There’s no need to buy an expensive gaming desktop this Black Friday — Here’s my guide to the ultimate gaming mini PC setup

There's no need to buy an expensive gaming desktop this Black Friday — Here's my guide to the ultimate gaming mini PC setup

As a tech enthusiast with over a decade of experience under my belt, I’ve seen the evolution of gaming technology from bulky desktops to sleek, pocket-sized handheld devices. In recent years, cloud gaming has been a game changer, especially for those on a budget.


As a researcher exploring the realm of gaming, it’s clear that PC gaming can be a costly pastime. To play games efficiently, one requires a suitable PC, a quality monitor, and assorted gaming accessories. Fortunately, cloud gaming has made significant strides in recent years, making it more affordable than ever to set up a cloud-based gaming system. Therefore, if you’re eyeing some Black Friday gaming PC bargains or are contemplating waiting for Cyber Monday, you might want to ponder over opting for a mini PC instead. However, selecting the right device for this setup is crucial.

I’ve examined various gaming peripherals and equipment, and based on my findings, I’ve compiled an affordable Black Friday shopping list for setting up a budget-friendly mini PC gaming system ideal for cloud-based gaming.

By choosing the most affordable alternatives I’ve suggested (Beelink EQR6 mini PC priced at approximately $249 on Amazon, and LG UltraGear 27″ gaming monitor for around $149 at Walmart), you would create a gaming setup that totals just $399.99. However, there are numerous other options to explore as well.

Best mini PC for budget gaming

Gaming mini PCs equipped with potent RTX 40-Series GPUs do exist in the market, but they are not widely available and typically come with a higher price tag. For instance, check out my review of the ROG NUC 970, a compact device boasting an RTX 4060 L GPU. If you’re ready to spend $1,399.00, you can find it on Amazon.

Setting up an economical gaming experience for PCs can be achieved by purchasing a budget-friendly yet dependable mini PC that allows you to access cloud gaming or less graphically intense games. With Xbox’s “Stream Your Own Game,” this option has become more practical than ever before. Cloud gaming works by utilizing powerful distant servers to operate the game, which is then displayed on your computer via the internet. It’s important to note that top-tier mini PCs can also handle less demanding games or classic titles with ease.

Best gaming monitors for mini PCs

As a tech enthusiast, I can’t help but share some exciting news about Black Friday deals on gaming monitors! There are numerous fantastic options available at the moment, making it easy for budget-conscious fans like myself to invest in a quality monitor.

Best accessories for gaming mini PCs

After selecting your PC and gaming screen, you’ll also require top-notch peripherals for an optimal gaming experience. Here are some excellent PC gaming accessories tailored for mini PCs, ranging from headsets to mice and keyboards. For additional recommendations, check out our list of the best PC gaming accessories.

Build your dream gaming mini PC setup

There's no need to buy an expensive gaming desktop this Black Friday — Here's my guide to the ultimate gaming mini PC setup

You won’t always require a dedicated gaming desktop or laptop to savor some of today’s top video games. In fact, the advancements in cloud gaming are quite remarkable, making it feasible to enjoy numerous titles with just a compact PC, an excellent gaming screen, a keyboard and mouse, and a reliable internet connection.

You can set up a good gaming mini PC at a low cost compared to purchasing a gaming desktop or laptop. However, it’s important to note that some budget mini PCs may contain malware, so it’s advisable to opt for reputable brands like Lenovo, ASUS, Geekom, and Beelink. Among these mini PC brands, Geekom provides some of our top-recommended choices.

Alternatively, I also highly recommend considering getting a PC gaming handheld like the ROG Ally, Legion Go, or Steam Deck. These portable device each have their own perks and drawbacks, but they can allow you to play various games from the comfort of your couch, bed, or airplane seat. If you purchase a docking station, you can even connect them to your monitor and use them like a normal computer.

What is the best budget gaming PC?

You have numerous options when it comes to selecting a gaming computer. If you’re on a budget, you might find it more affordable to go for compact gaming desktops, mini PCs, or gaming handheld devices, as these usually come at a lower price compared to traditional high-end gaming computers.

As a tech enthusiast, I can confidently say that the Beelink EQR6 is an outstanding choice for those seeking a budget-friendly mini PC. Ideal for cloud gaming, this compact powerhouse boasts a versatile range of ports to cater to your accessory requirements. Even better, you can grab it now on Amazon for only $249 after applying the coupon at checkout – a significant reduction from its original price of $349.00!

The best budget Windows 11 gaming handheld is the ROG Ally, especially if you grab it while it’s discounted for Black Friday. It has an MSRP of $649.99, but right now it’s selling for just $499.99 at Best Buy.

Currently, it seems that the iBUYPOWER Slate 6 Mesh gaming desktop, which includes the forthcoming Assassin’s Creed Shadows, offers a hard-to-beat deal. Typically priced at $1,199.99, you can get it for only $699.00 at Walmart right now.

Can I use a gaming handheld like a computer?

Absolutely! Both ROG Ally and Legion Go are portable gaming devices running Windows 11. They allow you to connect a keyboard and mouse for control, either through a docking station or Bluetooth, making them function similar to a laptop. Once connected, they can be used for web browsing, running programs, playing games, typing documents, and much more.

Are mini PCs good for gaming?

This really depends on the mini PC. There are a few gaming mini PCs that feature RTX 40-Series GPUs, but they tend to be rather expensive. Another option is to get a regular budget mini PC and then use it for cloud gaming. You’ll save money compared to buying a full gaming desktop, but can still enjoy thousands of games on different services as long as you have a good internet connection and the right accessories.

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2024-11-28 14:39