Which 2018 mac mini?

[WrightBrain]

So I'm starting my journey of exploring my options for computer upgrade. I was looking into a 5K iMac, but they are due for an upgrade which I can't really wait for. I'm really starting to consider that a Mac Mini might fit my needs. I yearn for the days of being able to upgrade my machine as time goes on, but those days are past. For me the next best thing would be the ability to upgrade RAM, use an external eGPU for video cards and to be able to replace a monitor without having to lose a computer for a day (or whatever the Genius Bar queue looks like).

I'm a graphic designer who uses the Adobe CC suite of programs, including PhotoShop. I don't do much 3D work but I like to dabble. And I do play games on occasion, but I'm more of a console guy.

My studio gets HOT in the summer - like 80° F (26 - 27° C). I'm hearing that the i7 in the mini's gets rather toasty and can lead to throttling issues. I'd be fine with the i5 as that still is faster than (or damn close to) most of the current iMacs anyway.

Does anyone have any experience with these macs and can share their CPU temps when really working these machines? Also any recommendations for a good 4k monitor?

Thanks all.

 

[MacMiniUpgrader]

I think the mini would fit you,egpu is a must for heavy lifting but I love my computer

 

[WrightBrain]

I think the mini would fit you,egpu is a must for heavy lifting but I love my computer

Oh yeah. I saw in another thread that you bought an i7, was it for your makeup vids? How is that going? Have you noticed it getting too toasty when it really gets working?

 

[MacMiniUpgrader]

Oh yeah. I saw in another thread that you bought an i7, was it for your makeup vids? How is that going? Have you noticed it getting too toasty when it really gets working?

ive tested a 45 min min 4k vid and made it into a 5 1/2 min clip just to get used to the new flow of FCX and it did just fine, only when exporting did the fan kick up. nothing too extreme and that was before my E-GPU arrives in a few days. I'm building out a whole set so I'm mid process but wanted to make sure I gave myself the right time to get familiar. As everything comes in the mail I should have my set built by Sunday evening

overall its a sexy machine when you realize the i7 is in that tiny casing. I haven't noticed anything holding me back in heavier or daily use. Keep in mind I upgraded from an 09 MBP so of course my use case is a little different

 

[ADudeInBoston]

For me the next best thing would be the ability to upgrade RAM, use an external eGPU for video cards and to be able to replace a monitor without having to lose a computer for a day […]

I'm a graphic designer who uses the Adobe CC suite of programs, including PhotoShop. I don't do much 3D work but I like to dabble. […]

Does anyone have any experience with these macs and can share their CPU temps when really working these machines?

I’m afraid I don’t have hard numbers on the CPU temps like you asked for, but anecdotally: I’ve had an i7 mini for a couple months. I don’t do image or video editing, but I do virtualization. I’ve had 2 Linux VMs and a Windows 2016 Server VM running at once, running databases, while also ripping a Blu-Ray disk and doing normal desktop things in macOS. The fans did spin up pretty high with three VMs going, but the exhaust air wasn’t worryingly hot, and the chassis remained warm but not hot to the touch.

So far, I like the machine very much; I have an external Thunderbolt disk chassis, but no external GPU.