This Minimal Gaming PC Looks Like It Was Designed by Apple

Most gaming PCs are ugly.

RGB everywhere.

Chunky cases.

Designs that look like they were made for 14-year-olds.

This minimal gaming PC build is about stripping back everything unnecessary — no RGB, no plastic, just clean design and solid performance.

If Apple ever decided to make a gaming computer, it might look like this.

The Case

I used the Apollo SE v2 from a company called MCPRUE.

Never heard of them before, but the design stood out immediately.

It looks a lot like the Apple Mac Pro or the Pro Display XDR.

That same perforated metal pattern on the front, all-aluminium construction, and an overall build quality that feels a lot more premium than what you usually get with PC cases.

I got the Deep Space Black version.

It’s not an exact match to the MacBook Pro – it has a bit of a blue/purple tint – but in real life, they’re actually closer than they look on video.

There’s also a silver, and Space Gray version, which probably would’ve matched the Apple aesthetic even more.

All the panels are ventilated.

Front, sides, top.

The front, top, and side panels are all tool-less, which makes building easier.

No branding on the front either – just a clean, machined aluminium block.

My Build

I didn’t build this from scratch.

Just ported over my current setup:

• CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D
• GPU: Asus ProArt GeForce RTX 4080 Super
• RAM: G.Skill DDR5 32GB 6000
• PSU: CORSAIR SF750 (2024) ATX 80 Plus
• SSD: Samsung Pro 990 1TB SSD
• Cooling: be quiet! Pure Rock 2 Black – Front and top intake setup
• Motherboard: Asus Rog Strix X670e – Inverted layout

The GPU sits at the top because of the rotated motherboard.

It’s not a traditional layout, but it helps with airflow and keeps the cable situation fairly tidy.

Thermals are good – even under load.

CPU and GPU temps stay under control without needing to ramp the fans too high.

I might still add an exhaust fan to push more air out the back, but it’s already solid.

Performance is one thing — but this minimal gaming PC build also holds up visually, especially in a workspace where design matters.

Why I Chose This

I play games nearly every day.

Usually Overwatch.

It’s a way to switch off, or just chat with friends.

But I also like my setup to look good.

And most gaming gear just doesn’t.

A lot of people are into the RGB, plastic windows, and aggressive styling.

I’m not.

I wanted something that looked like it could have come from Apple – both in terms of styling and build quality.

There are some decent minimal PC cases out there (Fractal makes nice stuff, and the FormD T1 is a popular one too), but this one stood out because of the front panel design and overall finish.

It’s not easy to find cases that hit this level of design.

That’s what made this case the ideal starting point for a minimal gaming PC build — something that didn’t just perform well, but looked the part too.

The Downsides

The price.

This case cost $380.

That’s a lot, especially when most good PC cases come in under $100.

My old case – the DeepCool CH160 – was around $70, and it’s still a great option if you’re on a budget.

If you’re after something premium but more affordable, the Fractal Design Terra Case is also worth a look.

It’s smaller, beautifully built, and has that same clean, minimal vibe.

Great materials too.

Just not quite as unique or Apple-like in its design language.

With the Apollo SE v2, you’re paying for materials and machining.

Everything is solid.

Nothing flexes.

It feels like it was made in the same factory as Apple hardware.

But it’s not a beginner case.

Building in it isn’t the easiest – there’s not a ton of room, and the inverted layout takes a bit of getting used to.

Also, there’s a slightly ugly MCPRUE plaque on the back.

Thankfully, it’s removable.

My Gaming Setup

I’ve got two setups at my desk – one for work, one for gaming.

This is the gaming side.

• Monitor: LG 32″ OLED, 240Hz and 480Hz dual refresh. Looks incredible. I do think 32″ is slightly too big for fast-paced games like Overwatch – 27″ would’ve been ideal in my opinion.
• Headset: Corsair HS80 Wireless. Still one of the best I’ve used. Great sound and people always comment on the mic quality.
• Keyboard: Wooting 80HE. Analog input, smooth feel, and clean design.
• Mouse: Logitech G305. Simple, reliable. Haven’t felt the need to upgrade.
• Desk Mat: ULX leather desk mat. Clean, glides well. Could see myself trying glass next.
• Other gear:
  • Logitech MX Creative Console – mostly for shortcuts
  • PS5 + DualSense Controller – barely touched these days
  • Steam Deck – still use it when I’m away from the desk
  • Xiaomi Light Bar – powered by USB, with a wireless control dial. Highly recommend.

Wallpaper is from my Palette Wallpaper Pack – if you’re into that clean look.

Final Thoughts

This build isn’t for everyone.

Most people won’t want to spend this much just for aesthetics.

And there are definitely cheaper cases that do the job just fine.

But if you want something clean, minimal, and different from the usual gamer look – this is probably as close as you’ll get to a minimal gaming PC build that feels like it came out of Apple’s design studio.

*Some of the links in this post are affiliate links — which means I may earn a small commission if you buy through them. It doesn’t cost you anything extra, and I only recommend gear I’ve actually tested.