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 The PC Journal editorial team
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
Our 4 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
RTX 5080 Pick
Cooler Master NR2 Pro (Ryzen 7 9800X3D, RTX 5080 16GB)
An RTX 5080 with 16GB of VRAM.
Best for: 1440p gaming.
Our take Check price for Cooler Master NR2 Pro (Ryzen 7 9800X3D, RTX 5080 16GB) (opens in a new tab)
RTX 5070 Ti Pick
Cooler Master NR2 Pro (Ryzen 7 9800X3D, RTX 5070 Ti 16GB)
An RTX 5070 Ti with 16GB of VRAM.
Best for: 1440p gaming.
Our take Check price for Cooler Master NR2 Pro (Ryzen 7 9800X3D, RTX 5070 Ti 16GB) (opens in a new tab)
RTX 5060 Pick
MINISFORUM G1 Pro (Ryzen 9 8945HX, RTX 5060 8GB)
An RTX 5060 with 8GB of VRAM.
Best for: 1080p gaming.
Our take Check price for MINISFORUM G1 Pro (Ryzen 9 8945HX, RTX 5060 8GB) (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.
Our take Check price for AVGPC Mini-X (Core i5-11400F, RTX 5060 8GB) (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| An RTX 5080 with 16GB of VRAM. | 1440p gaming. | Check price for Cooler Master NR2 Pro (Ryzen 7 9800X3D, RTX 5080 16GB) (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) (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) (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) (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
RTX 5080 Pick1 of 4
Cooler Master NR2 Pro (Ryzen 7 9800X3D, RTX 5080 16GB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
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 dimensions & 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 Pick2 of 4
Cooler Master NR2 Pro (Ryzen 7 9800X3D, RTX 5070 Ti 16GB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
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 dimensions & 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 Pick3 of 4
MINISFORUM G1 Pro (Ryzen 9 8945HX, RTX 5060 8GB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
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.
When we checked, only the AVGPC Mini-X cost less, and the NR2 Pro RTX 5070 Ti cost more. 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.
Key dimensions & 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
Lowest Price Here4 of 4
AVGPC Mini-X (Core i5-11400F, RTX 5060 8GB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
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. It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the Minisforum G1 Pro was the next step up. If VRAM is your priority, the NR2 Pro RTX 5080 (16GB) is the stronger choice.
Key dimensions & 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)
How We Chose These Compact Gaming PCs
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Stated parts
- We included only listings that name the CPU, the GPU with its VRAM, the RAM and the SSD capacity.
- Balance
- We compared how the CPU, memory and storage match the graphics card's class.
- Price and warranty
- We compared prices at the time of writing and the warranty terms each listing states.
- Power and upgrades
- We recorded PSU wattage and rating where listed, which decides later GPU upgrades.
What to Look for in a Compact Gaming PC
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Trust specific listings
Prefer listings that name every part: CPU model, GPU model and VRAM, RAM, SSD and PSU. Vague terms like "Core i7" or "brand may vary" leave room for weaker parts.
Start with the graphics card
The GPU decides gaming performance more than any other part. Match it to your monitor: an RTX 5060 class card suits 1080p, an RTX 5070 suits 1440p, and 4K high-refresh play needs an RTX 5080 or above.
Check the VRAM figure too; 8GB cards can need lower texture settings in newer games.
Read the warranty terms
Prebuilt warranties vary from one year of parts and labor to three years. Check who handles repairs and whether shipping is covered.
Pair a sensible processor
A current six- or eight-core CPU is enough for most games. X3D chips with extra cache help at high frame rates, while older or unnamed CPUs are a warning sign in a listing.
Check memory and storage
16GB of RAM runs games; 32GB leaves room for streaming, browsers and editing. A 1TB SSD holds a handful of large games, so plan for a second drive if you keep a big library.
Look for a named power supply
A listing that states wattage and an 80 Plus rating is easier to trust and to upgrade later. When a listing is silent, ask before buying.
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
Figures as each maker states them.
| 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
Prices change often; these tiers reflect Amazon prices when this guide was updated.
| 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
How much VRAM do I need?
8GB works at 1080p with some texture compromises in newer games; 12GB to 16GB is more comfortable at 1440p and 4K.
Can I upgrade a prebuilt later?
Usually. Check the power supply wattage and connectors, the case's GPU clearance and free RAM slots before buying a part.
Do prebuilt PCs come with extra software?
Some do. Check the product page for trial software, and remove what you do not need after setup.
What does "brand may vary" mean in a listing?
The builder may ship an equivalent part from a different maker. The model and capacity should match; ask the seller if it matters to you.
Is 16GB of RAM enough for gaming?
For most games, yes. 32GB helps when you stream, keep many browser tabs open or edit video alongside gaming.
Is a prebuilt cheaper than building a PC?
Sometimes. Prebuilts include Windows, assembly and a system warranty; building yourself can cost less but you handle part choices and support.
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.