In July 2025, GMKtec grabbed attention with the launch of the NucBox K12 mini PC, powered by AMD’s new Ryzen 7 H 255. The unit pairs a competent 8-core processor with Radeon graphics and modern I/O—enough muscle for creative work and light gaming in a very compact chassis.
The K12’s arrival underscores a clear trend this year: Ryzen-based small form factor systems are closing the gap with traditional desktops, offering strong multi-threaded performance and surprisingly broad expandability. Below, we’ll walk through the top 5 Ryzen mini PCs of 2025 so you can pick the mini PC that best matches your workflow and budget.
Selection Criteria
Picking the right Ryzen mini PC in 2025 comes down to matching real needs with realistic trade-offs. Below are the practical criteria I use to compare contenders — follow these and you’ll avoid buyer’s remorse.
- CPU generation & cores — Ryzen parts range from efficient 5000-series chips to high-throughput 8000-series models. Choose higher core counts for multitasking and content creation; lower-series chips save power and cost. If you want more details about of Ryzen generations and which suits your workload, see The Ultimate 2025 Ryzen Mini PC Guide: Choosing Between the 5000 to 8000 Series.
- Integrated graphics & eGPU support — If you won’t add a discrete GPU, favor models with strong Radeon iGPU (eg. 780M/680M). If you plan to expand later, check for OCuLink or Thunderbolt/USB4 support for external GPUs.
- Memory & storage flexibility — Dual-channel DDR5 and at least one M.2 NVMe slot are musts. Extra M.2 bays and user-accessible RAM let you extend life without replacing the whole unit.
- Thermals & sustained performance — Small enclosures can throttle; look for laptops-grade H-series TDP tuning or active cooling that preserves performance under load.
- Ports & networking — Multiple video outputs mean fewer dongles and more future proofing for a mini desktop setup.
Use these points as your checklist when scanning specs — they’ll keep the review section focused and the final recommendation practical.
Top 5 Ryzen mini PCs of 2025
The 2025 crop of Ryzen mini PCs proves that small systems no longer mean big compromises. Whether you need multi-threaded CPU power for editing, a capable iGPU for light gaming, or plenty of ports for a multi-display workstation, today’s compact desktops deliver. Below are the five models that stood out in our testing and research for balancing raw performance, upgradeability, and real-world value.
GenMachine — YI6000 Series (Ryzen 6000 Series)
GenMachine’s YI6000 line delivers laptop-class H-series Ryzen performance in a small footprint, with practical upgrade paths and a port set aimed at real desktop replacement use. It’s a strong choice when you want solid multi-threaded performance plus the flexibility to add storage or memory later.
Key highlights:
- CPU: Options include Ryzen 5 6600H, Ryzen 7 6800H, and Ryzen 9 6900HX.
- Compact but expandable: users can choose from 16GB or 32GB memory configurations, as well as 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB SSD storage to flexibly meet the needs of different users.
- Modern I/O: Type-C 4.0, dual HDMI, dual 2.5G Ethernet, and USB 3.0 interfaces.
- Use cases: productivity-focused users, small studios and edit suites, and multi-monitor office setups.
GMKtec — NucBox K12 (AMD Ryzen 7 H 255)
The GMKtec NucBox K12 packs Zen-4 H-series multi-core performance into a compact, upgrade-friendly chassis. It’s built to give near-desktop throughput without a full tower: solid sustained CPU performance, sensible cooling for its size, and modern ports that keep it useful as peripherals and workflows evolve.
Key highlights:
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 H 255 (8 cores / 16 threads).
- Compact but expandable: multiple M.2 bays and support for high-capacity DDR5 memory.
- Modern I/O: USB4, Wi-Fi 6E, dual 2.5G LAN, and an OCuLink port for external GPU options.
- Use cases: content creators on the move, streamers who need multi-tasking, and professionals wanting a quiet micro desktop computer with real throughput.
Chuwi — AuBox 8745 (AMD Ryzen 7 8745HS)
The Chuwi AuBox 8745 packs a Ryzen 7 8745HS into a slim, understated chassis. Out of the box it comes with single-channel RAM, but adding a second stick noticeably boosts performance. It’s a small, versatile system that handles everyday multitasking and light creative work without taking up much desk space.
Key highlights:
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 8745HS (8 cores / 16 threads).
- Compact but expandable: supports RAM upgrades and M.2 NVMe storage.
- Modern I/O: USB 4.0, dual 2.5G LAN, multiple display outputs.
- Use cases: home offices, budget-conscious setups, and casual content creation.
Geekom A5 (2025)
The Geekom A5 (2025) offers excellent performance-to-price ratio, good connectivity, and easy upgradability, making it a surprisingly capable AMD Ryzen-powered mini PC. It’s ideal for users seeking a compact system for everyday tasks without breaking the bank.
Key highlights:
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 7430U or Ryzen 7 5825U.
- Compact but expandable: Dual-channel DDR4 memory, M.2 NVMe SSD, and SATA HDD support.
- Modern I/O: USB 3.2, HDMI 2.0b, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2.
- Use cases: Home offices, budget-conscious setups, and casual content creation.
Minisforum EliteMini HX90 (AMD Ryzen 9 5900HX)
The Minisforum EliteMini HX90 is a high-performance mini PC equipped with the AMD Ryzen 9 5900HX processor. It offers desktop-level performance in a compact form factor, making it suitable for demanding tasks such as video editing and gaming.
Key highlights:
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 5900HX (8 cores / 16 threads).
- Compact but expandable: Dual-channel DDR4 memory, M.2 NVMe SSD, and SATA HDD support.
- Modern I/O: USB 3.2, HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2.
- Use cases: Video editing, gaming, and other resource-intensive applications.
Conclusion
The 2025 lineup of Ryzen mini PCs shows that small systems can deliver serious performance. From the high-end GMKtec NucBox K12 to the budget-friendly Chuwi AuBox 8745, there’s a compact solution for nearly every workflow. Key considerations remain CPU generation, expandability, and connectivity, which together determine how well a mini desktop fits your needs.
Whether you’re building a home office, a light content creation setup, or a multi-monitor workstation, today’s tiny PCs prove that size doesn’t have to limit capability. With the right choice, you can enjoy desktop-class performance in a space-saving, versatile form factor.
