Is the Mac Mini M4 Worth It?

Published on January 24, 2025, by Jim Mendenhall

Apple’s Mac Mini has long been popular for those seeking a compact and affordable desktop computer. With the release of the M4-powered Mac Mini in late 2024, Apple has once again raised the bar for performance and value in the mini PC market. But is the Mac Mini M4 truly worth the investment, especially compared to the wide array of Windows-based mini PCs? This article delves into a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis of the Mac Mini M4 versus its Windows counterparts, considering performance, features, price, and long-term value.

Mac Mini M4: An Overview

The Mac Mini M4 is Apple’s latest iteration of its compact desktop computer, featuring the powerful M4 chip and a redesigned even smaller form factor. Starting at $599, the base model offers 16GB of unified memory and 256GB of SSD storage. With this release, Apple has increased the base RAM to 16GB, enhancing the value proposition compared to previous models with only 8GB. For those seeking more power, the M4 Pro version is available for $1399, boasting enhanced CPU and GPU capabilities and support for Thunderbolt 5.

One of the key advantages of the Mac Mini is its flexibility. It acts as the “brain” of your setup, allowing you to choose your peripherals, such as the monitor, keyboard, and mouse. This can be particularly cost-effective, as you can reuse existing peripherals or opt for more affordable options than buying an all-in-one PC or a laptop with fixed components.

Key Features of the Mac Mini M4

M4 Chip: The M4 chip offers a significant performance boost over previous generations, with a 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU.
Compact Design: The Mac Mini M4 is incredibly small, measuring just 5 x 5 inches.
Versatile Connectivity: It includes Thunderbolt 4/5 ports, USB-C ports, an HDMI port, and an option for Gigabit or 10Gb Ethernet
Silent Operation: The M4 chip’s efficiency results in virtually silent operation during everyday tasks.
macOS Sequoia: The latest version of macOS, Sequoia, runs smoothly on the Mac Mini M4.

Advantages of the Mac Mini M4

Performance: The M4 chip delivers exceptional performance for everyday tasks and easily handles demanding workloads like video editing and 3D rendering. Despite its small size, the Mac Mini M4 offers performance comparable to larger desktop Macs, making it a true “small but mighty” machine.
Value: The base model offers excellent value for money, providing a powerful and compact machine at an affordable price.
Ecosystem: Seamless integration with other Apple devices and services.
Longevity: Apple Silicon’s efficiency and performance suggest long-term value and extended lifespan.
Quiet Operation: The M2 chip’s efficiency means the fan rarely spins up, ensuring a quiet and distraction-free work environment.
Ray Tracing: The M4 chip introduces hardware-accelerated ray tracing, benefiting gamers and creative professionals who require realistic rendering and lighting effects.

Disadvantages of the Mac Mini M4

Gaming Limitations: While the M4 chip offers decent graphics performance, macOS still lacks the extensive game libraries available on Windows.
Upgrade Restrictions: The Mac Mini M4’s RAM and storage are not user-upgradeable, limiting future expansion options. To address this, users can consider external SSD enclosures to expand storage affordably.
Limited Ports: The number of ports may be insufficient for users with complex setups, potentially requiring a Thunderbolt hub or dock.
Power Button Placement: Some users find the power button placement on the back of the device awkward.

Windows Mini PCs: A Diverse Landscape

The Windows mini PC market offers various options with different processors, features, and price points to suit diverse needs. This variety allows users to choose a machine that aligns with their specific requirements and budget, whether for basic tasks, home labs, small businesses, or demanding workloads like gaming and content creation. Some popular choices include:

Budget-friendly Options:

GMKtec G3 Plus: An affordable mini PC for basic tasks featuring an Intel N150 processor and up to 32GB of RAM.

Compact and Powerful:

Beelink GTi12 Ultra: The Beelink GTi12 Ultra is a high-performance Mini PC designed to deliver desktop-class capabilities in a compact form factor. Powered by the Intel Core i9-12900H/HK processor, this device offers 14 cores and 20 threads, making it well-suited for demanding tasks such as content creation, multitasking, and even gaming when paired with an external GPU.

Gaming and Performance:

GMKtec ‎Nuxbox M7 Pro: The GMKtec ‎Nuxbox M7 Pro is a high-performance Mini PC designed for users seeking a compact yet versatile computing solution. Powered by the AMD Ryzen 9 6900HX processor with eight cores and 16 threads, this Mini PC delivers impressive processing power in a small form factor. If you need more gaming power than the AMD Radeon 680M GPU provides, you can connect an external GPU with the included Oculink port.

Advantages of Windows Mini PCs

Variety: A wide range of options to suit different needs and budgets.
Gaming: Access to the extensive game libraries available on Windows.
Upgradeability: Many Windows mini PCs offer upgrading RAM and storage options.
Price: Competitive pricing, with options available for under $300.

Disadvantages of Windows Mini PCs

Performance: While some high-end Windows mini PCs offer comparable performance to the Mac Mini M4, many budget-friendly options may have limitations.
Software: The Windows operating system may have a steeper learning curve for some users than macOS.
Build Quality: Some Windows mini PCs may have lower build quality than Mac Mini M4.
Noise: Some Windows mini PCs can be noisy under load due to their cooling systems.

Performance Comparison

The Mac Mini M4’s M4 chip delivers exceptional performance, particularly in single-core tasks. It excels in everyday tasks like web browsing and document editing and smoothly handles demanding workloads like video editing and 3D rendering. Moreover, the M4 chip has shown strong performance in AI tasks, making the Mac Mini M4 a viable option for users interested in AI applications.

While some high-end Windows mini PCs with AMD Ryzen 9 processors offer comparable performance, the Mac Mini M4 generally outperforms most Windows counterparts in its price range. For instance, the Geekom AX8 Pro, with its AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS processor, demonstrates strong CPU performance, potentially exceeding that of some Intel-based mini PCs in its price range.

Regarding gaming, Windows mini PCs have a clear advantage due to the wider selection of games available on the Windows platform. The integrated graphics in both Mac and Windows mini PCs are generally suitable for 1080p gaming, but demanding titles may require lower settings.

Features and User Experience

The Mac Mini M4 offers a seamless and user-friendly experience with macOS Sequoia. Its integration with other Apple devices and services is a significant advantage for those invested in the Apple ecosystem. On the other hand, Windows mini PCs offer greater flexibility and customization options, with a wider range of software and peripherals available.

The Mac Mini M4’s compact design and silent operation are notable advantages. However, some Windows mini PCs, like the Minisforum Mercury EM780, offer smaller form factors, making them highly portable for users who need to take their work.

Total Cost of Ownership

Beyond the initial purchase price, the total cost of ownership, which includes factors like software, peripherals, and potential repairs, must be considered.

Software Costs

macOS comes with free productivity and creative applications, such as iMovie for video editing and GarageBand for music production. Windows often requires purchasing software licenses like Microsoft Office, which can cost around $70 per year for a personal license. However, free alternatives to Microsoft Office are available for Windows, such as LibreOffice and Google Workspace. Many essential applications, like web browsers and communication tools, are available for macOS and Windows at no cost.

Peripherals

The Mac Mini M4 requires an external monitor, keyboard, and mouse. These can be purchased separately, and the cost can vary significantly. For example, a decent monitor compatible with the Mac Mini M4 can range from around $100 to over $300, depending on the size, resolution, and features. Similarly, a keyboard and mouse combo can cost anywhere from $20 to $200, depending on the brand, features, and wireless capabilities. Some Windows mini PCs may come bundled with peripherals, offering cost savings.

Repairs

Apple products generally have a good reputation for reliability, but repairs can be expensive if they are not covered by warranty. Windows mini PCs, particularly those with user-replaceable components, may offer more affordable repair options.

Price and Value

The Mac Mini M4 starts at $599, offering excellent value for its performance and features. However, Windows mini PCs offer a wider range of price points, with some budget-friendly options available for under $300.

The Mac Mini M4’s longevity and strong resale value are important when considering long-term value. Apple devices generally hold their value better than Windows PCs, making the Mac Mini M4 a potentially more cost-effective investment in the long run.

Resale Value

Mac Mini M4 is expected to have a good resale value, potentially exceeding comparable Windows mini PCs. For example, trade-in values for the M2 Mac Mini, the previous generation model, were as high as $325. This can be a significant advantage when considering long-term value and the overall cost of ownership.

The resale value of Windows mini PCs can vary significantly depending on the brand, model, and specifications. Factors like the processor, RAM, storage, and overall condition of the machine can influence its resale value.

Conclusion

The Mac Mini M4 is a powerful and compact desktop computer that offers excellent value for money, particularly for those invested in the Apple ecosystem. Its performance, user experience, and longevity make it a compelling choice. However, Windows mini PCs offer greater variety, gaming capabilities, and potential cost savings.

Ultimately, the best choice depends on individual needs and priorities. For users seeking a seamless macOS experience, strong performance, and long-term value, the Mac Mini M4 is a worthwhile investment. Students who need both a desktop and a portable device can pair the Mac Mini with an iPad for note-taking and on-the-go tasks. However, those prioritizing gaming, upgradeability, or budget-friendly options may find Windows mini PCs more suitable. If budget is a primary concern, older Mac Mini models, like the M1 and M2, are available at significant discounts, providing more affordable entry points into the Mac ecosystem.

So, is the Mac Mini M4 worth it? The answer is a resounding yes, especially for users who value its strengths and can work around its limitations. However, the diverse landscape of Windows mini PCs offers compelling alternatives that better suit specific needs and preferences.