Buying Guide
The Best Compact Gaming PCs
Four compact gaming PCs with desktop-class graphics, from RTX 5080 to RTX 5060, each with its CPU, graphics, memory and storage named.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
11 min read4 products evaluated
These compact PCs use desktop-class graphics: full RTX 50-series cards in Mini-ITX or small cases, or a full-power 145W RTX 5060. We left laptop-class GPUs out of this list.
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 4 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
RTX 5080 Build
Cooler Master NR2 Pro (Ryzen 7 9800X3D, RTX 5080 16GB)An RTX 5080 with 16GB of VRAM.
Best for: 1440p gaming.
Check price for Cooler Master NR2 Pro (Ryzen 7 9800X3D, RTX 5080 16GB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)RTX 5070 Ti Build
Cooler Master NR2 Pro (Ryzen 7 9800X3D, RTX 5070 Ti 16GB)An RTX 5070 Ti with 16GB of VRAM.
Best for: 1440p gaming.
Check price for Cooler Master NR2 Pro (Ryzen 7 9800X3D, RTX 5070 Ti 16GB) 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)
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)
| Pick | Why it stands out | Best for | Check price |
|---|---|---|---|
| An RTX 5080 with 16GB of VRAM. | 1440p gaming. | Check price for Cooler Master NR2 Pro (Ryzen 7 9800X3D, RTX 5080 16GB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| An RTX 5070 Ti with 16GB of VRAM. | 1440p gaming. | Check price for Cooler Master NR2 Pro (Ryzen 7 9800X3D, RTX 5070 Ti 16GB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| An RTX 5060 with 8GB of VRAM. | 1080p gaming. | Check price for MINISFORUM G1 Pro (Ryzen 9 8945HX, RTX 5060 8GB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| The lowest price among these picks at the time of writing. | Keeping the budget tight. | Check price for AVGPC Mini-X (Core i5-11400F, RTX 5060 8GB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
RTX 5080 Build1 of 4
Cooler Master NR2 Pro (Ryzen 7 9800X3D, RTX 5080 16GB)
NR2 Pro RTX 5080 pairs a Ryzen 7 9800X3D with an RTX 5080 with 16GB of VRAM, plus 32GB of DDR5-6000 and a 2TB SSD.
Best for
- 1440p gaming.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the AVGPC Mini-X cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It also comes with a Mini-ITX case with a 280mm AIO. The power supply is rated at 850W (80 Plus Gold). On memory it ties with the NR2 Pro RTX 5070 Ti and the Minisforum G1 Pro at 32GB.
On power supply wattage it ties with the NR2 Pro RTX 5070 Ti at 850W. An RTX 5080 graphics card is unique to it among these picks, while the AVGPC Mini-X uses an RTX 5060 graphics card. It shares a ryzen 7 9800X3D processor with the NR2 Pro RTX 5070 Ti; the AVGPC Mini-X goes with a core i5-11400F processor.
It shares a DDR5-6000 memory type with the NR2 Pro RTX 5070 Ti; the AVGPC Mini-X goes with a DDR4-3200 memory type. At our last price check it topped the group, with the NR2 Pro RTX 5070 Ti the nearest cheaper option.
Key specs
- Graphics card
- RTX 5080
- 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 5080 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
RTX 5070 Ti Build2 of 4
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
- 1440p gaming.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the AVGPC Mini-X cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
The power supply is rated at 850W (80 Plus Gold). It matches the NR2 Pro RTX 5080 and the Minisforum G1 Pro on memory (32GB). It matches the NR2 Pro RTX 5080 on power supply wattage (850W).
It is the only pick here with an RTX 5070 Ti graphics card; the AVGPC Mini-X has an RTX 5060 graphics card instead. Like the NR2 Pro RTX 5080, it has a ryzen 7 9800X3D processor, while the Minisforum G1 Pro uses a ryzen 9 8945HX processor. Like the NR2 Pro RTX 5080, it has a DDR5-6000 memory type, while the Minisforum G1 Pro uses a DDR5 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. Its price falls between the Minisforum G1 Pro and the NR2 Pro RTX 5080, based on our last check.
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
RTX 5060 Build3 of 4
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
- 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
Its PSU wattage isn't published, so ask the seller before a GPU upgrade. On VRAM it ties with the AVGPC Mini-X at 8GB. On memory it ties with the NR2 Pro RTX 5080 and the NR2 Pro RTX 5070 Ti at 32GB.
On SSD capacity it ties with the AVGPC Mini-X at 1TB. An RTX 5060 (145W) graphics card is unique to it among these picks, while the NR2 Pro RTX 5080 uses an RTX 5080 graphics card. A ryzen 9 8945HX processor is unique to it among these picks, while the NR2 Pro RTX 5070 Ti uses a ryzen 7 9800X3D processor.
You get a DDR5 memory type here, which sets it apart from the NR2 Pro RTX 5080 and its a DDR5-6000 memory type. It also comes with 5GbE and Wi-Fi 7. When we checked, only the AVGPC Mini-X cost less, and the NR2 Pro RTX 5070 Ti cost more.
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
- No published power supply wattage
- 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 5080 instead: it offers 850W, while this one gives no figure.
Lowest Price Here4 of 4
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). It matches the Minisforum G1 Pro on VRAM (8GB).
Its 16GB memory is the least in this group; the NR2 Pro RTX 5080 leads at 32GB. Its 650W power supply wattage is the smallest in this group; the NR2 Pro RTX 5080 leads at 850W. It is the only pick here with an RTX 5060 graphics card; the Minisforum G1 Pro has an RTX 5060 (145W) graphics card instead.
It is the only pick here with a core i5-11400F processor; the NR2 Pro RTX 5080 has a ryzen 7 9800X3D processor instead. No other pick in this guide offers a DDR4-3200 memory type; compare the NR2 Pro RTX 5080, which has a DDR5-6000 memory type. It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the Minisforum G1 Pro was 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
- VRAM trails the NR2 Pro RTX 5080 (16GB)
The catch
If VRAM is your priority, the NR2 Pro RTX 5080 (16GB) is the stronger choice.
How We Chose These Compact Gaming 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.
- What we compared
- We lined up four prebuilt PCs on graphics card, VRAM, processor and memory, using each maker's published specs. We did not test them in-house, and power supply wattage and PSU rating are missing for at least one pick.
- What every pick has in common
- All 4, from the NR2 Pro RTX 5080 to the AVGPC Mini-X, state graphics card, VRAM and processor.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Minisforum G1 Pro gives no power supply wattage; the Minisforum G1 Pro gives 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 5080 (over $1500).
What to Look for in a Compact Gaming PC
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
VRAM
Here VRAM runs from 8GB on the AVGPC Mini-X to 16GB on the NR2 Pro RTX 5080, a 100% spread. The NR2 Pro RTX 5070 Ti comes second at 16GB, in the same price tier as the NR2 Pro RTX 5080.
Memory across these picks
Across these 4 picks memory spans 16GB (the AVGPC Mini-X) to 32GB (the NR2 Pro RTX 5080). For less, the NR2 Pro RTX 5070 Ti is the runner-up at 32GB.
A slim black mini PC with a perforated top How much SSD capacity you need
Across these 4 picks SSD capacity spans 1TB (the AVGPC Mini-X) to 2TB (the NR2 Pro RTX 5080). The NR2 Pro RTX 5070 Ti comes second at 2TB, in the same price tier as the NR2 Pro RTX 5080.
Processor
The NR2 Pro RTX 5080 and the NR2 Pro RTX 5070 Ti list Ryzen 7 9800X3D; the Minisforum G1 Pro lists Ryzen 9 8945HX; the AVGPC Mini-X lists Core i5-11400F.
A mini PC with cables attached beside a monitor and keyboard Memory type
The NR2 Pro RTX 5080 and the NR2 Pro RTX 5070 Ti list DDR5-6000; the Minisforum G1 Pro lists DDR5; the AVGPC Mini-X lists DDR4-3200.
How to Choose a Compact Gaming PC
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 1440p gaming | NR2 Pro RTX 5080 | An RTX 5080 with 16GB of VRAM |
| 1440p gaming | NR2 Pro RTX 5070 Ti | An RTX 5070 Ti with 16GB of VRAM |
| 1080p gaming | Minisforum G1 Pro | An RTX 5060 with 8GB of VRAM |
| Keeping the budget tight | AVGPC Mini-X | The lowest price among these picks at the time of writing |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The NR2 Pro RTX 5080 leads on VRAM at 16GB, ahead of the NR2 Pro RTX 5070 Ti at 16GB.
| Prebuilt PC | Graphics card | VRAM | Processor | Memory |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NR2 Pro RTX 5080 | RTX 5080 | 16GB | Ryzen 7 9800X3D | 32GB |
| NR2 Pro RTX 5070 Ti | RTX 5070 Ti | 16GB | Ryzen 7 9800X3D | 32GB |
| Minisforum G1 Pro | RTX 5060 (145W) | 8GB | Ryzen 9 8945HX | 32GB |
| AVGPC Mini-X | RTX 5060 | 8GB | Core i5-11400F | 16GB |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The AVGPC Mini-X was the lowest-priced pick ($1000 to $1500) and the NR2 Pro RTX 5080 the highest (over $1500) when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Prebuilt PCs |
|---|---|
| About $1000 to $1500 | AVGPC Mini-X |
| Over $1500 | Minisforum G1 Pro, NR2 Pro RTX 5070 Ti, NR2 Pro RTX 5080 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the NR2 Pro RTX 5080 add over 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. On our last price check the AVGPC Mini-X was in the $1000 to $1500 tier and the NR2 Pro RTX 5080 in the over $1500 tier, with 2 other picks between them; pay the difference only if VRAM and memory decide your purchase.
Why is the NR2 Pro RTX 5070 Ti our RTX 5070 Ti Build pick?
The label rests on an RTX 5070 Ti with 16GB 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 1440p gaming.
Do the NR2 Pro RTX 5080 and the NR2 Pro RTX 5070 Ti differ on graphics card?
The NR2 Pro RTX 5080 uses RTX 5080; the NR2 Pro RTX 5070 Ti uses RTX 5070 Ti; the Minisforum G1 Pro uses RTX 5060 (145W); the AVGPC Mini-X uses RTX 5060.
Will the NR2 Pro RTX 5080 work with my setup?
Check the NR2 Pro RTX 5080's ports against your monitor: most graphics cards use DisplayPort and HDMI, so match the cable to the refresh rate you want. In this guide it ranks first of 4, as our RTX 5080 Build pick, and first of 4 on VRAM (16GB).
What extras do the NR2 Pro RTX 5080 and the NR2 Pro RTX 5070 Ti include?
The NR2 Pro RTX 5080: a Mini-ITX case with a 280mm AIO. The NR2 Pro RTX 5070 Ti: a Mini-ITX build with an RTX 5070 Ti. The Minisforum G1 Pro: a full-power 145W RTX 5060 in a mini PC.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the NR2 Pro RTX 5080, chosen for an RTX 5080 with 16GB of VRAM. Look at the NR2 Pro RTX 5070 Ti for an RTX 5070 Ti with 16GB of VRAM, the Minisforum G1 Pro for an RTX 5060 with 8GB of VRAM and the AVGPC Mini-X for the lowest price among these picks at the time of writing if those matter more to you.
A small case limits later GPU upgrades, so choose the card you want to keep.
Related Guides
- Related guideThe Best Mini-ITX Cases
- Related guideThe Best Prebuilt Gaming PCs
- Related guideThe Best Graphics Cards for 1440p Gaming
- Higher budgetThe Best $2000 Premium Mini-ITX Gaming PC Build
- Similar guideThe Best Compact Gaming PCs
- ExplainerMini PC vs Building a Small-Form-Factor PC: Upgrade Room, Power and Noise
- ExplainerHow to Choose a Mini PC Without Overpaying
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- Similar guideThe Best Compact Gaming Desktops
- Topic hubAll mini and small form factor pcs guides
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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