Apple's latest Mac mini with the M4 chip represents a significant evolution in compact desktop computing, offering impressive performance in an incredibly small form factor. As we approach 2025, this iteration brings notable improvements in processing power and efficiency, while maintaining the minimalist design philosophy that has defined the product line for nearly two decades.
Design and Build Quality
The 2024 Mac mini maintains its signature aluminum unibody construction while shrinking to just 5 inches square and under 2 inches tall. The compact design features a clean aesthetic with a glossy Apple logo on top and a refined port selection. The ventilation system, while efficient, draws air from the bottom in a way that might accumulate dust over time, suggesting users might want to elevate the unit slightly for optimal airflow.
Performance and Efficiency
The M4 chip demonstrates remarkable capabilities, particularly in single-core performance where it outperforms flagship processors from both AMD and Intel. The base model with 16GB unified memory handles productivity tasks with ease, matching the multi-threaded performance of desktop chips like the Ryzen 5 7600X while consuming significantly less power - typically peaking at around 45W combined CPU and GPU load compared to competitors' 100W+ power draw.
Gaming Capabilities
Gaming on the M4 Mac mini shows promising improvements over previous generations. Modern titles like Resident Evil 4 remake and Baldur's Gate 3 run smoothly at 1080p with medium settings. The system supports MetalFX temporal upscaling, offering performance boosts comparable to FSR2. However, game compatibility remains limited compared to Windows PCs, though the situation is improving with more developers bringing native ARM versions of their games to macOS.
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| Gaming performance and applications on the Mac mini 2024 (M4) |
Connectivity and Expansion
The port selection has been modernized with three Thunderbolt 4 ports, two USB-C ports, and HDMI 2.1. The removal of USB-A ports might frustrate users with older peripherals, requiring dongles or wireless alternatives. The integrated speaker surprisingly delivers decent audio quality, though the lack of a rear audio port complicates speaker setup.
Value Proposition
At $599 for the base model with 16GB memory and 256GB storage, the M4 Mac mini presents compelling value. However, Apple's upgrade pricing remains controversial - doubling the memory to 32GB costs an additional $400, while upgrading to 512GB storage adds $200. These steep upgrade costs make higher configurations less competitive against similarly priced Windows PCs.
Final Assessment
The base model M4 Mac mini emerges as an excellent choice for users seeking a powerful, efficient desktop computer, particularly those already invested in the Apple ecosystem. Its limitations in upgrade options and gaming library shouldn't overshadow its impressive performance-per-watt ratio and overall capability as a productivity machine.