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1. Performance Review of the New M4 Chip Mac Mini
The new Mac Mini equipped with the M4 chip brings significant performance improvements in various aspects.
CPU Performance:Compared to the previous generation M1 chip, the M4 chip has improved CPU speed by 1.8 times. For instance, when running Microsoft Excel calculations, the speed can increase by up to 1.7 times; in Logic Pro projects, the number of audio plugins supported by the M4 chip Mac Mini can increase by up to 2.8 times compared to the Mac Mini with an Intel Core i7 chip; and it performs excellently in multitasking, smoothly running multiple office software and several browser tabs simultaneously, thanks to its single-core score of 3832 and a multi-core score of 14905, with an optional 10-core CPU greatly enhancing processing power.
GPU Performance:The M4 chip has improved GPU performance over the M1 chip by 2.2 times. The image processing speed in Adobe Lightroom Classic has increased by 4.9 times; while playing “World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade”, its gaming performance has improved by 13.3 times; and the image optimization and scaling performance in Photomator has reached an astonishing 33 times. Additionally, the M4 Pro chip’s GPU can integrate up to 20 cores, with performance potentially reaching 2 times that of the M4 chip’s graphics processor, showing stronger performance in graphics processing and gaming, such as significantly improved speeds in scene editing in Adobe Premiere Pro, rendering motion graphics in Motion, and rendering 3D models in Blender during professional operations.
Cooling Performance:The new Mac Mini has undergone innovative improvements in thermal architecture, using a different layered design to effectively introduce air and exhaust it from the bottom. This design ensures efficient operation of the device while maintaining a compact size. Even during prolonged high-load tasks, such as long video rendering or running large games, it can effectively dissipate heat, ensuring stable performance. Data comparisons show that this design allows the Mac Mini to outperform similarly priced desktop PCs by about 6 times in performance, while its size is only 1/20 of the latter.
Memory and Storage Performance:The base model Mac Mini starts with 16GB of memory, compared to the previous entry-level Mac Mini that only had 8GB. The new model directly upgrades to 16GB, significantly improving system multitasking fluidity, with a memory bandwidth of 120GB/s, greatly enhancing data processing and transmission efficiency. In terms of storage, the base model uses dual 128GB NAND chips, solving the performance bottleneck problem of the previous generation’s single 256GB NAND chip, ensuring fast storage speeds, and it can support up to 8TB of storage. Moreover, the new Mac Mini supports external hard drive expansion and is compatible with various cloud storage solutions, allowing users to choose suitable expansion methods based on their needs.
2. User Reviews of the New M4 Chip Mac Mini
According to user feedback, the new M4 chip Mac Mini has many advantages.
Performance:It has received widespread praise for its responsiveness and stability when handling high-load tasks. Whether editing videos, producing audio, or writing code and running multiple applications, users experience its smooth and efficient processing capabilities. Especially for creative workers, the performance improvements when running professional software like Adobe’s suite are very noticeable. Moreover, most users report that its compact design does not exhibit significant heating issues in practice, thanks to its excellent cooling design, allowing the Mac Mini to maintain stable performance even during prolonged high-load usage.
Design:The new Mac Mini has undergone its first major update in over a decade, significantly reducing its size, which many users appreciate as it can more easily fit into limited spaces in homes or offices. At the same time, it maintains Apple’s consistent minimalist style, with a silver chassis paired with Apple’s iconic logo, making it elegantly stylish in any environment. Additionally, it has added multiple USB-C ports, and the M4 Pro model has introduced Thunderbolt 5 connectivity, significantly enhancing the user experience and reducing cable management hassles.
Cost-Effectiveness:The starting price of the entry-level M4 is 4499 yuan, equipped with 16GB of memory and a 256GB full-speed SSD, showing significant improvements over the previous generation without a price increase. The education version starts at 3749 yuan, offering an attractive entry point. The high-end M4 Pro starts at 10999 yuan, providing up to 64GB of memory and 8TB of storage, catering to the high-load application needs of professional users. Users believe that this price configuration offers good cost-effectiveness for those pursuing performance and the Apple ecosystem.
System and Ecosystem:The Apple system it runs maintains consistent stability, which is a significant advantage for users who need to work for long periods. Additionally, as part of the Apple ecosystem, the Mac Mini can seamlessly connect with other Apple devices like iPhones and iPads, facilitating data sharing and synchronization, which is also a key attraction for users. However, some users have pointed out shortcomings, such as the M4 version of the Mac Mini currently does not support direct installation of the Windows system, and the experience of running it in a virtual machine is poor, so users with specific Windows usage needs should consider this carefully.
3. Comparison of the New M4 Chip Mac Mini with Other Similar Products
Comparison with Traditional Desktop PCs:Performance-to-Power Ratio: The new Mac Mini with the M4 chip boasts an excellent performance-to-power ratio. Traditional desktop PCs tend to generate high power consumption during high-performance operations, while the Mac Mini’s M4 chip uses advanced process technology (TSMC’s second-generation 3-nanometer process), resulting in significant improvements in power consumption control. The low power consumption combined with excellent cooling performance allows it to maintain good performance during prolonged high-load tasks, and its greenhouse gas emissions throughout its lifecycle have been reduced by over 80%, with energy consumption reduced by 79% compared to ENERGY STAR requirements. For example, under equivalent performance output, the Mac Mini’s power consumption may be only a fraction of that of traditional desktop PCs.
Size and Portability:The Mac Mini is very compact, with the new model measuring 12.7×12.7×4.97 centimeters, about half the size of the previous generation, making it incomparable to traditional desktops. For users with limited space, such as small offices or home use, the Mac Mini is easier to place. To some extent, it also has portability; although it requires an external monitor, keyboard, and mouse for use, it is much more convenient to carry than traditional desktops for mobile usage needs.
System and Software Ecosystem:The Mac Mini runs on the Apple system, which is significantly different from the Windows system used by most traditional desktops. The Apple system excels in security and stability and has a wealth of professional software optimized for it, such as Final Cut Pro, which performs better on the Apple system. In contrast, traditional desktops have broader software compatibility under the Windows system, especially for some specific industry professional software that may only have Windows versions.
Comparison with Other Brand Mini PCs:Performance: The Apple M4 chip Mac Mini is highly competitive in performance. For instance, compared to the Beelink Zero K SER8 mini PC (R7 – 8745HS, integrated graphics, 24GB, 1TB), the M4 chip shows significant improvements in both CPU and GPU performance, performing better in daily office applications, graphics processing, and gaming. The single-core and multi-core performance scores of the M4 chip are excellent, making it smoother when running complex multi-tasking. Furthermore, the 14 cores integrated in the M4 Pro chip (10 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores) and the 20 graphics processing cores give it a clear advantage in handling complex computational tasks and graphics processing work.
Design and Craftsmanship:The Mac Mini has always been known for its exquisite design and excellent craftsmanship. Apple pays great attention to the appearance design, material selection, and internal structure layout of its products. Its shell is made of 100% recycled aluminum, with a compact internal structure and modular storage design that enhances product maintenance convenience. Compared to other brands’ mini PCs, the Mac Mini’s appearance design is often more stylish and high-end, with finer craftsmanship in details such as interface layout and body texture.
System and Ecosystem Advantages:The Apple ecosystem is a significant advantage of the Mac Mini. If users already own other Apple devices, such as iPhones and iPads, the Mac Mini can seamlessly connect and share data with these devices. For example, users can use AirDrop for quick file transfers and sync data via iCloud. In contrast, other brands’ mini PCs lack such a complete ecosystem, making collaboration between devices relatively weak.
4. Analysis of Suitable Scenarios for the New M4 Chip Mac Mini
Creative Work Field:Video Editing: For video editors, the high-performance CPU and GPU of the M4 chip can meet the running requirements of video editing software like Final Cut Pro. When dealing with high-resolution video materials, such as 4K or even 8K videos, smooth editing, effects addition, and rendering operations can be performed. Its high memory bandwidth and large storage options (up to 64GB memory and 8TB storage) ensure that there are no stuttering issues when processing large video projects. For example, a small video production studio can use the Mac Mini as a video editing host, improving work efficiency, while its compact size does not take up too much space.
Image Design and Processing:In image design software like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, the powerful performance of the M4 chip can quickly handle complex image operations, such as opening large image files, editing multi-layer images, and rendering high-resolution images. The multi-core and high-performance GPU of the M4 Pro chip also perform excellently in 3D image modeling and animation production. For freelance designers or small design teams, the Mac Mini is a cost-effective choice that meets daily design work needs and can easily collaborate with other Apple devices, such as using an iPad as a drawing tablet for sketching and quickly transferring it to the Mac Mini for further refinement and processing through the Apple ecosystem.
Office Scenarios:Daily Office Applications: In daily office tasks, such as using the Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), the Mac Mini can easily handle them. Its performance ensures smoothness when opening multiple office documents, performing complex spreadsheet calculations, and creating beautiful presentations simultaneously. Furthermore, its compact size is suitable for placement on a desk without occupying too much space. Additionally, the stability of the Apple system ensures that long-term office use does not lead to system crashes. For businesses or individuals who frequently use Apple devices for office work, the Mac Mini is a good choice and can seamlessly share emails, calendars, and files with other Apple devices like iPhones and iPads for office collaboration.
Enterprise Mini Server or Efficient Desktop Solution:Due to its compact design and diverse interface expansion capabilities, it is also very suitable as a mini server for enterprises or an efficient desktop solution. It can be used for internal file sharing, small database management, and other application scenarios. Through network connections, multiple users can access shared resources on the Mac Mini, and its stability and security can meet the requirements of enterprise office environments. For example, a small business department can use the Mac Mini as an internal file server, facilitating file and data storage sharing among employees.
Home Entertainment Scenarios:Home Media Center: When used as a NAS (Network Attached Storage) device, the Mac Mini offers high flexibility and playability, making it easy to set up a home media center. Users can store movies, music, photos, and other multimedia files on the Mac Mini and share them with other devices like smart TVs, smartphones, and tablets through the home network. Users can play multimedia content stored on the Mac Mini on different devices, enjoying family entertainment time. Additionally, its low power consumption and low noise operation are suitable for long-term placement at home as a family media center.
Light Gaming Experience:Although the Mac Mini is not a dedicated gaming console, it can still provide a good gaming experience for some light gamers. Some games under the Apple system, such as “Monument Valley”, can run smoothly on the Mac Mini. Moreover, as Apple continuously optimizes gaming performance, the M4 chip equipped with hardware-level ray tracing can render more realistic image effects in real time, and it is possible that more games will perform better on the Mac Mini in the future. However, for AAA titles that require high hardware specifications, the current performance of the Mac Mini may not provide a very smooth gaming experience.
5. Price Trends of the New M4 Chip Mac Mini
Initial Price:The new Mac Mini has announced its pricing structure, with the M4 version starting at 4499 yuan (10-core CPU + 10-core GPU), and the education discount starting at 3749 yuan; the M4 Pro version starts at 10999 yuan (12-core CPU + 16-core GPU). From the initial pricing perspective, Apple has implemented tiered pricing based on different chip configurations, performance, and target user groups. The entry-level M4 version is suitable for ordinary users or those with moderate performance requirements, while the M4 Pro version mainly targets professional users, such as creative workers and high-end enterprise users, who have higher demands for high-performance computing, large-capacity storage, and memory.
Short-Term Price Trend (6 months – 1 year):In the short term, due to its recent release, the price may remain relatively stable. Apple products typically do not undergo price adjustments shortly after release, especially when there are no major holiday promotions or new competitive products. However, during specific promotional seasons, such as Apple’s education discount season, Black Friday, or Christmas promotions, there may be some discount activities, such as free gifts, discount coupons, or interest-free installment payments. For instance, in previous promotional activities, Apple may have offered free AirPods or provided a certain percentage of price discounts, which can reduce the purchasing cost to some extent.
Mid-Term Price Trend (1 – 2 years):As time goes by, when more competitive products emerge in the market or Apple has new product line update plans, it may adjust the price of the Mac Mini. If new chip technologies or stronger products are launched, the Mac Mini may undergo price reductions to clear stock for new products. Moreover, if the market demand for the Mac Mini falls below expectations, Apple may also lower prices to stimulate consumption. For example, some older Mac products from Apple tend to gradually decrease in price after the release of new models, attracting price-sensitive consumers to make purchases.
Long-Term Price Trend (2 years or more):In the long term, the price of the Mac Mini is expected to gradually decrease and may eventually exit the mainstream product line, becoming an entry-level or niche product in Apple’s lineup. As technology continues to advance and computer hardware performance improves, new Mac products will continuously emerge, gradually diminishing the performance advantages of the Mac Mini. At this point, Apple may choose to stop production or clear remaining Mac Mini stock at very low prices, similar to how Apple has treated some early Mac products, reducing their prices to a very affordable level, mainly targeting consumers who have a fondness for Apple products or those with low performance requirements and limited budgets.
