Apple's latest M4 Mac mini represents a significant leap forward in both performance and value, offering impressive gaming capabilities and versatility in a compact form factor. The new model maintains its attractive entry price point while delivering enhanced specifications and unexpected gaming prowess.
Design and Connectivity
The 2024 M4 Mac mini arrives in its most compact form factor yet, featuring an improved port layout with front-facing USB-C ports and headphone jack for better accessibility. The machine includes an additional USB-C port compared to its predecessor, though the somewhat inconvenient bottom-mounted power button remains a minor design quirk.
Gaming Performance
The M4 chip demonstrates remarkable gaming capabilities, particularly with AAA titles like Death Stranding. At 1080p resolution with Very High settings and Apple's MetalFX upscaler set to Quality mode, the machine maintains 60-75 FPS, occasionally reaching 90 FPS. The efficient cooling solution keeps the external temperature below 38.1 degrees Celsius, ensuring stable performance without thermal throttling.
 |
|---|
| The M4 Mac mini offers remarkable gaming performance, illustrated by immersive environments found in titles like Death Stranding |
Hardware Specifications
The base model features a 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU configuration, paired with 16GB of unified RAM - a welcome upgrade from the previous 8GB standard. While the 256GB base storage might be limiting for some users, the machine's storage module is technically upgradeable, though this requires specialized skills and tools.
Value Proposition
Starting at $599, the M4 Mac mini represents exceptional value, especially considering its versatility. The base model is currently available on Amazon for $579, while the 512GB version is priced at $749 after a $50 discount. Higher-end configurations, such as the M4 Pro variant with 48GB RAM and 1TB storage, are available at $2,299.
Future-Proofing and Applications
Beyond gaming, the M4 Mac mini proves versatile for various applications, from conference room Zoom machine to digital signage controller, podcasting hub, or home media server. With Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition coming to macOS next year, complete with ray tracing and Frame Generation support, the M4 Mac mini positions itself as a capable gaming platform for both current and upcoming titles.