New Mac Mini advice

[patseguin]

I currently have an early 2011 MBP with an i7 which I upgraded to 16GB RAM and a 1TB SSD. I use it primarily for Logic pro X and some video editing in Final Cut Pro. I am looking to upgrade since it won't get any new OS updates plus I just bought a new 3rd party battery but it doesn't seem like it will last long.

I have my $1200 stimulus and can probably go an extra $200. Is the i5 powerful enough for what I am doing and is the RAM user upgradeable? I did my MBP RAM upgrade, so I am tech savvy enough to do it if needed. I configured one for $1,499 which would be the i5, 16GB RAM, and 1TB SSD. I'm wondering if I should just get the 8GB version and 512GB SSD and just upgrade the RAM myself later if needed and then use external storage for all my data.

Any advice? My main question is if the i7 is worth the extra $200.

 

[iAssimilated]

The i7 upgrade was worth $200 to me, although I am sure I did't need it. I bought it for future proofing more than anything, that and all my previous mini's had an i7 so I wanted to keep it consistent.

 

[patseguin]

The i7 upgrade was worth $200 to me, although I am sure I did't need it. I bought it for future proofing more than anything, that and all my previous mini's had an i7 so I wanted to keep it consistent.

Yeah future proofing is a good point actually. Did you get 8GB and upgrade the RAM yourself? I'm thinking maybe I can stay with the base level SSD just for OS and then get an external drive.

 

[iAssimilated]

No, I splurged and bought my mini configured as it is from Apple. I know a lot of people have bought the base 8GB and upgraded to save money. I spent extra to save time. YMMV. I will be upgrading to 64GB at some point in the future, but 32GB is double what I had in my last computer and have not come close to maxing out the RAM.

I went with the 512GB SSD just in case, but could have survived with 256GB, since I an only using around 144GB at the moment. External storage is where the new mini really shines since it has four TB3 ports. I have a 1TB Samsung T5 and it has been great! I know that drive utilizes the USB 3.1 standard (vs. TB3), but I have not had any throughput issues with it at all. My music, movies, and games all work off that drive wonderfully.

 

[Fishrrman]

Be aware that you can save some $$$ by buying from the Apple online refurbished store. I did with my own 2018 Mini, and ended up a satisfied customer.

Also be aware that stock comes and goes quickly there. You have to check multiple times EVERY day, and be ready to buy the moment you see what you want, because it won't remain there long.

Having said that...

I got the i7, 16gb of RAM, and a 512gb SSD.

The CPU isn't upgradeable, and I wanted something that I could get 5-8 years from, so the i7 was worth it to me (again, less when you buy as refurbished).

I got 16gb of RAM "from the factory" because although the RAM can be upgraded, it's somewhat more complex than just adding DIMMs to the slots in the MacBook. The logic board must come out, many screws to remove, some fragile connections to disconnect/reconnect. Some have done it easily. Others have had problems and broken connections while trying to get "in there".
So I figured, just get the 16gb pre-installed and smile.

I picked 512gb for the SSD because (at least a year ago) it was the "sweet spot" between size and pricing.