Buying Guide

The Best Compact Gaming PCs

From the Trycoo 1TB to the NR2 Pro RTX 5080: five gaming PCs ranked on VRAM and memory, with who should skip each one.

By , PC Hardware Editor

12 min read5 products evaluated

An assembled desktop PC with the side panel open
Illustrative image

Compact gaming PCs save desk space. Every pick is a mini or small form factor system, ordered by VRAM.

We sorted these picks by graphics card, VRAM and processor, working from the makers' own data; nothing here was tested in-house, and if a maker skips VRAM, the guide says so.

Quick Picks

Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.

  1. Also Consider

    Cooler Master NR2 Pro (Ryzen 7 9800X3D, RTX 5070 Ti 16GB)

    A Mini-ITX build with an RTX 5070 Ti.

    Best for: Buyers who want Mini-ITX build with an RTX 5070 Ti.

    Check price for Cooler Master NR2 Pro (Ryzen 7 9800X3D, RTX 5070 Ti 16GB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
  2. Premium Pick

    Cooler Master NR2 Pro (Ryzen 7 9800X3D, RTX 5080 16GB)

    The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with a Mini-ITX case with a 280mm AIO.

    Best for: Buyers who want a Mini-ITX case with a 280mm AIO and can spend more than the NR2 Pro RTX 5070 Ti costs.

    Check price for Cooler Master NR2 Pro (Ryzen 7 9800X3D, RTX 5080 16GB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
  3. Lowest Price Here

    Trycoo Mini PC (Ryzen 5 7640HS, Radeon 760M, 1TB)

    A lower price than the UM690L Slim and the rest when we checked.

    Best for: Spending as little as possible, with the UM690L Slim the next step up.

    Check price for Trycoo Mini PC (Ryzen 5 7640HS, Radeon 760M, 1TB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
  4. Worth a Look

    MINISFORUM UM880 Plus (Ryzen 7 8845HS, Radeon 780M)

    An OCuLink port for an external graphics card.

    Best for: Buyers who want OCuLink port for an external graphics card.

    Check price for MINISFORUM UM880 Plus (Ryzen 7 8845HS, Radeon 780M) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Our Picks

Also Consider1 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

Buyers who want Mini-ITX build with an RTX 5070 Ti.

Skip if

If budget leads, the Trycoo 1TB was cheaper at our last price check.
Cooler Master NR2 Pro (Ryzen 7 9800X3D, RTX 5070 Ti 16GB)

Why we like it

The power supply is rated at 850W (80 Plus Gold). On memory it ties with the NR2 Pro RTX 5080 and the UM880 Plus at 32GB. You get an RTX 5070 Ti graphics card here, which sets it apart from the UM880 Plus and its a radeon 780M (integrated) graphics card.

It shares a ryzen 7 9800X3D processor with the NR2 Pro RTX 5080; the Trycoo 1TB goes with a ryzen 5 7640HS processor. It shares a DDR5-6000 memory type with the NR2 Pro RTX 5080; the UM880 Plus goes with 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.

The 850W power supply is the stated figure; check its connectors before a later GPU upgrade. It was priced above the UM880 Plus and below the NR2 Pro RTX 5080 at the time of writing.

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 Trycoo 1TB at the time of writing

Premium Pick2 of 5

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

Buyers who want a Mini-ITX case with a 280mm AIO and can spend more than the NR2 Pro RTX 5070 Ti costs.

Skip if

Price-first buyers should look at the Trycoo 1TB, which cost less when we checked.
Cooler Master NR2 Pro (Ryzen 7 9800X3D, RTX 5080 16GB)

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). It matches the NR2 Pro RTX 5070 Ti and the UM880 Plus on memory (32GB).

No other pick in this guide offers an RTX 5080 graphics card; compare the UM690L Slim, which has a radeon 680M (integrated) graphics card. Like the NR2 Pro RTX 5070 Ti, it has a ryzen 7 9800X3D processor, while the UM880 Plus uses a ryzen 7 8845HS processor. Like the NR2 Pro RTX 5070 Ti, it has a DDR5-6000 memory type, while the UM880 Plus uses a DDR5 memory type. It was the highest-priced of the 5 picks at the time of writing, so the case for it rests on what it adds over the NR2 Pro RTX 5070 Ti and the rest.

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 Trycoo 1TB at the time of writing

Lowest Price Here3 of 5

Trycoo Mini PC (Ryzen 5 7640HS, Radeon 760M, 1TB)

The Trycoo 1TB build pairs a Ryzen 5 7640HS, Radeon 760M integrated graphics, 16GB of DDR5-5600 and a 1TB SSD.

Best for

Spending as little as possible, with the UM690L Slim the next step up.

Skip if

Pass on it if 16GB of RAM is enough for games but tight alongside streaming or editing rules it out for your setup.
Trycoo Mini PC (Ryzen 5 7640HS, Radeon 760M, 1TB)

Why we like it

It also comes with a 1TB SSD with room to expand. There is no separate graphics card, so plan on lighter games and esports titles at modest settings. On memory it ties with the UM690L Slim at 16GB.

On SSD capacity it ties with the UM880 Plus at 1TB. You get a radeon 760M (integrated) graphics card here, which sets it apart from the UM880 Plus and its a radeon 780M (integrated) graphics card. You get a ryzen 5 7640HS processor here, which sets it apart from the UM880 Plus and its a ryzen 7 8845HS processor.

A DDR5-5600 memory type is unique to it among these picks, while the NR2 Pro RTX 5080 uses a DDR5-6000 memory type. It cost the least of the 5 picks at the time of writing, with the UM690L Slim the next step up.

Key specs

Graphics card
Radeon 760M (integrated)
Processor
Ryzen 5 7640HS
Memory
16GB
Memory type
DDR5-5600
SSD
1TB

Pros

  • A Radeon 760M (integrated) graphics card
  • 1TB SSD with room to expand
  • 16GB of DDR5-5600 memory
  • SSD capacity of 1TB, ahead of the UM690L Slim

Cons

  • 16GB of RAM is enough for games but tight alongside streaming or editing
  • Memory of 16GB, behind the NR2 Pro RTX 5070 Ti (32GB)

The catch

There is no published VRAM figure, whereas the NR2 Pro RTX 5070 Ti offers 16GB.

Strong Alternative4 of 5

MINISFORUM UM690L Slim (Ryzen 9 6900HX, Radeon 680M)

The UM690L Slim build pairs a Ryzen 9 6900HX, Radeon 680M integrated graphics, 16GB of LPDDR5 and a 512GB SSD.

Best for

Buyers who want slim chassis with USB4.

Skip if

Pass on it if 16GB of RAM is enough for games but tight alongside streaming or editing rules it out for your setup.
MINISFORUM UM690L Slim (Ryzen 9 6900HX, Radeon 680M)

Why we like it

It also comes with a slim chassis with USB4. There is no separate graphics card, so plan on lighter games and esports titles at modest settings. It matches the Trycoo 1TB on memory (16GB).

Its 512GB SSD capacity is the smallest in this group; the NR2 Pro RTX 5070 Ti leads at 2TB. It is the only pick here with a radeon 680M (integrated) graphics card; the NR2 Pro RTX 5070 Ti has an RTX 5070 Ti graphics card instead. It is the only pick here with a ryzen 9 6900HX processor; the NR2 Pro RTX 5070 Ti has a ryzen 7 9800X3D processor instead.

No other pick in this guide offers an LPDDR5 memory type; compare the Trycoo 1TB, which has a DDR5-5600 memory type. Its price falls between the Trycoo 1TB and the UM880 Plus, based on our last check.

Key specs

Graphics card
Radeon 680M (integrated)
Processor
Ryzen 9 6900HX
Memory
16GB
Memory type
LPDDR5
SSD
512GB

Pros

  • A Radeon 680M (integrated) graphics card
  • Slim chassis with USB4
  • 16GB of LPDDR5 memory
  • Ryzen 9 6900HX processor, the only one here

Cons

  • 16GB of RAM is enough for games but tight alongside streaming or editing
  • A 512GB SSD fills quickly with modern games
  • Memory trails the NR2 Pro RTX 5070 Ti (32GB)

The catch

Buyers who need a confirmed VRAM should compare it with the NR2 Pro RTX 5070 Ti, which offers 16GB.

Worth a Look5 of 5

MINISFORUM UM880 Plus (Ryzen 7 8845HS, Radeon 780M)

UM880 Plus pairs a Ryzen 7 8845HS with Radeon 780M integrated graphics, plus 32GB of DDR5 and a 1TB SSD.

Best for

Buyers who want OCuLink port for an external graphics card.

Skip if

Price-first buyers should look at the Trycoo 1TB, which cost less when we checked.
MINISFORUM UM880 Plus (Ryzen 7 8845HS, Radeon 780M)

Why we like it

It also comes with an OCuLink port for an external graphics card. There is no separate graphics card, so plan on lighter games and esports titles at modest settings. On memory it ties with the NR2 Pro RTX 5070 Ti and the NR2 Pro RTX 5080 at 32GB.

On SSD capacity it ties with the Trycoo 1TB at 1TB. You get a radeon 780M (integrated) graphics card here, which sets it apart from the UM690L Slim and its a radeon 680M (integrated) graphics card. You get a ryzen 7 8845HS processor here, which sets it apart from the UM690L Slim and its a ryzen 9 6900HX processor.

A DDR5 memory type is unique to it among these picks, while the NR2 Pro RTX 5080 uses a DDR5-6000 memory type. It was priced above the UM690L Slim and below the NR2 Pro RTX 5070 Ti at the time of writing.

Key specs

Graphics card
Radeon 780M (integrated)
Processor
Ryzen 7 8845HS
Memory
32GB
Memory type
DDR5
SSD
1TB

Pros

  • A Radeon 780M (integrated) graphics card
  • 32GB of RAM
  • OCuLink port for an external graphics card
  • SSD capacity of 1TB, ahead of the UM690L Slim

Cons

  • Costs more than the Trycoo 1TB at the time of writing

The catch

There is no published VRAM figure, whereas the NR2 Pro RTX 5070 Ti offers 16GB.

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.

A small form factor PC with its cover off showing the internals
A small form factor PC with its cover off showing the internals
How these picks were ranked
We compared five prebuilt PCs on graphics card, VRAM, processor and memory as the makers state them. Nothing was tested in-house; 5 of the 8 fields compared are stated for every pick, while VRAM and power supply wattage have gaps.
The shared baseline
All 5, from the NR2 Pro RTX 5070 Ti to the UM880 Plus, state graphics card, processor and memory.
Where the specs have gaps
The Trycoo 1TB, the UM690L Slim and the UM880 Plus give no VRAM; the Trycoo 1TB, the UM690L Slim and the UM880 Plus give no power supply wattage.
Price range
At our last check the picks ran from the Trycoo 1TB ($250 to $500) 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.

  1. How much memory you need

    Here memory runs from 16GB on the UM690L Slim to 32GB on the NR2 Pro RTX 5070 Ti, a 100% spread. The NR2 Pro RTX 5070 Ti is the pick for memory.

  2. SSD capacity across these picks

    The NR2 Pro RTX 5070 Ti tops SSD capacity at 2TB and the UM690L Slim sits lowest at 512GB; 2 picks share the top figure. If SSD capacity is your first filter, the NR2 Pro RTX 5070 Ti sets the ceiling at 2TB.

    A compact PC in a clear acrylic case on a shelf
    A compact PC in a clear acrylic case on a shelf
  3. Processor

    The NR2 Pro RTX 5070 Ti and the NR2 Pro RTX 5080 list Ryzen 7 9800X3D; the Trycoo 1TB lists Ryzen 5 7640HS; the UM690L Slim lists Ryzen 9 6900HX; the UM880 Plus lists Ryzen 7 8845HS.

  4. Memory type

    The NR2 Pro RTX 5070 Ti and the NR2 Pro RTX 5080 list DDR5-6000; the Trycoo 1TB lists DDR5-5600; the UM690L Slim lists LPDDR5; the UM880 Plus lists DDR5. Sort out memory type before price: it splits 5 stated picks into groups of 2, 1, 1 and 1.

    A slim black mini PC with a perforated top
    A slim black mini PC with a perforated top
  5. Fit and compatibility

    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.

How to Choose a Compact Gaming PC

By priority

PriorityConsiderWhy
Buyers who want Mini-ITX build with an RTX 5070 TiNR2 Pro RTX 5070 TiA Mini-ITX build with an RTX 5070 Ti
Buyers who want a Mini-ITX case with a 280mm AIO and can spend more than the NR2 Pro RTX 5070 Ti costsNR2 Pro RTX 5080The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with a Mini-ITX case with a 280mm AIO
Spending as little as possible, with the UM690L Slim the next step upTrycoo 1TBA lower price than the UM690L Slim and the rest when we checked
Buyers who want slim chassis with USB4UM690L SlimA slim chassis with USB4
Buyers who want OCuLink port for an external graphics cardUM880 PlusAn OCuLink port for an external graphics card

Scroll sideways to see every column.

A mini PC with cables attached beside a monitor and keyboard
A mini PC with cables attached beside a monitor and keyboard

Key specs side by side

The NR2 Pro RTX 5070 Ti leads on memory at 32GB, ahead of the NR2 Pro RTX 5080 at 32GB. "Not listed" marks VRAM where the Trycoo 1TB, the UM690L Slim and the UM880 Plus leave the figure out.

Prebuilt PCGraphics cardVRAMProcessorMemory
NR2 Pro RTX 5070 TiRTX 5070 Ti16GBRyzen 7 9800X3D32GB
NR2 Pro RTX 5080RTX 508016GBRyzen 7 9800X3D32GB
Trycoo 1TBRadeon 760M (integrated)Not listedRyzen 5 7640HS16GB
UM690L SlimRadeon 680M (integrated)Not listedRyzen 9 6900HX16GB
UM880 PlusRadeon 780M (integrated)Not listedRyzen 7 8845HS32GB

Scroll sideways to see every column.

By price at the time of writing

At our last check the cheapest pick, the Trycoo 1TB, sat in the $250 to $500 tier, 3 tiers in all up to the NR2 Pro RTX 5080 at over $1500; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.

Price tierPrebuilt PCs
About $250 to $500Trycoo 1TB, UM690L Slim
About $500 to $1000UM880 Plus
Over $1500NR2 Pro RTX 5070 Ti, NR2 Pro RTX 5080

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the NR2 Pro RTX 5080 worth paying more than the Trycoo 1TB?

The spec sheets show memory (32GB against 16GB) and SSD capacity (2TB against 1TB) in its favour. The Trycoo 1TB sat in the $250 to $500 tier and the NR2 Pro RTX 5080 in the over $1500 tier when we checked, with 3 other picks between them; pay the difference only if memory and SSD capacity decide your purchase.

What makes the NR2 Pro RTX 5080 the Premium Pick?

It earns the label for the highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with a Mini-ITX case with a 280mm AIO. The Trycoo 1TB, the cheapest pick, sat in the $250 to $500 tier against over $1500 here, without out-ranking it on any listed spec. It suits anyone who wants a Mini-ITX case with a 280mm AIO and can spend more than the NR2 Pro RTX 5070 Ti costs.

Do the NR2 Pro RTX 5070 Ti and the NR2 Pro RTX 5080 differ on graphics card?

The NR2 Pro RTX 5070 Ti uses RTX 5070 Ti; the NR2 Pro RTX 5080 uses RTX 5080; the Trycoo 1TB uses Radeon 760M (integrated); the UM690L Slim uses Radeon 680M (integrated); the UM880 Plus uses Radeon 780M (integrated).

What should I check before buying the UM880 Plus?

Check the UM880 Plus's ports against your monitor: most graphics cards use DisplayPort and HDMI, so match the cable to the refresh rate you want. The UM880 Plus's PSU wattage isn't published, so ask the seller before planning a GPU upgrade. In this guide it ranks fifth of 5, and third of 5 on memory (32GB).

Beyond the specs, what sets the NR2 Pro RTX 5070 Ti and the NR2 Pro RTX 5080 apart?

The NR2 Pro RTX 5070 Ti: a Mini-ITX build with an RTX 5070 Ti. The NR2 Pro RTX 5080: a Mini-ITX case with a 280mm AIO. The Trycoo 1TB: a 1TB SSD with room to expand.

Bottom Line

Our first pick is the NR2 Pro RTX 5070 Ti, chosen for a Mini-ITX build with an RTX 5070 Ti. Look at the NR2 Pro RTX 5080 for the highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with a Mini-ITX case with a 280mm AIO, the Trycoo 1TB for a lower price than the UM690L Slim and the rest when we checked and the UM690L Slim for a slim chassis with USB4 if those matter more to you.

Small cases run warmer; keep vents clear.

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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