It means that instead of the complete set of 14 CPU and 20 GPU cores, it only has 12 and 16 cores respectively. If you want the complete SoC you have to pay an extra 230€.
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UK Mac Mini M4/M4 Pro Pre-release, Orders and Dispatch Thread
- Thread starter SpitUK
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Binning is a term used to separate the quality of components after testing.
So the aim is for all chips to be the best they can be, so the M4 Pro with the 14 core CPU and 20 core GPU. However due to the nature of the manufacturing process, some chips will fail to perform up to spec when tested.... a CPU core may fail, a GPU core may fail.
These chips are then placed into a different "Bin" (a term) and then repurposed as the lower spec chip by disabling cores to meet the spec of the 12 core CPU and 16 core GPU that is then sold.
And that’s why the lower spec chip, the 12/16 in this instance, is referred to as the binned chip.
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Just checked mine and it also says 7th Nov... that was the date that I placed the order. What a cheek...it didn't even ship until the 8th (and arrived on the 11th).
Anyway, mine is going back. I can't get it to work with my iPods and my multi-monitor setup keeps losing the 2nd monitor (doesn't wake from sleep properly. Too much friction and I don't think these issues are easily rectified.... though may be with the £69 official Apple USB C AV cable but dunno).
It is an awesome machine - but not for me in its current form.
Dongles the bane of our existence when it comes to compatibility, especially if you're working with hubs and docks. That's why I prefer more native ports.
And I was worried about using this thread being from Spain LOL
My returning window ends on January 20th.
True that, I had a USB C hub to connect my 2nd monitor, iPods and MIDI keyboard. A 3.5mm cable into the front jack to get sound (though the Internal speaker is actually pretty good for spoken word) and a USB A to C adapter to connect my aluminium Apple USB Keyboard.
Too much legacy ? Sure but I don’t like binning stuff that still works.
I had a problem where my monitor was no longer waking from sleep. The monitor was plugged into my Plugable Thunderbolt 4 / USB 4 hub and seemed to have been working fine, but then stopped waking up. I'd have to unplug it and plug it back in to get it to wake up.
Then I realized I had plugged another USB hub into that Plugable hub at around the same time the monitor stopped waking up. I unplugged that second no-name hub and things are working again. (No, I didn't plug the monitor into the second hub. The monitor was still plugged in as it was before, into the first hub.)
I had a problem with my screen not waking up on my mini....
Then I realised I'd connected to it via Screen Sharing from my MBP (Never used it before) and while that connection is live, the mini wouldn't display anything on screen. Quit the connection and the mini screens lit up.
Lesson learnt!
Unlike previous Mac purchases, I haven't been watching these threads so I'm dipping in late...
I currently have an iMac Pro. Been a fantastic machine for 6 years. I was holding out for the updated Mac Studio but even though it's now rumoured to be coming in March rather than June the Mac Mini with the M4 Pro looked so tempting that after thinking about it for a while after the keynote, I pulled the trigger and ordered. Found the Apple Studio display with the height adjustable stand reduced on offer at John Lews so have gone for that too.
Opted for 1TB (that's been enough on my iMac Pro) but splurged out on 48GB of RAM. I tend to keep desktop Macs for some time and with Apple Intelligence and developer work and video editing I just thought it would make sense - even though the price tag is a bit high!
Monitor is arriving tomorrow.
Mac Mini ordered on 11 November. Expected delivery 22 - 26 November. Changed to "Preparing to ship" earlier today. No idea if that means I'll receive it early?
I currently have an iMac Pro. Been a fantastic machine for 6 years. I was holding out for the updated Mac Studio but even though it's now rumoured to be coming in March rather than June the Mac Mini with the M4 Pro looked so tempting that after thinking about it for a while after the keynote, I pulled the trigger and ordered. Found the Apple Studio display with the height adjustable stand reduced on offer at John Lews so have gone for that too.
Opted for 1TB (that's been enough on my iMac Pro) but splurged out on 48GB of RAM. I tend to keep desktop Macs for some time and with Apple Intelligence and developer work and video editing I just thought it would make sense - even though the price tag is a bit high!
Monitor is arriving tomorrow.
Mac Mini ordered on 11 November. Expected delivery 22 - 26 November. Changed to "Preparing to ship" earlier today. No idea if that means I'll receive it early?
I ordered Nov. 1, expected delivery Nov. 20-22. Received it Nov. 11. If it's already preparing to ship, I am guessing you will get yours earlier than your quoted date, maybe early to mid week next week.
That would be a nice bonus.
I feel surprisingly chilled about the whole thing. With every other Mac I've ever purchased (and there have been quite a few over the years) I've been constantly refreshing the order page and can think of little else. This time, it arrives when it arrives.
Either I'm now immune to the whole thing (which is doubtful) or it's because I wasn't expecting to be placing an order for a new computer until next year.
My first Mac was a 2005 Mac Mini (and yes, I still have it and yes it still works) so I'm coming full circle via 2 Mac Pros and an iMac Pro.
Those that are interested in the 2024 USB-C Apple Magic Keyboard and Trackpad John Lewis have just given 15% off, amongst other things.
Looks like Amazon are doing the same price. Tempted, as my current keyboard has a big white mark on one of the keys and will look naff with my new Mac Mini when it arrives.
Touch ID would be nice. I find the double tap of the side key on my Apple Watch to authorise stuff a little awkward to do, (although the auto unlocking is neat).
I just ordered the Magic Keyboard with touch ID from Amazon, which currently has 16% off (every penny counts! 😅)
I also bought an 'as new' Apple trackpad 2 used for < £50. I almost bought it new, but it seemed like a very good price. Only downside is it uses the lightning cable instead of USB C, but it won't make a whole lot of difference to my life.
Along with the new Mac mini M4 Pro, I also bought a new Magic Keyboard with Touch ID, which has surprised me by how lightweight it is! And this is currently my only USB-C peripheral. I’m thinking about selling my Lightning Magic Trackpad and buy the USB-C but right now I’m not too worried about it…