The M2 Mac Mini: Is it Worth Saving Your Money?
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 13 ต.ค. 2023
- I bought the cheapest Mac Mini off the Apple website and unlike most other Macs that have all you need all bundled in one, the Mac Mini is more, BYOT. Bring your own Tech. And so if you have existing gear it’s cheap, and if you don’t it’s a more expensive computer because you have all these missing parts you need to buy. The Mac Mini is just the heart and brain of your computer and everything else is the limbs and the eyes and the ears. But when the day comes where you need to surgically remove the Mac Mini out from the mess of cables and place in a new mac mini, studio, pro or even a windows pc. You don’t have to worry about buying new peripherals or replacing all of them like you would if you replaced an all in one like the iMac.
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Affiliate Links to Products Mentioned in the Video:
M2 Mac Mini Base Model:
Satechi Mac Mini/Studio Hub: amzn.to/3RVhGOP
Logitech MX Master 3S: amzn.to/3QgDvY5
Logitech MX Anywhere 3S: amzn.to/3RY7TaY
Logitech MX Keys Mechanical: amzn.to/45ye0FQ
Keychron Q1 Pro: amzn.to/3QevUt2
Kanto YU2 Speakers: amzn.to/477yxmb
Affiliate links to TH-cam gear I use:
Sony a7siii: go.magik.ly/ml/1qb8i/
Sony A7c: go.magik.ly/ml/1qb8k/
14in M1 Pro MacBook Pro: go.magik.ly/ml/1qb83/
M1 Mac Studio: go.magik.ly/ml/1qb8o/
That being said, the peripherals you reuse or purchase to go with your Mac Mini affects your experience using the device tremendously, if you have bad accessories with it, the experience is bad if you have great accessories your experience is great. With something like a macbook or an imac, all that’s decided for you, and they’re all decent to great. There’s a nice pseudo modularity to the Mac Mini, and that’s something you can’t say about a lot of the apple lineup of products, of course that’s only in terms of accessories for it, inside, well, like most macs, it can’t be upgraded at all.
Next to discuss is more on the TH-cam side of things, Photo and video editing. These are more bursty tasks that pushes the system but not all the time. It’s kind of like HIIT exercises, something I need to get into, where there will be bursts of high intensity exercise and short periods of rest in between. So the M2 chip in the Mac Mini is at full load for some time then there’s some time for it to rest a bit in between. So for these tasks, the Mac Mini handles it all fine. I primarily do photo editing for TH-cam thumbnails, so I work with smaller photos but I’ve played with multiple 61MP RAW images on it and it starts to chug a little importing them and navigating them in Affinity Photos, something I never saw on my Mac Studio. Obviously that’s a massive file, but not uncommon for pro-level camera bodies so just be aware there. So I can’t help much there. But 24MP JPEGs coming out of my A7C are edited smoothly in Affinity Photo. For video editing, I edit 4K h.264 XAVC S 10bit 4:2:2 footage out of my Sony A7Siii that I’m recording with right here. It handles the compressed codec perfectly fine, even in scenarios when I have 3-4 different timeline layers in FCPX and some color grading. I know Premiere and Davinci Resolve are a bit more intensive on the system so your mileage may vary on that front. I don’t actively use those, but for FCPX at least, it works the way I expect. Smooth but more intense tasks do take a little longer compared to my Mac Studio.
Lastly, gaming. I’ve talked alot about Mac gaming in the past, so I’ll just summarize it here. On Apple silicon macs, it hasn’t been good. There’s not a ton of native support, games you can run are limited, because developers don’t really develop for Mac. And playing a lot of games requires hacky work arounds when you can have a better experience with less tinkering with an equivalent 500$ console or gaming PC. You can play iPhone and iPad games through the app store, but Macs don’t have touchscreens and mobile apps are designed for a touchscreen. So your experience varies there too. Overall gaming is possible on the Mac and it does run most games, when it supports them, okay. But actually getting it to play the games you actually want to play is not a fun experience and it can be done much easier on other non Mac devices. Apple has recently taken numerous steps to try to improve this aspect of the Mac like the game porting toolkit, and developers are making some console quality games for the iphone which share the same types of chips as the Mac.
This is Apple’s cheapest, and the best value mac they sell. And the performance you get from it is great for your everyday tasks, productivity tasks, streaming content and light photo, and video editing. I also think it makes a great family computer because it’s value oriented, and if anything breaks because kids are being kids, you pay a much lower price than if you get something like the iMac and it needs repairs. - วิทยาศาสตร์และเทคโนโลยี
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I almost got the 16gb ram, 512 gb model of the M2, but I sat myself down and reminded myself that I basically only do spreadsheets and watch youtube videos on my computer. I'm very happy with my base model M2 Mac Mini now, and I'm grateful that I didn't overextend my wallet for no reason. Thanks for a good video
I opted for the base model because of availability. But I think the 16GB would help in the long run.
@@billyfaizzaly I don't plan on using my computer for more than 3 years or so, and within that time I'm sure 8gb will be fine
I got the M2 Pro Mini with 16 and 512. It was worth it once I added the cost of docks and needed the extra thunderbolt ports, and 16 Gb helps if you game or multitask. The added gpu cores mean i can play games in ultra settings. But its absolutely not needed for most tasks we all do day to day. You pay twice as much, and you do get double the ports and ram, but its still less than a MacBook Pro. And I also want to have the resale value for when I decide to upgrade. All that being said I think you made the right choice for someone who upgrades often. For anyone who keeps their machine longer, i would always go for a little more Ram for sure even if it’s just base M2. The Ram really helps with anything more than basic tasks.
@@billyfaizzaly The good thing is you can buy another one on the go if needed. The next generation base models will cost the equivalent of a few upgrades.
$180 for additional 8GB i just thought why not
I recently got a refurbished M2 Mac Mini and I absolutely love it
Thanks for the take. I use my M1mini as basically a TV/Streaming box, but with computer bonus things - like rudimentary video and photo editing. And it's great for that. I did add the dock you have, and a 2 slot Rocket Store drive toaster with two SSD drives for media storage. It's all plugged into my 65 " 4K TV with soundbar/subwoofer. All in all, I'm happy with it. Oh, yeah, do get the 16gb memory if you can. I have 8, and it's fine, but if you do any pro work, do the 16.
Great review. Know what you need, know what you want. If this meets this (especially the need) the mini is a nice machine.
I chose to get a base spec MacBook Air M2 instead of a Mini. This way I could use my PC's monitor, a Logitech mouse and keyboard that can switch between both and also a magic trackpad 2. I can have my Mac at the desk and on the go. This is a pricy way to go about this; but it allows me portability as well.
Hi Jimmy! Nice informative video as always! Its a solid choice to enter into the Apple's sphere. Cheers mate.
Thanks! And agreed. It really is. They love giving you a very inexpensive taste in the hopes they hook you in and get you to try some of their more expensive stuff!
This was a helpful video… was debating whether to hold on for the M3, but who knows, that could be several months away and in the meantime BestBuy has a $100 off deal on the M2 base model so I suppose it’s a bit of a no-brainer, practically cheaper than a lot of lower-end PCs.
I have an M1 Mac Mini. It's great. Thanks, Jimmy, for the honest review.
same I have a m1 Mac mini
Nice review. I am currently looking to buy one
Satechi makes a version of that matching base hub you have with an NVME SSD slot, so what I’m thinking about doing is only shelling out the Apple Memory tax on the 16GB of RAM but leaving the internal SSD at 256gb. Then getting the SSD hub and putting a 1-2TB SSD in it and saving a LOT over speccing it out with 1TB SSD from Apple. Apps can be installed and run from external drives on Mac so there’s really not much limitation.
I just bought it from Best Buy for $500 for the base model. I wanted it to replace my Apple TV and chromecast. It’s become the best home theatre pc
"lets see if I have been buying too much computer for my own needs" *Jimmy's wife's ears perk up know she has evidence now to get you to not spend as much now.
Thanks for the video. It is a very good value product. Instead of buying crazy expensive upgrades right now you can buy another base model in 2 years for the price of a few upgrades if you want and you will be golden with the lastest chips on the road. Apple pricing is all about FOMO so they can charge you 10 times what it costs them for upgrades.
that entry Mac Mini is such a cool, little work horse 🤩
I've seen expansion hubs with a m.2 port built in, Thunderbolt IIRC.
Please tell me what that desk tray is you have under your keyboard. It looks great.
I just realised the M1/M2 Mac minis didn’t have an SD card slot. Never used it on my 2014 Mac mini though.
I hook up my MacBook Pro to my Studio Display but like the look of the mini. Is it worth it if you already have a Macbook?
Mac mini M2 Pro is the sweet spot! 16 GB Ram, 512 GB SSD and 4 Thunderbolt Ports
which ben q monitor do you suggest again? are they all compatible with the mac mini?
As someone who upgraded from a base 2012 unibody MacBook Pro to a M1 Pro in 2022, I think I’m going to try and sell my MacBook and get a M2 mini. There is so much unused horsepower that I will never touch in this machine and I don’t need the portability since I’ve finished school. This video was great for convincing me of that while not even being the main talking point
They sell a Pro Mac mini also with the M2 Pro chip for $1299, you get the M2 Pro with 512GB SSD & 16GB RAM. But the Mac mini has always been the best Mac in my opinion. I always used a Mac mini until the M1 came out and I went with a MacBoo Pro instead because my needs changed and I needed something more portable. But I will likely return to the the Mac mini with the M3 or M4 version, but the Pro version of the Mac mini. Not sure if we will see an M3 version of if they'll skip to M4 before we see another Mac mini.
I would need still more usb ports than that. Is there any reason one could not use two of that model hub with a single M2 mini like yours?
I love the way to address different users experiences. Great review and thank you.
I just bought a cheapest $600 model myself. I was like yeah I love the iMac, but look at it's price, holly cow! So I bought the mac mini M2 8GB ram and 256GB SSD along with a cheap Monday deal only $200 for an LG 4K 27 inch monitor! 600 + 200 = 800. Much cheaper than the iMac!
Question: I know that Minecraft works on the M1 and M2 Mac Mini, but how does it perform? Like how much FPS does it get and how does the Mac Mini handle it?
I have a BenQ monitor at home and it's great!
You can get a Mac mini and a small series s for gaming along with a monitor for the price of the higher end Macs
8GB ram should be illegal 😅
8gb ram does alot with the M series chips. Even the 8gb ram M1 ipads can handle Photoshop smoothly without overheating.
256GB storage ought to be illegal. 😂
Seems like a little but trust me, its powerful try a 4GB on an IMac 2009! And it finally retired today lol
@@lavone5541let’s do not try to be Apple’s advocates. If we’re paying $600 (plus tax) per computer 12 GB should be a minimum.
Apple is finessing with these low memory and storage of base spec for Macs and iPads.
Nice break down!
Just picked up an M2 Mini with the current gen of full-size keyboard with Touch ID, trackpad, and mouse for $550 :D
Works just fine, and I’m super happy with the find. (My first Mac too! Decided to switch last Friday, so I spent the weekend looking for deals)
Don’t plan on using the mouse, and I’ll trial the keyboard. But 100% going to use the trackpad. I’ve always liked Apple’s trackpads, the few times I’ve used a Mac in the past.
The keyboard might be okay. I don’t plan on gaming or a TON of typing. So I’ll try it out for a week or two, and likely will end up using it.
how'd you get all of that for 550?
I can absolutely make this my go-to home computer. I’m thinking of trading my M1 Macbook pro for this. I use external webcam for video conferencing and calls. Much better than any built-in webcam apple makes. I use an external microphone for the same thing and occasional music creation. I use a DAC to listen to music with USB ports. I use so many ports and just chill at my desk. I miss that big screen desktop life. I use my iPad Pro for commuting to and from work around town or traveling for work anyways. And the 5G UC is so great and fast. Desktop life is calling me back. And it’s been a while.
Is it possible tu use boostcamp to install games such as : Call of duty warzone 3 ??
I have a new entry level MacBookAir 13" M2 thingy, all the external kit and a USB C hub. I will probably get the future version of this Mac Mini. Cheers Jimmy. $0.02
Great video.
I have a question. Should I go for iMac M3 with 16GB or MacMini M2 with 16GB.
I will use it for studying , streaming , Lightroom . I am getting a 32" curve monitor , satechi keyboard and mouse for 240$. At the same time I like the way iMac is built.
iMac, obviously
first time i've seen ur video in my sub box lol. been years
I got the 512 gb cause I found out there is an issue with the base M2 Mac mini where it reads the ssd files way slower than it should
Is it possible for tv?
is this working with 3dmax +corona ?
Thinking about getting an M2 Mac Mini w/16GB. Challenge is always what to do about monitors, as I need to get one. The BenQ (stand version) is on my short list.
Why is graphics for Mac mini is bad I tried even Mac mini pro m2 can you please reply the words are distorted
Is it HDR capable
I would like to point out that on other macs, when you’re paying the premium for SSD storage on device you’re getting premium SSD, which is not something you get from a cheap external SSD, and your performance will bear that fact out of
But Mac Mini doesnt come with dvd player?
Well in reality we don't lose much, except the portability... You can buy better speakers, a good keyboard, and a better webcam.
"Cheaper than their MacPro wheels- what a deal" 🤣🤣🤣
Hey Jimmy. I am considering purchasing a Mac mini. Is it worth it to get 16 RAM?
The memory solely depends on the amount of workload you have, for example if you are an architect and work with CAD softwares you would definitely need at least 16GB of RAM for smooth performance. If you will just be internet browsing and word documentating 8GB will do just fine.
@@tinaslatte thank you! I believe I am good with 8 GB.
I use RailModeller Pro, with JAVA based JMRI PanelPro, to design model rail systems. In the background I am running MS Outlook; a calendar; a 6mb budget Excel spread sheet; NordVPN, and NorPassword. All on 8mb of RAM.
Yes, 16 mb of RAM would be useful, but the number of times that it would actually make a difference is limited: oh, and Safari!
I bought an M2 Mini for £549 with education discount. Then added £300 speakers a £200 DAC and a £250 subwoofer. £549 for the Mac £750 for the audio, who is the fool. Sounds totally sweet though, the mini is a great streamer with hi res files from Amazon music unlimited.
I’m looking to get the Mac mini for music production and upgrade the 8gb’s to 16gb’s and the 256gb to 518gb’s that would normally cost £1050 which I think is a decent price but I also have a student discount so it would only cost me £919
Sometimes I wonder why they bothered putting a speaker in it at all.
Only thing I can think of is for that iconic sound they make when you boot it up and/or troubleshooting the device
It’s more for diagnostics in my opinion. I will play a beeping sound when you have faulty RAM chips. And it will give you a reassuring startup sound after you totally repaired it.
so if you are a full grown adult ,get a Mac mini 👌🏻
I’ve priced external drives and they are expensive,
Cheaper than Mac pro wheels - what a deal
Even at $500 with student discount for the M2 Mac Mini regular, I don't value it because it only has 8GB of RAM. That isn't enough anymore. The new norm is 16GB of RAM. The real price for students is $700 with 16GB of RAM. $800 for non-students.
Add a 27-inch LG QHD display with 144hz refresh rate. Costs around $250 on Amazon USA. The Mac Minis are only optimized for QHD and 5k display resolution. 4k can be done, but it isn't scaled properly.
"The new norm is 16GB of RAM. " - not according to Dell, or HP, or Microsoft.... All make computers that start with 8GB of RAM, and sometimes more expensive than Apple.
@TheOriginalDanEdwards Not their business line products. They usually start with 16GB of RAM.
For personal consumer laptops, 8GB of RAM is still offered. For desktops, 16GB is the norm.
still don't understand why apple blocking users to upgrade their ram or storage option manually.
if people screw up during the upgrade it's apple's win anyway
The LPDDR5 RAM chips are put right next to the SOC and they make up their own package that is then put on the single board computer. This minimizes space and energy consumption.
Best to wait for M3 Mac Mini. It will offer better single-core performance, and much better GPU performance.
Can it play sims 3
"Man, please trim and clean those nails! Especially if you're going to take close-up shots."
Honestly it's very good in this price
It's ridiculous that they're still offering a machine with only 8GB of RAM in the year 2024. At my previous job - five years ago - I was the head of the IT department and we considered 16GB of RAM the bare minimum for an OFFICE machine (Mac or Windows/Linux-PC didn't matter); scientific workstations and notebooks got a bare minimum of 32 GB (and again, that was five years ago). A web browser alone can easily eat up those 8 Gigs of RAM. Don't buy a machine with less than 16 GB of RAM even if Microsoft Office is all you use. If you use things like Cubase, Ableton Live or some video editing: 32 GB is the minimum. (Of course Final Cut stutters with only 8GB of RAM - the system is constantly swapping RAM to the SSD and back in that configuration.) But then again, RAM is much more affordable in the PC world - Apple brutally rips off its customers and charges 2x to 3x as much for RAM as the rest of the industry. To answer the last question in this video: No, the base Mac Mini is not a good deal simply because Apple made it impossible for the customer to upgrade its memory. Do NOT buy this machine with less than 16GB of RAM!
comrade, maybe for you 16 GB is minimum but I am using basic Mac Mini and it is plenty for what I do, no, it isn’t ridiculous
If it has m1 or better it's good enough for 99percent of apple users.
The lovely sponsor block extension for safari and chrome removed the useless sponsor messages in this video
I'm saving my money not buying anything from apple until it stops scamming purple with absurd ram and storage prices...
Also 8gb is simply ridiculous.
Your nails are too long!
If you were already "in" the ecosystem, and already had these periferals, then it really would cost you just the mac mini.