The Tiny Mac Mini M4: Is It the Best Zwift Setup?

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 29 ธ.ค. 2024

ความคิดเห็น • 119

  • @bennyayaya
    @bennyayaya หลายเดือนก่อน +34

    This is the only Mac Mini review I care about...and you answered all my questions. Thanks!

    • @mk3less
      @mk3less หลายเดือนก่อน

      Came here to say the same.

    • @SmartBikeTrainers
      @SmartBikeTrainers  หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      You are welcome! Glad to help 🙂

  • @NormCorriveau
    @NormCorriveau หลายเดือนก่อน +35

    I would be very curious to see a comparison of the quality of the video between Apple TV and the Mini. I appreciate your comparison to the gaming PC but since I use an Apple TV currently I wonder if the upgrade is truly worth it.

    • @n22pdf
      @n22pdf หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      Yep same here.. I only use Appletv for Zwift 😊

    • @Popcorn_Rider
      @Popcorn_Rider หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Waiting for this too

    • @MrFlowbike
      @MrFlowbike หลายเดือนก่อน +3

      if you once have used a machine that supports higher resolutions, you will never go back ;-) I ran Zwift on ATv in my first 2 seasons on Zwift. last year I switched this to a MB air M1, what was a huge improvement and now since 2 weeks Zwift runs absolutely fantastic an the M4 mini base config

    • @wallaceharvey2574
      @wallaceharvey2574 14 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

      Thanks - I think I just figured out my next purchase. Getting rid of the Bluetooth connection limitations of the Apple TV would be worth it alone - enabling the circumvention of having to use the Zwift companion app. The enhanced graphics are just icing on the cake.

  • @scottwalburn6193
    @scottwalburn6193 4 วันที่ผ่านมา

    In 2017 I purchased a Alienware Alpha R2 with GTX960 chip. My Zwift experience has been great. I can run 1440 Ultra without many hitches. I can run it at 4k but things get choppy. I'm considering the Mac mini M4 because I would like an enhanced Zwift experience but primarily just because I need a new computer. I wish Zwift would get the iPad Pro M4 with similar performance to the Mini because I think that would be the way I would go.

  • @darylv49
    @darylv49 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    This is the review I’ve been waiting for…… I knew you would be the first and that you wouldn’t let us down, thank you!

  • @brulsmurf
    @brulsmurf หลายเดือนก่อน +8

    zwift runs in max settings on an e-waste pc. You only need like a nvidia gtx 970 or a amd Rx580 which you can get for $30.

    • @theDude9750
      @theDude9750 หลายเดือนก่อน

      ja idd man wtf

  • @saracen888
    @saracen888 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Just binned by dedicated Zwift PC. This is an absolute game changer

    • @davidrowe8747
      @davidrowe8747 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Other than the form factor, why would you bin a Zwift-dedicated PC for a M4?

    • @saracen888
      @saracen888 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @ it just works

  • @chrisholstein7587
    @chrisholstein7587 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I have been running Zwift on a Mac Mini M1 - it is flawless, I run high profile graphics on a 36" curved monitor - I have never had any issues running swift - as for the power button it is so efficient I do not turn mine off - only times it powers down is with a software update etc. Great machines.

    • @SmartBikeTrainers
      @SmartBikeTrainers  หลายเดือนก่อน

      Glad to hear you are enjoying your M1!

  • @chuckb4375
    @chuckb4375 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Excellent - thanks Tariq!
    It's really smart that you dedicated ~4 minutes to the performance vs. user experience aspect. It seems that today, with Zwift's current back-end content, the base M4 model at High Profile appears to run Zwift well enough for nearly all users.
    Although it's often foolish to attempt "future-proofing" by spending beyond what your current usage/services require, I'm wondering if some folks will be tempted to do so by getting M4 Pro version of Mac mini...

  • @UlrikVad
    @UlrikVad หลายเดือนก่อน +5

    Which keyboard & mouse do you use, or do you run some kind of external desktop ?

    • @SmartBikeTrainers
      @SmartBikeTrainers  หลายเดือนก่อน

      I am using the Keychron K3 QMK Wireless Mechanical Keyboard and M3 wireless mouse
      Mouse: amzn.to/4hUU4o1
      Keyboard: www.keychron.com/products/keychron-k3-qmk-wireless-mechanical-keyboard-version-3?

  • @Grizzrock
    @Grizzrock หลายเดือนก่อน

    This video was perfect timing for me, thanks! Just got a UWQHD curved monitor & will grab a Mac mini 24Gb/512GB from the Education store in the Black Friday sale. Thanks for covering all my questions! Looking forward to Zwifting on this setup next month.

  • @peterbystrom6799
    @peterbystrom6799 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Great review! Now I got answers to all my questions. Thanks!

    • @SmartBikeTrainers
      @SmartBikeTrainers  หลายเดือนก่อน

      Glad it was helpful. Thanks for watching !

  • @99cya
    @99cya หลายเดือนก่อน

    the mac mini is so good. i have hooked up an "old" macbook m1 to my TV for zwift. it runs all well but boy am I tempted to order such a mini for it :)

  • @shidingan3118
    @shidingan3118 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Great video, thanks!

  • @davidrowe8747
    @davidrowe8747 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Another nice review, Tariq, but I think your comments regarding Frankenstein PCs are a bit wide of the mark. I absolutely agree that if small form factor is critical, it's hard to beat the Mini M4. But my Frankenstein PC cost about $200 and gives me everything except 4K resolution (GTX 960), so I'm not about to ditch it for the Mini M4. Some people just don't have $500 to spend.
    However, if I had the money, or even if I were just starting with Zwift/indoor training, it's definitely something I would consider (I did actually purchase an Apple TV 4K, but my PC puts it in the shade, being able to use the Ultra setting). Regardless, the Mini M4 is an important addition to the list of "possibles" for technology that will run Zwift - thanks for the review!

    • @SmartBikeTrainers
      @SmartBikeTrainers  หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      That comment wasn’t mean to take anything away from budget PCs. I think they are great and wish we have more of them and can be more accessible. It was meant to be a playful nudge and just show how impressive the Mac Mini is and what Apple has done here. Hopefully this pushes more PC manufacturers into making more PCs that are as powerful and as affordable or even more affordable as the Mini.

  • @DeanOkun
    @DeanOkun 8 วันที่ผ่านมา

    Your reviews are so helpful! I just order the Mac Mini...now I need help with what monitor/tv to get. Any advise? Will be using it mainly for Zwift...but also as a computer monitor. Thanks!

    • @SmartBikeTrainers
      @SmartBikeTrainers  8 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

      Glad you found my reviews helpful. As far as monitor/tv. I would go with anything with at least 120hz refresh rate to be able to take advantage of the high refresh rate. The one I currently have is the Sony 43” X85K. It seems to be out of stock though. If I’m buying one now, I would probably get the LG C3 series or better amzn.to/403K7Ol

  • @andrewlowin3369
    @andrewlowin3369 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I moved from PC to MacMini M2 about 9 months ago and have seen none of the graphics issues that made me move. The video capture on PC resulted in freezing (not good when riding particularly while doing training sessions), none of that has occurred since moving to the M2. M2 quite sufficient but may consider MacMini M4 to improve the already amazing graphics quality I get on the M2.

  • @talonlan
    @talonlan หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    If it could use the Apple tv remote I would definately consider it but I really don't want to have to use a keyboard and mouse on a trainer

    • @NeilLavitt
      @NeilLavitt หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      If you get a Microsoft media keyboard with built in keyboard (you may need a USB-A to C adapter), it’s fine. Also if you don’t mind not using keyboard shortcuts, an Apple touchpad is easy. Still, I get it.

  • @chawley52
    @chawley52 หลายเดือนก่อน

    argggg...at the beginning of this year I purchased an M2 Mini (which I am very happy with)...now I have size envy!

    • @XashA12Musk
      @XashA12Musk หลายเดือนก่อน

      don't we all have size envy (iykwim) 😏

  • @mikedaugherty53
    @mikedaugherty53 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Been waiting for this!

  • @matthaigh5296
    @matthaigh5296 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    What about the Apple TV experience that Zwift committed to, but is well overdue to upgrade?

    • @johnbarron4713
      @johnbarron4713 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Zwift will screw it up!

  • @tim11880
    @tim11880 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I wonder if it bumps up the details to ULTRA if you set the resolution down to 1080p ? Thanks for the great video!

    • @SmartBikeTrainers
      @SmartBikeTrainers  หลายเดือนก่อน

      The profile is set to high regardless of resolution. Here is the M4 on 1080 resolution and still getting high profile.
      zwiftalizer.com/public/6b6366bd-446b-4047-a3bf-ba15196d932d

  • @totootwo22
    @totootwo22 29 วันที่ผ่านมา

    Can you tell me more about the tv setup? What size tv and what is the stand you are using?

    • @SmartBikeTrainers
      @SmartBikeTrainers  29 วันที่ผ่านมา

      The TVs are Sony 43 Inch 4K Ultra HD TV X85K: amzn.to/4gduGbG
      The TV Stands are Perlegear Floor TV Stand: amzn.to/3OuAvpk

    • @totootwo22
      @totootwo22 28 วันที่ผ่านมา

      @@SmartBikeTrainersthank you!

  • @Sultanmoias11
    @Sultanmoias11 หลายเดือนก่อน

    شكرا على المراجعه القصيرة لجهاز كبير بالاداء خاصة من يبحث عن الاستفاده الكاملة من تطبيق Zwift من جميع النواحي اعتبرها صفقه رابحه لتوفير مساحه في مكان تمرينك وجوده عاليه

  • @Wyliedawg
    @Wyliedawg หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    Did you, or can you possibly test a Makuri route with a very high number of riders on a group ride or race, apparently the least optimzed and most demanding combination on the platform? Thanks!!! - Bob (Toronto Canada)

    • @SmartBikeTrainers
      @SmartBikeTrainers  หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      I did a 50 min run in Makuri in ultra resolution and no difference in FPS. averaged 80 FPS. Will try to catch a group ride at some point and see how it handles with the crowd.

    • @Wyliedawg
      @Wyliedawg หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@SmartBikeTrainers Thank you kind Sir!

    • @testnghangouts9262
      @testnghangouts9262 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      I did an 80 person run recently on the base m4 mac mini, with 'ultra' config file add ons -- frame rate dropped into the 40s for most of the ride with the large pack. Will try reducing foilage density next time (was running 2.5)

    • @TariqAliIM
      @TariqAliIM หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@testnghangouts9262do you notice a difference in graphics with the “ultra” profile addon? Also, What resolution do you have set?

  • @dwielt
    @dwielt หลายเดือนก่อน

    I’m too busy sweating to appreciate the high graphics detail, I’m fine with 1080p. LOL. I have a M2 Pro Mac Mini. I do not use it for Zwift but it is a powerhouse.

  • @jimpatton4358
    @jimpatton4358 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Thanks for the fantastic review! How many Bluetooth connections can Mini handle?

    • @SmartBikeTrainers
      @SmartBikeTrainers  หลายเดือนก่อน +4

      It should handle all your devices without any issue. But I believe the maximum limit is 7 devices simultaneously.

  • @cyclingcomputer
    @cyclingcomputer หลายเดือนก่อน

    I don't know why people complain about the power button, my intel iMac mid-2019 is used only to run Zwift nowadays and it has been more than 2 months since I don't turn it off, after I finish my training it goes to sleep mode and that is all I need.

    • @SmartBikeTrainers
      @SmartBikeTrainers  หลายเดือนก่อน

      Not much to complain about with this device so we have to find something to complain about 🙂

  • @MrMartin246
    @MrMartin246 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    is there a way to avoid keyboard and mouse ?

    • @SmartBikeTrainers
      @SmartBikeTrainers  หลายเดือนก่อน

      There are some apps that allow you to control your Mac using only your phone. The app I used to have is called Remote Mouse and worked well. Haven’t used it in a while though.

    • @MrMartin246
      @MrMartin246 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @@SmartBikeTrainers I actually found a video about one such as that allows the Apple TV remote to control a Mac. So I guess there are solutions. Phone is not as good as it runs the Companion app, but the Apple TV remote might be interesting.

  • @mytubeview
    @mytubeview หลายเดือนก่อน

    There is a NUC using latest AMD R9 with 32gb / 2T ssd + win 11 Pro. That one is much better for gaming. However power efficiency of macMini is much better.

    • @dominicbritt
      @dominicbritt 23 วันที่ผ่านมา

      Meh - if you enjoy paying for Windows 11 and having to wait for updates three times a week 👍

  • @jimboldra3824
    @jimboldra3824 หลายเดือนก่อน

    With the Mac Mini M4 can you still use Ant+ or does everything have to connect via BT?

    • @SmartBikeTrainers
      @SmartBikeTrainers  หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Yes, you can use ANT+

    • @testnghangouts9262
      @testnghangouts9262 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Need a USB external ant+ dongle, but yes, if you have that, works great.

  • @kevinsimpson5860
    @kevinsimpson5860 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Unrelated to this video, but do you have (or could you make) a video that speaks to choosing the right size TV for Zwift. Seems like smaller sizes would be better if you are right in front of it, and larger better if you're further away. However I just don't know with modern HD/4k tvs.

    • @SmartBikeTrainers
      @SmartBikeTrainers  หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      I have 42” TVs and sit about 5-6 feet away. Used to have a 60” in my old workout space and I got used to it after a while but I think the smaller TVs work much better and easier on the eye. For me, I find picture quality and screen clarity are more important than size.

  • @franss.543
    @franss.543 8 วันที่ผ่านมา

    Tariq, how are you able to compare high and ultra with exactly the same footage? Other players are exactly in the same spots, so to me looks as if it's the same footage?😅

    • @SmartBikeTrainers
      @SmartBikeTrainers  7 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

      Haha… good question. I had one running on my Gaming PC in ultra and the other was running on the Mac mini in high profile.

    • @franss.543
      @franss.543 7 วันที่ผ่านมา

      While taking a close look, I did notice the shadows are a bit sharper with the gaming setup. Then again, I had to freeze the frame to stop this. Anyone noticing probably isn't sweating enough..
      Thanks for the video, was on the brink of putting together a cheap zwift desktop but considering I would only use it for zwift I think it would still be a waste of resources. Thus decided to opted for the mini m4!

  • @Cavey-b2u
    @Cavey-b2u หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Does look good, but, for Zwift, if you don't care about size/noise build a PC then?

    • @markbphilip
      @markbphilip หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      This! I don't hear my Zwift PC over the turbo, netflix, me grunting and groaning. Sits nicely on the floor behind the Kickr Climb out the way.

  • @dodojanik
    @dodojanik หลายเดือนก่อน

    A zwift PC would cost you a third of the price of the M4 for 5% less performance. Size wise yes its bigger. Noise? Not a problem i can barely hear mine when i stay 1meter aside, not to mention once i start pedaling the Tacx and a fan are all i hear. Limited BT connection is the bigest draw back as you have to run Zwift though you phone.

    • @ashley1scott
      @ashley1scott หลายเดือนก่อน

      I think you may be getting the Apple TV and the Mac Mini mixed up. The ATV only allows 3 BT connections, 1 of which is the remote.
      The Mac Mini allows upto 9 BT connections at any one time.

    • @dominicbritt
      @dominicbritt 23 วันที่ผ่านมา

      5% less performance? - that’s a f£&king good one mate 😂

  • @cefrayer
    @cefrayer หลายเดือนก่อน

    I'm confused. Are you saying that--even when I select 4K in Zwift settings on my M4--the max resolution I can actually get is 2K???

    • @SmartBikeTrainers
      @SmartBikeTrainers  หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Zwift allows you to select the video resolution who can go up to 4K. However, the graphic profile can’t be selected by the user and is set to “high” which is one level lower than the maximum which is “Ultra” profile. Hope that helps.

  • @oceanzmat
    @oceanzmat หลายเดือนก่อน

    Thank you sir, great review. Does this mean the end for your Alien gaming PC set up?

    • @SmartBikeTrainers
      @SmartBikeTrainers  หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      My son was asking the same thing and putting dibs on it 😆
      Yes, switching to the M4 Mini.

    • @oceanzmat
      @oceanzmat หลายเดือนก่อน

      @ You are a man true to his word then :) Vividly remember you making this promise a year or two ago on one of your optimal-Zwift setup videos. Clearly your son has been paying attention too.

  • @clozner
    @clozner หลายเดือนก่อน

    Do you use it with a keyboard and mouse for this? Or can you just use an Apple Remote?

    • @SmartBikeTrainers
      @SmartBikeTrainers  หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      I have a wireless keyboard and mouse connected to it.

    • @brentcunningham487
      @brentcunningham487 18 วันที่ผ่านมา

      @@SmartBikeTrainers Do you mind identifying the keyboard and mouse that you use?

    • @SmartBikeTrainers
      @SmartBikeTrainers  18 วันที่ผ่านมา

      @@brentcunningham487 I use the Keychron K3 version 3: www.keychron.com/products/keychron-k3-qmk-wireless-mechanical-keyboard-version-3?ref=TARIQ
      Mouse is Keychron M3 Wireless Mouse: www.keychron.com/products/keychron-m3-wireless-mouse?ref=TARIQ

  • @dregm
    @dregm หลายเดือนก่อน

    Thanks for the video,

  • @jameseastwood402
    @jameseastwood402 หลายเดือนก่อน +10

    I can't see a world where it makes sense paying this much just for a smaller profile versus a PC.

  • @Brrunoc1
    @Brrunoc1 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Does the Mac have ANT built in. On my win11 pc my ANT dongle is USBA

    • @SmartBikeTrainers
      @SmartBikeTrainers  หลายเดือนก่อน

      No it isn’t built in. You will need to get an Ant+ USB-C key.

    • @LarsTore
      @LarsTore หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@SmartBikeTrainers or an adapter from USB A to USB C, works like a charm

  • @danielwardAUS
    @danielwardAUS หลายเดือนก่อน

    So how many bluetooth channels does it support?

    • @SmartBikeTrainers
      @SmartBikeTrainers  หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      There is no clear cut on how many devices can be paired. So you can pair as many as you would like.

    • @ashley1scott
      @ashley1scott หลายเดือนก่อน

      From comments I have seen, people are running upto 9 BT connections at a time. But officially I think Bluetooth 5.3 is limited to 7

  • @stephenbetley9596
    @stephenbetley9596 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Really interested to see what happens with the AppleTV in 2025. Seen some rumours of a Pro version with an Mx chipset with a gaming vibe. Whether that will pan out I don't know. This however is just awesome for the price.

    • @SmartBikeTrainers
      @SmartBikeTrainers  หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Apple is going to have to get into the gaming industry at some point here. In the meantime, this one is great and interested to see if more games get into it.

    • @NeilLavitt
      @NeilLavitt หลายเดือนก่อน

      I’d prefer a decent lean back interface on the Mac Mini and the ability to run TvOS apps as well as iPad apps.

  • @wilzeepilz9800
    @wilzeepilz9800 หลายเดือนก่อน +6

    $600+ to run Zwift?

    • @thedownunderverse
      @thedownunderverse หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Which runs on Apple TV

    • @gweflj
      @gweflj หลายเดือนก่อน

      Exactly. Pointless.

    • @SteveLoweMedia
      @SteveLoweMedia หลายเดือนก่อน

      No kidding. It can edit 4k no problem. Pretty sure it can run a "game" like Zwift.

    • @DanielHarcha
      @DanielHarcha หลายเดือนก่อน

      But you can run dual monitors and have another task going.

    • @Daimoku1938
      @Daimoku1938 หลายเดือนก่อน

      start jogging !!! it will cheaper 4u or stop buying toilet paper to save money for zwift.

  • @titaniumben9923
    @titaniumben9923 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Capped at 80fps sounds like a monitor sync cap, not zwift.

    • @SmartBikeTrainers
      @SmartBikeTrainers  หลายเดือนก่อน

      You think? My TVs support 120hz. It does go up to 120fps when in game menu but drops to 80 once I’m in a ride. Here is an example
      zwiftalizer.com/public/22e27d1a-92a1-4140-ab67-eefc4d8738f6

  • @Ray88G
    @Ray88G หลายเดือนก่อน

    Can i install Linux ?

    • @jamesfrese
      @jamesfrese หลายเดือนก่อน

      I really wish Zwift would make it easier to run on LInux. I hate maintaining a Windows 10 machine just for my Zwift setup.

    • @lauren-thomas
      @lauren-thomas หลายเดือนก่อน

      ​@@jamesfresethere is a docker image that runs the Windows version in WINE very well. I use it on Fedora 41. Its on GitHub (netbrain/zwift)

  • @Brantastic07
    @Brantastic07 หลายเดือนก่อน

    1:41
    They should just let us use turn on & off the mac mini with our iPhones

  • @richardvaughn168
    @richardvaughn168 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Great review. This will replace my Windows laptop that can't be upgraded. It is the last Windows computer in our family. We will be Linux/Apple from here on out.

  • @ebmike8
    @ebmike8 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    You don't need something this OP and overpriced for Zwift. I run zwift 4k on a 8th Gen Intel Nuc i3 (Iris Graphcis) at 4k without issue. Cost me $200 on ebay three years ago brand new.

  • @hill160881
    @hill160881 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    The asrock desk mini x300 with 5series chip will destroy the apple in gaming and expressly zwift. It will have better resolution, frame rate, more in world items,details and shadows. You are incorrect. Zwift has refused to optimize for Apple from day one. I have several machines and the PCs have much more of everything and can hit whatever frame rate my graphics can handle. Apple still limited to 60 actual fps and minimal in game details. The asrock desk mini with 4650 g will smoke the apple m4 in zwift. Now what would I buy having both? The m4 mini because of all else it can do.

    • @SmartBikeTrainers
      @SmartBikeTrainers  หลายเดือนก่อน

      Do you have a link to a complete system?

  • @nathanwforrest
    @nathanwforrest หลายเดือนก่อน

    A Bmax Mini PC is the same size, runs Zwift just fine, and costs 1/3 to 1/5 of the price of the Apple.

    • @SmartBikeTrainers
      @SmartBikeTrainers  หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Do you have a link to one you would recommend? Would love to check it out. Also, do you happen to know at what resolution it runs Zwift and fps?

  • @zwifting
    @zwifting หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    On one YT page there is endless cribbing and crying about Zwift looking for a small price increase per month - meanwhile on another YT page let’s drop 500 on something to just view the game on 😂 I wonder how many would be in the centre of the Venn Diagram🤔😂

  • @Bazza1968
    @Bazza1968 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Five hundred bucks and it won't even run "Ultra" profile.... That's a crappy downgrade from my $40 Acer Veriton M2631G with $12 SSD and just a GTX1050Ti at 60 bucks which will run Ultra.... It's analogous to someone telling you MP3 sounds better than FLAC.... Sounds like you got paid to push this lol

  • @MrLootshoot
    @MrLootshoot หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Just no!

  • @michel0731
    @michel0731 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Why spend all that money on extra-nice graphics? It's pointless. It's way too expensive to use it just for Zwift. The NiPoGi AM16 Mini PC ΑΜD Ryzen 5 PRO 5675U or similar, is way cheaper and perfectly fine.