On June 18, 2025, Geekom dropped its new IT15 mini PC—they’re calling it one of the most powerful mini PCs you can buy right now. It’s got an Intel Core Ultra 9 processor, Intel Arc graphics, and can handle up to 64GB of RAM, so it’s obviously for gamers and creators who want serious performance. This flagship model’s getting attention, but these small-but-capable machines also make regular gamers wonder: do you need the best hardware to play popular online games?
The good news is even if you’re on a budget, you can find mini PCs that run games smoothly without costing a fortune. Today’s tiny PCs and micro desktops work way better than you might think for games like League of Legends, Fortnite, Valorant, and Minecraft. They don’t take up much space, don’t use tons of power, and aren’t too expensive—so they’re a solid pick instead of a bulky desktop or a pricey gaming laptop.
In this article, we’ll break down how to pick a mini PC that’s good on both price and performance, share the hardware you should look for, and point out some cheap options that let you play online games without cutting corners. Whether you’re just playing for fun or trying to climb the ranks, there are small PCs that fit what you need.
Why Mini PCs Work for Budget Gamers
For gamers minful of their budget, a tiny PC or micro desktop works really well—they give you solid performance, and cost way less than a full-size gaming desktop. You don’t even need fancy high-end parts: today’s small PCs can run popular online games like League of Legends, Valorant, Fortnite, and Minecraft smoothly. That’s why they’re such a practical pick for anyone who wants good gameplay without dropping tons of cash.
Most cheap mini PCs come with mid-range processors, basic integrated or entry-level graphics, and 8–16GB of RAM—and that’s more than enough to play most competitive online games. And usually, you can upgrade the memory or storage later, so the PC can keep up as your gaming needs change. If you tweak in-game settings a bit—like turning down shadows or texture quality—you can even get more stable frame rates and snappier gameplay on these cheaper machines.
Plus, mini PCs aren’t just about performance. They’re small, so they fit in tight spaces, and they don’t use much power—super handy if you want a device that does more than just game. By day, it handles your regular tasks; by night, it lets you game smoothly. With a little careful picking, even gamers on a budget can play their favorite online games on a mini PC without settling for less.
Minimum Hardware Requirements for Popular Online Games
When choosing a mini PC to play online games on a budget, knowing the right hardware is key. For most popular titles like League of Legends, Valorant, Fortnite, and Minecraft, you don’t need top-tier components, but certain specifications help ensure smooth gameplay.
- CPU: Look for a mid-range processor such as an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5. These chips provide enough power for gaming without driving up the price. Even entry-level processors can handle lighter online games, making them a cost-effective choice for budget mini PCs.
- GPU: While integrated graphics can work for games like LoL or Valorant, a dedicated entry-level GPU—such as Intel Arc 3/5 or AMD Radeon RX 6400—offers better performance for more demanding titles like Fortnite or Apex Legends. Some small PCs already come with these options built-in.
- RAM: 8–16GB of RAM is usually sufficient for smooth gaming. For a tiny PC or micro desktop computer, it’s ideal to choose a model that allows memory upgrades, so you can improve performance as needed.
- Storage: A fast SSD of at least 512GB ensures quick load times and enough space for multiple games. NVMe drives are preferable if the mini PC supports them.
- Ports and Connectivity: Make sure the mini PC has enough USB ports and supports Wi-Fi 6 or Ethernet for stable online gaming.
With these specs in mind, even a budget-friendly mini PC can deliver enjoyable performance in most popular online games, letting you focus on gameplay instead of expensive hardware.
Budget-Friendly Mini PCs for Popular Online Games
Based on the hardware requirements outlined earlier—mid-range CPU, 8–16GB RAM, fast SSD, and either capable integrated graphics or an entry-level GPU—budget-friendly mini PCs can generally be grouped into three categories:
- Entry-Level Mini PCs ($300–$500): These mini desktops rely mostly on integrated graphics and lower-end processors. They are ideal for casual gamers playing titles like League of Legends, Valorant, or Minecraft at medium settings. Many models allow memory or storage upgrades, making it possible to improve performance over time without buying a new system.
- Mid-Range Mini PCs ($500–$800): Equipped with entry-level dedicated GPUs or faster integrated graphics, these tiny PCs can run games like Fortnite or Apex Legends smoothly at medium to high settings.
- Premium Budget-Friendly Mini PCs ($800+): While more expensive, these micro desktop computers deliver near-flagship performance for popular online games.
If you want detailed mini PC recommendations, check out Top 5 Gaming Mini PCs for Mid-level Gamers.
Conclusion
You don’t need a fancy high-end desktop to play popular online games. Just pick the right mini PC—whether it’s an entry-level one, a mid-range model, or a good-value “premium budget” option—and you can run games like League of Legends, Fortnite, Valorant, Minecraft, and Genshin Impact smoothly.
Stick to the key hardware parts: CPU, RAM, storage, and graphics. That’s how gamers on a budget get the performance they need. These small PCs show it clearly—you don’t have to spend a ton to get a compact system that lets you game reliably and have fun.
