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.
Katrine Jakubowski (verified owner) –
Ordered the Mac Mini (2018) with 8Gb of ram and 1Tb SSD, and at the same time ordered 32Gb of Crucial ram. I ran the computer for a few days, did a full manual set-up to more-or-less match my ancient Mac Pro (2008) on which I run Adobe CC “photographers bundle” but could not upgrade to the 2020 version. I eventually installed the 32Gb of ram in the Mini. Performance is good, in general a marked improvement over the old Pro. Photoshop 2020 behaves well, opens/saves of 300 – 500 Gb files are very fast. No complaints. The Mini still, with Mojave (macOS 10.14.6 latest update) has the HDMI “bug” and it’s a nuisance. My NEC PA272W is connected via Thunderbolt-to-Display Port cable and presents no problems. An older Dell 20″ LCD, my secondary monitor, is connected via HDMI-to-DVI cable. That monitor remains dark upon rebooting. The only fix is to remove the HDMI cable and reattach it. The monitor then comes up immediately. This happens only upon booting. Waking from sleep is fine. This flaw is well documented on various forums, including Apple’s. It apparently remains on systems that have been updated to macOS Catalina (10.15). I won’t be doing that update for a while, as Mojave seems stable. Otherwise I’m happy, the system is silent and speedy, performing as expected. With two monitors, wired trackball and keyboard, Wacom tablet, two USB scanners, and an external Seagate HD and Oyen two-bay drive box, I needed a hub. I use a little Mediasonic that works nicely, providing additional USB 3.1 connections along with HDMI and headphone ports. It’s a tangle of cables, as you’d expect.
Kaci Ritchie (verified owner) –
Replaced an older 2014 model. This is much faster. I/O is complimented with the internal SSD. No complaints here!
Natasha Schultz (verified owner) –
Getting the exact configuration you want and nothing you don’t with a factory Apple product is such a great thing when you’ve got insane markups on SSD’s and memory. These latest gen Mac minis are a real return to form. Amazing package for the price, it’s a very capable computer for DAW work if you don’t want to plunk down 4g’s for a Mac Pro.
Ray Tillman (verified owner) –
My i5 model has plenty of processing power, but knocks against thermal throttling often. The lack of a GPU means that the processor pins at max often when driving a 4K screen. Adding an external eGPU means that the Mac can’t boot when using an encrypted SSD. 8gb of ram in the base model is not enough, and apple-installed upgrades are priced extortionately.
Ericka Nader (verified owner) –
I received the Core i7 6 core model and although my first one had a system fan not working, I was shipped a new one with upgraded 1 day shipping. (Awesome customer service at B&H) I have the basic 120GB SSD with 8GB of RAM which I will be upgrading to 32GB of RAM soon. I also have it set up to 2 x 27 inch ips monitors, one using the HDMI and the other using one of the available USB-C ports. I also have 256GB USB Flash drive plugged in to another USB-C port so to eliminate the need for a larger internal hard drive. This is truly the best way to get your next Apple computer.
Patrick Grimes (verified owner) –
Too many problems with software and hardware compatibility to mention here, I am very disappointed with Apple!!
Clovis Bruen (verified owner) –
I’ve been happy with the performance of this i7 Mac Mini in terms of editing photos. I already had an external GPU, so the lack of a dedicated gpu in the Mac Mini wasn’t an issue for me.
Cristal Goodwin (verified owner) –
I have no complaints. I have two monitors, the keyboard and touch pad. It’s a great setup.
Dedric Bogan (verified owner) –
The extra cores and memory make It what I needed and wanted!
Pink Considine (verified owner) –
Once i Installed the mac mini(2020) and i transferred all my info from a 10 yr old mac mini to the new one I discovered that what I have is actually is a late 2018. I like the new upgrades from 2008, however. I like what I have (good price) BH informed me that Apple information was incorrect with the (year) product I purchased. I have researched my purchase Id #’s and realized that Apple was correct.
Serena Hackett (verified owner) –
I tried the new M1 Mac mini (2020). No doubt it is faster. It is more efficient due to the integration of the RAM, thereby requiring less memory for processing. My problem is, I use virtualization. Only Parallels Desktop 17 for Mac runs on the M1 Macs. The ARM processor limits the use of some applications; although Rosetta enables x86 software to run, but not every application. So the Mac mini (Late 2018) was a good choice for me, for now. It is powerful enough to run everything I use. Nothing was lost when I upgraded. The maximum RAM is 64 GB. As long as Apple supports this model–it most likely will for some time–I have no problem delaying a move to the new M1 models. The Mac mini (Late 2018) is still a solid performer. And I can run earlier versions of the OS if necessary, whereas the M1s cannot. Catalina, for example, still can do a few things that the newer OSs cannot, which is not surprising–there always seems to be something lost for whatever is gained. Not a big deal, but definitely a reality. Then why only 4 stars? Because the options to update storage and RAM are outrageous. Fortunately, the 2018 model still gives you some flexibility. The M1 Macs are not as forgiving. In the end, flexibility is good and bad. You can save money, but you have to be willing to jump through a couple hoops. Not a showstopper, just an Apple annoyance.
Deven Carroll (verified owner) –
I am horrified by what happen to me. I bought a Mac mini. Took it out if the box and three days later it stopped working. B&H will not take it back for an exchange and is making me deal with Apple. Apple is saying Mac mini’s cannot he mailed in and all their stores are currently closed. It’s a lemon and now I have to pursue remedies via lemon law procedures. This was a waste of my time and I am done with B&H for treating me like this during this time. I need it for work and they are just sticking to their policies. Very unfair and disrespectful.
Wellington Dooley (verified owner) –
I bought the mac mini and worked with two 27 screens instead of an old mac mini. The equipment is excellent and is cheaper than the macbook pro. For those who do not need a mobile device is ideal.
Delia Braun (verified owner) –
I bought this to replace an older Mac Mini that had a slow rotating disk that killed its performance. This one is a huge improvement, both in comparison and in absolute terms. Performance is instant on all operations. One thing I learned is that HP does not support using its monitors with Macs, so the combo has some quirks, but the Mini is great, so I’d replace the monitor if it becomes a problem. This one is not the latest M1 model, but perfect for our needs, and it should run the latest OS updates for some time to come. Very pleased with it.
Coy Kovacek (verified owner) –
This Mac mini is a great base to upgrade on. Tax, AppleCare, and everything for under $1,550. And added 3rd party RAM to 64 gigs!! Easy to do. Support 4K monitors out of the box! Great way to break into video editing, photo editing, and podcasting. When I need more processing power for editing I can upgrade the house with and external. Love it. Oh, and B&H can save you the tax too, just ask they’ll help you.
Aubrey Harber (verified owner) –
Nice upgrade to an older Mac Mini. It’s nice to have the faster processor and current/future ports. Like that you can upgrade the ram yourself and having 4 Thunderbolt 3 ports makes adding a fast external drive cheaper than getting a larger internal drive. If you’re a Mac person this is a great upgrade.
Cyrus Kautzer (verified owner) –
Fast, easy to upgrade ram (get the 8GB ram option)
Luella Leuschke (verified owner) –
Packs a punch for what it offers, bought it on holiday sale which makes some of the more expensive upgrades (SSD/RAM) more palatable.
Abbie Bahringer (verified owner) –
I’ve set this machine up to be a secondary machine plus media server. It’s been flawless. I wish I could use it as my main machine given that the one I have to use all day for work is a 2015 MBP. The Mini is so much faster.
Cruz Bauch (verified owner) –
B&H came through one again. Friendly knowledgeable sales representatives answered all my questions , they shipped that evening from New York and I received my i5 Mac mini the next morning in California. Apple estimated over two weeks for delivery, B&H had the item in stock , for less. Perfection, hank you!