Mac Mini or MAc Studio

[silvine]

Hey all,
I'm upgrading my primary work machine. I have a 2017 27 i3 inch iMac with 64GB RAM and 1TB SSD. I'm considering either a Mac Mini 2020 with 16gb ram and 1TB HD or the Mac Studio with 1TB HD.

The machine should power two monitors, including the new Mac monitor. I use it for front end web work and light video and audio editing. I want to pick a machine that lasts 5-7 years like my iMac.

The Mac Mini could be ok, but I'm reluctant to buy a computer that was released in 2020. That said, is the Studio overkill?

My main goal is a fast-future proofed machine.

 

[Dave Braine]

Given the price of a Mac Studio, I would think that the Mini would be your choice.

 

[MK500]

Since you want 2 displays and you are used to the 5K resolution already, I would lean toward the Mac Studio. The M1 Mac Mini is a wonderful computer, but it has some serious limitations in a 2 display configuration. A limitation of the first generation M1 chip is that only one display is supported via Thunderbolt. The second display would have to be connected to the HDMI port, which is HDMI 2.0 (not the newer 2.1). This means your second display would max out at 4K 60hz.

That said, I might suggest saving money by getting a pair of 4K monitors initially for your Mac Studio. You could then upgrade to 5K or better monitors in a few years when mini-LED and 120hz is the norm and prices have come down. Since the Studio Display basically has the same panel as your 2017 iMac but costs almost $2K with a stand, it just might make sense to spend more like $1200 for a pair of very nice 4K monitors.

You could also do this with a Mac Mini of course (one display on HDMI), but the Mini will limit your future upgrade potential; and the cost difference spread over 7 years isn’t that huge.

 

[Basic75]

IMHO you'll have a hard time going 7 years with only 16GB of RAM.

 

[Fishrrman]

OP wrote:
"My main goal is a fast-future proofed machine."

You have answered your own question with this line.