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.
Gonzalo Keebler (verified owner) –
Support for up to 64 GB Ram (Which I actually upgraded to), fast memory and high performance processors make these powerful desktop computers with very small footprints. Combine these features with Mac OS and they are a compelling buy. Only negative is bluetooth can be lost more easily than previous versions.
Brayan Cummerata (verified owner) –
I love my Mac mini, it’s the first Mac I have ever bought after having used them in various forms since the early 1980s. I bought the i7/8GB/256SSD package and later upgraded the memory, it was easy!!! Can’t recommend highly enough!!
Josiane Ankunding (verified owner) –
With the higher base clock and now 4 cores, the i3 MAC Mini is perfect for those like me who want a truest silent system and want expandiloty. I’m actually impressed with the interstated GPU and am excited to it with a eGPU that I’ll add in the near future.
Uriel Gottlieb (verified owner) –
Bought this here, and I am currently content with what i paid for what I got
Leonardo Heidenreich (verified owner) –
I love Mac Mini’s. BandH is a great place to get quality at a great price.
Flavie Lynch (verified owner) –
Great upgrade
Clifford Roob (verified owner) –
I finally convinced accounting to let the creative team work with Macs. This is the third one we’ve added, and everyone is thrilled with them. Yes, there’s the iMac Pro and the new Mac Pro, but for what these Minis cost, coupled with the fact that we already owned 3 monitors for every computer, the Mini can’t be beat for everyday Photoshop / Illustrator, coding, and moderate Premiere Pro / After Effects projects. To save a few extra $$$ up front, I bought all of them with base memory and upgraded to 64GB (the only thing you can upgrade). Also went with 256GB SSD’s and later added 1TB external thunderbolt NVME drives and moved the User Accounts onto them. The built-in UHD-630 GPU is fine for general purpose use on 3 monitors. I added an eGPU to one of these to run 4 monitors.
Rod Labadie (verified owner) –
The main reason I ordered my Mac Mini from B&H is that I was able to get the configuration that I wanted. On the Apple site they don’t let you configure with a 256MB SSD. I only need enough space for the OS and applications because I don’t trust their soldered on storage. I use external drives for all of my data. The price was slightly cheaper than Apple as well. I really wish Apple would make a better Mac for consumers, but for now this is all that is left for those of us that don’t want a giant monitor integrated with our computer.
Dana Harber (verified owner) –
Easy set up and transfer of data. Very fast. Needed a number of adapters for my old peripherals but not bad. No mini stereo plug in but my monitor has one. Very nice experience with the seller fast and effortless.
Maya Casper (verified owner) –
I got the i7 256gb Mac mini as a replacement for my 2013 iMac and I could not be happier with it. It is fast, powerful, and compact. Apps open quickly and web pages are very responsive. Graphics: I was concerned that the Intel integrated graphics would be insufficient for my work (software development & some graphic design), however, it can run Pixelmator smoothly on an iPad (via Sidecar) while powering a 1080p display. I have also tried running Minecraft Java edition, which performs respectably with 70-100 frames at 12 chunks render distance and fancy graphics. However, this a work machine and while it can do some casual gaming, I would not consider it a gaming machine. CPU: CPU performance is great for a machine of its size. For comparison, a clean Xcode build of one of my apps took 5.4 seconds compared to the 15.4 seconds on the iMac. Storage: The flash storage is very fast. I got the 256gb model because of its i7 processor instead of the 512gb model that comes with an i5. 256gb is a bit tight for development, however, that can be solved with an external drive/cloud storage compared to the CPU which is not upgradable. RAM: The 8gb it came with is sufficient for my needs right now. I will probably upgrade the memory down the road, however, I would definitely take it to an authorized repair center instead of trying it myself due to the small parts that need to be removed/reinstalled. Other: This is not a machine you should put in a cabinet, under heavy load it can put out a lot of heat and feel hot to the touch. Most of the time it is quiet, but under heavy load the fan can be noisy. Summary: The Mac mini is a great machine. Value wise, it provides the best performance compared to similarly priced iMac and MacBook models.
Johanna Heidenreich (verified owner) –
My 2012 Mac Mini was nearing end of life. As a long time Mac user I wanted a desktop mac with at either 1TB SSD or 2 TB Fusion. No such options for the mac mini and the iMacs with that much storage are astronomical. So I went with the 512 SSD Mac Mini i3/8MB Ramand migrated my data to a NAS. Overall its working well. The i3 has no problem with everyday tasks. Faster and quieter than the 2012 it replaces. The machine is shared by 4 users and RAM has let our household and amateur data processing and design needs. The Mac OS is still Mac OS. It has a few Refinements over the previous version. The internet rumors of problems with the wifi are true. I have to use ethernet for the network/internet connection to work In summary its a solid Mac If you bring your own ethernet cable or wifi dongle.
Isabel Moore (verified owner) –
While I loved my previous iMac I discovered that there was some issues with my usage for it. eGPUs lose about 30% of their performance when driving an internal display and if you wish to get a new iMac you must replace your display each time. While it’s a great initial price it’s more expensive in the long run. This mini has given me the opportunity to split out my peripherals, get more performance from my eGPU and have a more modular (and cheaper) upgrade path for the future.
Ike Bins (verified owner) –
I AM A MAC FAN I DO LOVE MAC PRODUCTS ADN SOFTWARE, I HAVE MORE THAN A DECADE USING MACBOOK AIR, I MAC, MAC BOOK PRO AND I TOOK THE DECITON OF GETING A MAC MINI… BIG MISTAKE THE WIFI AND BT IS TERRIBLE I HAD TO SEND IT TO SERVICE 2 TIMES AND I MA STILL WATING FOR FOR MY UNIT TO COME BACK WORKING THE WAY IT SHOULD BE…. ONLY GOD KNOWS
Peggie Connelly (verified owner) –
This was the perfect upgrade for our office! I plan on ordering another one for our audio video desk!
Albin Sanford (verified owner) –
Only had this a little over a week, but so far I’m extremely happy with the Mini’s performance.