Apple has re-engineered the Mac mini with 8th Generation Intel Core processors, giving it even more power for industrial-grade tasks, such as home automation, giant render farms, running a live concert sound engine, or testing your latest iOS or iPadOS app. Along with improved system and graphics performance, an all-new thermal architecture includes all-flash storage, a bigger fan, expanded vents, and a redesigned power supply, and Apple’s T2 security chip. This Mac mini is powered by 3.6 GHz Intel Core i3 Quad-Core processor, while 8GB of 2666 MHz DDR4 RAM helps to ensure smooth multitasking and also allows the computer to quickly access frequently used files and programs.
Integrated Intel UHD Graphics 630 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. Up to three 4K displays are supported between any two Thunderbolt 3 ports and the HDMI port, or you can connect one 5K display via THunderbolt 3 and one 4K display via HDMI 2.0.
For storage of your files, this Mac mini is equipped with a 256GB PCIe SSD that has a sequential read speed of up to 3.4 GB/s. If you want to add external peripherals, four Thunderbolt 3 ports support bi-directional transfer speeds of up to 40 Gb/s, while also supporting 10 Gb/s USB 3.1 Gen 2 (USB 3.1), device charging, and an external GPU. Thanks to two 5 Gb/s USB 3.1 Gen 1 (USB 3.0) 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 dual-band Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) for wireless networking. 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.
Jabari Adams (verified owner) –
I have yet to really put it through its paces but so far it has been handling things so much better than my aging 2015 15 MBP, especially after the 32GB ram upgrade.
Fatima Lebsack (verified owner) –
Love my Mac mini! It’s the perfect setup and runs so smoothly. Not to mention, it came in record time.
Abraham Price (verified owner) –
I bought my mini with the Core i7, 8GB RAM, and the 1 TB SSD. I replaced the RAM with 32GB and added an external 2 TB disk to use with Time Machine. After a little misadventure, I managed to trash the OS to where it would not boot nor could I boot to the recovery OS. I tried a lot of things with no success, but I got distracted and when I came back it was re-installing Catalina from the network. That’s almost as good as having an idiot button. I tried to get Virtual Box to install Catalina for testing purposes, but that was a practically hopeless adventure. Eventually I discovered that tmutil can make snapshots which sounds almost as useful for me as using Virtual Box snapshots. Having opened up the case I have observed the guts of the Mini. I think it is well-designed, but I would have preferred having a socket for the SSD. I would have opted for the smallest and upgraded to 2 TB. The machine is very quiet and quite good for my needs. I plan to use Virtual Box to run Windows and Linux for test purposes. I have a very capable Linux box which I may simply turn off after I migrate my software. I would have given 5 stars if either the options were not so expensive or the SSD were replaceable. I expect the machine to be a solid performer.
Crystel Kertzmann (verified owner) –
Great fit as a small studio computer with a long run over hdmi to a monitor. Love the abundance of ports. Blazing fast.
Fernando Nikolaus (verified owner) –
I’m guessing this one was defective, since it would get very hot during video editing and after a while would shut off randomly. Also, the fan would fail to come on. Prior to purchasing I heard about thermal issues with this particular model, but decided to give it a shot. Since I purchase Mac for the reliability, I’d probably leave the Mac minis alone for the time being.
Hardy Terry (verified owner) –
I ordered the new Mac Mini, the first new computer Ive needed in a decade. Prompt shipping from B&H with an excellent price. The computer is sterling. Thank you!
Lindsay Gutmann (verified owner) –
2 days into ownership and the device won’t start. Please avoid it.
Jefferey Murazik (verified owner) –
This is my second Mac mini and so far I love this one as much as my first one.
Noemie Howell (verified owner) –
It was fast delivered and perfect condition.
Davon Shields (verified owner) –
This mini is everything I was hoping for and more. I also have the new 24iMac with M1 chip and was worried this might seem slow in comparison. This mini works great, very responsive and powerful. I have not noticed it being slow for my every day use. Great value, I highly recommend!
Clotilde Waelchi (verified owner) –
Bought this as a second desktop for general use. Wanted to get this Intel i5 with expansion capabilities for Ram and with 512Gb SSD, which is enough storage for basic programs. Using this for basic web surfing, streaming movies, email and doc creation, etc. (not using for video or audio editing)). It is quite fast for these purposes and the compact form factor is a big plus.
Roel Nitzsche (verified owner) –
Was debating spending $3000 on a new MacBook Pro. Bought this instead and added 64GB or RAM for under $300. GeekBench 5.0 shows it is faster than the 16 i7 Macbook Pro in most tests (I have it sitting near my AC vent, with the bottom fan cover on the Mac Mini removed, and the Mini sitting on its side). This has helped immensely with temperatures. CPU is usually around 40 degrees celsius. Combine with an iPad and Magic Keyboard plus Sidecar or Luna Desktop and you’re all set.
Patricia Hammes (verified owner) –
great computer for the price
Rosemarie Bradtke (verified owner) –
I’ve been using Mac Mini’s in small office applications for several years. Everything from non-profit organizations to retail brick & mortar. While there are some features that have disappeared from the Mac Mini, due to Apple feeling like they know what I need better than I (USB outputs for instance), I still give it a 4 star review. The graphics driver seems a little weak but I am running to 27 LG displays, and it seems mostly solid (why it’s a 4 not a 5 star). Not switching to Catalina and keeping Mojave seems to cut down on the glitches on the display drivers, but I will eventually upgrade to Catalina again.
Zachariah Muller (verified owner) –
I purchased this Mac Mini to replace a mid 2012 MacBook Pro. I went with a desktop machine over a potable because my MBP sat at my desk connected to a monitor 90% of the time and I got an iPad for Christmas, so I figured any mobile computing that I needed to do, I could use it. Compared to a similarly priced MacBook Air, you really cant beat the Mini if you dont really need a portable. So much more IO and processor speed. I highly recommend this machine.
Grady Feest (verified owner) –
Great price and shipped quickly. Computer works for exactly I need and I like that it will be so easily upgradable.
Rozella Rice (verified owner) –
Wanted to run Catalina on my server so I upgraded to this Mac mini. Great price and super fast shipping. It was just as described. The migration was simple and fast.
Ezra Zieme (verified owner) –
I read quite a bit about which make mini to purchase for photo editing. I have to say I am delighted with this mac. I am not a full time still photographer. I shoot with a Canon 5Dmk III in raw mode. This machine imports, opens and transfers files to PS very quickly. All in all in does everything I need very well.
Everardo Krajcik (verified owner) –
purchased for general office use, photo / video editing and streaming. Also purchased an OWC 32 gb memory upgrade. If you’re buying an 8 gb unit due to budget constraints, you should go with at least 16 gb. I haven’t seen any memory or CPU constraints so far, but unit did run a bit hot right after setup (I’m guessing due to file migrations from my old Mac.
Keely Lehner (verified owner) –
I just upgraded from my 2012 Mac Mini to the 2018, 3.0 GHz, i5, 16 GB, 256 GB SSD. Just ran a speed test with an iMovie file, 1.5 minutes long, rendered 1080p, best quality. The new Mini rendered the file in 42 seconds, compared to 1 minute 38 seconds on the old Mini. Setup was a breeze, old files transferred with migration assistant without any issues. I use the Mini primarily for photo and video editing and it is so far exceeding my expectations. Of course, the service from B&H was exceptional, as always. Customer service is outstanding.