The Apple Mac mini now features Apple’s first chip designed specifically for Mac. The Apple M1 integrates the CPU, GPU, Neural Engine, I/O, and more into a single system on a chip (SoC). All of this boosts the Mac mini to an entirely different level, as it features up to three times faster CPU performance, up to six times faster graphics, and up to 15 times faster machine learning with the 16-Core Neural Engine. You’ll be able to work, play, and create on a Mac mini with more power and speed than previous models, making it suitable for home offices, gaming, music creation, digital art and signage, and more. Adding to the Mac mini’s power is 8GB of RAM, which helps to ensure smooth multitasking and also allows the computer to quickly access frequently used files and programs.
The 8-Core GPU delivers a sharp, clear picture, and you’ll be able to output video to an external display using the system’s Thunderbolt 3 ports, which feature native DisplayPort output, or use the built-in HDMI 2.0 port. You’ll be able to connect one 6K / 60 Hz display using Thunderbolt 3 and a second 4K / 60 Hz display using HDMI 2.0.
For storing your files, this Mac mini is equipped with a 256GB SSD that delivers speeds of up to 3.4 GB/s. If you want to add external peripherals, two Thunderbolt 3 / USB4 ports that support bi-directional transfer speeds of up to 40 Gb/s, as well as 10 Gb/s USB 3.1 Gen 2, plus charging and power for external devices. Thanks to two 5 Gb/s USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A ports, you’ll still be able to connect other devices to this system. Gigabit Ethernet is built in for wired networking, or use Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) for wireless access. Bluetooth 5.0 technology will allow you to connect additional compatible peripherals, including keyboards, mice, and headsets. Sound is output using a 3.5mm headphone jack. Apple’s Mac mini operates using an internal 150W power supply that runs off 100-240 VAC at 50 to 60 Hz.
This Mac comes preloaded with macOS. Updates can be downloaded for free via the Mac App Store. Please check Apple’s website for upgrade eligibility Also, please be aware that a keyboard and mouse are not included.
Marge Lowe (verified owner) –
I’m shocked at how great this Mac Mini is for video production. I am using it to replace my 15 Macbook Pro. The M1 CPU and GPU have been amazing for video production. I use Final Cut Pro to edit TV commercials, infomercials and personal YouTube videos. It’s rendering 4k video files with ease! To sum it up: You can now buy a Mac that doesn’t break the bank and can handle about anything you want to create.
Misty Donnelly (verified owner) –
It’s been 11 years since my last Mac Mini and it is still with me. I hope to get many years out of this one as well. It is easy to set up and it is very quick. No issues and performs great.
Cleta Hill (verified owner) –
It’s a great value low profile computer with very minimal real estate space on the table. Can be put behind the monitor. I’ve used it for audio and video productions and works perfectly.
Marc Bins (verified owner) –
Purchased the Mac Mini for use with my business (software/ app development). Nice and portable, powerful for its size, worth the investment.
Arnold Haley (verified owner) –
I’ve always had MacBook pros, but wanted a desktop for my pandemic home office. It works great and is really fast. Very easy to install and to make it function synced with my MacBook Pro. It’s a great buy!
Uriah Ratke (verified owner) –
So are this machine seems to perform just as all the glowing reviews promised. There are issues with bluetooth connections (with mouse and keyboard) that I understand are being addressed. Also, as one might imagine, there are incompatibility issues with some old software. But the speed is impressive
Nikolas Bechtelar (verified owner) –
Best ever, headless using Luna Display to view on older 27″ iMac . . . Fast, smooth, the future!!!!
Demario Hagenes (verified owner) –
It’s awesome, so much faster than Intel Macs, definitely work the upgrade. If you want a Mac desktop, this is an extremely good deal for the money.
Rosie Gulgowski (verified owner) –
I bought this to replace 2 computer that broke this year, my 2014 MacBook Pro 15 and my iMac 27 retina. I enjoy the price of entry and the speed. I use Lightroom and photoshop, Lightroom to merge HDR photos, and photoshop to clone out certain things. I went with the 8gb model because the 16 gb model was sold out and the reviewers made it seem like 8gb was enough and the price was low enough for me to wait for the iMac renew. For the HDR 8gb seems to be just as fast as my old 15 mbp. This is with the unoptimized Lightroom tho. Maybe it will get faster. Graphics are better on this machine adobe premier runs smooth and that is also unoptimized. If you are thinking of getting this to merge HDR photos I think the 16gb version is better. Other than that I am enjoying this machine.
Verna Abernathy (verified owner) –
Started back in the late 80’s to current iMac and this little Mini is by far the best. Faster and with only 16gb of ram. Yes it could use more ports but Thunderbolt dock takes care of that. I’m a professional artist and photographer and this handles the most demanding work flow. I’ve paired it with a 32″ Benq monitor and Samsung t7 2tb ssd.
Alan Hansen (verified owner) –
I shoot in BRAW and the Mac Mini handles it well, but it handles ProRes faster than my 2018 i7 Mac Mini with an 8GB EGPU. I am very impressed with this machine and would recommend it to anyone who shoots or edits in ProRes or H.265 codec (Like the R5) if you’re shooting in BRAW then you may want to wait until the newer Mac’s are released. I don’t love only having two TB4 ports but this Mac kills my $7,000 Mac mini (With EGPU) build on so many levels for $1,400 (I got the 16GB unified Ram with 1TB SSD) that I would buy this and an M1 Laptop and still have enough money for monitors and more SSD TB3 drives.
Erin Gleason (verified owner) –
Had the 8gb model, topped out too often with my workflow. With 16gb, no problem. You guys are awesome
Audra Wolff (verified owner) –
I bought this Mac mini to use in my church with both ProPresenter and OBS, and it works great! No glitches, it is a great value for money. The only drawback is that NDI software does not work as of today, but I hope this issue is gonna be solved within a couple of months. Fast and dependable machine.
Mckayla Kihn (verified owner) –
This is the greatest. Really fast.
Tierra Zulauf (verified owner) –
For most graphic applications this computer is a compact little screamer. Only downside is number of ports. Would not buy at less than 16GB RAM or less than 1TB storage.
Carol Murray (verified owner) –
Super fast, extremely versatile, using as a Plex and multi-volume headless server, accessing via Jump Desktop and Luna Display on a 27 iMac (circa 2018) and Matias full-size keyboard (4 Bluetooth buttons) . . . great price and easy access.
Hailie Walsh (verified owner) –
Upgraded my 2009 MacPro, what a huge step up. So much faster without the huge size and loud video card fans of my older computer. My only complaint is the price of the upgrades I paid double the price to upgrade to 16gb ram and a 1tb ssd. As a video editor had to have at least that much. I wish it had more expand ability… The screen black out randomly when using a usb c to hdmi cable, switching to hdmi port, which solved the issue. Been using for over a month without a problem.
Lucienne Medhurst (verified owner) –
Was all set to buy the shiny new iMac to replace my 2017 iMac. Discovered this has the same M1 chip and ports so… I bought an inexpensive monitor ($200) and hooked this up and couldn’t be happier. Saved about $800 and I still have the performance without the shiny thing in the corner.
Justina Morissette (verified owner) –
Works great! Once you get it all set up, which takes a lot more than past set ups of Mac products. For instance, getting the Mac Mini M1 to recognize my LG Monitor’s speakers was a chore that took time to find how and, fortunately, the fix was easy. That’s how set up went on several fronts, BUT once it was set up it’s been great. I highly recommend with the caution that it will take some effort.
Alejandra Jacobson (verified owner) –
For what the little Mac does, it is outstanding. Especially because the fan noise is pretty much zero. It boots quickly, does well with everyday tasks, and surprised me with the ability to do video production. The good: It is compact, well made, has a beefy enough power supply to handle most USB stuff, has HDMI, as well as Thunderbolt for video out, and has built in Ethernet. The bad: As with all late model Apple stuff, you can’t upgrade it, so order it with what you need now. Thankfully B&H has models with 16 GB and various disk sizes in stock, which greatly helped. Overall, a nice machine, and I’ve had zero regrets getting it.