Mini PCs are no longer just gadgets for tinkerers. In 2025, they’re powerful, efficient, and capable of replacing full-sized desktops for most everyday and professional workloads. Whether you’re working remotely, building software, gaming, or simply looking to reclaim desk space, there’s now a mini PC that fits the bill.
I started researching mini PCs this year while looking to upgrade my wife’s aging 2019 Coofun machine. It served well for several years, but newer workloads, heavier web apps, and growing storage needs had begun to outpace what that older Ryzen chip and Vega graphics could deliver. I wanted something faster, quieter, and future-proof, without breaking the bank or cluttering her desk with a full tower.
That journey led me down the rabbit hole of compact PCs. What I found was surprising: the mini PC space has exploded with capable machines built around AMD’s newest mobile processors, high-speed DDR5 memory, and full-featured ports. Many of them rival full desktop setups in performance but use a fraction of the power and space.
This guide covers only fully equipped, out-of-the-box systems. No barebones kits. No need to buy RAM or storage separately. These are plug-and-play machines ready for real work.
After reviewing dozens of the latest offerings, I’ve narrowed it down to the top performers by category based on real-world performance, price, and long-term value.
If you’re looking for the best balance of price, performance, and features, this is the clear winner.
The AOOSTAR GEM12 MAX features AMD’s Ryzen 7 8745HS processor with 8 cores and 16 threads on the Zen 4 architecture. It includes 32GB of DDR5 RAM and a 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD. Integrated graphics come via the Radeon 780M, a 12-core RDNA3 iGPU that rivals entry-level dedicated GPUs for gaming and rendering.
What sets it apart is its expandability and connectivity. With USB4, dual 2.5G LAN ports, OCuLink for external GPU expansion, and support for four displays at 4K, this machine is built to last.
Specifications
CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 8745HS (8-core, 16-thread, up to 5.1 GHz)
GPU: Radeon 780M (RDNA3 architecture)
RAM: 32GB DDR5
Storage: 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD
I/O: 2 x USB4, HDMI, DisplayPort, OCuLink, 2 x 2.5G LAN
Wireless: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2
Price: $449.00
No other system in this price range delivers this level of performance and expandability.
If you’re on a tight budget but still want a capable desktop replacement, the BOSGAME E4 is your best option under $200. It uses the Ryzen 5 3550H, a 4-core processor with integrated Vega 8 graphics. It includes 16GB of DDR4 RAM and a 512GB PCIe SSD.
This system is ideal for web browsing, media consumption, light office work, and basic server or firewall duties. It also supports triple 4K display output and includes dual gigabit LAN ports.
Specifications
CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 3550H (4-core, 8-thread, up to 3.7 GHz)
GPU: Radeon Vega 8
RAM: 16GB DDR4
Storage: 512GB PCIe SSD
I/O: USB-C, USB 3.2, dual RJ45 LAN, triple 4K display support
Wireless: Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0
Price: $179.00
This is a true plug-and-play budget box that gets the job done without compromise at this price.
This isn’t a repeat by mistake. The AOOSTAR GEM12 MAX isn’t just the best overall — it’s also the best mini PC for developers, engineers, and power users.
With 32GB of DDR5 RAM, fast PCIe 4.0 storage, and USB4 plus OCuLink for external expansion, it has all the tools a modern workstation needs. Whether you’re running containers, editing video, compiling code, or managing multiple virtual desktops, this system can handle it without bottlenecks.
This machine replaces the need for high-end Intel NUCs and full-sized towers for most professionals.
If you’re looking to game, emulate consoles, or build a portable streaming rig, the MINISFORUM 790S7 is the most capable mini PC on this list.
It includes the Ryzen 9 7940HX processor (also Zen 4), paired with the same Radeon 780M integrated GPU. What makes this system unique is its full-size PCIe x16 slot, allowing for desktop GPU expansion — a rarity in this form factor.
Out of the box, it can handle 1080p gaming, emulation up to PS3 or Switch level, and modern multitasking. With a GPU upgrade, it becomes a full desktop-class gaming system.
Specifications
CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 7940HX (8-core, 16-thread, up to 5.2 GHz)
GPU: Radeon 780M
RAM: 32GB DDR5 (most configs)
Storage: 1TB SSD (most configs)
Expansion: PCIe x16 GPU slot
Display Support: HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4, USB-C
Wireless: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2
Price: $445.00
For gamers and emulation enthusiasts, this is the most flexible and future-proof option available.
Apple’s latest Mac Mini with the M4 chip is a strong choice for users committed to the Apple ecosystem. It includes a 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU, 16GB of unified memory, and a 256GB SSD.
Performance is strong across creative applications, and integration with iCloud, Final Cut, Logic Pro, and iOS development tools is seamless. However, it comes at a higher cost per spec, and the memory and storage are not user-upgradable.
Specifications
CPU: Apple M4 (10-core CPU, 10-core GPU)
RAM: 16GB Unified Memory
Storage: 256GB SSD
I/O: Thunderbolt 4, USB-C, Ethernet
Wireless: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3
Price: $539.00
Ideal for developers using Xcode or creatives in Apple’s ecosystem. Not recommended for users who need hardware flexibility or GPU expandability.
Conclusion
In 2025, mini PCs have hit their stride. The AOOSTAR GEM12 MAX stands out as the best overall system in terms of performance, build quality, and price. For budget users, the BOSGAME E4 offers real-world capability under $200. If you need gaming, expandability, or development horsepower, the MINISFORUM 790S7 and UM690L are excellent alternatives.
And if you’re a macOS user, the M4 Mac Mini remains the most streamlined option available — as long as you’re okay paying more for the Apple experience.
Choose based on your use case, but right now, there’s no better value than the AOOSTAR GEM12 MAX.
