Inside the Compact Gaming PC Boom
Small-form-factor builds now rival full towers. We built three to find out.
By Daniel HartmannHardware Reviewer
The gaming tower is shrinking. Efficient graphics cards and better cooling have made small-form-factor builds a realistic choice for high-end gaming.
We built three compact systems, ranging from a shoebox-sized case to a living-room console alternative, and tested them against a full tower with similar parts.
Performance
In most games, the compact builds landed within five percent of the tower. Thermals were the main limit, with the smallest case throttling slightly during long sessions.
Who should build small
If your desk space is limited or you want a PC under the TV, a compact build makes excellent sense. Just budget a little more for a quality power supply and quiet fans.
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