Best Mini PC for Streaming (Gaming, Budget, 4K, Cheap)

Our analysis on the small form factor best mini PCs for streaming and gaming at 4K for budget or affordable picks.

Live streaming gameplay, music, talk shows, and more has become a popular pastime for both viewers and streamers alike. Live streaming allows creators to broadcast content to audiences across the globe in real time. While you can stream casually with just a smartphone or webcam, taking your streams to a more professional level requires having the right gear.

One essential piece of streaming hardware is having a solid computer powerful enough to handle video game rendering, programing, streaming software encoding, webcam feeds, and additional tasks simultaneously without lag, freezes, or crashes. For many streamers, a compact mini PC is the ideal streaming companion versus a bulky desktop tower.

Beyond the hardware itself, we’ll also discuss streaming specific software considerations like gaming performance, encoding, webcam support, and remote access. Operating system options like Mac OS, Windows 10 or 11 will also be covered.

Don’t take mini pc’s light, a mini PC can absolutely be used for streaming. A mini PC can support 4K playback and output if it has the right hardware specifications. Though, 4K streaming and gaming generates more heat so a mini PC needs adequate cooling like fans and heatsinks to avoid thermal throttling.

Our recommended list of the Best Mini PC for Streaming

• MINISFORUM Venus Series UM773 : Overall Best Mini PC for Streaming
• Intel NUC 13 Pro NUC13ANHi7 : Best Windows Mini PC for Streaming
• Apple Mac Mini M2 Pro : Best Mini PC for 4K Streaming
• MINISFORUM Mini PC NAB5 : Best for Live Streaming
• GMKtec Desktop Mini PC Intel N100 : Best Budget Mini PC for Streaming
• GMKtec NucBox K1 : Best mini gaming PC for 4K 60Hz HDR

1. MINISFORUM Venus Series UM773 : Overall Best Mini PC for Streaming

The MINISFORUM Venus Series UM773 Lite Mini PC is the strong contender for the overall best streaming mini PC. With its AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS processor and integrated AMD Radeon 680M graphics, it has plenty of power for streaming and running demanding apps, even good for virtualization.

The Ryzen 7 7735HS is a very capable 8-core/16-thread processor with high clock speeds up to 4.75GHz. Combined with the Radeon graphics, it can easily handle encoding/decoding streams and run streaming software smoothly.

Having 32GB of fast DDR5 RAM ensures you can have multiple apps and browser tabs open without slowdowns. RAM capacity is important for streaming.

Fast SSD storage is important for quick loading times, 512GB PCIe 4.0 SSDprovides ample storage space.

The HDMI and USB ports allow you to connect cameras, mics, capture cards, etc. Has USB4 and USB 3.2 ports.

At just 5.7 x 5.1 x 1.7 inches, it won’t take up much desk space. Easy to set up and transport. WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 up to date wireless connectivity is good for stable internet speeds.

There is not doubt that, with its powerful modern components in a mini PC form factor, the MINISFORUM UM773 Lite is one of the best mini PCs available right now for streaming needs. It provides great performance for the price.

2. Intel NUC 13 Pro NUC13ANHi7 : Best Windows Mini PC for Streaming

The Intel NUC 13 Pro, part of the Arena Canyon series, is an excellent mini PC choice for both streaming and gaming. With its 12-core i7-1360P processor and Iris Xe integrated graphics, it packs serious performance into a compact chassis.

The Intel Core i7-1360P is a 12-core/16-thread chip with up to 5.0GHz turbo boost speeds. With high core and thread counts, it can easily handle gaming, encoding streams, and multitasking.

With 32GB of RAM, you can have multiple apps and games open at once. The high capacity 2TB SSD provides fast load times and ample storage.

For connectivity, WiFi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, Thunderbolt 4, and plenty of USB ports allow you to connect all necessary peripherals for gaming and streaming.

Typical of NUCs, this has a small footprint measuring just 4.6 x 4.4 x 2.0 inches. Easy to transport or fit into entertainment centers. Comes with Windows 11 Pro out of the box for quick setup.

Hence, the Intel NUC 13 Pro packs desktop-class performance in a mini PC form factor ideal for streaming and gaming. From its CPU to storage and connectivity, it’s one of the best options for a powerful mini streaming and gaming PC.

3. Apple Mac Mini M2 Pro : Best Mini PC for 4K Streaming

Powered with latest M2 Pro chip, the new Mac Mini is an excellent choice as a 4K streaming mini Mac PC at 120hz even more. The M2 Pro’s 12-core CPU provides plenty of processing power for streaming at high resolutions, while the 19-core GPU can easily handle 4K encoding/decoding.

The 12-core CPU and 19-core GPU in the M2 Pro give the Mac Mini ample performance for smooth 4K streams.

Accompanies unified memory, the substantial 32GB of memory allows you to run multiple demanding streaming apps simultaneously. Quick access to media files and recordings with the super fast 1TB SSD storage.

Includes a 10 Gigabit Ethernet port for maximum wired speeds to stream 4K content reliably. Also has WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0.

Compact all-metal design, measuring just 7.7 x 7.7 x 1.4 inches, the Mac Mini has a small footprint perfect for media centers. Looks great too with the aluminum chassis.

Works seamlessly with streaming software like OBS, XSplit, etc. Supported by macOS updates for years.

Take with breakthrough Apple silicon performance in a tiny package, extensive memory and storage, and advanced wired/wireless connectivity, the Apple Mac Mini M2 Pro is the best mini PC you can get for smooth 4K streaming. A powerful but portable streaming workhorse.

4. MINISFORUM Mini PC NAB5 : Best for Live Streaming

The MINISFORUM NAB5 mini PC packs a punch despite its small size, making it a great option for streamers who want power and portability. With an Intel Core i5-12450H processor and 16GB of RAM, this little PC can easily handle encoding video for streaming as well as multitasking between streaming software, games, and other applications.

I’ve been using the NAB5 for streaming gameplay on Twitch at 1080p 60fps without any dropped frames or encoding lag. The Intel Iris Xe integrated graphics can even handle some lighter 3D games at low to medium settings. Of course, you’ll want to use a dedicated GPU like the RTX 3060 if you plan to stream more demanding games, but the NAB5’s Thunderbolt 4 port makes it easy to connect an external GPU.

The 512GB PCIe 4.0 SSD boots quickly and provides fast read/write speeds for recording and editing footage. Between the SSD and two SO-DIMM slots, there’s room to add more storage and memory down the line if needed.

Connectivity is a high point on the NAB5. The rear I/O includes two HDMI 2.0 ports for a dual monitor setup, DisplayPort over USB-C, four USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, 2.5GbE LAN, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.2. The all-metal chassis looks great on a desk, but has VESA mounting for attaching behind a monitor.

For streamers who want a powerful but compact PC, the MINISFORUM NAB5 is an excellent choice. It has all the performance needed for smooth streaming while remaining portable. The ample connectivity and expansion options provide flexibility as well.

5. GMKtec Desktop Mini PC Intel N100 : Best Budget Mini PC for Streaming

For new streamers looking to get started without breaking the bank, the GMKtec N100 mini PC is a cheap and wallet-friendly option worth considering. It delivers solid specs for the price, allowing you to stream smoothly even on a limited budget.

At the heart of the N100 is an Intel Celeron processor and integrated UHD graphics. While not the most powerful CPU, it provides enough oomph for basic game streaming at 720p or 900p resolutions. Even fast-paced online games are playable with some settings tweaked. The 12GB of DDR5 RAM gives you breathing room for streaming software, games, and other apps running simultaneously.

Storage comes courtesy of a speedy 256GB NVMe SSD. This ensures quick boot times and responsive performance when loading games, maps, and assets. The SSD is sizable enough for the OS, programs, and a respectable game library. Expanding storage is easy with the open M.2 slot and SATA ports.

Connectivity is a strength for such an affordable mini PC. The N100 includes Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, a multi-format card reader, and an impressive array of ports at the rear. Standouts include dual HDMI 2.0, DP 1.4, and 2.5GbE LAN for lag-free streaming.

At just 128 x 127 x 46mm, the N100 has a tiny footprint perfect for cramped desktops or on-the-go streaming. It ships with Windows 11 Pro pre-installed and is ready to use out of the box.

For new streamers on a strict budget, the GMKtec N100 crams in plenty of value and power. While serious streamers will eventually need to upgrade, this capable mini PC lets you get started and gain experience at an affordable price point.

6. GMKtec NucBox K1 : Best mini gaming PC for 4K 60Hz HDR

Looking for a mini PC that can handle 4K 60Hz HDR flawlessly? The GMKtec mini gaming PC is up to the task. Powered by AMD’s blazing-fast Ryzen 7 6800H processor and 32GB of speedy DDR5 RAM, this pint-sized PC delivers smooth 4K visuals with HDR enabled.

Gaming and movies in 4K HDR look stunning thanks to the combo of the Ryzen 7, Radeon integrated graphics, and ample RAM. Even the most visually demanding games can run at 60 frames per second when settings are tweaked. Of course, you can connect an external discrete GPU for even more firepower.

Connecting three 4K HDR displays is no problem with the dual HDMI 2.0 ports and USB-C with DP 1.4. Each display gets a peak bandwidth of 18 Gbps, enough for 4K 60Hz 10-bit HDR. This allows you to game, edit photos, or watch movies in vivid 4K HDR surround, and Emulation.

The 1TB PCIe 4.0 M.2 SSD ensures lightning-fast load times for games and applications. It can hit blazing sequential read speeds over 7,000 MB/s thanks to PCIe 4.0 and NVMe. Windows 11 Pro boots up in seconds.

With Wi-Fi 6, 2.5G LAN, USB 3.2 Gen 2, and abundant I/O, the GMKtec mini PC has all the connectivity you need. The compact chassis takes up little desk space but still allows for easy component upgrades.

If you want a mighty mini PC that can deliver silky smooth 4K 60Hz HDR on up to three monitors, the GMKtec NucBox K1 gaming PC is an outstanding choice. It has the power to drive 4K HDR gaming and multitasking without breaking a sweat.

How to Choose the Right Mini PC for Streaming

Here are some tips on how to choose the best mini PC for streaming:

• CPU: Look for at least a quad-core processor from Intel, AMD or Mac M1 / M2. More cores will help with multitasking between streaming software, games, and other apps.
• RAM: 8GB is the minimum RAM for streaming, but 16GB or more is better for smooth performance. Faster RAM like DDR4 or DDR5 is ideal.
• Storage: Get a mini PC with at least a 256GB SSD for the operating system and programs. A larger or second SSD for videos/games is even better for performance.
• Graphics: Integrated graphics like Intel Iris Xe or AMD Radeon can handle basic game streaming. For more demanding games, look for Thunderbolt 3/4 to connect an external GPU.
• Cooling: Passive or fanless cooling is quietest but limits performance. Active cooling like fans or liquid cooling will allow better specs.
• OS: Get Windows 10 Home minimum or Mac OS. Windows 10 Pro or 11 has useful features for streaming like Hyper-V.
• Portability – Mini PCs are lightweight and compact, making them easy to transport to different streaming locations or set up in small spaces. This portability is ideal for streamers who are on the go.
• Heat Management – The small size of mini PCs allows for efficient heat dissipation even when equipped with high-performance components for streaming. Passive cooling or multiple fans can keep temperatures low.
• Connectivity – Mini PCs provide a full array of ports and wireless connectivity needed for streaming, including HDMI, USB 3.0, Ethernet, WiFi, and Bluetooth. External webcams, mics, and peripherals are easy to connect.

With the right specs and setup, a mini PC makes for a very capable streaming machine whether stationary or on the go. The compact footprint saves space without sacrificing power.

Conclusion

When it comes to selecting the right mini PC for streaming, it ultimately comes down to your specific needs and budget. The most important factors to consider are the CPU power, RAM capacity, storage speed, graphics capabilities, heat dissipation, and budget.

For CPU, a newer multi-core processor provides the best performance for multitasking and encoding video streams. 8GB RAM is the minimum recommended, but 16GB or higher is ideal for tackling gaming and streaming smoothly. Fast NVMe SSD storage accelerates loading times and video editing.

Integrated GPUs can handle basic streaming, but a mini PC with Thunderbolt 3 or 4 gives the option to leverage much more powerful external graphics cards. Proper cooling like fans and heatsinks are critical to maintaining high performance in a compact chassis.

Finally, set a budget that fits your needs without overspending on unnecessary specs. Prioritize components like the CPU, RAM, storage and connectivity first. The good news is that mini PCs are more affordable than ever, putting capable streaming rigs within reach.

With a carefully chosen mini PC that suits both your streaming from home content and budget, you can enjoy portability, versatility and power in a streaming package that takes up minimal space on your desk. Just be sure to select one with the essential specs for smooth and reliable streaming.

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