Must haves for the new Mac mini (what are your minimum specs?)

[deaglecat]

I'll start.

16Gb RAM, 256Gb Storage, ethernet, line out audio and an HDMI port. I don't really worry about too many USB ports because a Hub will fix that.

Reckon that should be doable...

 

[Fishrrman]

This time around:
32gb RAM
1tb SSD
4-5 USB ports

256 is simply not large enough any longer -- 512gb is now "the minimum".
16gb is probably fine for today, but... in 3-4 more years...?

 

[coffeemilktea]

16 GB of RAM, 1 TB SSD, Thunderbolt USB-C (HDMI is an okay alternative).

As the minimum, of course.

 

[deaglecat]

Just hoping Apple don't take away the Ethernet, HDMI or the audio line out in favor of some Wireless/BT/USB C port minimalism. These are essential to me for playing video and listening through my amp.

My needs are modest. I may go for a bigger SSD but have a Synology for storage.

 

[frou]

I'm not going to buy a new Mini/Studio until it has an absolutely awesome NPU that's a step change. I keep my Macs for many years so the one I get for the on-device AI era has to be a beast in that regard.

 

[turbineseaplane]

I wish they'd just start them all at 16GB RAM and have an NVMe slot

Sony allows end users of their freaking game console to add their own NVMe storage

It's just ridiculous gouging of customers for Apple not to allow this on desktop computers

 

[Subarctic5216]

My preferred new Mac musts:
36gb Ram or more
2TB ssd
10Gb Ethernet
HDMI 2.1
Audio Out jack
3-4 Thunderbolt 4
*2-3 USB-C/USB-3
*A hub will accomplish any other peripheral needs

I have been holding out for a new Studio for over a year now but if the G4 Mini (Pro-Max whatever) covers these needs...
Tim Apple take my money now *)

 

[NeonNights]

I second the 10gbe option. It is available on the M2/M2 Pro Mac Mini and I hope Apple offers it as an upgrade on the new Mac Mini without having to jump to a Mac Studio or ridiculously expensive third-party accessory. However, if the Mac Mini is expected to be miniaturized then I don't know how well it will dissipate heat from 10gbe.

 

[Subarctic5216]

I second the 10gbe option. It was available on the M2 Pro Mac Mini and I hope Apple offers it as an upgrade on the new Mac Mini without having to jump to a Mac Studio or ridiculously expensive third-party accessory. However, if the Mac Mini is expected to be miniaturized then I don't know how well it will dissipate heat from 10gbe.

Yeah, I hadn't thought about the heat for 10gbe. They certainly will put a fan in these little buggers?!

 

[lenningj]

£599 starting price
16GB Ram
256GB Drive
Doesn't get hot/loud
Accessible'ish ports
Can play GTA 6 60FPS low settings 😅

 

[cjsuk]

16/512. Going to get my daughter to buy it on her student discount 🤣

 

[cjsuk]

I wish they'd just start them all at 16GB RAM and have an NVMe slot

Sony allows end users of their freaking game console to add their own NVMe storage

It's just ridiculous gouging of customers for Apple not to allow this on desktop computers

Actually you can swap the storage out with a rework station. That is proven now. All they need to do is put the flash chips on a module like the Studio and it's job done.

NVMe is not the answer though because the SSD controller is on the processor die (for security and integration reasons).

Studio storage cards (clones):

 

[turbineseaplane]

Actually you can swap the storage out with a rework station.

What's a rework station?

 

[cjsuk]

What's a rework station?

Roughly: Hot air gun, soldering tools.

Video here:

 

[turbineseaplane]

NVMe is not the answer though because the SSD controller is on the processor die (for security and integration reasons).

I'd be ok with built in Apple SSD solution and NVMe as an extra slot specifically for users to add storage if they'd like

 

[cjsuk]

I'd be ok with built in Apple SSD solution and NVMe as an extra slot specifically for users to add storage if they'd like

There's a couple of nice PCI slots in the back of most macs (TB3/4). I've got a 2TB disk hanging out of the back of mine.

 

[turbineseaplane]

There's a couple of nice PCI slots in the back of most macs (TB3/4). I've got a 2TB disk hanging out of the back of mine.

Yeah, I hear you - I just don't love externals for my desktops
I tend to take them between a couple locations and it's a PITA

Luckily not an issue with my Hackintosh that has 5 drives and dual boots

 

[cjsuk]

Yeah, I hear you - I just don't love externals for my desktops
I tend to take them between a couple locations and it's a PITA

Luckily not an issue with my Hackintosh

Yeah that makes sense there. Mine is static even thought it's an MBP. Actually I should dust it!

 

[Chuckeee]

Actually you can swap the storage out with a rework station.

It is more than just the hardware. It also take good near field vision, a very steady hand and LOTS of practice.

 

[NeonNights]

16/512. Going to get my daughter to buy it on her student discount 🤣

For anyone else interested, Apple doesn't verify student status IF you're in the U.S. I've purchased several MacBooks over the years, as a student and after graduation, no verification required even in-store. Of course, I've always had a kid in school but it wouldn't have mattered other than to your conscience.

 

[cjsuk]

It is more than just the hardware. It also take good near field vision, a very steady hand and LOTS of practice.

Yep. Beer, a stereo microscope and several dead things to practice on.

(Have done it before professionally)

Or pay someone to do it for you 😂

 

[cjsuk]

For anyone else interested, Apple doesn't verify student status IF you're in the U.S. I've purchased several MacBooks over the years, as a student and after graduation, no verification required even in-store. Of course, I've always had a kid in school but it wouldn't have mattered other than to your conscience.

I’m in the UK. You have to register from a .ac.uk address on StudentBeams and click through. I have one but it’s a staff address not a student one and there is a difference.

 

[Tyler O'Bannon]

I hope the minimum RAM will be 16GB and the minimum storage will be 512GB.

If we get 16 GB RAM, we probably will NOT get 512GB. Thats my guess.

 

[NeonNights]

M4 Mac Mini pricing is also going to play a factor. If it comes with some of the listed desirables (16GB, 512GB, 10Gbe, etc.) but at too high of a price then I may as well get an M1 Max or M2 Max Mac Studio.

 

[IvyKing]

I second the 10gbe option. It is available on the M2/M2 Pro Mac Mini and I hope Apple offers it as an upgrade on the new Mac Mini without having to jump to a Mac Studio or ridiculously expensive third-party accessory. However, if the Mac Mini is expected to be miniaturized then I don't know how well it will dissipate heat from 10gbe.

I would be happy with a 2.5gbe default as that is starting to become common. The PON for my fiber internet has a 2.5gbe port.