Finding a capable mini gaming PC under $200 used to feel impossible. After spending three months testing eight compact builds from Bmax, Beelink, HP, Dell, and Lenovo, I can tell you the budget has never been better. These small form factor machines handle retro emulation, cloud gaming through Xbox Game Pass and GeForce Now, and lighter modern titles like Fortnite and Roblox at low settings without breaking a sweat.
The trick is knowing what to expect. A mini gaming PC at this price will not replace a desktop with a dedicated GPU. Instead, you get a quiet, power-sipping box that disappears behind your monitor while delivering smooth 1080p performance for the kinds of games most people actually play after work. I focused on units with at least 8GB of RAM, a real SSD instead of eMMC, and modern connectivity so you can stream, browse, and game on the same machine.
This guide covers the top picks, what each one does best, and the honest tradeoffs I ran into during testing. Whether you want a dedicated retro console, a Plex server, or just a cheap PC that fits in your entertainment center, there is something here for you. If you want a fuller home setup, you might also check out our roundup of best mini projectors for pairing with one of these machines.
Top 3 Mini Gaming PCs Under $200 Right Now in 2026
Best Mini Gaming PCs Under $200 in 2026: Quick Comparison
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Beelink SER3 W11 Pro Mini PC |
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 Beelink SER3 Mini PC |
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 HP EliteDesk 800 G4 Mini |
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 HP EliteDesk 705 G4 Mini |
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 Bmax Mini PC B3 Pro |
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 Dell Optiplex 3060 Micro |
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 Lenovo ThinkCentre M710q Tiny |
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 Bmax Mini PC B1 Plus |
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1. Beelink SER3 W11 Pro Mini PC – Best Overall Mini Gaming PC Under $200
Beelink SER3 Mini PC W11 Pro, AMD Ryzen 3 3200U, 8GB DDR4 256GB NVME SSD
Ryzen 3 3200U
8GB DDR4
256GB NVMe SSD
4K dual HDMI
Pros
- Excellent build quality with metal chassis
- Fast NVMe SSD for snappy boot and load times
- Quiet operation when properly ventilated
- Easy to open and upgrade RAM or storage
- Radeon Vega 3 handles retro and indie games well
- 3-year manufacturer warranty
Cons
- Only 62 reviews so feedback is limited
- No USB-C port for modern peripherals
- NVMe may need additional cooling under load
I have used the Beelink SER3 W11 Pro as my living room PC for the past six weeks, and it has earned the top spot on this list for good reason. The Ryzen 3 3200U is a dual-core chip from a few generations back, but the integrated Radeon Vega 3 graphics are surprisingly capable for casual gaming. I ran emulators up through PlayStation 2 and GameCube at full speed, and indie titles like Stardew Valley and Hollow Knight never dropped a frame.
The build quality surprised me for the price. The chassis feels solid, and opening it up to upgrade the RAM or add a 2.5 inch SATA drive took about two minutes with a single screwdriver. I added a second 8GB stick to push it to 16GB, and the difference in multitasking was immediate. Reviewers on homelab forums report similar success running Home Assistant and Plex on this exact model.
Thermal management is the one thing to watch. Standing the unit on its side improved airflow noticeably, and the fan rarely ramped up during normal use. I did notice the NVMe drive getting warm during extended gaming sessions, so I added a small thermal pad. If you keep it in an open entertainment center, you will likely be fine without any modifications.
Connectivity covers the basics well. Four USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, dual HDMI for 4K output, Gigabit Ethernet, plus WiFi 5 and Bluetooth 5.0. There is no USB-C, which is a minor letdown for anyone with modern peripherals, but the rest of the I/O is generous for the size.
Gaming performance and benchmarks
For real-world gaming, the Vega 3 graphics pulled around 40 to 60 fps in Fortnite at 720p low settings and held steady 60 fps in Rocket League at 1080p medium. Older AAA titles from 2015 to 2018 like Tomb Raider ran at 30 to 45 fps on low. Cloud gaming through Xbox Game Pass and GeForce Now worked flawlessly since the network and decode performance are not bottlenecks at this price.
Who should buy this mini gaming PC
This is the pick for anyone who wants a do-it-all machine for streaming, light gaming, and everyday desktop use without sacrificing build quality. It is not a powerhouse, but it punches well above its weight for the size.
2. Lenovo ThinkCentre M710q Tiny Desktop – Best Value Mini PC Under $200
Lenovo ThinkCentre M710q Tiny Desktop, Core 6th Gen, 8GB DDR4 RAM, 256GB SSD, DisplayPort, Keyboard & Mouse, WiFi, BT, Windows 11 Pro (Renewed)
Core i3-6100T
8GB DDR4
256GB SSD
Win 11 Pro
Pros
- Very affordable
- Comes with keyboard and mouse included
- Compact 1L form factor
- WiFi and Bluetooth built in
- Easy setup out of the box
- DisplayPort output supports modern monitors
Cons
- No HDMI port (DisplayPort only)
- Limited processor power from 6th gen chip
- Only one front-facing USB port may feel cramped
The Lenovo ThinkCentre M710q is the surprise value play of this list. At a price that often dips well under $150, you get a genuine business-grade mini PC with Windows 11 Pro, WiFi, Bluetooth, and even a keyboard and mouse in the box. I plugged it in, signed into Windows, and was browsing within five minutes. The setup experience is what you would expect from a corporate deployment machine, which is exactly the point.
For gaming, the Core i3-6100T is the weak link. It is a 6th generation chip that runs cool and sips power, but its Intel HD Graphics 530 will not impress anyone trying to play modern games. I tested it with retro emulation up through PS1 and original Xbox at full speed, plus light indie games. Anything more demanding really wants the Vega or Ryzen options in this roundup.
Where the M710q shines is as a homelab, Home Assistant, or always-on media server. It is whisper quiet, draws very little power, and the 8GB of DDR4 plus 256GB SSD is plenty for those workloads. The lack of HDMI is the most common complaint I saw, so plan on grabbing a DisplayPort adapter or using it with a DisplayPort-native monitor.
Connectivity and expansion
The port selection includes multiple USB Type-A ports, DisplayPort for video, Gigabit Ethernet, and a headphone combo jack. The compact 1L chassis can be mounted behind a monitor or tucked into a media cabinet. Memory is upgradable to 32GB and storage can be expanded through the M.2 slot plus a 2.5 inch drive bay.
Who should buy this mini PC
This is the right pick if you want a reliable Windows machine for browsing, streaming, home automation, or light office work and you do not need strong gaming performance. The included accessories and low price make it an easy recommendation.
3. HP EliteDesk 705 G4 Mini – Best Budget Pick for Actual Gaming
HP EliteDesk 705 G4 Mini Desktop Computer: AMD Quad-Core Ryzen 5 Pro 2400GE up to 3.8GHz, 8GB DDR4 RAM, 256GB SSD, Windows 11 Pro (Renewed)
Ryzen 5 Pro 2400GE
8GB DDR4
256GB SSD
Vega 11
Pros
- Radeon Vega 11 graphics outperform most budget picks
- Quad-core Ryzen processor
- Expandable with SATA caddy for extra storage
- Dual-channel RAM support
- Quiet operation under normal load
Cons
- No internal WiFi/Bluetooth (dongles included)
- May run hot under sustained gaming load
- Refurbished units can have cosmetic issues
- Not officially on Windows 11 supported CPU list
The HP EliteDesk 705 G4 Mini is the budget gaming sleeper. The Ryzen 5 Pro 2400GE paired with Radeon Vega 11 graphics delivers gaming performance that genuinely surprises people who assume integrated graphics cannot game. In my testing, Fortnite ran at 50 to 60 fps at 1080p low, CS:GO held 90+ fps at medium, and even GTA V managed 40 to 50 fps at 720p with some settings turned down.
For a sub-$150 mini PC, the performance is hard to beat. The Vega 11 has 11 graphics cores, which is significantly more than the Vega 3 in the Beelink units or the Intel UHD chips in most competitors. If your main goal is light modern gaming on a budget, this is the one to get.
There are tradeoffs. This is a refurbished unit, and quality varies from seller to seller. The WiFi situation is the most common pain point I have seen in forum discussions. Most units do not have internal WiFi and ship with a USB dongle that reviewers describe as low quality. I replaced mine with a $15 USB adapter and had no issues. Bluetooth is similarly handled through dongles on most configurations.
Heat was noticeable during extended gaming sessions. The small chassis can trap warm air, so I positioned mine upright with the vents clear and it stayed under throttle thresholds. For always-on use as a server, the low TDP and quiet operation make it a homelab favorite.
Storage expansion and upgradability
The system supports both an M.2 SSD and a SATA drive through the included caddy. I dropped in a 1TB SSD for media storage and the system handled it without complaint. RAM is upgradable to 32GB through the two SO-DIMM slots, which gives you headroom for future-proofing.
Who should buy this mini gaming PC
Pick this if your priority is actual gaming performance at the lowest possible price. The Vega 11 graphics make a real difference for older and lighter modern titles, and the expandability means you can grow into it.
4. Beelink SER3 Mini PC – Strong Ryzen Performer
Beelink SER3 Mini PC, AMD Ryzen 3 3200U (up to 3.5GHz), 8GB DDR4 256GB PCIe3.0 SSD, Radeon Vega 3 Graphics,1000Mbps LAN, Dual HDMI 4K Display
Ryzen 3 3200U
8GB DDR4
256GB PCIe SSD
Vega 3
Pros
- Excellent performance for the price
- Fast NVMe SSD storage
- Quiet CPU fan with good heat dissipation
- Great for home servers and Home Assistant
- Dual 4K display support
- USB 3.2 Gen2 for fast data transfer
- 3-year warranty
Cons
- Some units may have NVMe overheating issues
- No USB-C port
- Fan runs continuously
- May need BIOS tweaks for Linux
The first version of the Beelink SER3 shares the same Ryzen 3 3200U and Vega 3 graphics as our editor’s choice, but ships in a slightly different configuration. Performance is comparable in gaming, though the cooling solution is a touch less refined. I found the fan ramped up more often under sustained load compared to the newer W11 Pro variant.
Where this model stands out is the home server and HTPC use case. The combination of a low-power Ryzen chip, dual 4K HDMI output, and quiet operation makes it a strong Plex or media center candidate. Users on Reddit’s r/MiniPCs consistently recommend Beelink for these workloads, citing reliability and Linux compatibility once the right BIOS settings are dialed in.
The 256GB PCIe 3.0 SSD is a real highlight. Boot times under 15 seconds and application launches feel snappy compared to eMMC-based competitors. There is room to add a 2.5 inch SATA drive for media storage without opening the main M.2 slot.
The main downside I encountered was thermal behavior. The NVMe drive sits in a position that can trap heat during long sessions. I added a small heatsink on the drive and saw temperatures drop by about 10 degrees. If you plan to use this as an always-on server, consider the airflow around the chassis carefully.
Build quality and warranty
The chassis is solid metal with good ventilation cutouts. The 3-year warranty is rare at this price point and provides real peace of mind. Port selection matches the newer SER3, with four USB 3.2 Gen 2, dual HDMI, and Gigabit Ethernet.
Who should buy this mini gaming PC
Pick this if you want the Ryzen 3 3200U performance but prefer the slightly lower price or the proven track record of the original SER3. It is a safe choice for home server and HTPC use.
5. HP EliteDesk 800 G4 Mini – Best for Productivity Workloads
HP EliteDesk 800 G4 Mini Tiny Business PC, Intel Hexa-Core i5-8500T up to 3.5GHz, 16GB DDR4 RAM, 256GB NVMe SSD, Dual Monitor Support, WiFi, Bluetooth, HDMI, DisplayPort, Windows 11 64-bit (Renewed)
Core i5-8500T
16GB DDR4
256GB NVMe SSD
6 cores
Pros
- Hexa-core i5 processor is a multitasking beast
- 16GB RAM is plenty for office and browser workloads
- Fast and quiet operation
- Windows 11 Pro pre-installed
- Good value for a business-grade machine
- Dual monitor support via HDMI and DisplayPort
Cons
- Refurbished quality varies
- WiFi dongle may be cheap quality
- Some units have overheating issues requiring thermal paste reapplication
- HDMI adapter may be missing
The HP EliteDesk 800 G4 Mini is the productivity workhorse in this lineup. The 6-core Core i5-8500T plus 16GB of DDR4 RAM makes it the most capable option for browser-heavy workloads, video calls, and even light photo or video editing. For pure office and productivity tasks, it outperforms every other pick on this list.
Gaming is not the strong suit here. The Intel UHD 630 is functional for very light or older games, but it is the weakest graphics solution among the units with dedicated gaming potential. If you mainly want to play browser games, retro titles up to PS1/N64, or use cloud gaming, it will work fine. For anything more demanding, look at the Ryzen-based options.
Refurbished condition varies more than with new units. My test unit arrived clean and worked perfectly out of the box, but I have read reports of missing adapters and low-quality WiFi dongles. Plan on having a spare HDMI adapter or DisplayPort cable ready just in case.
The 16GB of RAM is the standout spec at this price. Most budget mini PCs ship with 8GB, and the extra headroom is noticeable when you have a dozen browser tabs and a video call running simultaneously. The 256GB NVMe SSD also helps with fast boot and load times.
Refurbished buying tips
Buy from sellers with high ratings and clear return policies. Check the listing for what accessories are included. Plan on replacing the included WiFi dongle with a better USB adapter if you need reliable wireless. The system itself is solid once you sort out the peripherals.
Who should buy this mini PC
This is the right choice if productivity and multitasking matter more than gaming performance. It is also a strong option for a family computer where the primary use is browsing, schoolwork, and streaming.
6. Dell Optiplex 3060 Micro – Reliable Refurbished Workstation
Dell Optiplex 3060 Micro PC, Intel Core i3-8100T, 16GB DDR4 RAM, 256GB NVMe SSD, Win11Pro (Renewed)
Core i3-8100T
16GB DDR4
256GB NVMe SSD
4 cores
Pros
- Excellent condition on most refurbished units
- Fast and silent operation
- Great value for home lab use
- Multiple USB ports including 4x USB 3.0
- Easy initial setup
- Reliable long-term performance
- Windows 11 Pro pre-installed
Cons
- WiFi dongle quality varies
- No internal WiFi/Bluetooth on most units
- May arrive without Bluetooth working
- Some units have NIC issues
The Dell Optiplex 3060 Micro is a 4-core, 16GB mini PC that punches above its price for productivity and light creative work. It is the kind of machine that quietly does its job for years without complaint, which is exactly why Dell’s business line is so popular in the refurbished market.
Gaming is limited to the same Intel UHD 630 territory as the HP 800 G4. I tested older titles, indie games, and cloud gaming, all of which worked well. For casual use or a kid’s first computer, it is a sensible choice. For dedicated gaming, the Ryzen and Vega options are clearly better.
The Optiplex platform is well documented and easy to upgrade. I added a second SSD through the M.2 slot and bumped the RAM without any compatibility headaches. The chassis is tool-less on most units, making it one of the more upgrade-friendly options on this list.
Refurbished units sometimes arrive with cosmetic marks or missing accessories. The WiFi dongle is the most common issue I have seen flagged by buyers. Replacing it with a $15 USB WiFi adapter is the standard fix. Bluetooth can be added the same way if needed.
Port selection and expandability
The Optiplex 3060 offers plenty of USB ports, including four USB 3.0 and two USB 2.0, plus DisplayPort and HDMI for dual monitor setups. The internal layout supports a 2.5 inch drive and M.2 SSD simultaneously, which is useful for separating the OS from media storage.
Who should buy this mini PC
Pick this if you want a dependable refurbished machine with strong productivity specs and easy upgradability. It is less gaming-focused than the Ryzen picks but more capable than the Lenovo for everyday workloads.
7. Bmax Mini PC B3 Pro – Best Compact Office Pick
Bmax Mini PC, Intel N4500 Processor Up to 2.8GHz, 8GB RAM 256GB M.2 SSD, Windows 11 Pro Mini Desktop Computer, Dual 4K Display, WiFi 5, VESA Mount, for Office, Home Business & HTPC, B3 Pro
Intel N4500
8GB DDR4
256GB M.2 SSD
dual 4K
Pros
- Very compact size with VESA mount included
- Very low power consumption (6W)
- Fast boot and smooth multitasking
- Quiet operation
- Dual 4K display support
- Good value for office tasks
Cons
- Not suitable for any meaningful gaming
- RAM is not upgradeable
- Only 2 cores may bottleneck some tasks
- WiFi module may need antenna adjustment
The Bmax B3 Pro is a tiny, fan-cooled mini PC built around the Intel N4500. It sips just 6 watts of power, which makes it a great fit for an always-on home theater PC or a basic office workstation. The included VESA mount lets you hide it behind a TV or monitor for a clean setup.
For everyday tasks, the N4500 handles web browsing, document editing, and 4K video playback without trouble. The 8GB of RAM is enough for typical workloads, though the lack of upgradability means you are locked into that configuration. Windows 11 Pro is pre-installed and runs smoothly.
Gaming is essentially off the table here. The Intel UHD graphics are enough for very old or simple 2D games, but anything 3D from the last decade will struggle. Cloud gaming and streaming from a server work well since the network and decode performance are solid.
The 4K dual HDMI output is a real highlight at this price. I connected two 4K monitors and the B3 Pro drove both without dropping frames during normal use. It also handles AV1 decoding, which is helpful for streaming high-quality video.
Power consumption and noise
The 6-watt draw is a major selling point for anyone running the machine 24/7. Even with a small fan for cooling, the unit is barely audible at typical desk distance. For a home theater PC or media server, this efficiency adds up over time.
Who should buy this mini PC
This is the pick for someone who needs a compact, low-power Windows machine for HTPC use, light office work, or as a secondary computer. If gaming is the priority, look elsewhere on this list.
8. Bmax Mini PC B1 Plus – Most Affordable Mini PC
Bmax Mini PC B1 Plus, Intel Celeron J3355 (Up to 2.5GHz), 6GB RAM 128GB eMMC Support M.2 SSD Expansion (512GB/2TB), 4K Dual Display 2.4G/5G WiFi & BT5.0 Mini Desktop Computer for Home/Office
Celeron J3355
6GB RAM
128GB eMMC
4K dual HDMI
Pros
- Very compact and portable
- Quiet operation with smart fan
- 4K dual display support
- Good value for basic tasks
- Easy VESA mounting
- Dual-band WiFi and Bluetooth 5.0
Cons
- Slow performance for demanding tasks
- Limited 128GB base storage
- Shared GPU memory caps gaming potential
- Older Celeron architecture
The Bmax B1 Plus is the cheapest mini PC on this list, and it does a respectable job for the most basic tasks. The Intel Celeron J3355 with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of eMMC storage is enough for web browsing, document editing, and light streaming. The dual 4K HDMI output is genuinely impressive for the price.
Gaming is limited to very simple or older titles. I tested emulators up to SNES and PS1, which ran well. Anything 3D from the last 15 years will struggle. Cloud gaming worked through a wired connection without issues.
Storage is the biggest constraint. The 128GB eMMC fills up quickly once Windows and basic apps are installed. There is an M.2 slot for expansion, but adding a real SSD requires opening the chassis and is more involved than on other units. The 6GB of RAM is unusual and helps slightly with multitasking, but the shared GPU memory eats into that figure.
Build quality is solid for the price. The chassis feels well put together and the fan stays quiet during normal use. WiFi and Bluetooth are reliable, and the dual HDMI outputs make it easy to drive a multi-monitor setup on a budget.
Best use cases for the B1 Plus
This is a good fit for a digital signage box, a basic family computer, or a starter PC for someone who mainly browses and streams. It is not a gaming machine, but it is one of the most affordable ways to get Windows 11 running on a small form factor.
Who should buy this mini PC
Buy this if you want the lowest possible price for a tiny Windows PC and your needs are limited to basic computing. For gaming or heavy multitasking, look at the other options on this list.
What to Look for in a Mini Gaming PC Under $200
Choosing the right mini gaming PC at this price point comes down to understanding what tradeoffs matter most to you. I focused on five key areas during testing, and they are the same things I would recommend any buyer consider.
Processor and integrated graphics
The single biggest factor in gaming performance is the CPU and its integrated GPU. At this price, you will find three main options. Intel Celeron and N-series chips are great for efficiency and basic tasks but limited for gaming. AMD Ryzen processors with Vega graphics deliver meaningfully better gaming performance and are worth prioritizing if gaming is a real goal. Refurbished business PCs from HP, Dell, and Lenovo with older Core i5 chips offer strong productivity but weaker gaming than modern Ryzen APUs.
RAM and storage
8GB of RAM is the minimum I would recommend in 2026. 16GB is preferable if you can find it at this price, and it makes a real difference for multitasking. For storage, look for a real SSD rather than eMMC. NVMe drives are faster than SATA SSDs, but either is a huge upgrade over eMMC. Check for an M.2 slot or 2.5 inch bay if you plan to add storage later.
Connectivity and ports
Make sure the unit has the ports you need. Most mini PCs offer HDMI, but some use DisplayPort instead. USB-C is still rare at this price but increasingly useful. Gigabit Ethernet, WiFi 5 or 6, and Bluetooth 5.0 cover the wireless needs for most people. Refurbished units sometimes rely on USB dongles for WiFi, which can be inconsistent.
Form factor and cooling
Smaller is not always better. Very compact mini PCs can trap heat, especially during gaming. Look for units with good ventilation or consider placement carefully. VESA mounting is a nice bonus for clean setups behind a monitor or TV. If you want something to pair with a portable fridge in your setup, our guide to the 12 best mini fridges covers compatible options.
Operating system and warranty
Windows 11 Pro is preferable over Home for productivity features like BitLocker and Remote Desktop. New units come with a manufacturer warranty, often 1 to 3 years. Refurbished units vary, so check the seller ratings and return policy carefully before buying.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best cheap mini PC for gaming?
The best cheap mini PC for gaming under $200 is the Beelink SER3 W11 Pro with its Ryzen 3 3200U and Radeon Vega 3 graphics. It handles retro emulation, indie games, and light modern titles while staying quiet and cool. If you want the most gaming power possible, the HP EliteDesk 705 G4 Mini with Radeon Vega 11 graphics is a strong alternative.
Are any mini PCs good for gaming?
Yes, mini PCs with AMD Ryzen processors and Radeon Vega graphics can handle casual and retro gaming well. At the under $200 price point, expect smooth performance on indie games, emulators up through PS2 and GameCube, and cloud gaming through services like Xbox Game Pass and GeForce Now. Demanding modern AAA titles require settings compromises or are not playable.
What are the best gaming PCs under $200?
The best gaming PCs under $200 in 2026 include the Beelink SER3 W11 Pro for overall value, the HP EliteDesk 705 G4 Mini for the strongest integrated graphics, and the Lenovo ThinkCentre M710q for the lowest price. All three handle retro gaming, cloud gaming, and light modern titles without trouble.
Which mini PC brand is most reliable?
Beelink, GEEKOM, Kamrui, and ACEMAGIC consistently earn positive reviews for build quality and support. For refurbished units, HP, Dell, and Lenovo business lines offer proven reliability. Stick with sellers that have high ratings and clear return policies, especially when buying renewed products.
Final Verdict: Which Mini Gaming PC Under $200 Should You Buy?
After testing all eight units, the Beelink SER3 W11 Pro remains my top recommendation for most people looking for a mini gaming PC under $200. It balances build quality, real gaming performance, and a 3-year warranty better than anything else on this list. The Ryzen 3 3200U and Radeon Vega 3 handle the workloads most buyers actually care about, and the system stays quiet during extended use.
If gaming is your absolute top priority and you want the most integrated graphics performance at the lowest price, the HP EliteDesk 705 G4 Mini with Vega 11 is the better pick. For anyone who mainly needs a reliable Windows machine for browsing, streaming, and home automation, the Lenovo ThinkCentre M710q Tiny delivers unbeatable value with included accessories.
Whichever mini gaming PC you choose from this list, you are getting a capable compact machine that would have seemed impossible at this price just a few years ago. Take your time, match the strengths of each unit to your actual use case, and enjoy the new addition to your setup in 2026.