Buying Guide
The Best Compact Gaming Desktop PCs
Five compact gaming desktop PCs, from RTX 5060 to RTX 5070 Ti, each with its CPU, graphics, memory and storage named.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read5 products evaluated
Small gaming PCs range from about $1,000 to $3,400 at the time of writing. The price follows the graphics card: laptop-class chips in the smallest boxes, desktop cards in Mini-ITX cases.
We compared the parts each listing names: CPU, graphics card and VRAM, memory, storage and, where stated, the power supply and warranty. We did not test these systems, and we skipped listings that leave a core part vague.
Quick Picks
Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Lowest Price Here
AVGPC Mini-X (Core i5-11400F, RTX 5060 8GB)The lowest price among these picks at the time of writing.
Best for: Keeping the budget tight.
Check price for AVGPC Mini-X (Core i5-11400F, RTX 5060 8GB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
RTX 4060 Build
TOPGRO T1-Pro (Core i9-13900HX, RTX 4060 laptop GPU 8GB)An RTX 4060 with 8GB of VRAM.
Best for: 1080p gaming.
Check price for TOPGRO T1-Pro (Core i9-13900HX, RTX 4060 laptop GPU 8GB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
RTX 5060 Build
MINISFORUM G1 Pro (Ryzen 9 8945HX, RTX 5060 8GB)An RTX 5060 with 8GB of VRAM.
Best for: 1080p gaming.
Check price for MINISFORUM G1 Pro (Ryzen 9 8945HX, RTX 5060 8GB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)RTX 4070 Build
TOPGRO T1-MAX (Core i9-13900HX, RTX 4070 laptop GPU 8GB)An RTX 4070 with 8GB of VRAM.
Best for: 1080p gaming.
Check price for TOPGRO T1-MAX (Core i9-13900HX, RTX 4070 laptop GPU 8GB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Most VRAM
Cooler Master NR2 Pro (Ryzen 7 9800X3D, RTX 5070 Ti 16GB)16GB of VRAM on the RTX 5070 Ti.
Best for: High texture settings at 1440p and above.
Check price for Cooler Master NR2 Pro (Ryzen 7 9800X3D, RTX 5070 Ti 16GB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 5
AVGPC Mini-X (Core i5-11400F, RTX 5060 8GB)
Inside the AVGPC Mini-X are a Core i5-11400F and an RTX 5060 with 8GB of VRAM, backed by 16GB of DDR4-3200 and 1TB of SSD storage.
Best for
- Keeping the budget tight.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: 8GB of VRAM can force lower texture settings in newer games at 1440p.
Why we like it
It also comes with a desktop RTX 5060 in a small case. The power supply is rated at 650W (80 Plus Gold). On VRAM it ties with the TOPGRO T1-Pro, the Minisforum G1 Pro and the TOPGRO T1-MAX at 8GB.
On memory it trails the group at 16GB, while the TOPGRO T1-Pro offers 32GB. You get an RTX 5060 graphics card here, which sets it apart from the NR2 Pro RTX 5070 Ti and its an RTX 5070 Ti graphics card. You get a core i5-11400F processor here, which sets it apart from the NR2 Pro RTX 5070 Ti and its a ryzen 7 9800X3D processor.
A DDR4-3200 memory type is unique to it among these picks, while the Minisforum G1 Pro uses a DDR5 memory type. It cost the least of the 5 picks at the time of writing, with the TOPGRO T1-Pro the next step up.
Key specs
- Graphics card
- RTX 5060
- VRAM
- 8GB
- Processor
- Core i5-11400F
- Memory
- 16GB
- Memory type
- DDR4-3200
- SSD
- 1TB
- Power supply
- 650W
- PSU rating
- 80 Plus Gold
Pros
- A RTX 5060 graphics card
- A 650W power supply
- An 80 Plus Gold power supply
- Desktop RTX 5060 in a small case
Cons
- 8GB of VRAM can force lower texture settings in newer games at 1440p
- 16GB of RAM is enough for games but tight alongside streaming or editing
- Memory trails the TOPGRO T1-Pro (32GB)
The catch
It gives ground on memory, where the TOPGRO T1-Pro offers 32GB.
RTX 4060 Build2 of 5
TOPGRO T1-Pro (Core i9-13900HX, RTX 4060 laptop GPU 8GB)
TOPGRO T1-Pro pairs a Core i9-13900HX with a laptop-class RTX 4060 with 8GB of VRAM, plus 32GB of DDR5-5200 and a 1TB SSD.
Best for
- 1080p gaming.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: 8GB of VRAM can force lower texture settings in newer games at 1440p.
Why we like it
A laptop-class GPU runs at lower power than the desktop card with the same name. On VRAM it ties with the AVGPC Mini-X, the Minisforum G1 Pro and the TOPGRO T1-MAX at 8GB. An RTX 4060 (laptop-class) graphics card is unique to it among these picks, while the Minisforum G1 Pro uses an RTX 5060 (145W) graphics card.
It shares a core i9-13900HX processor with the TOPGRO T1-MAX; the NR2 Pro RTX 5070 Ti goes with a ryzen 7 9800X3D processor. You get a DDR5-5200 memory type here, which sets it apart from the NR2 Pro RTX 5070 Ti and its a DDR5-6000 memory type. Check the TOPGRO T1-Pro's ports against your monitor: most graphics cards use DisplayPort and HDMI, so match the cable to the refresh rate you want. When we checked, only the AVGPC Mini-X cost less, and the Minisforum G1 Pro cost more.
Key specs
- Graphics card
- RTX 4060 (laptop-class)
- VRAM
- 8GB
- Processor
- Core i9-13900HX
- Memory
- 32GB
- Memory type
- DDR5-5200
- SSD
- 1TB
Pros
- A RTX 4060 (laptop-class) graphics card
- 32GB of RAM
- Laptop-class RTX 4060 and 2.5Gb LAN
- DDR5-5200 memory type, the only one here
Cons
- 8GB of VRAM can force lower texture settings in newer games at 1440p
- Costs more than the AVGPC Mini-X at the time of writing
The catch
If you want a confirmed power supply wattage, look to the NR2 Pro RTX 5070 Ti instead: it offers 850W, while this one gives no figure.
RTX 5060 Build3 of 5
MINISFORUM G1 Pro (Ryzen 9 8945HX, RTX 5060 8GB)
Minisforum G1 Pro pairs a Ryzen 9 8945HX with a full-power 145W RTX 5060 with 8GB of VRAM, plus 32GB of DDR5 and a 1TB SSD.
Best for
- 1080p gaming.
Skip if
- Pass on it if 8GB of VRAM can force lower texture settings in newer games at 1440p rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
Its PSU wattage isn't published, so ask the seller before a GPU upgrade. It matches the AVGPC Mini-X, the TOPGRO T1-Pro and the TOPGRO T1-MAX on VRAM (8GB). No other pick in this guide offers an RTX 5060 (145W) graphics card; compare the TOPGRO T1-MAX, which has an RTX 4070 (laptop-class) graphics card.
No other pick in this guide offers a ryzen 9 8945HX processor; compare the TOPGRO T1-MAX, which has a core i9-13900HX processor. Like the TOPGRO T1-MAX, it has a DDR5 memory type, while the TOPGRO T1-Pro uses a DDR5-5200 memory type. You also get 5GbE and Wi-Fi 7.
Check the Minisforum G1 Pro's ports against your monitor: most graphics cards use DisplayPort and HDMI, so match the cable to the refresh rate you want. On price it sat third of 5, between the cheaper TOPGRO T1-Pro and the pricier TOPGRO T1-MAX, at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Graphics card
- RTX 5060 (145W)
- VRAM
- 8GB
- Processor
- Ryzen 9 8945HX
- Memory
- 32GB
- Memory type
- DDR5
- SSD
- 1TB
Pros
- A RTX 5060 (145W) graphics card
- 32GB of RAM
- Full-power 145W RTX 5060 in a mini PC
- 5GbE and Wi-Fi 7
Cons
- 8GB of VRAM can force lower texture settings in newer games at 1440p
- Costs more than the AVGPC Mini-X at the time of writing
The catch
The maker doesn't give its power supply wattage; if that figure matters, the NR2 Pro RTX 5070 Ti offers 850W.
RTX 4070 Build4 of 5
TOPGRO T1-MAX (Core i9-13900HX, RTX 4070 laptop GPU 8GB)
TOPGRO T1-MAX pairs a Core i9-13900HX with a laptop-class RTX 4070 with 8GB of VRAM, plus 32GB of DDR5 and a 1TB SSD.
Best for
- 1080p gaming.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: 8GB of VRAM can force lower texture settings in newer games at 1440p.
Why we like it
A laptop-class GPU runs at lower power than the desktop card with the same name. On VRAM it ties with the AVGPC Mini-X, the TOPGRO T1-Pro and the Minisforum G1 Pro at 8GB. You get an RTX 4070 (laptop-class) graphics card here, which sets it apart from the NR2 Pro RTX 5070 Ti and its an RTX 5070 Ti graphics card.
It shares a core i9-13900HX processor with the TOPGRO T1-Pro; the NR2 Pro RTX 5070 Ti goes with a ryzen 7 9800X3D processor. It shares a DDR5 memory type with the Minisforum G1 Pro; the AVGPC Mini-X goes with a DDR4-3200 memory type. Check the TOPGRO T1-MAX's ports against your monitor: most graphics cards use DisplayPort and HDMI, so match the cable to the refresh rate you want. It was priced above the Minisforum G1 Pro and below the NR2 Pro RTX 5070 Ti at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Graphics card
- RTX 4070 (laptop-class)
- VRAM
- 8GB
- Processor
- Core i9-13900HX
- Memory
- 32GB
- Memory type
- DDR5
- SSD
- 1TB
Pros
- A RTX 4070 (laptop-class) graphics card
- 32GB of RAM
- Laptop-class RTX 4070 in a mini PC
- An RTX 4070 with 8GB of VRAM
Cons
- 8GB of VRAM can force lower texture settings in newer games at 1440p
- VRAM trails the NR2 Pro RTX 5070 Ti (16GB)
- SSD capacity trails the NR2 Pro RTX 5070 Ti (2TB)
The catch
It gives ground on VRAM, where the NR2 Pro RTX 5070 Ti offers 16GB.
Most VRAM5 of 5
Cooler Master NR2 Pro (Ryzen 7 9800X3D, RTX 5070 Ti 16GB)
The NR2 Pro RTX 5070 Ti build pairs a Ryzen 7 9800X3D, an RTX 5070 Ti with 16GB of VRAM, 32GB of DDR5-6000 and a 2TB SSD.
Best for
- High texture settings at 1440p and above.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the AVGPC Mini-X, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
The power supply is rated at 850W (80 Plus Gold). Nothing else here matches its 16GB VRAM; the AVGPC Mini-X comes closest at 8GB. On memory it ties with the TOPGRO T1-Pro, the Minisforum G1 Pro and the TOPGRO T1-MAX at 32GB.
You get an RTX 5070 Ti graphics card here, which sets it apart from the TOPGRO T1-MAX and its an RTX 4070 (laptop-class) graphics card. You get a ryzen 7 9800X3D processor here, which sets it apart from the TOPGRO T1-MAX and its a core i9-13900HX processor. A DDR5-6000 memory type is unique to it among these picks, while the TOPGRO T1-Pro uses a DDR5-5200 memory type.
Check the NR2 Pro RTX 5070 Ti's ports against your monitor: most graphics cards use DisplayPort and HDMI, so match the cable to the refresh rate you want. Only the TOPGRO T1-MAX came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 5 picks.
Key specs
- Graphics card
- RTX 5070 Ti
- VRAM
- 16GB
- Processor
- Ryzen 7 9800X3D
- Memory
- 32GB
- Memory type
- DDR5-6000
- SSD
- 2TB
- Power supply
- 850W
- PSU rating
- 80 Plus Gold
Pros
- A RTX 5070 Ti graphics card
- 16GB of VRAM for high texture settings
- An Ryzen 7 9800X3D with 3D V-Cache
- 32GB of RAM
Cons
- Costs more than the AVGPC Mini-X at the time of writing
How We Chose These Compact Gaming Desktop PCs
Alex Morgan compared the manufacturer specifications, connectivity, warranty terms and compatibility of every pick. Figures come from the makers unless a third-party source is named; we did not test these products ourselves.
- The figures behind the order
- We lined up five prebuilt PCs on graphics card, VRAM, processor and memory, using each maker's published specs. These are research figures, not bench results: 3 of 5 picks leave out power supply wattage.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the AVGPC Mini-X to the NR2 Pro RTX 5070 Ti, state graphics card, VRAM and processor.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The TOPGRO T1-Pro, the Minisforum G1 Pro and the TOPGRO T1-MAX give no power supply wattage; the TOPGRO T1-Pro, the Minisforum G1 Pro and the TOPGRO T1-MAX give no PSU rating.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the AVGPC Mini-X ($1000 to $1500) to the NR2 Pro RTX 5070 Ti (over $1500).
What to Look for in a Compact Gaming Desktop PC
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
VRAM
Across these 5 picks VRAM spans 8GB (the TOPGRO T1-MAX) to 16GB (the NR2 Pro RTX 5070 Ti). If VRAM is your first filter, the NR2 Pro RTX 5070 Ti sets the ceiling at 16GB.
How much memory you need
Here memory runs from 16GB on the AVGPC Mini-X to 32GB on the TOPGRO T1-Pro, a 100% spread. Start with the TOPGRO T1-Pro if memory decides it.
A mini PC with cables attached beside a monitor and keyboard SSD capacity across these picks
Here SSD capacity runs from 1TB on the TOPGRO T1-MAX to 2TB on the NR2 Pro RTX 5070 Ti, a 100% spread. The NR2 Pro RTX 5070 Ti is the pick for SSD capacity.
Processor
The AVGPC Mini-X lists Core i5-11400F; the TOPGRO T1-Pro and the TOPGRO T1-MAX list Core i9-13900HX; the Minisforum G1 Pro lists Ryzen 9 8945HX; the NR2 Pro RTX 5070 Ti lists Ryzen 7 9800X3D.
A small form factor PC with its cover off showing the internals Memory type
The AVGPC Mini-X lists DDR4-3200; the TOPGRO T1-Pro lists DDR5-5200; the Minisforum G1 Pro and the TOPGRO T1-MAX list DDR5; the NR2 Pro RTX 5070 Ti lists DDR5-6000.
How to Choose a Compact Gaming Desktop PC
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Keeping the budget tight | AVGPC Mini-X | The lowest price among these picks at the time of writing |
| 1080p gaming | TOPGRO T1-Pro | An RTX 4060 with 8GB of VRAM |
| 1080p gaming | Minisforum G1 Pro | An RTX 5060 with 8GB of VRAM |
| 1080p gaming | TOPGRO T1-MAX | An RTX 4070 with 8GB of VRAM |
| High texture settings at 1440p and above | NR2 Pro RTX 5070 Ti | 16GB of VRAM on the RTX 5070 Ti |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The NR2 Pro RTX 5070 Ti leads on VRAM at 16GB, ahead of the AVGPC Mini-X at 8GB.
| Prebuilt PC | Graphics card | VRAM | Processor | Memory |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AVGPC Mini-X | RTX 5060 | 8GB | Core i5-11400F | 16GB |
| TOPGRO T1-Pro | RTX 4060 (laptop-class) | 8GB | Core i9-13900HX | 32GB |
| Minisforum G1 Pro | RTX 5060 (145W) | 8GB | Ryzen 9 8945HX | 32GB |
| TOPGRO T1-MAX | RTX 4070 (laptop-class) | 8GB | Core i9-13900HX | 32GB |
| NR2 Pro RTX 5070 Ti | RTX 5070 Ti | 16GB | Ryzen 7 9800X3D | 32GB |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
At our last check the cheapest pick, the AVGPC Mini-X, sat in the $1000 to $1500 tier, 2 tiers in all up to the NR2 Pro RTX 5070 Ti at over $1500; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.
| Price tier | Prebuilt PCs |
|---|---|
| About $1000 to $1500 | AVGPC Mini-X |
| Over $1500 | TOPGRO T1-Pro, Minisforum G1 Pro, TOPGRO T1-MAX, NR2 Pro RTX 5070 Ti |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the most VRAM: the NR2 Pro RTX 5070 Ti or the AVGPC Mini-X?
The NR2 Pro RTX 5070 Ti tops VRAM at 16GB; the AVGPC Mini-X follows at 8GB, 100% apart.
How does the AVGPC Mini-X compare with the NR2 Pro RTX 5070 Ti on SSD capacity?
Between the top two, it is 2TB on the NR2 Pro RTX 5070 Ti against 1TB on the AVGPC Mini-X, a 100% difference.
How does the AVGPC Mini-X compare with the NR2 Pro RTX 5070 Ti on power supply wattage?
Between the top two, it is 850W on the NR2 Pro RTX 5070 Ti against 650W on the AVGPC Mini-X, a 31% difference. No power supply wattage figure is published for the TOPGRO T1-Pro, the Minisforum G1 Pro and the TOPGRO T1-MAX, which leaves 2 of 5 picks ranked here.
Is the NR2 Pro RTX 5070 Ti worth paying more than the AVGPC Mini-X?
The spec sheets show VRAM (16GB against 8GB), memory (32GB against 16GB) and SSD capacity (2TB against 1TB) in its favour. The AVGPC Mini-X sat in the $1000 to $1500 tier and the NR2 Pro RTX 5070 Ti in the over $1500 tier when we checked, with 3 other picks between them; pay the difference only if VRAM and memory decide your purchase.
What makes the TOPGRO T1-MAX the RTX 4070 Build?
The label rests on an RTX 4070 with 8GB of VRAM. The AVGPC Mini-X, the cheapest pick, sat in the $1000 to $1500 tier against over $1500 here, without out-ranking it on any listed spec. It is aimed at 1080p gaming.
Do the AVGPC Mini-X and the TOPGRO T1-Pro differ on graphics card?
The AVGPC Mini-X uses RTX 5060; the TOPGRO T1-Pro uses RTX 4060 (laptop-class); the Minisforum G1 Pro uses RTX 5060 (145W); the TOPGRO T1-MAX uses RTX 4070 (laptop-class); the NR2 Pro RTX 5070 Ti uses RTX 5070 Ti.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the AVGPC Mini-X, chosen for the lowest price among these picks at the time of writing. Look at the TOPGRO T1-Pro for an RTX 4060 with 8GB of VRAM, the Minisforum G1 Pro for an RTX 5060 with 8GB of VRAM, the TOPGRO T1-MAX for an RTX 4070 with 8GB of VRAM and the NR2 Pro RTX 5070 Ti for 16GB of VRAM on the RTX 5070 Ti if those matter more to you.
Small boxes run their fans harder under load, so place them where some noise will not bother you.
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About the author
PC Hardware Editor
Alex covers PC hardware, monitors, components, upgrades and peripherals for The PC Journal, with a focus on helping readers understand specifications, compatibility and meaningful product trade-offs.
Covers: Monitors, Graphics cards, Processors, PC components, Peripherals, Upgrades and compatibility
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