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.
Jakob Mosciski (verified owner) –
I am an audio scrubber – that is, I clean audio recordings from distracting noise. For this, I use Izotope, which has many modules dedicated to removing particular types of noise, such as mouth clicks. Problem was that my Core 2 Duo iMac is way to slow for this module and others. It takes about a minute to compute a 1-second preview of the mouth-declicker. By that time I’d forget how the preceding cycle sounded. Moreover, I had a particularly challenging project due shortly. The MiniMac, like the cavalry, arrived just in time! The migration of the iMac’s system took perhaps half an hour and most of the software, including Izotope, worked right from the bat. I hooked a 10-port USB hub up to one of the 2 USB-3 ports to attach my audio peripherals and that, too, worked seamlessly. I could get to work within less than 2 hours from opening the box. What had taken a minute to compute on the iMac now took only a few milliseconds. The project was delivered on time and there was not a mouth-click left in it!
Hiram Weimann (verified owner) –
Replaced my PC as I wanted to try a Mac Mini. It has been a joy. Faster and more intuitive overall than a PC. Less space taken up and a more stable platform so far. I have no regrets.
Dora Schmidt (verified owner) –
We needed to upgrade a studio computer we use for audio recording and editing. We have another 2018 Mac mini which we love and this one is even faster and cost us less. It runs dual monitors, an audio interface, a usb hub and raw audio recording without a snag of any kind. The ability to install iPad/iPhone apps natively is a nice feature as some port over nicely. The only drawback I could mention is the old models had 4 USB-C ports, while this one just has two.
Deja Runte (verified owner) –
I decided that after my MacBook Pro had a logic board failure, that I was giving up on laptops. I instead went with the Mac Mini. So glad I did! One big deciding factor was I wanted to try my hand at recording music. With an 8-core processor, 16-core Neural engine, 16 gigs of ram and a 1TB SSD. This little Mac mini will conquer anything I throw at it. It is very quiet, and doesn’t take up a lot of space on the desk top either. It has two (2) Thunderbolt ports that moves a lot of information at a very high speed. We’re talking up to 40Gb/s! The new Mac mini with the M1 Chip is one of the best computers you can buy in my opinion.
Deon Lebsack (verified owner) –
It. Is. Fast. Apps load quick, and 4k videos playback smooth. Only complaint is Adobe still isn’t native and Final Cut is a terrible NLE coming from Premiere, but it runs like silk.
Tierra Hane (verified owner) –
I love B&H Photo! They exceed expectations all the time. I am a multiple-repeat customer, and I intend to continue my relationship with them for future purchases dan
Seth Crona (verified owner) –
Good machine, good price, fast shipping. I replaced an almost dead Windows ready for VISTA laptop and made the move to Mac OS. Couldn’t be happier. B&H had the best price out there and the shipping was FAST.
Guillermo Mante (verified owner) –
I bought this machine to replace a Windows PC and so far I am happy with it. The system is very responisve and handles everything I need without the slowness I was finding on my Windows PC.
Berenice Konopelski (verified owner) –
Wanted a new mac because my old 2014 27″ was getting to be very out dated. Monterey wasn’t available for it, so decided to go with Mac Mini 16 GB Ram and 512 ssd . Amazingly quite and running smoothly. Using 24 ” LG monitor 4K , using Bluetooth keyboard and mouse from apple with no issues, but all I do is Photoshop elements and Pixelmator and Qimage 1 with no issues. Very happy with my set up as it sit on a Satechi hub. It’s small size sits on my desk for easy access.
Grayce Nikolaus (verified owner) –
It’s quiet as a mouse and fast as a mongoose! I like it. Recommended to my sister who is in the market for a new mac. So far, I love it. Bob
Kristina Hansen (verified owner) –
I love this
Raul Runolfsson (verified owner) –
Holy moley! This Mac mini M1, good price & faster,
Eldred Fay (verified owner) –
More power means faster, easier operation. I love the new M1 chip.
Jazlyn Upton (verified owner) –
This little thing is incredible. I am still getting used to such a quiet working machine. My 2019 work Macbook pro makes tonnes of sound when compared to this. However, there are a couple of things I would like you to be aware of – 1. I had a really tough time getting my bluetooth keyboard connected to it, to a point that I had to buy a wired keyboard to connect it. Without the keyboard there is no way I could get started. But once I was in, I was able to connect my bluetooth mouse and keyboard, and haven’t had any problems since. 2. This is not a mac mini problem but more of an adobe optimization thing. I heavily use photoshop and Adobe has not come out with an optimized version for M1 chips at the time of writing this review and will be out soon. That is not a deal breaker, but something to keep in mind if you use photoshop extensively. Lightroom version for M1 is out and it runs like butter. I never thought I could scroll through a sequence of 500 images on LR (I cried a little seeing that lol) . But those are the only things that come to mind. Other than that this thing is a beast !! Cheers
Irving Toy (verified owner) –
It is a powerful and charming device in a small form factor. Due to a different architecture, some software programs may not work properly yet, but the problems are to be resolved sooner or later.
Cornell Reichert (verified owner) –
Started purchasing the M1 minis as replacements to the 2014 model and 2017 iMacs at our organization. The M1 has been an amazing upgrade (of course, from 2014/2017). We have set them up in Accounting, Admin roles, and some video/audio roles. The 8gb ram has definitely been enough for most roles (for us). However, if you want to be extra sure, just pay the extra for the 16gb ram. Keep in mind – the current M1 chip mini (Late 2020) only allows for 2 external displays even though the mini has enough ports to support more. The Macbook m1 and iMac m1 only support 1 external display at this time which is why we did not replace iMacs with iMacs.
Soledad Cole (verified owner) –
We needed these for our church for Propresenter 7. It worked great for our youth that does not need a lot of power but want something small and that will last for while!
General Feest (verified owner) –
Made sure to bump ram to 16GB as 8GB is minimum for many editing apps. So far it has taken everything I have thrown at it for photo and video editing software. Some apps are not yet optimized for the M1 processor and still run fast.
Hillary Adams (verified owner) –
Incredibly fast! No problems with any of the software I use.
Frankie Murazik (verified owner) –
Exactly what I needed and more!