Buying Guide
The Best Mini PC Gaming Desktops
Five mini PC gaming desktops, from RTX 4070 to Radeon 780M, each with its CPU, graphics, memory and storage named.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read5 products evaluated
This list covers the mini PCs we found with a dedicated NVIDIA GPU, plus Minisforum's UM890 Pro as a lower-priced option with Radeon 780M integrated graphics.
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.
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)
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 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)
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)
Lowest Price Here
MINISFORUM UM890 Pro (Ryzen 9 8945HS, Radeon 780M)The lowest price among these picks at the time of writing.
Best for: Keeping the budget tight.
Check price for MINISFORUM UM890 Pro (Ryzen 9 8945HS, Radeon 780M) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
RTX 4070 Build1 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
- 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
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, the TOPGRO T1-Pro and the UM890 Pro at 32GB. You get an RTX 4070 (laptop-class) graphics card here, which sets it apart from the UM890 Pro and its a radeon 780M (integrated) 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 and UM890 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. Only the Minisforum G1 Pro came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 5 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 UM890 Pro at the time of writing
RTX 5060 Build2 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
- 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. It matches the TOPGRO T1-MAX, the TOPGRO T1-Pro and the UM890 Pro 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 AVGPC Mini-X, which has a core i5-11400F processor. Like the TOPGRO T1-MAX and UM890 Pro, it has a DDR5 memory type, while the TOPGRO T1-Pro uses a DDR5-5200 memory type. It also offers 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 fourth 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 UM890 Pro at the time of writing
RTX 4060 Build3 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 memory it ties with the TOPGRO T1-MAX, the Minisforum G1 Pro and the UM890 Pro at 32GB. 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 AVGPC Mini-X goes with a core i5-11400F processor. You get a DDR5-5200 memory type here, which sets it apart from the UM890 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 and cheaper picks 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 UM890 Pro at the time of writing
Largest Listed PSU4 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
- A bigger graphics card later.
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
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-MAX offers 32GB.
You get an RTX 5060 graphics card here, which sets it apart from the UM890 Pro and its a radeon 780M (integrated) graphics card. You get a core i5-11400F processor here, which sets it apart from the UM890 Pro and its a ryzen 9 8945HS processor. A DDR4-3200 memory type is unique to it among these picks, while the Minisforum G1 Pro 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 was priced above the UM890 Pro and below the TOPGRO T1-Pro at the time of writing.
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-MAX (32GB)
The catch
It gives ground on VRAM, where the TOPGRO T1-MAX offers 8GB.
Lowest Price Here5 of 5
MINISFORUM UM890 Pro (Ryzen 9 8945HS, Radeon 780M)
Inside the UM890 Pro are a Ryzen 9 8945HS and Radeon 780M integrated graphics, backed by 32GB of DDR5 and 1TB of SSD storage.
Best for
- Keeping the budget tight.
Skip if
- The maker gives no VRAM, so skip it if that figure decides your choice.
Why we like it
It also comes with two USB4 ports and dual 2.5Gb LAN. There is no separate graphics card, so plan on lighter games and esports titles at modest settings. It matches the TOPGRO T1-MAX, the Minisforum G1 Pro and the TOPGRO T1-Pro on memory (32GB).
It is the only pick here with a radeon 780M (integrated) graphics card; the TOPGRO T1-MAX has an RTX 4070 (laptop-class) graphics card instead. It is the only pick here with a ryzen 9 8945HS processor; the TOPGRO T1-MAX has a core i9-13900HX processor instead. Like the TOPGRO T1-MAX and Minisforum G1 Pro, it has a DDR5 memory type, while the TOPGRO T1-Pro uses a DDR5-5200 memory type.
Check the UM890 Pro's ports against your monitor: most graphics cards use DisplayPort and HDMI, so match the cable to the refresh rate you want. It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the AVGPC Mini-X was the next step up.
Key specs
- Graphics card
- Radeon 780M (integrated)
- Processor
- Ryzen 9 8945HS
- Memory
- 32GB
- Memory type
- DDR5
- SSD
- 1TB
Pros
- A Radeon 780M (integrated) graphics card
- 32GB of RAM
- Two USB4 ports and dual 2.5Gb LAN
- Ryzen 9 8945HS processor, the only one here
Cons
- No published VRAM
The catch
Buyers who need a confirmed VRAM should compare it with the TOPGRO T1-MAX, which offers 8GB.
How We Chose These Mini PC Gaming 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 five prebuilt PCs on graphics card, VRAM, processor and memory, using each maker's published specs. These are research figures, not bench results: 1 of 5 picks leave out VRAM.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the TOPGRO T1-MAX to the UM890 Pro, state graphics card, processor and memory.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The UM890 Pro gives no VRAM.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the UM890 Pro ($500 to $1000) to the TOPGRO T1-MAX (over $1500).
What to Look for in a Mini PC Gaming Desktop
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Memory
Across these 5 picks memory spans 16GB (the AVGPC Mini-X) to 32GB (the TOPGRO T1-MAX). For less, the Minisforum G1 Pro is the runner-up at 32GB.
Processor
The TOPGRO T1-MAX and the TOPGRO T1-Pro list Core i9-13900HX; the Minisforum G1 Pro lists Ryzen 9 8945HX; the AVGPC Mini-X lists Core i5-11400F; the UM890 Pro lists Ryzen 9 8945HS. Sort out processor before price: it splits 5 stated picks into groups of 2, 1, 1 and 1.
A mini PC with cables attached beside a monitor and keyboard Memory type
The TOPGRO T1-MAX, the Minisforum G1 Pro and the UM890 Pro list DDR5; the TOPGRO T1-Pro lists DDR5-5200; the AVGPC Mini-X lists DDR4-3200.
Setup checks
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.
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 AVGPC Mini-X: a desktop RTX 5060 in a small case. The UM890 Pro: two USB4 ports and dual 2.5Gb LAN.
How to Choose a Mini PC Gaming Desktop
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 1080p gaming | TOPGRO T1-MAX | An RTX 4070 with 8GB of VRAM |
| 1080p gaming | Minisforum G1 Pro | An RTX 5060 with 8GB of VRAM |
| 1080p gaming | TOPGRO T1-Pro | An RTX 4060 with 8GB of VRAM |
| A bigger graphics card later | AVGPC Mini-X | A 650W power supply rated 80 Plus Gold |
| Keeping the budget tight | UM890 Pro | The lowest price among these picks at the time of writing |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The TOPGRO T1-MAX leads on memory at 32GB, ahead of the Minisforum G1 Pro at 32GB. "Not listed" marks VRAM where the UM890 Pro leaves the figure out.
| Prebuilt PC | Graphics card | VRAM | Processor | Memory |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TOPGRO T1-MAX | RTX 4070 (laptop-class) | 8GB | Core i9-13900HX | 32GB |
| Minisforum G1 Pro | RTX 5060 (145W) | 8GB | Ryzen 9 8945HX | 32GB |
| TOPGRO T1-Pro | RTX 4060 (laptop-class) | 8GB | Core i9-13900HX | 32GB |
| AVGPC Mini-X | RTX 5060 | 8GB | Core i5-11400F | 16GB |
| UM890 Pro | Radeon 780M (integrated) | Not listed | Ryzen 9 8945HS | 32GB |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
At our last check the cheapest pick, the UM890 Pro, sat in the $500 to $1000 tier, 3 tiers in all up to the TOPGRO T1-MAX at over $1500; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.
| Price tier | Prebuilt PCs |
|---|---|
| About $500 to $1000 | UM890 Pro |
| About $1000 to $1500 | AVGPC Mini-X |
| Over $1500 | TOPGRO T1-Pro, Minisforum G1 Pro, TOPGRO T1-MAX |
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the TOPGRO T1-Pro the RTX 4060 Build?
It earns the label for an RTX 4060 with 8GB of VRAM. The UM890 Pro, the cheapest pick, sat in the $500 to $1000 tier against over $1500 here, without out-ranking it on any listed spec. It suits 1080p gaming.
Do the TOPGRO T1-MAX and the Minisforum G1 Pro differ on graphics card?
The TOPGRO T1-MAX uses RTX 4070 (laptop-class); the Minisforum G1 Pro uses RTX 5060 (145W); the TOPGRO T1-Pro uses RTX 4060 (laptop-class); the AVGPC Mini-X uses RTX 5060; the UM890 Pro uses Radeon 780M (integrated).
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 first of 5, as our RTX 4070 Build pick, and first of 5 on memory (32GB).
Beyond the specs, what sets the TOPGRO T1-MAX and the Minisforum G1 Pro apart?
The TOPGRO T1-MAX: a laptop-class RTX 4070 in a mini PC. The Minisforum G1 Pro: a full-power 145W RTX 5060 in a mini PC. The TOPGRO T1-Pro: a laptop-class RTX 4060 and 2.5Gb LAN.
Who should choose the TOPGRO T1-MAX?
The TOPGRO T1-MAX carries our RTX 4070 Build label for an RTX 4070 with 8GB of VRAM. It ranks first of 5 here and sat in the over $1500 tier at our last price check; it suits 1080p gaming.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the TOPGRO T1-MAX, chosen for an RTX 4070 with 8GB of VRAM. Look at the Minisforum G1 Pro for an RTX 5060 with 8GB of VRAM, the TOPGRO T1-Pro for an RTX 4060 with 8GB of VRAM, the AVGPC Mini-X for a 650W power supply rated 80 Plus Gold and the UM890 Pro for the lowest price among these picks at the time of writing if those matter more to you.
An OCuLink port lets an integrated-graphics mini PC use an external GPU later; check the exact model for it.
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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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