The Best Budget Ryzen Mini PCs: Vega 8 vs. 660M vs. 680M vs. 780M
In today’s tech landscape, finding a budget-friendly mini PC capable of gaming can feel like navigating a maze. The sheer number of options can be overwhelming. But don’t worry—this blog will break down some of the best budget Ryzen mini PCs on the market, compare their gaming performance, and help you decide which one offers the best value for your money.
Why Ryzen Over Intel for Mini PCs?
After reviewing numerous mini PCs over the past few years, it’s clear that for gaming without an external GPU, Ryzen chips are the better option. Not only do they outperform Intel’s integrated graphics, but they also offer superior thermal management and stability. In this review, we’ll explore four popular Ryzen GPUs frequently found in mini PCs: Vega 8, 660M, 680M, and 780M. Let’s look at how these GPUs stack up in gaming benchmarks and real-world use cases.
The Contenders: Four Mini PCs with Ryzen Graphics
- Vega 8 (Geekom A5)
The Vega 8, paired with a Ryzen 7 5800H (8 cores, 16 threads), is a budget-friendly option at $399 on Amazon. Although prices can vary with sales, this mini PC offers a solid entry-level experience for gamers looking to play older or less demanding titles at lower settings. - 660M (GMKtec M6)
Featuring a Ryzen 5 6600H (6 cores, 12 threads), the GMKtec M6 offers a balance between price and performance. At $299, it’s an excellent choice for those looking to game on a budget. You can also upgrade the RAM and storage for $340, making it even more versatile. - 680M (GMKtec K5)
The GMKtec K5 delivers superior performance with an 8-core, 16-thread Ryzen 7 7735HS, and a faster Radeon onboard 680M GPU. At $450, it’s slightly pricier but provides excellent gaming capabilities, particularly in higher-end indie games or older AAA titles. With a coupon, you can snag this mini PC for as low as $370. - 780M (GMKtec K8 or Reatan Alloy 9)
The top contender in this lineup, the 780M, comes with the Ryzen 9 8845HS (8 cores, 16 threads) and is priced at $630 with a coupon. This mini PC is for those who want the absolute best performance without breaking the bank, delivering comparable power to a GTX 1660Ti.
What Really Matters When Buying a Mini PC?
Before you dive into the benchmarks, there are a few important things to keep in mind when purchasing a mini PC:
- Storage and Memory Quality: Low-quality storage and memory can cause reliability issues, data corruption, or even prevent the PC from turning on. Always check reviews to ensure these components are of decent quality.
- Cooling: A well-ventilated case is crucial to avoid thermal throttling, which can significantly affect performance. Metal cases can help with heat dissipation, but often lead to weaker Bluetooth and Wi-Fi signals due to interference.
- Build Quality: A mini PC with a solid metal case might seem appealing, but performance and thermal management matter more than aesthetics.
Benchmark Results: Gaming Performance
We ran a series of benchmarks on popular games at various settings to test the gaming performance of these mini PCs. Here are the key takeaways:
- Final Fantasy XV (720p, Low Settings)
While all the PCs performed decently at 720p, the 780M emerged as the clear winner, offering smoother gameplay compared to the Vega 8 and 660M. - GTA V (1080p, Normal Settings)
The 680M and 780M delivered a similar experience, handling GTA V with ease. Meanwhile, the Vega 8 struggled to keep up with higher frame rates. - Cyberpunk 2077 (720p, Low Settings)
Even at low settings, Cyberpunk 2077 is notoriously demanding. The 780M managed to offer a playable experience, while the 660M and Vega 8 fell behind, especially in crowded city scenes. - F1 2023 (1080p, Ultra-Low Settings)
Racing games like F1 benefit from higher frame rates, and the 780M shined once again, providing smooth and responsive gameplay. The Vega 8 and 660M offered decent performance, but with occasional stutters.
The Role of Cooling and CPU in Performance
Beyond raw GPU power, cooling and CPU cores play a critical role in the performance of these mini PCs. For example, while the 6600H in the GMKtec M6 has two fewer cores than the 5800H, it’s built on the newer Zen 3+ architecture, making it more efficient in many games. However, without adequate cooling, even the best chips can suffer from thermal throttling.
The cooling solutions in these mini PCs vary. Metal cases often suffer from poor airflow, which can lead to higher temperatures and reduced performance. On the flip side, a well-ventilated plastic case, although less durable, can offer better thermal management.
Applications Beyond Gaming
While gaming performance is often the primary focus, many buyers are also interested in how these mini PCs perform in everyday applications like video editing and emulation. For tasks like video editing, the Ryzen 7 and 9 series, especially those with the 780M GPU, are superior due to their support for DDR5 RAM, NVMe 4.0 storage, and advanced video codecs like AV1.
Final Thoughts: Which One Should You Buy?
If you’re in the market for a budget mini PC capable of gaming, here’s a quick rundown of which model to choose:
- For casual gamers: The GMKtec M6 with the 660M is the best budget option. It handles most games at 720p or 1080p on low to medium settings and costs under $300.
- For moderate gamers and multitaskers: The GMKtec K5 with the 680M strikes the perfect balance between price and performance. It’s ideal for those who want a bit more power for gaming or light video editing.
- For power users: The GMKtec K8 with the 780M is a powerhouse for those who need performance comparable to a GTX 1660 Ti. It’s perfect for AAA gaming, video editing, and more demanding workloads.
With these mini PCs, you can get a solid gaming experience without breaking the bank. However, if you’re looking to future-proof your setup, it may be worth waiting for the next generation of Ryzen mini PCs, or investing in a unit with external GPU support like the GMKtec M7 Pro
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