1. GEEKOM Mini PC AX8 Max (Ryzen 7 8745HS, 32GB DDR5, 1TB SSD)
The GEEKOM AX8 Max is a premium mini PC built with aircraft-grade aluminum and powered by AMD Ryzen 7 8745HS with Radeon 780M graphics. It supports three performance modes, dual 2.5G LAN, USB4 connectivity, and quad 8K display output. Preinstalled with Windows 11 Pro, it’s ideal for gaming, business, and creative workloads.
Pros:
-
High-performance Ryzen 7 8745HS with Radeon 780M
-
Three performance modes for different needs
-
Dual 2.5G LAN and dual USB4 with 8K output
-
Advanced IceBlast 2.0 cooling system for quiet operation
-
Expandable up to 96GB RAM and 4TB SSD
Cons:
-
Premium build leads to higher price point
-
Integrated GPU may still limit very high-end gaming
2. GEEKOM GT1 Mega AI Mini PC (Intel Ultra 9 185H, 32GB DDR5, 2TB SSD)
The GEEKOM GT1 Mega is powered by Intel 14th Gen Core Ultra 9 185H with AI Boost NPU, designed for heavy workloads and AI acceleration. It features Intel Arc graphics with XeSS, dual 2.5G LAN, WiFi 7, Thunderbolt 4/USB4, and quad-display 8K output. Preinstalled with Windows 11 Pro, it balances AI performance, gaming, and business tasks.
Pros:
-
Intel Ultra 9 185H with AI Boost NPU for AI workloads
-
32GB DDR5 RAM and 2TB PCIe Gen4 SSD
-
Dual 2.5G LAN + WiFi 7 + Bluetooth 5.4
-
Quad-display output (2×8K + 2×4K)
-
IceBlast 2.0 cooling system reduces noise by 40%
Cons:
-
AI performance may be overkill for average users
-
Higher power draw at max performance
3. GEEKOM XT12 Pro Mini PC (Intel i9-12900HK, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD)
The GEEKOM XT12 Pro packs Intel 12th Gen i9-12900HK with 14 cores and 20 threads, combined with 32GB DDR4 RAM and 1TB PCIe Gen4 SSD. It supports quad-display output up to 8K, 2.5GbE LAN, WiFi 6E, and USB4. Designed with IceFlow 2.0 cooling, it runs Windows 11 Pro out of the box.
Pros:
-
Intel i9-12900HK with 5.0GHz turbo
-
Quad-display (2×8K + 2×4K) with USB4 and HDMI
-
Expandable RAM up to 64GB and SSD up to 2TB
-
WiFi 6E and 2.5G LAN for fast networking
-
Supports multiple OS (Windows 11 Pro, Linux, Android X86)
Cons:
-
Uses DDR4 instead of DDR5
-
Integrated graphics less powerful than dedicated GPUs
4. HP Pro 400 G9 Mini PC (Intel Celeron G6900T, 16GB DDR5, 256GB SSD)
The HP Pro 400 G9 is a compact mini PC with Intel Celeron G6900T, 16GB DDR5 RAM, and 256GB PCIe SSD. Built with HP’s durability, it supports triple 4K displays, USB-C, WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, and comes preloaded with Windows 11 Pro.
Pros:
-
Trusted HP build quality and reliability
-
Compact, durable, and lightweight design
-
Expandable up to 32GB RAM and 4TB SSD
-
Wide connectivity including USB-C and HDMI 2.1
-
Comes with keyboard and mouse included
Cons:
-
Celeron G6900T is entry-level for heavy workloads
-
Base storage of 256GB is limited
5. GEEKOM XT1 Mega AI Mini PC (Intel Ultra 9 185H, 32GB DDR5, 2TB SSD)
The GEEKOM XT1 Mega features Intel 14th Gen Ultra 9 185H with 16 cores and 22 threads, paired with 32GB DDR5 and a 2TB PCIe SSD. It includes dual 2.5G LAN, WiFi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, and triple 4K display support. Preinstalled with Windows 11 Pro, it offers excellent performance for business, design, and AI-assisted tasks.
Pros:
-
Intel Ultra 9 185H with strong multi-core performance
-
32GB DDR5 and large 2TB PCIe SSD storage
-
Dual 2.5G LAN + WiFi 7 for ultra-fast connectivity
-
Triple-display 4K support for multitasking
-
Backed by 3-year GEEKOM warranty
Cons:
-
Less GPU power compared to dedicated graphics cards
-
Overkill for basic office needs
Why Choosing the Right Mini PC Matters
Not all mini PCs are created equal. The right system balances performance, thermal design, and connectivity without sacrificing compactness. A true best mini pc with Windows 11 Pro ensures seamless workflows, from 8K video playback to network security. Choosing wisely helps avoid bottlenecks and extends your device’s lifespan.
Buying Guide for Best Mini Pc With Windows 11 Pro
Performance and Processor
When choosing the best mini PC for gaming, prioritize models with powerful CPUs like Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7. These processors offer high clock speeds and multi-core capabilities essential for gaming, multitasking, and media editing. For users who prefer a streamlined experience with Linux, some systems on our list are also great picks from our Linux mini PC guide.
Graphics Capability
Integrated GPUs like Intel Iris Xe or AMD Radeon Vega work for casual gaming, but for demanding titles, dedicated GPUs such as the AMD Radeon 780M in the Beelink SER7 Mini PC or NVIDIA graphics options deliver superior frame rates. These high-end graphics are also excellent for those using their systems as a mini PC for streaming movies or 4K content playback.
Storage and RAM
Gaming applications require fast and large storage. NVMe SSDs ensure faster load times, while 16GB to 32GB RAM allows smoother multitasking. Consider expandable models like the ACEMAGIC AD15 Mini PC, which offer future-proof memory configurations.
Cooling System
Heat management is crucial. Look for mini PCs with advanced thermal solutions, especially if you game for long hours. Devices like the CHUWI RzBox Mini Gaming PC are built with powerful cooling fans to maintain stable performance.
Operating System Compatibility
If you need a device ready for business or gaming out-of-the-box, go for a model with pre-installed Windows 11 Pro such as the best mini PC with Windows 11 Pro. These systems offer better integration with security features and gaming APIs.
Connectivity and Ports
Ensure the mini PC supports USB-C, HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort, and WiFi 6 for modern gaming peripherals and display compatibility. Compact PCs like the MINISFORUM Venus Series UM690S provide multiple output options to power dual or triple monitor setups for immersive gameplay.
Budget and Value
While high-end gaming mini PCs can be pricey, options like the BMAX B8 Pro deliver solid value at a reasonable cost. Assess your game library and performance expectations to determine whether a mid-range or premium model suits you best.
FAQs
What is the best mini PC for gaming under $1000?
The MINISFORUM UM773 Lite and Beelink SER6 Pro are strong contenders under $1000. Both come with Ryzen 7 7735HS processors and Radeon 680M or 6800M graphics, offering great gaming performance without the bulk of a full desktop.
Can a mini PC run AAA games smoothly?
Yes, modern mini PCs with Ryzen 9 or Core i9 CPUs and Radeon 780M or similar GPUs can handle many AAA games at 1080p or even 1440p. For example, the MINISFORUM UM780 XTX features high-end specs optimized for gaming performance.
Are mini PCs suitable for gaming and streaming?
Absolutely. A mini PC like the BMAX B7 Power offers a balance of GPU performance and CPU speed, making it suitable for both gaming and content streaming. Many of these systems double as a reliable mini PC for streaming movies thanks to 4K output and advanced WiFi.
Is Windows 11 Pro better for gaming on mini PCs?
While Windows 11 Home supports most games, Windows 11 Pro provides better security and virtualization support, making it ideal for gamers who multitask or stream. Some top models highlighted in our Windows 11 Pro mini PC recommendations come pre-installed with this OS.
Can I upgrade RAM or SSD on a mini PC?
Yes, many mini PCs such as the Beelink SER7 and MINISFORUM UM690S allow users to upgrade both RAM and storage. This makes them flexible for future gaming or professional workloads.
Final Thought
Finding the best mini pc with Windows 11 Pro is about balancing size with substance. From the powerhouse GEEKOM GT1 Mega to the compact yet capable HP Pro 400 G9, today's mini PCs redefine what’s possible in a small form factor. Whether for business, content creation, or daily use, Windows 11 Pro enhances the experience with speed, security, and productivity. Ready to make the switch? Let performance come in small packages.