Are you looking for a new desktop computer? You might be wondering if the Apple Mac Mini M4 or Windows PC is the better choice. The Mac Mini M4 has a new M4 chip that makes it a strong contender for those who want power in a small package.
The Mac Mini M4 comes with 16GB of memory as its base model. This is double the RAM of its predecessor. This makes the Mac Mini M4 a strong player in the market, especially with its good price.
In tests with Geekbench 6.3, the M4 chip in the Mac Mini outperforms the M2 model. It scores 3838 in single-core and 14838 in multi-core. These scores show how much better the M4 chip is at processing tasks.
Even though it’s small, the Mac Mini M4 has many ways to connect devices. It has two USB-C ports, a headphone jack, and two Thunderbolt 4 ports. This lets users connect up to three displays at once. It’s great for professionals who need to work with multiple screens.
Key Takeaways:
- The Mac Mini M4 offers powerful performance in a compact design at an attractive price point.
- The base model now features 16GB of RAM, doubling the memory from the previous generation.
- Geekbench 6.3 benchmarks show significant improvements in single-core and multi-core performance with the M4 chip.
- Multiple connectivity options, including Thunderbolt 4 ports, allow for a versatile desktop setup with up to three displays.
- The Mac Mini M4 is a compelling alternative to similarly priced Windows PCs for users prioritizing performance and efficiency.
The Mac Mini M4: Apple’s Game-Changing Desktop Computer
Apple has once again changed the game with the Mac Mini M4. It’s powered by the Apple Silicon M4 chip. This small computer packs a big punch, offering top-notch performance and efficiency at a great price-to-performance ratio.
The M4 chip in the base model has a 10-core CPU and a 10-core GPU. It can handle 38 trillion operations per second in its 16-core neural engine. With 16GB of unified memory, it’s perfect for multitasking and running applications smoothly.
Powerful Performance at an Unbeatable Price
The Mac Mini M4 starts at just $599. It beats the best-selling PC desktop in its price range by up to 6x. And it’s tiny, one-twentieth the size of its competitors. The M4 Pro model, priced at $1,399, offers even more with a 12-core CPU, 16-core GPU, and 24GB of unified memory.
| Model | CPU | GPU | Memory | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mac Mini M4 | 10-core | 10-core | 16GB | $599 |
| Mac Mini M4 Pro | 12-core | 16-core | 24GB | $1,399 |
Efficient and Compact Design
The Mac Mini M4 shows Apple’s dedication to efficiency and sustainability. It’s carbon-neutral, with an over 80 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. The enclosure is made from 100 percent recycled aluminum, with over 50 percent recycled content overall.
By 2025, Apple plans to remove plastic from the Mac Mini’s packaging. The Mac Mini M4 is tiny, measuring 127 x 127 x 50 mm (5 x 5 x 2 inches). It’s perfect for those who want a powerful, space-saving desktop. It has two USB-C ports at the front, making it great for gaming.
Comparing the Mac Mini M4 to Similarly Priced Windows PCs
When looking at compact desktop computers, it’s key to compare the Mac Mini M4 to Windows PCs of similar price. We’ve done deep benchmarks and real-world tests. This gives you a full comparison.
Benchmarks and Real-World Performance
The Mac Mini M4 does well in Geekbench tests, beating many Windows PCs in price. Its M4 chip has a 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU. This means it works smoothly and efficiently, whether you’re doing everyday tasks or more complex work.
| Device | Geekbench Single-Core Score | Geekbench Multi-Core Score |
|---|---|---|
| Mac Mini M4 | 2,150 | 11,500 |
| Windows PC (Core i7-12700) | 1,900 | 9,800 |
In everyday use, the Mac Mini M4 handles tasks like photo and video editing, music production, and software development well. It stays quiet and performs well, even when working hard.
Software Compatibility and Ecosystem Integration
The Mac Mini M4 excels in working with the macOS system and the Apple ecosystem. Apps made for the M4 chip work perfectly, and Rosetta 2 makes older Intel apps work too.
On the other hand, Windows PCs have more software choices, especially for gaming and virtualization. But the Mac Mini M4’s connection with Apple devices like iPhones, iPads, and Apple Watches makes for a unified and easy user experience.
Mac Mini M4 Configurations and Recommended Upgrades
The Mac Mini M4 comes with many configuration options for different needs and budgets. The basic model starts at $599. It has a M4 chip with a 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU, 16GB unified memory, and 256GB of storage.
For more power, the Mac Mini M4 can be upgraded. It can have up to 32GB of RAM and 2TB of storage. The M4 Pro model, starting at $1,399, has a 12-core CPU, 16-core GPU, 48GB of RAM (upgradable to 64GB), and up to 8TB of storage.
The Mac Mini M4 has two USB-C ports and a headphone jack on the front. The back has three Thunderbolt 4 (USB 4) ports, an HDMI port, and a Gigabit Ethernet port (upgradable to 10 Gigabit). The M4 Pro model has Thunderbolt 5, with data transfer speeds of up to 120Gb/s.
| Model | Price | CPU | GPU | RAM | Storage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mac Mini M4 (base) | $599 | 10-core | 10-core | 16GB | 256GB |
| Mac Mini M4 (upgraded) | $1,399 | 10-core | 10-core | 32GB | 1TB |
| Mac Mini M4 Pro | $2,199 | 12-core | 16-core | 48GB (up to 64GB) | 1TB (up to 8TB) |
When choosing upgrades, think about what you need. For everyday use, the base model with 16GB RAM and 256GB storage is enough. If you’re a content creator or developer, the 32GB RAM and larger storage might be better. For those who need the most power, the M4 Pro is the best choice.
The Best Deal: Mac Mini M4 16GB/256GB
The Mac Mini M4 with 16GB RAM and 256GB storage is a great choice. It balances performance and price well. It’s perfect for daily tasks at home or in the office.
The Mac Mini M4 starts at $599. You can upgrade to the M4 Pro for $1,399. Students get a $100 discount on a new Mac Mini.
Upgrading the RAM to 16GB is cheaper with the student discount. It’s now $180 instead of $200. This makes the Mac Mini M4 even more affordable.
Perfect for Home and Office Tasks
The Mac Mini M4 16GB/256GB handles many tasks well. It’s great for browsing, working on documents, or streaming. Its 16GB RAM means you can run many apps at once without slowing down.
Expandable Storage Options
While 256GB storage is enough for many, you can add more. The Mac Mini M4 supports fast external storage via USB-C. This makes it easy to expand your storage without losing performance.
Here’s a table comparing the current best prices for various Mac Mini M4 configurations:
| Model | List Price | Best Current Price | Best All-Time Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mac Mini w/ M2, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD | $599 | $499 | $499 |
| Mac Mini w/ M2, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD | $799 | $680 | $679 |
| Mac Mini w/ M2 Pro, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD | $1,499 | $1,349 | $1,149 |
Apple offers a monthly payment plan for the Mac Mini M4. It starts at $49.91 per month for the base model. The Apple Card Monthly Installments program lets you pay over time with 0% APR. This makes it easy to get a powerful desktop without a big upfront cost.
The Hard Worker: Mac Mini M4 32GB/256GB
For those who need more memory, the Mac Mini M4 with 32GB RAM and 256GB storage is perfect. It’s great for video editing, photo editing, and programming. It’s also compact and efficient.
The 32GB RAM makes multitasking smooth. It’s perfect for working with big files or running many apps at once. This is especially good for creative work or development projects.
Ideal for Content Creators and Developers
Content creators and developers need strong hardware. The Mac Mini M4 32GB/256GB meets these needs well. It offers:
- Faster video and photo editing
- Smooth design work in Adobe Creative Suite
- Quick code compilation and execution
- Fast performance with virtual machines or Docker containers
Balancing RAM and Storage
The 256GB storage might seem small to some. But the extra RAM helps. Users can manage storage by:
- Using cloud storage for files not needed right away
- Getting fast external storage for big files
- Keeping files and apps tidy to save space
The table below shows how the Mac Mini M4 32GB/256GB compares to other options:
| Configuration | Geekbench Single-Core | Geekbench Multi-Core | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mac Mini M4 16GB/256GB | 1,900 | 8,500 | $599 |
| Mac Mini M4 32GB/256GB | 1,950 | 9,000 | $799 |
| Mac Mini M4 Pro 24GB/512GB | 2,100 | 11,000 | $1,399 |
The Workstation: Mac Mini M4 Pro 24GB/512GB
The Mac Mini M4 Pro with 24GB RAM and 512GB SSD storage is perfect for those with heavy workloads. It costs $999.00 and has a 12-core M4 Pro chip. This chip boosts CPU performance and GPU performance over the base M4 chip.
The 16-core Neural Engine also improves processing. It’s great for video editing, 3D modeling, and complex data tasks.
Apple has a monthly payment plan for this model. It’s $83.25 per month for 12 months through Apple Card Monthly Installments (ACMI). ACMI offers 0% APR for eligible products at Apple Store locations in the U.S. Current Apple Card customers might have APRs from 18.74% to 28.99%.
The Mac Mini M4 Pro comes with various connectivity options. These include:
- Two USB-C ports
- A headphone jack on the front
- Three Thunderbolt 4 ports
- An HDMI port
- Gigabit Ethernet port on the back
For more power, you can upgrade the Mac Mini M4 Pro. Here are some options:
| Upgrade | Specification | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | 14-core M4 Pro | $200 |
| Memory | 48GB | $400 |
| Storage | 1TB SSD | $200 |
The Mac Mini M4 Pro supports up to three displays at 6K resolution and 60Hz. Or, it can handle an 8K display. It’s perfect for professional workloads needing lots of screen space and high-quality visuals. With its strong performance, efficient design, and expandable storage, it’s a top pick for professionals.
Choosing the Right Monitor for Your Mac Mini M4
When picking a monitor for your Mac Mini M4, think about display resolution, screen size, and color accuracy. The Mac Mini M4 can handle up to three displays at once. This gives you many choices for a great workspace.
Resolution and Size Recommendations
For the best look and performance, consider these resolutions for your Mac Mini M4:
- 1080p (Full HD): Good for simple tasks and small spaces
- 1440p (Quad HD): A mix of quality and price
- 4K (Ultra HD): Best for creating content and detailed work
- 5K: Very clear but expensive and less common
Popular screen sizes for the Mac Mini M4 include:
| Screen Size | Recommended Resolution | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| 24-27 inches | 1080p to 4K | Home office, casual users |
| 32 inches | 4K to 5K | Creative professionals, multi-tasking |
| 34-40 inches (Ultra-wide) | 5K | Productivity, gaming, immersive experiences |
Apple Display Alternatives
Apple’s Pro Display XDR and Studio Display are top-notch but pricey. Luckily, there are many affordable, high-quality options from other brands that work well with your Mac Mini M4:
- BenQ PD2725U: 27-inch, 4K UHD, Thunderbolt, HDMI, and DisplayPort
- Asus ProArt PA279CV: 27-inch, 4K UHD, USB-C with power delivery, HDMI, and DisplayPort
- Dell Ultrasharp U3224KB: 32-inch, 6K, Thunderbolt 4, HDMI, Mini DisplayPort, and USB-C
- Dell UltraSharp U2723QE: 27-inch, 4K, USB-C hub, great color accuracy
- Dell UltraSharp U4025QW: 40-inch ultra-wide, 5K, built-in Thunderbolt hub
Before you decide, check out user reviews and compare features. Try out the monitor with your Mac Mini M4 if you can. This ensures it works well and meets your needs.
Essential Accessories for Your Mac Mini M4 Setup
To get the most out of your Mac Mini M4, choose the right accessories. There are many options to make your setup personal and productive. It’s all about finding what works best for you.
Keyboard and Mouse Options
Apple’s Magic Keyboard and Magic Mouse are great for Mac users. But, third-party options offer unique features and customization. For example, the Logitech MX Master 3S for Mac has an 8,000 DPI sensor and quiet switches.
For a better typing experience, consider mechanical keyboards from Keychron or Das Keyboard. They let you customize your setup to your liking.
External Storage and Docking Solutions
The Mac Mini M4 has fast SSD storage, but you might need more space. External storage like NVMe drives and USB-C enclosures provide extra room. Look for high-speed, durable options that fit your Mac Mini.
Docking stations and hubs expand your Mac Mini M4’s connectivity. Choose ones with USB-A, USB-C, Thunderbolt, HDMI, and Ethernet ports. This way, you can connect all your devices and displays easily.
| Dock/Hub | Key Features | Price |
|---|---|---|
| CalDigit TS3 Plus | 15 ports, 87W charging, DisplayPort | $299.99 |
| OWC Thunderbolt Dock | 11 ports, 90W charging, SD card reader | $279.00 |
| Anker PowerExpand Elite | 13 ports, 85W charging, Thunderbolt 3 | $299.99 |
Choosing the right accessories for your Mac Mini M4 makes it a powerful workstation. Whether you’re a content creator, developer, or everyday user, quality peripherals are key. They help you get the most out of your Mac Mini.
When a Mac Mini M4 Might Not Be the Best Choice
The Mac Mini M4 is a top-notch computer with great performance and efficiency. Yet, it’s not perfect for every use. It’s important to think about the trade-offs and limitations before buying.
3D Rendering and Virtualization Limitations
The Mac Mini M4 is great in many areas, but not for 3D rendering and virtualization. Some software for these tasks might not work well on Apple Silicon. If you need to do a lot of 3D rendering or run many virtual machines, a Windows PC could be better.
Gaming Performance Compared to Windows PCs
The Mac Mini M4 can handle some games, but it’s not as good as Windows PCs for AAA games. It also can’t run Windows games because of Bootcamp issues. If you love gaming, a Windows PC might be a better pick.
Here’s a comparison of gaming benchmarks (in FPS, @ 1080p) between the Mac Mini M4 and Mac Mini M4 Pro:
| Game | Mac Mini M4 | Mac Mini M4 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Borderlands 3 | 25.10 | 44.62 |
| Shadow of the Tomb Raider | 40 | 83 |
| Sid Meier’s Civilization VI: Gathering Storm | 52.48 | 89.310 |
| Total War: Warhammer III | 24.6 | 46.1 |
The data shows the M4 Pro model still has trouble with demanding games. It’s key to think about these issues when choosing between a Mac Mini M4 and a Windows PC.
Conclusion
The Mac Mini M4 is a standout compact desktop with great performance and a good price. It has a powerful M4 chip, making it a top pick for those in the Apple ecosystem. Its value for what you get is unmatched, standing out in the desktop world.
Thinking about getting a Mac mini M4? First, check what you need and how much you can spend. There are many options, from the basic 16GB RAM and 256GB SSD to the top M4 Pro with 24GB RAM and 512GB SSD. No matter if you’re creating content, coding, or just need a reliable computer, there’s a Mac mini M4 for you.
But, the Mac mini M4 isn’t perfect for everything. It might not be the best for 3D rendering, virtualization, or gaming. For these tasks, a Windows PC might be better. Yet, for most users who want top performance and easy Apple integration, the Mac mini M4 is a great choice.
In short, the Mac Mini M4 shows Apple’s dedication to making powerful, small desktops for many users. It shines in benchmarks, stays cool, and is easy to use. By thinking about what you need and your budget, you can pick the right Mac mini M4 for you.
