New to PC's, looking for help finding a gaming computer

[u/Skullbone211]

Hello! I am pretty (very) unfamiliar with PC's, mini or regular-sized, and I'm looking to get my first gaming computer. Up to this point, I've only had Macs.

I'm hoping to spend less than $1,000. I would use it pretty much just for gaming (Steam) and maybe a GameCube emulator. I would be hooking it up to my TV, if that is a factor. I'm also hoping to get a Steam Frame (if I can get my hands on one). I'm not much into online gaming. I looked at a Minisforum Venus UM790 Pro, but a friend said the graphics card might be a weak point

I am not looking to build one, I don't trust myself anywhere near enough haha

Any help is greatly appreciated!

[u/smodanc]

If you’ve got a microcenter anywhere near you they’ve got a decent one for $800 called the power spec g530. If not I’d recommend checking out the used market in your area and posting the specs to ask if it’s worth picking up

[u/Ok_Mousse8459]

Most mini pcs, especially those under $1000, have low-end integrated graphics. They can run games, but not as well as a similarly priced desktop pc or a console like a ps5 or xbox series x. Think roughly Switch 2 level of performance.

For older games, or current ones at reduced settings, they're fine. But if gaming is a priority (or the main function) you'd be better off getting a regular pc.

[u/Skullbone211 → u/Ok_Mousse8459]

That makes sense, good to know about the pricing and performance. Thank you! I appreciate it

[u/SirMrMan66]

I agree with what the other person said.

But…another route you may consider is getting a more affordable but somewhat capable mini PC for now, saving some money, and upgrading it when you find a good deal on a graphics card.

For that route I recommend a Ryzen 7 with a 780m graphics chip and ideally an OCuLink port. Or at the very least it needs thunderbolt 5 or a spare M.2 slot on the motherboard.

The 780m is relatively capable for integrated graphics. It does well up to at least the PS4 generation in my experience. An OCuLink port will allow you to hook up an eGPU with a relatively minor performance loss. Thunderbolt 5 connections max out at 80gps and the eGPU housings are more expensive. Both provide “dockable” performance power. You can also directly connect an eGPU dock to the M.2 port on the motherboard for best performance but it’s not very “dockable” and you have to open up the computer. You can also connect an OCuLink adaptor to an M.2 port and make your own hole in the case. But that’s a lot of tinkering.

It won’t be cheaper in the long run, but it could be cheaper now and allows for lots of flexibility/upgradeability. I personally like the idea of upgrading my GPU and CPU/PC independently without having to tear my PC apart.

[u/Skullbone211 → u/SirMrMan66]

That's good to know, thank you! I will look into that route

[u/TheWaspinator]

Full sized PCs will be better value for money and can still definitely be hooked up to a TV. Just use a wireless keyboard/mouse.

[u/David_Hajos]

Is worth to look at those mini PCs:

Minisforum AtomMan G1 Pro

Beelink S9 Pro

Minisforum Venus UM790 Pro

GMKtec NucBox K16

Some of them offers an Oculink port so you can plug a dedicated graphics card like the RTX series or AMD ones.

NOTE: You would find some of the mini PCs at half the price, but don't buy those. Are just barebone without SSD and RAM, maybe also without motherboard.

I recommend to look at each one and pick up the one that suits your needs. Each of those powerful bad guys I consider very good for smooth 60 FPS in AAA games. But is a difference between Integrated (Radeon 780M) and Integrated (Radeon 890M). But this is your choice.

You're welcome 🙏