well as shoes for work and safety. For this example, we have the Michelin HydroEdge Steel Toe waterproof work boot, listed for $210 on Amazon and at Georgia Boot. This shoe is available in U.S. sizes from 7.5 up to 14, ensuring that no matter what size you wear, you can get a Michelin work boot for yourself.

As the name suggests, this pair of shoes has steel toes to protect your feet from accidental impacts and is fully waterproof to help keep your feet dry, even in supposedly severe conditions. It also meets ASTM F2413 standards for electrical protection, meaning it has fully insulating soles to protect you from electrical hazards at work. Michelin also added what it calls an Advanced Rear Suspension system to its heel, ensuring proper shock absorption when you walk.





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