Choosing the Right Mac Mini

In this guide, we'll explore how to select the ideal Mac mini model. Drawing from my background as a Senior Software Engineer, I’ll share insights based on my experiences with both the Intel version and the M1 Mac mini over the past two years. Let's dive into the current offerings from Apple.

Apple has recently ceased the sale of the M1 and Intel Mac mini models, alongside older MacBook Pros. The Apple Online Store is not only witnessing new arrivals but also the removal of older models. While the discontinuation of the MacBook Pro aligns with expectations—given the substantial performance boost of the newer generations—the cessation of the M1 Mac mini may come as a surprise. This model has been a strong contender alongside the M2 versions of the MacBook Air.

The discontinuation of the M1 Mac mini makes sense when considering the attractive pricing of the M2 model. To keep the M1 model viable, Apple would have to significantly lower its price, rendering it nearly uncompetitive. Thus, this move is logical, especially since the M2 doesn't come at a lower price than its predecessor.

Exploring the Current Mac Offerings

Apple has completely exited the Intel processor market for its Macs, which finally puts an end to the debates about how the newer architecture outperforms the older Intel Core processors. While impressive marketing stats are prevalent, I prefer to focus on direct comparisons between the M1 and M2 models.

Configuration Essentials

Given the SSD speed concerns associated with M2 devices, I will proceed under the assumption that these issues persist. As of now, there’s no definitive information on the basic configurations, so it’s prudent to operate under the assumption that a problem exists.

Minimum Configuration Recommendations

The ideal minimal setup, in my view, includes a basic M2 model with an upgrade to 16GB of unified memory and a 512GB SSD. While this option may cost around $400 more than the base model, it is worthwhile. Since neither RAM nor SSD can be upgraded later, it’s better to invest a bit more upfront for a machine that is responsive and won’t restrict your use down the line. For those facing storage limitations, external NVMe drives offer competitive speeds and pricing.

Optimal Configuration for Power Users

For more demanding tasks, I recommend opting for the Apple M2 Pro with 10 cores and 16GB of RAM. This setup strikes a balance between performance and future-proofing, with a 512GB SSD that should suffice for most users. If more storage is needed, utilizing an external drive can provide a cost-effective solution without compromising on speed.

Ultimate Configuration for Intensive Workloads

For users with high-performance needs, the configuration featuring the 12-core CPU in the M2 Pro alongside 32GB of unified memory is ideal. This choice aligns with my considerations for upgrading from the M1 Mac mini, primarily due to the increased core count and memory, which cater to more intensive tasks.

Update on SSD Concerns

Recent reports indicate that the M2 and M2 Pro models come with a single memory module for 512GB storage, resulting in slower read and write speeds. This is a development worth noting for potential buyers.

Conclusion: Should You Upgrade?

If you own an M1 Mac mini and are contemplating an upgrade, consider whether you need a medium or ultra configuration. There’s little justification for moving from an older base model to a newer one, as the performance difference is minimal—just a 300KHz increase. The improvements in app loading times or video export durations are unlikely to warrant a new purchase.

However, if you find the M2 Pro lacking in performance, the 10-core and 12-core options will undoubtedly offer significant enhancements. The inclusion of four power-saving cores in the M2 and M2 Pro may also explain why the performance upgrades aren't as substantial as anticipated.

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