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10 Best Nuc Mini Pc 2026 in the United States

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#1

Winner

Dell OptiPlex 7020 MFF 7000 Micro Form Factor Mini Business Desktop Computer, 14th Gen Intel 20-Core i7-14700T up to 5.2GHz, 64GB DDR5 RAM, 1TB PCIe SSD, WiFi 6, DisplayPort, HDMI, Windows 11 Pro

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,456
Size and Form Factor

Most important from
50 reviews

Size and Form Factor
For such a small form factor, this little workstation has all you need for developers that do not need a discrete GPU.

The Dell OptiPlex 7020 Micro Form Factor (MFF) Mini PC is designed for business users who need a powerful and compact desktop solution. It features a 14th Gen Intel Core i7-14700T processor with 20 cores, enabling robust performance for multitasking and demanding applications. This mini PC comes with an impressive 64GB of DDR5 RAM, which ensures smooth operation and efficient handling of multiple tasks simultaneously. The 1TB PCIe SSD provides ample storage space and fast data retrieval, contributing to quick boot times and system responsiveness.

Integrated Intel UHD Graphics 770 supports clear and smooth visuals, suitable for typical business tasks and multimedia consumption, though it's not intended for heavy gaming or high-end graphic design work. Connectivity options are plentiful with Wi-Fi 6E for fast wireless internet, multiple USB ports (including USB-C), DisplayPorts, and HDMI, making it easy to set up multiple monitors and peripherals. The compact size (7.01 x 7.17 x 1.42 inches) makes it highly portable and ideal for fitting into tight workspaces or mounting behind a monitor.

One downside is the lack of an optical drive, which could be a limitation for users who still rely on physical media. Additionally, while the integrated graphics are sufficient for business use, users needing more advanced graphical performance may find this lacking. The system runs on Windows 11 Pro, providing a modern and secure operating environment. The Dell OptiPlex 7020 MFF is a strong choice for business professionals needing a high-performance, compact, and versatile desktop solution with excellent connectivity and upgradability options.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,456
Size and Form Factor

Most important from
50 reviews

Size and Form Factor
For such a small form factor, this little workstation has all you need for developers that do not need a discrete GPU.
#2

ASUS NUC 14 Pro Tall Full System Mini PC with Intel 14th Gen Core Ultra 7 155H, 32GB DDR5 RAM, 1TB PCIe G4x4 NVMe SSD, Thunderbolt 4,Win 11 Pro, Toolless Chassis Access, VESA Mount Included

Rating
9.4
Processor (CPU)
Upgradability

Most important from
89 reviews

Processor (CPU)
Running multiple virtual machines effortlessly showcases its powerful performance.
Upgradability
Setup is a breeze; adding memory and storage is straightforward and quick.

The ASUS NUC 14 Pro Tall Full System Mini PC is a compact yet powerful option for everyday personal and business use. It comes with a 14th Gen Intel Core Ultra 7 155H processor, 32GB of DDR5 RAM, and a 1TB PCIe NVMe SSD, making it capable of handling demanding tasks efficiently. This setup ensures quick load times and smooth multitasking. The inclusion of Intel Arc Graphics adds decent graphics performance for integrated graphics, suitable for general computing and light creative work but not ideal for high-end gaming or heavy graphical tasks. One of its standout features is the toolless chassis access, which makes upgrading components straightforward and user-friendly, adding long-term value to the device.

The Mini PC also supports AI workloads, thanks to the AI engines in the Intel Core Ultra processors, making it a forward-looking choice for applications involving AI and machine learning. Connectivity is robust with Thunderbolt 4, multiple USB ports, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi, ensuring seamless connections for various peripherals and network needs. The compact size (4.61 x 4.41 x 2.13 inches) and included VESA mount enhance its versatility for mounting behind monitors or in tight spaces. The integrated graphics may limit its performance in high-end graphics applications.

Additionally, while it has 32GB of RAM out of the box, there is limited scope for upgrading memory beyond 96GB, which might be a consideration for future-proofing. This Mini PC is best suited for users needing a compact, powerful system for general use, business applications, or light creative tasks, with some future-proofing and upgradability in mind.

Rating
9.4
Processor (CPU)
Upgradability

Most important from
89 reviews

Processor (CPU)
Running multiple virtual machines effortlessly showcases its powerful performance.
Upgradability
Setup is a breeze; adding memory and storage is straightforward and quick.
#3

ROG NUC (2025) Gaming Mini PC with Intel® Core™ Ultra 9 (Series 2) ARL-HX CPU, NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 5070 Ti MobileGPU, 16GB DDR5 RAM, 1TB NVMe SSD, Thunderbolt 4 Triple-Fan Cooling and ARGB Lighting

Rating
9.1
Processor (CPU)
Storage
Ports and Connectivity

Most important from
90 reviews

Processor (CPU)
Delivers impressive gaming performance on high settings while maintaining a compact size smaller than most gaming consoles.
Storage
Easy to set up and expand, including support for additional M.2 storage drives.
Ports and Connectivity
Front USB panel and decent I/O options enhance usability despite the small form factor.
Size and Form Factor
Delivers impressive gaming performance on high settings while maintaining a compact size smaller than most gaming consoles.
Upgradability
Easy to set up and expand, including support for additional M.2 storage drives.

The ROG NUC (2025) is a powerful mini PC built for gaming and demanding tasks, featuring an Intel Core Ultra 9 processor and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Ti mobile GPU. This combination offers strong performance and impressive graphics quality, suitable for playing modern games at high settings, including 4K resolution. The 16GB of DDR5 RAM and 1TB NVMe SSD provide a good balance of speed and storage for everyday use and gaming, although users who want more memory might need to upgrade.

One of the ROG NUC's key advantages is its compact 3-liter size, making it easy to fit in small spaces without sacrificing performance. It includes seven USB 3.0 ports and supports the latest connectivity like Thunderbolt 4, Wi-Fi 802.11.be, and Bluetooth, which covers most peripherals and fast data transfer needs. Its triple-fan cooling system with vapor chamber technology keeps the system cool and relatively quiet, which is important for intense gaming sessions. Upgradability is user-friendly thanks to thumb screws that allow quick access to memory and storage, a feature not always found in mini PCs.

Aesthetic features like ARGB lighting and Aura Sync add a customizable look, appealing to gamers who want a stylish setup. The 16GB RAM might feel limiting for heavy multitasking or future-proofing, and the 6.9-pound weight is somewhat heavier than some ultra-compact models. Priced at a premium reflecting its gaming focus, this NUC suits gamers and power users wanting a high-performance mini PC that balances size, speed, and upgrade potential.

Rating
9.1
Processor (CPU)
Storage
Ports and Connectivity

Most important from
90 reviews

Processor (CPU)
Delivers impressive gaming performance on high settings while maintaining a compact size smaller than most gaming consoles.
Storage
Easy to set up and expand, including support for additional M.2 storage drives.
Ports and Connectivity
Front USB panel and decent I/O options enhance usability despite the small form factor.
Size and Form Factor
Delivers impressive gaming performance on high settings while maintaining a compact size smaller than most gaming consoles.
Upgradability
Easy to set up and expand, including support for additional M.2 storage drives.

Buying Guide for the Best Nuc Mini Pc

When choosing a NUC (Next Unit of Computing) mini PC, it's important to consider your specific needs and how you plan to use the device. NUC mini PCs are compact, versatile, and can be used for a variety of purposes such as home entertainment, office work, or even light gaming. To make an informed decision, you should evaluate several key specifications that will determine the performance and suitability of the NUC mini PC for your requirements.
Processor (CPU)The processor, or CPU, is the brain of the NUC mini PC and determines how fast and efficiently it can perform tasks. A more powerful CPU will handle more demanding applications and multitasking better. CPUs are typically divided into entry-level, mid-range, and high-end categories. Entry-level CPUs are suitable for basic tasks like web browsing and word processing. Mid-range CPUs are good for more intensive tasks like photo editing and light gaming. High-end CPUs are best for heavy multitasking, video editing, and more demanding applications. Choose a CPU based on the complexity and intensity of the tasks you plan to perform.
Memory (RAM)RAM (Random Access Memory) is crucial for multitasking and running applications smoothly. More RAM allows your NUC mini PC to handle more tasks simultaneously without slowing down. For basic use, 4GB to 8GB of RAM is usually sufficient. For more demanding tasks like video editing or running multiple applications at once, 16GB or more is recommended. Consider how many applications you typically run at the same time and choose the amount of RAM accordingly.
StorageStorage determines how much data you can save on your NUC mini PC. There are two main types of storage: HDD (Hard Disk Drive) and SSD (Solid State Drive). SSDs are faster and more reliable but usually more expensive than HDDs. For general use, a 256GB SSD is a good starting point. If you need to store a lot of large files, such as videos or high-resolution photos, you might want to consider a larger SSD or an additional HDD. Think about your storage needs and how much data you plan to keep on your device.
GraphicsGraphics capabilities are important if you plan to use your NUC mini PC for gaming, video editing, or other graphics-intensive tasks. Integrated graphics are sufficient for basic tasks and light gaming. For more demanding applications, a NUC with a dedicated graphics card will provide better performance. Consider what kind of graphics performance you need based on the applications you plan to use.
Ports and ConnectivityThe number and types of ports and connectivity options determine how you can connect peripherals and other devices to your NUC mini PC. Common ports include USB, HDMI, and Ethernet. Make sure the NUC has enough USB ports for your peripherals, such as a keyboard, mouse, and external storage. HDMI ports are important for connecting to monitors or TVs. Ethernet ports provide a stable internet connection, while Wi-Fi capability is essential for wireless connectivity. Consider the devices you plan to connect and ensure the NUC has the necessary ports and connectivity options.
Size and Form FactorThe size and form factor of the NUC mini PC can affect where and how you can place it. NUCs come in various sizes, from very compact models that can be mounted behind a monitor to slightly larger ones that offer more ports and better cooling. If space is a concern, a smaller NUC might be more suitable. However, if you need more ports or better performance, a slightly larger model might be a better choice. Think about where you plan to place the NUC and how much space you have available.
UpgradabilityUpgradability refers to how easily you can upgrade components like RAM, storage, or even the CPU in the future. Some NUC models allow for easy upgrades, while others have components soldered in place. If you think you might need to upgrade your NUC in the future, look for a model that allows for easy access to these components. Consider your long-term needs and whether you might want to enhance the performance of your NUC down the line.

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