Which Mac mini is a better investment today, 2012 or 2014?

[Maxtv13]

I bought both models used at similar prices, and deciding on which one to keep. Performance wise, the 2012 is way better for video editing as it renders/exports at 2x the speed, but I only edit video once in a while, and both are solid with all other tasks... I'm torn because I favor the 2012's performance for when I do edit, but I'm also considering the life of the machine, along with the possibility of not being able to update to the next OS following Mojave (which is important to me).

2014: 2.6 ghz i5, 16gb ram, 1TB ssd (Previously used as a media server)
2012: 2.3 ghz i7, 16gb ram, 1TB ssd (Previously used a primary machine for sound editing)

I know it's hard to predict what Apple does, but MBP late 2011 models were cut from Mojave, so is it likely 2012 mac mini is next? And would the fact that the 2014 version continued to be sold up to last year help the case for OS updates?

Thank you, and I look forward to hearing all opinions.

 

[mcnallym]

There’s a possibility that the 2012 is dropped as would be 5 years after stopped being sold ( general rule ) in 2019.

Don’t know what you use formvideo editing but I use fcp x and you tend to need to update to the new os for latest updates.

Found some other apps starting to do the same now as well. Believe these made the move to metal.

As such would suggest that if post Mojave support is important then the 2012 could be taking a chance.

 

[Sarpanch]

I bought both models used at similar prices, and deciding on which one to keep. Performance wise, the 2012 is way better for video editing as it renders/exports at 2x the speed, but I only edit video once in a while, and both are solid with all other tasks... I'm torn because I favor the 2012's performance for when I do edit, but I'm also considering the life of the machine, along with the possibility of not being able to update to the next OS following Mojave (which is important to me).

2014: 2.6 ghz i5, 16gb ram, 1TB ssd (Previously used as a media server)
2012: 2.3 ghz i7, 16gb ram, 1TB ssd (Previously used a primary machine for sound editing)

I know it's hard to predict what Apple does, but MBP late 2011 models were cut from Mojave, so is it likely 2012 mac mini is next? And would the fact that the 2014 version continued to be sold up to last year help the case for OS updates?

Thank you, and I look forward to hearing all opinions.

Based on your usage, I would recommend you keep the 2012 Mac Mini for as long as you can. At the same time, keep looking for a good deal on a used 2018 Mini and make the switch whenever it fits your budget requirement. The 1TB SSD can be placed in an external USB-C Gen 2 enclosure for similar performance with the 2018 Mini.

 

[Ploki]

2014 is crap.
2012 was always a better investment

2011 was dropped because it doesn't have GPU that supports Metal, Mac Mini 2012 does (the HD4000).

very likely it will be supported as long as Apple doesn't move to Metal2 or whatever will succeed it, which i suspect its gonna take a while.

 

[Kamolas]

That 2012 model is a good machine. The 2014 shall last longer.
We will only know in June if the 2012 model will be dropped off the next OS, but what if both models are able to install it?

Keep in mind that Mojave shall be supported up to September 2021 (and the newer OS to 2022). And that the end of support doesn't mean you can't use your computer after that. Do you want to keep using one of those computers by then ? or will you want to upgrade to newer and better hardware?

 

[Ploki]

That 2012 model is a good machine. The 2014 shall last longer.
We will only know in June if the 2012 model will be dropped off the next OS, but what if both models are able to install it?

Keep in mind that Mojave shall be supported up to September 2021 (and the newer OS to 2022). And that the end of support doesn't mean you can't use your computer after that. Do you want to keep using one of those computers by then ? or will you want to upgrade to newer and better hardware?

i doubt 2014 will last any longer than the 2012.

 

[pl1984]

Keep in mind that Mojave shall be supported up to September 2021 (and the newer OS to 2022). And that the end of support doesn't mean you can't use your computer after that. Do you want to keep using one of those computers by then ? or will you want to upgrade to newer and better hardware?

It's been my experience support on the Mac platform is routinely determined by application developers and not Apple. What I mean by this is developers tend to drop support for older macOS versions faster than on alternative platforms. Therefore "nudging" users to a newer macOS version if they want to retain support / use new software.

 

[Cashmonee]

I bought both models used at similar prices, and deciding on which one to keep. Performance wise, the 2012 is way better for video editing as it renders/exports at 2x the speed, but I only edit video once in a while, and both are solid with all other tasks... I'm torn because I favor the 2012's performance for when I do edit, but I'm also considering the life of the machine, along with the possibility of not being able to update to the next OS following Mojave (which is important to me).

2014: 2.6 ghz i5, 16gb ram, 1TB ssd (Previously used as a media server)
2012: 2.3 ghz i7, 16gb ram, 1TB ssd (Previously used a primary machine for sound editing)

I know it's hard to predict what Apple does, but MBP late 2011 models were cut from Mojave, so is it likely 2012 mac mini is next? And would the fact that the 2014 version continued to be sold up to last year help the case for OS updates?

Thank you, and I look forward to hearing all opinions.

Out of curiosity how much did they run you? If it is close to a base 2018 Mac mini, I think that would be a better choice. The i3 is faster than both of those processors and the RAM and storage can be upgraded as necessary. I mean unless you are on an absolute shoestring, I am not sure any pre-2018 mini makes a ton of sense. Neither one likely has a long lifespan as far as OS support goes.

A cursory glance at eBay shows the configurations you are talking about would likely be within $100-$200 of the i3 base model. At least the 2012 is, the 2014 seems to actually be going for less. That is not much to pay for a faster processor, warranty, and full lifespan.

 

[Maxtv13]

Out of curiosity how much did they run you? If it is close to a base 2018 Mac mini, I think that would be a better choice. The i3 is faster than both of those processors and the RAM and storage can be upgraded as necessary. I mean unless you are on an absolute shoestring, I am not sure any pre-2018 mini makes a ton of sense. Neither one likely has a long lifespan as far as OS support goes.

A cursory glance at eBay shows the configurations you are talking about would likely be within $100-$200 of the i3 base model. At least the 2012 is, the 2014 seems to actually be going for less. That is not much to pay for a faster processor, warranty, and full lifespan.

Thanks for the response. You're on to something. I didn't even bother to check the 2018 performance, so I just saw that the base i3 model is a quad core, and it may be worth the extra cost for sure. One year ago I paid $600 for 2012 and $500 for 2014. I've had them for a year and I could potentially still breakeven if I sold both.

So if I consider the base 2018 model $799, is the 2018 quad core i3 comparable to 2012's quad i7? If so, that would be a no brainer, that option did not exist a year ago haha.

 

[Cashmonee]

Thanks for the response. You're on to something. I didn't even bother to check the 2018 performance, so I just saw that the base i3 model is a quad core, and it may be worth the extra cost for sure. One year ago I paid $600 for 2012 and $500 for 2014. I've had them for a year and I could potentially still breakeven if I sold both.

So if I consider the base 2018 model $799, is the 2018 quad core i3 comparable to 2012's quad i7? If so, that would be a no brainer, that option did not exist a year ago haha.

The current i3-8100 (8th-gen) is essentially the same as the i5-7000 series (7th-gen). The 8th-gen i3 is no slouch, and a very capable chip that presents a good value. Benchmarking shows it besting both chips (i7-3615 and i5-4278) comfortably. Couple that with the faster SSD in the 2018 mini (especially if you look to spring for 256 or 512) and you should have a machine that would easily outpace both the 2012 and 2014. If you get $1000 from selling the two old machines, you are within spitting distance of the base i5 or an i3 with more storage. You would still need to upgrade RAM, but I would take a look at it if it were me. Look at EDU pricing if you can or somewhere like B&H where they basically give you the EDU pricing without being EDU.

 

[bigfatipod]

Thanks for the response. You're on to something. I didn't even bother to check the 2018 performance, so I just saw that the base i3 model is a quad core, and it may be worth the extra cost for sure. One year ago I paid $600 for 2012 and $500 for 2014. I've had them for a year and I could potentially still breakeven if I sold both.

So if I consider the base 2018 model $799, is the 2018 quad core i3 comparable to 2012's quad i7? If so, that would be a no brainer, that option did not exist a year ago haha.

You’re in for a world of endless chatter/debate about the 2018 mini options (I mean this as a good thing). I would personally consider the base i5 if you’re looking at the 2018. Mostly, because I think 128gb SSD is just too small. There are other options and you should spend some time looking at the other threads on 2018 mini customization, but I’d go with the balance of the i5/16/256

That being said, I’d really like to get a bit more out of my 2012 2.6 quad core mini. I paid 1k about 18 months ago. Your $600 sounds like a steal (even for the 2.3)

 

[StellarVixen]

My vote goes to 2014 with 16 GB of RAM. They are rarity, so if you find one, get it. With 1 TB SSD that can be a good machine for years to come.

 

[Ploki]

My vote goes to 2014 with 16 GB of RAM. They are rarity, so if you find one, get it. With 1 TB SSD that can be a good machine for years to come.

they're not rarity tho; 2012 held their value much more because of the quad core cpu

 

[StellarVixen]

Dunno, I was searching for 2014 models with 16 GB of RAM and they are hard to find. i7 models from 2014 are quad core.

 

[Ploki]

Dunno, I was searching for 2014 models with 16 GB of RAM and they are hard to find. i7 models from 2014 are quad core.

no theyre not.
4.3 Specifications

 

[StellarVixen]

no theyre not.
4.3 Specifications

Dang it, I have been lied to recently, it seems.

Such a pity that not even i7 is quad core.

 

[Ploki]

Dang it, I have been lied to recently, it seems.

Such a pity that not even i7 is quad core.

yeah, that's why the 2014 was such a disappointment compared to the 2012. I remember 2012 2nd hand prices were as high as 2014 new models where, didnt even drop in value because of it.

 

[pinkoos]

2014 gives you 4K when connected to a 4K monitor

2012 does not

https://www.macrumors.com/guide/4k-5k-displays-buyers-guide-mac/

"Late 2014: This model can drive one 4K display at 30Hz over HDMI or Thunderbolt, or one 4,096×2,160 display at 24 Hz over HDMI. 60Hz is not supported because of the Late 2014 Mac mini's integrated Intel Iris 5000 graphics.

Late 2012 and earlier Mac minis do not support 4K displays."

 

[Boyd01]

Still happy with my 2012 2.6ghz i7 quad mini. I use it exclusively for video/audio editing and it works well for me - I work mailny with 1080p30 and also a lot of legacy 480i60 anamorphic 16:9 (which I am converting to 720p30 now). If you look at Geekbench ratings, it's 50% faster than the top of the line 2017 3.0ghz i7 mini and twice as fast as the OP's Mini.

I don't want to spend the money on a new computer now, I used to work professionally with CAD, 3d modelling and video, but I'm retired now and mainly just working on my own fun projects. So the 2012 quad is fine for that, but I would not buy one today. OTOH, in another thread here, I believe someone said that 2012 quads could be had for $450 now. A year or two ago, they were going for $1000 or more.

But the 2018 mini certainly changes that equation, the geekbench rating of the bottom of the line 2018 is about the same as my 2012 quad but you get a better selection of ports, better graphics chip, faster wifi, much faster SSD and other benefits. If I needed a Mini today, it would be a pretty good choice, although I would want the top spec model myself, which is much more expensive.

I don't see a whole lot more future in my 2012 mini, maybe another year or two at most. And then.... not sure I will stick with the Mini at all. Will have to see what the landscape looks like then. Getting back to the original question, the OP acknowledges that the 2012 is faster but suggests that's not the most important factor in his decision. I don't think you can get around it... the 2012 will become "obsolete" two years sooner than the 2014.

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201624

"Obsolete products are those that were discontinued more than 7 years ago."

 

[EnderBeta]

Still happy with my 2012 2.6ghz i7 quad mini. I use it exclusively for video/audio editing and it works well for me - I work mailny with 1080p30 and also a lot of legacy 480i60 anamorphic 16:9 (which I am converting to 720p30 now). If you look at Geekbench ratings, it's 50% faster than the top of the line 2017 3.0ghz i7 mini and twice as fast as the OP's Mini.

I don't want to spend the money on a new computer now, I used to work professionally with CAD, 3d modelling and video, but I'm retired now and mainly just working on my own fun projects. So the 2012 quad is fine for that, but I would not buy one today. OTOH, in another thread here, I believe someone said that 2012 quads could be had for $450 now. A year or two ago, they were going for $1000 or more.

But the 2018 mini certainly changes that equation, the geekbench rating of the bottom of the line 2018 is about the same as my 2012 quad but you get a better selection of ports, better graphics chip, faster wifi, much faster SSD and other benefits. If I needed a Mini today, it would be a pretty good choice, although I would want the top spec model myself, which is much more expensive.

I don't see a whole lot more future in my 2012 mini, maybe another year or two at most. And then.... not sure I will stick with the Mini at all. Will have to see what the landscape looks like then. Getting back to the original question, the OP acknowledges that the 2012 is faster but suggests that's not the most important factor in his decision. I don't think you can get around it... the 2012 will become "obsolete" two years sooner than the 2014.

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201624

"Obsolete products are those that were discontinued more than 7 years ago."

If they cut support simply because it is old I’ll be annoyed. Especially considering the 2014 is in the majority of ways inferior.

 

[Boyd01]

If they cut support simply because it is old I’ll be annoyed.

Unfortunately, they will. But this shouldn't be any surprise, they make the policy clear if you look at the link I posted above. They have already dropped support for the 2011 Mini Server, so my 2012 Mini Server is next in line.

"Owners of iPhone, iPad, iPod, or Mac products may obtain service and parts from Apple or Apple service providers for 5 years after the product is no longer manufactured—or longer where required by law."

 

[EnderBeta]

Unfortunately, they will. But this shouldn't be any surprise, they make the policy clear if you look at the link I posted above. They have already dropped support for the 2011 Mini Server, so my 2012 Mini Server is next in line.

"Owners of iPhone, iPad, iPod, or Mac products may obtain service and parts from Apple or Apple service providers for 5 years after the product is no longer manufactured—or longer where required by law."

Wasn’t that because the 2011 GPU couldn’t handle Metal?

 

[Boyd01]

Just read the link I posted, the policy is very clear. But they are talking about hardware support. Whether a specific Mac can handle an operating system upgrade depends on other factors.

 

[EnderBeta]

Just read the link I posted, the policy is very clear. But they are talking about hardware support. Whether a specific Mac can handle an operating system upgrade depends on other factors.

It handles Mojave fine. A Core 2 Quad Q9650 can run Windows 10 for productivity just fine all these years later. The Mac Mini is a Ivy Bridge i7 for goodness sake. If a Core 2 Quad on a Intel based chipset can still handle the tasks at a reasonable speed with no UI lag then so can any i7 in existence.

The Nforce chipset not so well. So I understand how old platforms that are deadended die off. If this is the case and Apple can explain it then fine, that’s progress. However if they cut support there better be a clear reason noting the technical limitation and not just it’s 7 years old or it will impact my decision directly regarding future upgrades in hardware. I currently have a X99 5930K GTx 1080 SLI system and a 2700x with a GTX 1080TI on a Asus CrossHair VII Hero WIFI that both outpace almost every computer Apple has out there. Right now I keep the mini around as a every day HTPC and my iMac is a great day to day general task machine.

I’ll be honest though, my iMac has collected more figurative dust this year then ever. If Apple arbratraily cuts off these machines at their 7 year mark I might simply moth ball them and not replace them.

I’d rather invest money in more properties then have to replace a machine that still works because it gets cut off from security updates.