Finding the best computer setup for my needs has been a long—and expensive—journey. But with the launch of the M4 Mac Mini, I think I’ve finally found the perfect balance of price and performance. So much so that I bought not one, but three M4 Mac Minis: a base spec model, a base spec Pro, and a higher spec Pro.
These machines are incredible in so many ways, but they’re also deeply frustrating. Here’s my honest take on their performance, usability, and some of the issues that still need addressing.
Design: Small But Flawed
The M4 Mac Mini is tiny. It’s almost the same size as my Caldigit Dock, Focusrite audio interface, and even my Anker Charging Station. This compact design is a huge plus, but it does come with compromises:
- No SD Card Slot: Unlike the Mac Studio, there’s no front-facing SD card slot. While not essential for everyone, it’s a missed convenience for creators like me.
- Awkward Power Button Placement: The power button is hidden on the back and at the bottom. While most users will leave the Mac Mini in sleep mode, those of us who tuck it away under shelves or in docking stations will find accessing it a hassle.
That said, for its size and capabilities, the Mac Mini’s design is undeniably impressive.
Why I Bought Three Mac Minis
1. Base Spec M4 Mac Mini
This is my personal setup at home. It replaces my older M1 Mac Mini, which served as a backup system for family videos, photos, and other memories. Upgraded to the M4, it continues this role while being faster and more efficient.
2. Base Spec M4 Pro Mac Mini
This machine is for my studio. I opted for 1TB of storage (a decision I regret) and a 10Gb Ethernet port to connect to our Synology NAS, where we store all our video footage. This setup allows for quick access and seamless editing.
3. Upgraded M4 Pro Mac Mini
This higher-spec Mac Mini is our editing workhorse, with 1TB of storage, 10Gb Ethernet, and 48GB of memory. It’s perfect for handling large video files and remote access for our editor in New Zealand. Thanks to our time zone differences, the editor can work overnight while we sleep, and the machine is free for studio use during the day.
Performance: Benchmarks and Real-World Use
Video Editing Tests
- 1-Minute Magic Mask (Final Cut Pro):
- Base M4: 1:39
- M4 Pro: 1:33.5
- Upgraded M4 Pro: 1:34
The results are surprisingly close. In some tests, the lower-spec M4 Pro even outperformed the upgraded model, highlighting the consistency of Apple’s M4 chips across configurations.
- BruceX Export Test (ProRes 422 LT):
- Base M4: 12 seconds
- M4 Pro: 9 seconds
- Upgraded M4 Pro: 9 seconds
The M4 Pro offers about 25% faster exports compared to the base model. However, for most editing tasks, even the base M4 Mac Mini performs admirably.
Gaming Performance
Gaming on a Mac is still a mixed bag. While Resident Evil ran smoothly at max settings on a 4K 120Hz monitor, cloud gaming via Xbox struggled, with jerky performance and controller issues. Native macOS games like Fortnite also had inconsistent results, showcasing the Mac’s limitations in AAA gaming.
Monitor Compatibility
The M4 Mac Mini officially supports three displays, but real-world testing showed limitations:
- Samsung 57” G9 Monitor (7680 x 2160 @ 120Hz): Worked flawlessly.
- Dual 32” Monitors (4K @ 120Hz and 4K @ 240Hz): Supported without issues.
- Three-Monitor Setup: Couldn’t get three monitors working simultaneously. Even with high-resolution screens, only two displays functioned at a time.
While the Mac Mini excels with dual monitors, achieving full multi-display setups still has its challenges.
Frustrations with Apple’s Upgrade Pricing
The M4 Mac Mini is an outstanding machine, but Apple’s upgrade pricing is a glaring issue. Memory and storage upgrades are exorbitantly expensive, making the base model a bargain and anything beyond that a questionable investment.
For example, instead of paying for built-in storage upgrades, you can buy a separate M.2 SSD and Thunderbolt enclosure for half the price—often with faster speeds. Apple’s approach feels outdated and counterproductive, especially for a brand that claims to prioritise sustainability.
What’s Next for My Setup?
I currently use an M3 Max MacBook Pro, but it’s overkill for my everyday tasks like email, scripting, and browsing. My plan is to switch to an M4 MacBook Air when it launches, simplifying my setup while maintaining powerful performance.
Final Thoughts: A Love-Hate Relationship
The M4 Mac Mini is an incredible piece of technology, offering unmatched performance and value for its price—especially at the base spec. However, Apple’s restrictive design choices and inflated upgrade costs remain frustrating.
For those seeking a compact, high-performance computer, the base M4 Mac Mini is a no-brainer. Just be prepared to work around Apple’s limitations with external upgrades and creative setups.
If you’re considering upgrading or want to see a deeper dive into Mac Mini configurations, stay tuned for my next post, where I’ll break down which upgrades are worth your money.
What are your thoughts on the new M4 Mac Mini? Let me know in the comments