Are you an avid gamer who needs to be able to enjoy their games even when traveling? For gamers, it is impossible to find peace without their beloved video games. It is quite difficult to carry your desktop with you everywhere due to the bulky size and heavyweight.
To get rid of this issue, technology has brought the best portable gaming PC for people who love gaming. Compact but powerful, these portable PCs are easy to carry around wherever you go.
Whether it is a short or a long trip, you will not have to stay away from what you love most. These PCs will also help in reducing the desk space to a great degree. Now you no longer have to deal with unnecessary junk on your gaming table.
In the guide mentioned are some of the best options. Each of the PCs is reviewed, mentioning both their pros and cons. The guide will help make an informative decision.
The necessary factors that need to be considered while buying a portable pc are also mentioned here. If you are a first-timer, then you will be able to determine the kind of portable PC you are looking for.
Best Overall
- Incredibly Porable Design
- Premium VR Ready
- Extremely Fast
1. Intel NUC 9 Extreme Kit – Budget Pick
Equipped with an Intel i9 9980HK Quad Core Processor, 2TB SSD Hard Drive, AMD Radeon RX Vega M GH graphics card, and 64 GB RAM, the Intel NUC 9 Extreme NUC9i9QNX is quite powerful in terms of performance.
Our Budget Pick
Intel NUC 9 Extreme Kit
The performance can be measured with the fact that you can run any kind of game on this PC. To enhance your gaming experience, the PC is also equipped with a VR feature. The PCs are very compact and look like a console.
Not weighing more than 6 pounds, the mini PC can be packed in a bag and carried around easily. It is so lightweight that you will not feel like you are carrying a PC around with you. The PC also has many ports that support six different 4K displays. This will be exceptionally helpful if you want a LAN party to be hosted.
As for the design of the portable PC, it has a skull in the case. This skull has no part in your gaming process. However, this skull does turn your standard boring PC into an attractive design. You can also customize the PC according to your wish.
Pros
- Sleek and compact
- Can be customized by the user
- Several I/O options
Cons
- Can be noisy when loaded
2. MSI Trident X
The MSI Trident X is bigger than the other portable PCs on this list but is still a portable one. Whether you want to place the PC on a countertop unit or a desk, you can do so easily without taking up too much space. Despite having a large size, it is quite compact, which makes it easy to carry.
MSI Trident X
Equipped with an Intel i9-9900k processor, 32GB RAM, Nvidia GeForce RTX 2070, and storage capacity of 1TB SSD, the PC is one of the most powerful ones. The large frame of the PC makes it easy for the unit to pack different specifications.
You can play different games on the system, and it will run very smoothly. The graphics card of the system offers the technology of Ray Tracing. This technology is one of the latest ones where the light rays bounce off onto any surface that can reflect light.
The look of the system is also extraordinary, with the RGB lighting on the case and eight USB ports both suitable for 2.0 and 3.0 cords.
Pros
- The form factor is compact
- Storage space is very high
- The system can be upgraded
Cons
- Pricey
3. CORSAIR ONE i164 Portable Gaming PC – Premium Pick
A mini, compact form, the Corsair One i164, is one of the best-performing systems in this category. The size of the gaming system is small, which means that your desk space would be quite clean. At 16 pounds, this system is not exactly what you can call lightweight but is portable.
Our Premium Pick
CORSAIR ONE i164
The noise level of the system is very low, almost a whisper, which means that you do not have to deal with a loud noise when playing. This can be contributed to the extraordinary liquid cooling system, which keeps the fan at a low noise when it is being used.
The system is equipped with an Intel i7-9700K processor, 32GB RAM, and a graphics card of Geforce RTX 2080. The set up of a 2TB hard drive and 480GB SSD keeps the system running without any problems. The storage space is huge, and you will never run out of it easily.
With built-in lights with RGB pipes that can be customized, the design of the system is amazing. There are three supportive 4K displays for when you want to get the group gaming session going.
Pros
- The form factor is very sleek
- The noise level is low
Cons
- Price is high
- Restrictions regarding upgrading
4. MSI MPG Trident 3
The MSI Trident 3 is very similar to a gaming console, especially the ports, which are very easy to access. The PC is tower-based, which can make it a little chunky but still portable. You can pack the PC and carry it with you easily when you are traveling somewhere else.
The case is equipped with an 8 GB RAM, Intel i5-10400F processor, 512 GB SSD, graphics card of GeForce GTX 1660, and hard drive of 1 TB. You can go for VR using this system, and can be effectively used for different games. It is also coupled with a mouse and keyboard to provide the user with added convenience.
MSI MPG Trident 3
When it comes to the gaming experience, users may be willing to use their own set of mouse and keyboard. The whole system comes with customizable lights and also has a very low noise level. You can adjust the lighting according to the living room setup.
The best thing about the PC is that the setup is similar to a traditional console and also provides the same line up as that of Windows PC.
Pros
- Different connectivity options
- I/O ports at the front
- Performance is excellent
Cons
- The system is pre-installed with bloatware
5. Intel Hades Canyon – Best Overall
The Intel Hades Canyon is our choice for the best portable gaming PC and is highly recommended for its incredible performance. With a base clock of 3.1 GHz and a turbo clock of 4.2 GHz, the processor is very fast. The feature of HyperThreading helps the system to run on eight threads all at once.
Our Pick
Intel Hades Canyon
The CPU is a quad-core that will give you no complaints about the performance. The mini desktop can be carried like a laptop in your bag. The case of the system has a LED skill on the upper part. This makes the design of the system quite attractive to most people.
There are several ports in the system along with slots and buttons, which can enhance the gaming experience. The wired internet, Thunderbolt NAS, and six different 4K displays are some of the most interesting features of the gaming system.
The PC has a RAM of 32 GB and 512 GB SSD storage, which gives immense storage facility to the users. There will be no lack of space when using this PC. Along with that, the gamer can experience a very enjoyable gaming pattern without any glitches.
Pros
- Quiet functionality
- Connectivity is very strong
- Fast processor
Cons
- The design may not be liked by all
- Expensive
6. SkyTech Legacy Mini
One of the most attractive features of the SkyTech Legacy Mini is its fast processor. Equipped with very fast memory, the mini PC comes at a very affordable price. One of the most recommended in portable PC category, the SkyTech Legacy Mini is packed with amazing features.
The gamers can enjoy a video quality of 4K and VR features, which will add to their gaming experience. The best feature about the system is the Open Broadcaster Software, which gives high stability during live streaming. It is also equipped with the Ryzen 7 3rd gen processor, which is the latest of AMD.
SkyTech Legacy Mini
Two of the most important aspects of a gaming system are their storage and RAM. The memory storage of the system is 16 GB, which is perfect for enjoying high gaming experience. Users can also store a large amount of data using the high storage space.
The latest SkyTech legacy Mini gaming system has Gen1 compatible with 3.1 ports. The gaming system also has a wireless Bluetooth feature and a port for Ethernet connectivity. The connectivity of the gaming system is excellent.
Pros
- Excellent gaming experience
- AMD Ryzen processor
- Comes at an affordable price
Cons
- No port for Type-C USB
- The noise level is a little high
- The weight of the system can be heavy
Things To Look For In A Portable Gaming PC
If you are buying a portable PC for the first time, then you need to be very aware of certain things. Many different factors come into view when you are making your choice. From performance to design, you will need to focus on a lot of things.
For the best experience, you will need to choose a PC that satisfies all your needs. Not only will you need the PC to be portable, but you also need to have the best experience as well. Mentioned here are some of the important factors that need to be considered when you are buying a portable gaming PC.
Read also: Best RGB Motherboard
Size
Portable means something that you can carry around with you easily. When looking for a portable PC, you need to check the size. If the size of the PC is too large, then you will not be able to carry it around with you. That is why you need something compact and sleek.
You can invest in a mini PC which you can carry around in your bag very easily. Many gaming PCs look like a console more than they do like a PC. These gaming PCs are the easiest to carry around when you are traveling from one place to another.
Upgradability
One of the best things about a gaming PC is that it can be upgraded. You need a gaming PC where you can change the components with time and according to your comfort. Look for a PC that has the required slots, extra PCI, and PCIe, which help in the upgrade process.
You will also need proper storage as well as room to enable the accommodation of the upgrades. With a PC such as this, you can change the components if you need them. This upgrade can be done one part after another based on your gaming requirements.
Lightweight
Along with the size, you will also need the weight of the system to be very light. You will not be able to carry a very heavy system. When you choose a small-sized system, you will find them to be lightweight as well. There are some PCs which are a little large, but these can be lightweight as well.
When it comes to portable gaming PCs, you will find that there are several weight variations. Moreover, lightweight may not always be one of the lines that you think. Lightweight can range from 6 pounds to around 20 pounds.
Graphics
For serious gamers, the main thing would be to find a system that has a graphics card that is dedicated. You need a card that can support high settings and run your games without any problems. There is an older graphics card that can be used instead of the newer ones.
With the right graphics card, you will be able to enjoy all your favorite games. Check the kind of graphics card attached that is being used by the system you have chosen for yourself.
Benefits Of Investing In A Portable Gaming PC
The first thing that comes into mind when buying a portable gaming PC is that it should be compact and lightweight. As already mentioned above, the weight of the PC plays a very big role. There are certain benefits to buying a portable gaming PC.
There are differences in performance, energy consumption, design, and many other things. If you are still not sure as to why you should invest in a gaming PC, then the advantages could clear out your doubts effectively.
High Performance
The one thing about a portable gaming PC is that it has the same level of performance that a normal gaming desktop has. Even if the size is compact, there is no compromise in the performance. In fact, technology has evolved in such a way that companies are focusing on the development of portable options.
For the benefits of PC gamers, a lot of thought has been put into enhancing their experience. Starting from fast running processors to huge storage spaces, portable PCs have it all. You will not be able to find any difference between a normal gaming PC and a portable one in terms of performance.
Upgrade Facilities
You already know that to choose a portable PC, you have to look into the ease of upgrading it. This is also a major benefit when you are opting for a portable pc. The ability to upgrade a portable PC is much easier than a heavy-duty one. Compact gaming PCs are built to be modified.
You can customize the PC according to your own need and requirement without much hassle. Most avid gamers opt for portable PCs due to this one major benefit. Not only is the upgrade process easier, but the cost of upgrading a portable PC is also lesser than that of a heavy-duty gaming PC.
Less Noticeable
Portable gaming PCs can be easily hidden and are a lot less noticeable than standard gaming computers. Even the largest of the portable PCs can be packed well so that no one else finds it. This is extremely good for young gamers who want to keep the PC hidden from their family.
You can also save a lot of space on your gaming desk by investing in a portable PC. Since they have the same level of performance and graphics, you can enjoy an exceptional gaming experience with the smaller PCs itself. When you have to travel, you can just pack it in your bag safely and go on your way.
Summing Up
You can find great options for a portable computer at very affordable rates from the above-mentioned models. Many other models in the market can be suitable for you. To find the one which will suit your needs, you will have to look for the essential features. You will be able to benefit a lot from portable gaming PCs.
Even if it is your first time, the important considerations will help you in making the right choice. With the perfect portable gaming PC, you will be able to go on any trip without any hesitation at all. You can enjoy playing your favorite games no matter where you are and at all times.
Find the best portable gaming PC for yourself and venture into an exceptional gaming world!
