Buying Guide
The Best Gaming Mini Desktops
Four gaming mini desktops with a dedicated GPU, from RTX 5060 to RTX 4070, each with its CPU, graphics, memory and storage named.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
11 min read4 products evaluated
Most mini PCs rely on integrated graphics. These four carry a dedicated NVIDIA GPU; two are laptop-class chips, one is a full-power 145W RTX 5060 and one is a desktop RTX 5060 in a small case.
Every pick names its CPU model, graphics, memory and SSD capacity in the listing; we left out renewed units and listings that hide a part behind "brand may vary". We researched the listings and did not test the machines.
Quick Picks
Which of the 4 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Largest Listed PSU
AVGPC Mini-X (Core i5-11400F, RTX 5060 8GB)A 650W power supply rated 80 Plus Gold.
Best for: A bigger graphics card later.
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)
| Pick | Why it stands out | Best for | Check price |
|---|---|---|---|
| A 650W power supply rated 80 Plus Gold. | A bigger graphics card later. | Check price for AVGPC Mini-X (Core i5-11400F, RTX 5060 8GB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| An RTX 4060 with 8GB of VRAM. | 1080p gaming. | Check price for TOPGRO T1-Pro (Core i9-13900HX, RTX 4060 laptop GPU 8GB) 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) |
| An RTX 4070 with 8GB of VRAM. | 1080p gaming. | Check price for TOPGRO T1-MAX (Core i9-13900HX, RTX 4070 laptop GPU 8GB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Largest Listed PSU1 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
- A bigger graphics card later.
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
It also comes with a desktop RTX 5060 in a small case. The power supply is rated at 650W (80 Plus Gold). 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 TOPGRO T1-Pro and its an RTX 4060 (laptop-class) graphics card. You get a core i5-11400F processor here, which sets it apart from the TOPGRO T1-MAX and its a core i9-13900HX processor. A DDR4-3200 memory type is unique to it among these picks, while the TOPGRO T1-MAX uses a DDR5 memory type.
Check the AVGPC Mini-X's ports against your monitor: most graphics cards use DisplayPort and HDMI, so match the cable to the refresh rate you want. It cost the least of the 4 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 4
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
- 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
A laptop-class GPU runs at lower power than the desktop card with the same name. On memory it ties with the Minisforum G1 Pro and the TOPGRO T1-MAX at 32GB. An RTX 4060 (laptop-class) graphics card is unique to it among these picks, while the AVGPC Mini-X uses an RTX 5060 graphics card.
It shares a core i9-13900HX processor with the TOPGRO T1-MAX; the Minisforum G1 Pro goes with a ryzen 9 8945HX processor. You get a DDR5-5200 memory type here, which sets it apart from the Minisforum G1 Pro and its a DDR5 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.
The TOPGRO T1-Pro's PSU wattage isn't published, so ask the seller before planning a GPU upgrade. 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
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
- 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 TOPGRO T1-Pro and the TOPGRO T1-MAX on memory (32GB). No other pick in this guide offers an RTX 5060 (145W) graphics card; compare the AVGPC Mini-X, which has an RTX 5060 graphics card.
No other pick in this guide offers a ryzen 9 8945HX processor; compare the TOPGRO T1-Pro, which has a core i9-13900HX processor. Like the TOPGRO T1-MAX, it has a DDR5 memory type, while the AVGPC Mini-X uses a DDR4-3200 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. At 8GB of VRAM, 1080p is the comfortable target for new games. On price it sat third of 4, 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
RTX 4070 Build4 of 4
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
- 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
A laptop-class GPU runs at lower power than the desktop card with the same name. On memory it ties with the TOPGRO T1-Pro and the Minisforum G1 Pro at 32GB. You get an RTX 4070 (laptop-class) graphics card here, which sets it apart from the AVGPC Mini-X and its an RTX 5060 graphics card.
It shares a core i9-13900HX processor with the TOPGRO T1-Pro; the Minisforum G1 Pro goes with a ryzen 9 8945HX processor. It shares a DDR5 memory type with the Minisforum G1 Pro; the TOPGRO T1-Pro goes with a DDR5-5200 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.
The TOPGRO T1-MAX's PSU wattage isn't published, so ask the seller before planning a GPU upgrade. Only the Minisforum G1 Pro came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 4 picks.
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
- Costs more than the AVGPC Mini-X at the time of writing
The catch
It gives ground on VRAM, where the AVGPC Mini-X offers 8GB.
How We Chose These Gaming Mini Desktops
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 four prebuilt PCs on graphics card, VRAM, processor and memory, using each maker's published specs. These are research figures, not bench results, and every compared field is stated for all 4 picks.
- The shared baseline
- All 4, from the AVGPC Mini-X to the TOPGRO T1-MAX, state graphics card, VRAM and processor.
- Who each pick suits
- The AVGPC Mini-X for a 650W power supply rated 80 Plus Gold; the TOPGRO T1-Pro for an RTX 4060 with 8GB of VRAM; the Minisforum G1 Pro for an RTX 5060 with 8GB of VRAM.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the AVGPC Mini-X ($1000 to $1500) to the TOPGRO T1-MAX (over $1500).
What to Look for in a Gaming Mini Desktop
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much memory you need
The TOPGRO T1-Pro tops memory at 32GB and the AVGPC Mini-X sits lowest at 16GB; 3 picks share the top figure. If memory is your first filter, the TOPGRO T1-Pro sets the ceiling at 32GB.
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. Sort out processor before price: it splits 4 stated picks into groups of 2, 1 and 1.
A mini PC with cables attached beside a monitor and keyboard 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.
Setup checks
Check the AVGPC Mini-X's ports against your monitor: most graphics cards use DisplayPort and HDMI, so match the cable to the refresh rate you want.
A small form factor PC with its cover off showing the internals Features beyond the spec table
The TOPGRO T1-Pro: a laptop-class RTX 4060 and 2.5Gb LAN. The Minisforum G1 Pro: 5GbE and Wi-Fi 7. The TOPGRO T1-MAX: a laptop-class RTX 4070 in a mini PC.
How to Choose a Gaming Mini Desktop
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| A bigger graphics card later | AVGPC Mini-X | A 650W power supply rated 80 Plus Gold |
| 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 |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The TOPGRO T1-Pro leads on memory at 32GB, ahead of the Minisforum G1 Pro at 32GB.
| 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 |
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 TOPGRO T1-MAX 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 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the TOPGRO T1-MAX worth paying more than the AVGPC Mini-X?
What it brings is memory (32GB against 16GB). The AVGPC Mini-X sat in the $1000 to $1500 tier and the TOPGRO T1-MAX in the over $1500 tier when we checked, with 2 other picks between them; pay the difference only if memory decides your purchase.
What makes the Minisforum G1 Pro the RTX 5060 Build?
It earns the label for an RTX 5060 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 suits 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).
What should I check before buying the TOPGRO T1-MAX?
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. The TOPGRO T1-MAX's PSU wattage isn't published, so ask the seller before planning a GPU upgrade. In this guide it ranks fourth of 4, as our RTX 4070 Build pick, and third of 4 on memory (32GB).
Beyond the specs, what sets the AVGPC Mini-X and the TOPGRO T1-Pro apart?
The AVGPC Mini-X: a desktop RTX 5060 in a small case. The TOPGRO T1-Pro: a laptop-class RTX 4060 and 2.5Gb LAN. The Minisforum G1 Pro: a full-power 145W RTX 5060 in a mini PC.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the AVGPC Mini-X, chosen for a 650W power supply rated 80 Plus Gold. 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 and the TOPGRO T1-MAX for an RTX 4070 with 8GB of VRAM if those matter more to you.
A laptop-class RTX 4070 is not a desktop RTX 4070; compare the VRAM and power figures, not the name.
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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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