When desktop PCs are too big and laptops are too expensive, mini PCs can step in to save the day. They're a perfect middle ground, and they're just as capable of handling everything you do on Windows 11.
Mini PCs can always be considered affordable, and that's especially true now that Cyber Monday pricing is in full effect at major retailers, coupled with expensive GPU and RAM prices. Whatever you need a PC for, work or play, these are the best mini PC deals this Cyber Monday.
Monday, Dec. 1 @ 10:09 PM ET: Everything checked for correct prices and availability. — Rebecca Spear, Gaming Editor
Which specs matter the most in a mini PC?
A mini PC is exactly what it sounds like. It's a fully functional computer in a compact form, often so surprisingly tiny that it might give unfamiliar users an impression of being underpowered or otherwise inferior to a full-size desktop tower.
However, most components inside come from some of the best laptops, specifically the processor (CPU) and often the memory (RAM), because they're already designed to fit in a small chassis.
👉 Related: Best mini PCs
I've tested countless variants of desktop PC components and laptops, seeing their parts migrate to some of the most fascinating and surprisingly capable mini PCs and experiencing first-hand how performant these little machines can be.
Solid-state storage (SSD) commonly uses the M.2 standard, which looks like a USB memory stick without the plastic casing and comes in ultra-skinny shapes small enough to fit inside any PC or laptop. So, besides the purpose-built power supply (PSU) and motherboard that everything connects to, the only outlier is a graphics card.
Almost all mini PCs rely on the processor's integrated graphics (iGPU) and will handle productivity tasks without issue, while mini PCs for gaming require the extra power that a discrete GPU provides. Even budget desktop graphics cards are generally too big to fit inside a mini PC, with even a compact, single-fan variant proving too chunky. It's another area where laptop-centric parts make an appearance in mini PCs, like NVIDIA's RTX laptop variants available in some of ASUS' ROG NUC units, among others.
What can you use a mini PC for?
Productivity is a common buzzword, but it's relevant here, with mini PCs proving particularly useful to students. It boils down to web browsing, working in apps like Microsoft 365 or Office, and some light creation in image editing suites and simplistic video editors like Clipchamp. Essentially, you can expect to do everything on a mini PC that you would on a laptop or desktop computer besides modern gaming unless the model you pick is geared explicitly towards it with a dedicated graphics card, and don't forget a discounted gaming monitor if you do.
That's not to say you couldn't play any casual titles with lighter minimum specification requirements, especially with titles around ten years or older — just don't expect to enjoy Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 on high settings if you opt for a $300-400 machine with integrated graphics. If your day-to-day is more 'traditional' in that you're spending most of your time on a web browser like performance-optimized Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome, then a mini PC is more than capable of providing an optimal Windows 11 experience.
More Cyber Monday 2025 — Quick links
- All our TOP recommended Cyber Monday deals: Just the best
- Mini PC deals: up to 47% off tiny PCs
- GPU deals: early price drops on NVIDIA RTX before they go up
- Microsoft Surface deals: save up to $500 on premium PCs
- Xbox accessories: best deals on gadgets for your Xbox Series X|S and PC
- Gaming laptop deals: the best laptops for the best price
- Xbox controllers: our top picks for best controller deals
- ANC headphones: great Cyber Monday deals on the best ANC headphones
Even more Cyber Monday deals: - Dell deals: 13 deals from Dell.com that you shouldn't miss
- Best Buy: 34 hottest discounts on laptops, monitors, gaming, and more
- Walmart: 7 top laptop deals you shouldn't miss
- Samsung monitors: the best Samsung display deals we've found
- Retro gaming: handhelds, arcade machines, old school consoles, and more
- Gamer merch: Blizzard’s Warcraft, Overwatch, and Diablo IV collectibles
- Game keys: 10 PC game codes are even cheaper at Loaded (formerly CDKeys)
- Accessories: Even more PC accessories starting at $17
FAQs
When does Cyber Monday start?
Cyber Monday always follows Black Friday and lands on December 1, 2025, this time. It primarily focuses on digital storefronts rather than physical stores, with discounts typically expiring as the Monday ends. However, we've seen some persist until stock sells out, just like Black Friday.
When does Cyber Monday start on Amazon?
Cyber Monday has already started on Amazon US, with its promotional messaging shifting away from Black Friday in the early hours of Saturday morning, on November 29, 2025, and is expected to last until the end of Monday, December 1, 2025.
Which has better deals, Black Friday or Cyber Monday?
Because of how similar the two days (and the weekend between them have become), it's difficult to definitively say if Black Friday or Cyber Monday has the best deals. Many retailers and companies hit Black Friday running with their biggest promotions to get people in the door, but others may wait until Cyber Monday and strike with last-minute discounts that keep interest going until the end.
The rule of thumb to keep in mind here is that if you spot a tempting discount for a product you want, you shouldn't risk waiting for a better deal to come along. Retailers like Amazon and Best Buy will often price match your purchases if prices fall further during your return period, so it's better to take advantage of the deal in front of you than wait for the better deal that may never come (especially since Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals tend to have limited stock).
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