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Mac mini M4 (2024): docks, stands and other accessories

Mity said:
I'll check more closely but I have the base M4 mini and I will be using it as a streaming device only. So, in my use case it will not use much energy.

But you are right that it doesn't have much clearance to allow air to flow underneath. I think maybe raising it a bit using felt pads may do the trick.
Click to expand...
Instead of felt pads, I would go with rubber or silicone bumpers.
 
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How I solved the "power button problem" on my new M4 Mini:
Bottom w power button.JPG

And I do need to press it one or more times per day.

I used one of those small microfiber lens cleaning cloths, folded over, for "a base".
Keeps it from slipping around on the desk and from getting scratched.

Cost:
$ 0.00. :cool:
 
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Fishrrman said:
I used one of those small microfiber lens cleaning cloths, folded over, for "a base".
Keeps it from slipping around on the desk and from getting scratched.

Cost:
$ 0.00. :cool:
Click to expand...
Or US$19 from Apple :D

www.apple.com

Polishing Cloth

Made with soft, non-abrasive material, the Polishing Cloth cleans any Apple display, including nano-texture glass, safely and effectively. Buy now.
www.apple.com

However, I'd probably go for this myself if I wanted a vertical Mac mini:


Screenshot 2025-03-11 at 10.50.58 AM.png
 
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Re the pic of the enclosure above this reply:
How do you access the 3 front ports?
 
Fishrrman said:
How I solved the "power button problem" on my new M4 Mini:
View attachment 2490993
And I do need to press it one or more times per day.

I used one of those small microfiber lens cleaning cloths, folded over, for "a base".
Keeps it from slipping around on the desk and from getting scratched.

Cost:
$ 0.00. :cool:
Click to expand...
Booo!!! There's no cute duck switch. 😇
 
Fishrrman said:
How I solved the "power button problem" on my new M4 Mini:
View attachment 2490993
And I do need to press it one or more times per day.

I used one of those small microfiber lens cleaning cloths, folded over, for "a base".
Keeps it from slipping around on the desk and from getting scratched.

Cost:
$ 0.00. :cool:
Click to expand...
Now imagine if there was a Standing Mac Mini Wheels Kit for it. You'd be able to brag about a $700 customization of it. 🔥
 
bulabula2001 said:
Received mine just a couple of days ago directly from Orico. After turning the dock on, the fan started quite audible with a constant whining sound. By far too much for my personal preference, so the dock went back to seller (giving a try with the Hagibis one now).
Orico informed me, that the fan issue was solved in later production runs, however I'm not able to confirm that.
It would have been the ideal solution, especially with the two NVME slots (one for external storage, one for time Machine) but not with the fan situation I faced.

P.S.: Just to add that by the pace they handled the complaint and refund, I assume I was not the first one returning the dock to them.
Click to expand...

Short report on the Orico M49P - it was available at Amazon at a good price and does everything I want. I was a bit concerned about the fan noise. It is not really loud, but disturbing.

So, return or do it yourself...
I really wanted to keep it and did not mind about losing warranty. With no ssd attached, you can reach the wires of the fan. There is an additional rubber tube. I removed it partly with small scissors , cut the red wire and soldered 20 Ohm resistor into the cable. Tested the right value with a potentiometer first. With about 20-25 Ohm the fan starts running.

I tested the inside temp with the original fan speed before the operation. There was no noticeable warmth inside or at the fan outlet at the back.

Result: There is some barely noticeable noise now, if you listen close to the dock. Everything perfect.

Yes, I know, that resistor-method is not really the most sophisticated solution to calm down a fan. But out of curiosity I "destroyed" a "Noise reduction cable" from Noctua (the best fans, you can get) Inside I found .... a simple resistor. So If Noctua can do it - I can do that too.
 
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I haven't found a hub or dock that I like yet, so I opted for a simple stand for now. This sturdy metal stand from Bylitco (model DM300) is $19 on Amazon.

I am very happy with this. I'm also using OWCs Express 1M2 external now for a 2 TB SSD.


Pros:
  • well built, heavy piece of metal (not flimsy aluminum), with cushioning that holds the mac mini in place firmly
  • elevates the mini above the desk, lessening the amount of dust that will be sucked into the machine from my dog hair infested abode
  • provides more area for ventilation of the entire unit than keeping it horizontal
  • raises the antenna at the bottom of the mini to give me better wifi reception (but still much worse on the mini than what I had on the 2017 imac in the same location that this replaced!)
  • provides easy access to the power button
IMG_4119.JPG
 
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EugW said:
That partially blocks air flow though.
Click to expand...
The dust filter though… looks quite useful. I mean, yes, it can block the air flow, but at least in my current house there’s a lot of dust coming from the outside so…

Another solution which I’m currently looking at, is an Air Purifier.
 
Populus said:
The dust filter though… looks quite useful. I mean, yes, it can block the air flow, but at least in my current house there’s a lot of dust coming from the outside so…

Another solution which I’m currently looking at, is an Air Purifier.
Click to expand...
I'm testing different stand and it seems that those filers ain't affecting temps noticeably.
I would need to record temps during After Effects renders to compare.
If the differences are small I think it is worth it, more than clogging the inside with dust and hairs...
 
axantas said:
The stand has holes to assure the air flow - a quite interesting solution. Particularly regarding the often reported problems, that the dpcl blocks WiFi. Wood does not do that. Besides that, it looks good. :)
Click to expand...
Yes it has holes. But its design seems like it may partially restrict flow. However, if temps are OK, then that's fine.
 
axantas said:
The stand has holes to assure the air flow - a quite interesting solution. Particularly regarding the often reported problems, that the dpcl blocks WiFi. Wood does not do that. Besides that, it looks good. :)
Click to expand...
What’s the dpcl?

Also, do you think, from your experience or what you’ve read, that having the Mac mini under the table will affect Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and interactions such as AirDrop, continuity, or using features such as Sidecar?
 
I just bought some cheap drink coasters off amazon. Fit perfectly under center circle and elevated enough for my finger to depress the power button. Works perfect and looks clean.
https://a.co/d/f2quSzn
 
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I ordered this stand from Amazon. It elevates the Mini while allowing both access to the power button and space to store accessories underneath.


Screenshot 2025-03-25 at 10.01.53 AM.jpg
 
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