Mac mini with M4 chip

The Mac Mini with M4 chip represents a significant leap forward in Apple's compact desktop lineup. Featuring Apple's new M4 chip, this Mini PC delivers impressive performance in a remarkably small 5x5-inch form factor, making it the smallest Mac Mini to date. With 16GB of unified memory as standard, a 10-core CPU, and a 10-core GPU, the Mac Mini is designed to handle a wide range of tasks, from everyday computing to more demanding workflows like video editing and AI processing. Its compact size, quiet operation, and versatile connectivity options make it a compelling choice for users seeking a powerful yet portable desktop solution.

The Mac Mini's redesign includes thoughtful upgrades, such as improved thermal architecture to prevent overheating, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.3 for seamless wireless connectivity. While the base model offers excellent value at $599, users can opt for configurations with additional storage or a 10Gb Ethernet port for enhanced networking. However, the lack of USB-A ports, an SD card reader, and the placement of the power button on the bottom are minor design quirks to consider.

Pros	Cons
Compact and lightweight design, ideal for small spaces or portability	No USB-A ports or SD card reader, requiring adapters for older peripherals
Exceptional performance with the M4 chip, offering 60-70% faster speeds than the M1 model	Base model storage (256GB) may feel limited for some users
Standard 16GB unified memory enhances multitasking and AI processing	High cost for RAM and internal storage upgrades
Supports up to three external displays, including 6K resolution	Power button placement on the bottom can be inconvenient
Quiet operation with efficient thermal management	Built-in speakers are underwhelming for high-quality audio needs

This balance of pros and cons highlights the Mac Mini's strengths as a compact, high-performing desktop while noting a few limitations that may affect specific use cases.

A Closer Look at the new Mac Mini

This redesign marks the first major overhaul of the Mac Mini since 2010, shrinking it to nearly half the size of its predecessor while significantly boosting performance. At its core is the Apple M4 chip, featuring a 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU, which delivers up to 60-70% faster performance than the M1 model. With 16GB of unified memory as standard and 120GB/s memory bandwidth, the Mac Mini is well-equipped for multitasking, AI workflows, and creative applications like video editing and 3D rendering.

The Mac Mini includes three Thunderbolt 4 ports, two USB-C ports, and a full-sized HDMI port, supporting up to three external displays, including 6K resolution. The Thunderbolt ports enable high-speed data transfers and external storage solutions, making up for the limited internal storage of the base model (256GB SSD). Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 ensure fast and reliable wireless connections, while the optional 10Gb Ethernet upgrade caters to users with demanding networking needs. Despite its compact size, the Mac Mini features an innovative thermal design that keeps it cool and quiet, even under heavy workloads.

This Mini PC is also versatile in its use cases. It can be a portable desktop, a home entertainment hub, or a development workstation. Its compact design makes it easy to pair with external monitors like Apple's Studio Display or lightweight, portable screens for on-the-go setups. However, users should note the absence of USB-A ports and an SD card reader, which may require adapters for older peripherals. Additionally, while the built-in speakers are functional, they fall short for users seeking high-quality audio output.

What Reviewers Are Saying About the Mac Mini with M4 Chip

Andrew Ethan Zeng: "A Redesign Done Right"

Andrew Ethan Zeng's review of the Mac Mini with M4 chip highlights its compact size, impressive performance, and thoughtful upgrades. He praises the redesign, noting that the device is now nearly the size of an Apple TV, making it Apple's smallest desktop computer yet. According to Andrew, the M4 chip delivers exceptional performance, with single-core benchmarks surpassing even the M2 Ultra Mac Studio. He describes the Mac Mini as "60-70% faster than the M1 in single-core and multi-core tests," making it a significant leap forward in Apple's lineup.

Andrew appreciates the standard 16GB of unified memory, which enhances multitasking and AI processing capabilities. He also highlights the new thermal architecture, which prevents overheating despite the smaller form factor. However, he critiques the placement of the power button on the bottom and the lightweight design, which can cause the device to slip when plugging in cables. Additionally, he notes that the built-in speakers are underwhelming, and the lack of 10Gb Ethernet as a standard feature is a drawback. Overall, Andrew considers the Mac Mini an excellent choice for users upgrading from older Intel-based Macs or those seeking a high-performing desktop at an affordable price. Watch Andrew's full review here.

Marques Brownlee: "One of the Best Deals in Tech"

Marques Brownlee is equally impressed with the Mac Mini, calling it "one of the best deals in tech." He emphasizes the device's incredibly small size, comparing it to a roll of duct tape, and praises its minimalist design. Marques highlights the value of the base model, which starts at $599 and includes 16GB of unified memory, a 10-core CPU, and a 10-core GPU. He describes the M4 chip as "super solid and power-efficient," excelling in tasks like web browsing, photo editing, and coding.

While Marques appreciates the Mac Mini's performance and quiet operation, he critiques Apple's steep upgrade pricing for storage and RAM. For example, he notes that upgrading to a 1TB SSD costs $400, which he finds excessive. He advises users to stick to the base model and supplement with external storage if needed. Marques also points out the lack of USB-A ports and the unconventional placement of the power button as minor inconveniences. Despite these quirks, he concludes that the Mac Mini is a testament to Apple's ability to create tiny yet powerful computers. Watch Marques' full review here.

Dave2D: "Exceptional Value in a Compact Form"

Dave2D's review highlights the Mac Mini's compact design and excellent value, particularly for the base model. He describes the device as "one of the best-valued products Apple has ever put out." Dave praises the M4 chip's performance, noting that it can handle demanding workflows like real-time 4K video encoding and multitasking with ease. He also commends the efficient cooling system, which keeps the device quiet even under heavy loads.

However, Dave critiques the lack of USB-A ports and the high cost of Apple's RAM and storage upgrades. He recommends external Thunderbolt storage as a more cost-effective solution. Dave also notes that while the Mac Mini is not a gaming device, it is gaming-capable, with improvements in hardware-accelerated ray tracing. He concludes that the base model is ideal for most users, offering exceptional performance at a reasonable price, while the Pro model is better suited for professionals with demanding workflows. Watch Dave's full review here.

Alex Gear & Tech: "The Best Value Computer You Can Buy"

Alex Gear & Tech calls the base model Mac Mini "the best computer from a value perspective" currently available. He highlights its ability to handle a wide range of tasks, from video editing and gaming to running AI models and 3D rendering. Alex notes that the base model performs exceptionally well for most users, though the Pro version offers significant speed and performance boosts for demanding workflows.

Alex praises the Mac Mini's compact design, quiet operation, and low energy consumption, describing it as a "productivity beast." However, he points out the lack of an SD card slot and limited internal storage as drawbacks, recommending external SSDs and hubs as essential accessories. He also critiques Apple's upgrade pricing but emphasizes that the base model offers incredible value for students, casual creators, and budget-conscious users. Watch Alex's full review here.

Across these reviews, common praises include the Mac Mini's compact size, excellent performance, and affordability, particularly for the base model. However, reviewers consistently critique the high cost of upgrades, the lack of USB-A ports, and the placement of the power button. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Mac Mini with M4 chip is widely regarded as a standout product in Apple's lineup, offering exceptional value and versatility.

What Customers Are Saying About the Mac Mini with M4 Chip

Customer feedback for the Mac Mini with M4 chip has been overwhelmingly positive, with many users praising its performance, compact design, and seamless integration into their workflows. Users transitioning from Windows to macOS have described the experience as smooth and intuitive, with one reviewer stating, "It is fast, it is easy, and for a change, computing is fun." The device's speed and quiet operation are frequently highlighted, with customers noting how well it handles tasks like video editing, software development, and general computing.

However, some users have pointed out a few drawbacks. The placement of the power button on the bottom of the device has been described as "absolutely idiotic" by one reviewer, while others have criticized the high cost of RAM and storage upgrades. Many customers have opted to use external SSDs to expand storage, finding this a more cost-effective solution. Despite these minor issues, most users agree that the base model offers excellent value, with one customer noting, "As long as you stay with the base model, it's a deal that just can't be beat."

The Mac Mini has been used in a variety of scenarios, from casual home use to demanding professional workflows. Its versatility, compact size, and ability to integrate with existing peripherals like 4K monitors and external drives make it a popular choice for a wide range of users. Overall, customers appreciate the balance of performance and affordability that the Mac Mini with M4 chip provides.

Conclusion: Who Should Consider the Mac Mini with M4 Chip?

The Mac Mini with M4 chip is an excellent choice for users seeking a compact, high-performing desktop at an affordable price. Its small size and quiet operation make it ideal for home offices, students, or anyone with limited desk space. The base model, in particular, offers exceptional value for everyday tasks, creative workflows, and even light gaming. Professionals working in video editing, software development, or AI-driven applications may find the M4 Pro variant better suited to their needs, thanks to its enhanced performance and additional features.

However, the Mac Mini may not be the best option for users who require extensive internal storage or USB-A connectivity, as these limitations necessitate external accessories. Additionally, gamers looking for a broader library of titles may prefer a Windows-based system.

For those interested in exploring more Mini PCs or comparing the Mac Mini with other options, Starry Hope's Mini PC Comparison Tool is a helpful resource. Whether you're a casual user or a professional, the Mac Mini with M4 chip is a versatile and capable option that fits a variety of needs.