Mini PC Recommendation for Gaming

aboteh on 16/12/2024 - 16:36

Hi,

I am totally newbie to PCs and know not very much about PC specs.

I am looking at this

https://www.harveynorman.com.au/msi-cubi-5-12m-i5-1235u-16gb…

Processor Type 12th Gen Intel Core i5
Processor Model 1235U
Processor Speed (GHz) 1.30
Processor Max Speed (GHz) 4.40
Cooling System Fan
Installed RAM 16GB
RAM Expandable To (GB) 64
RAM Type DDR4
Primary Storage Capacity 1TB

Since there's so many experts on Ozb, thought I ask here. I am thinking about doing some light gaming on this, will the specs be sufficient? Not after high resolution graphics.

Computing Computer Mini PC

Comments

  • YuxuanZhang on 16/12/2024 - 16:41
    +5

    Cannot game without a standalone GPU…

  • airzone on 16/12/2024 - 16:55

    Maybe look at a steamdeck with a dock

  • Master Bates on 16/12/2024 - 17:00
    +3

    If by light gaming you mean Solitaire and Mines(weeper) then yes, otherwise no.

  • Yummy on 16/12/2024 - 17:02

    Gerry

    Pls no.

  • pharkurnell on 16/12/2024 - 17:03
    +3

    Figure out what games you want to play first, then look for recommended spec - not minimum spec and go from there.

  • JohnnyB.Cheap on 16/12/2024 - 17:27
    +1

    This sort of PC is to run a home server or smart home, not game on. Try reading this guide https://www.logicalincrements.com/articles/build-pc-living-r…

  • GordonD on 16/12/2024 - 17:36
    +3

    Talking about gaming without a discrete GPU …

    I tried to get a Ryzen 8600GE. The 35W version of the 65W 8600G. Ran into problems. Bought an 8600G. Then eventually the 8600GE arrived. So I could compare the two. Same motherboard. Same DDR5-6000 RAM.

    Ran benchmarking on the 3.9GHz 8600GE. Then when I ran the same benchmarks on the 4.35GHz 8600G it wasn't much faster. Turned out that with the Wraith fan provided by AMD the 8600G was hitting 90W and almost immediately getting to 95C and throttling. It took a lot better cooler to keep it under 95C and running at full speed. Meanwhile the 8600GE was only using 45W under full load and staying as cool as a cucumber, and quiet.

    Made me wonder if the mini PCs that use the related Ryzens, like the 8845HS, and only have the tiny little fan mini PCs do, are actually running really hot and throttling. And people don't know it. These AMD APUs with a decent CPU and an integrated GPU in the same package generate a lot of heat and run really hot.

  • Cyphar on 16/12/2024 - 19:03

    For light gaming, you'd be better served buying an LCD Steam Deck for $649. You can buy a dock off Amazon and run it like an actual computer, and you can run it in handheld mode when you don't need to do so.

  • 7ekn00 on 16/12/2024 - 19:29

    The linked mini-PC will only run games at 720p with reduced graphics detail :/ In general, nobody would enjoy that experience!

    For that $1000 you are better off buying a console + some games and plug in into an existing TV.

    If looking for a PC, ~$1000 should get you a mini ATX tower that should be able to do 1080p gaming decently (but will need a 1080p monitor)!

  • CrispyChrispy on 16/12/2024 - 19:58
    +1

    Would recommend watching a YT video or two on the basics of computer components before purchasing

    Will allow you to make heads and tails of what all the numbers and words mean.

  • CrispyChrispy on 16/12/2024 - 20:02

    And FYI OP, going for a mini PC or small form factor PC will be more expensive (and therefore worse value unless you really need the small footprint) than going for a traditional, larger size PC.

  • DrunkUberDriver on 16/12/2024 - 23:44

    mini PC = inbuilt chinese malware included

  • geekcohen on 17/12/2024 - 05:39

    Maybe you and SpiceyStew need to chat. As I told them, I am going to be honest, you are not going to get your requirements in a Mini PC. You will need a Mini ATX at a minimum without having to have multiple things together.

  • solidussnake on 17/12/2024 - 07:01
    +1

    This is terrible, if you have the space for $1k there are cheaper better alternatives that allow future upgrades

    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/872785

  • shaybisc on 17/12/2024 - 07:57

    You would do better with this.

    https://www.amazon.com.au/MINISFORUM-7940HS-Radeon-USB3-2-PC…

    Review here.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4DDBhEe6S0

    "Ryzen 9 7940HS outperforms Core i5-1235U by a whopping 127% based on our aggregate benchmark results."

    https://technical.city/en/cpu/Core-i5-1235U-vs-Ryzen-9-7940H…

  • Bid Sniper on 17/12/2024 - 09:05
    +2

    Thats a office PC not gaming.

  • vince088 on 17/12/2024 - 22:26

    with that price you can get a proper desktop gaming pc with a discreet gpu

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join