M2 Mac Mini - the BEST PERFORMANCE / VALUE ?
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- čas přidán 23. 01. 2023
- The M2 Mac Mini redefines the performance standard for a $600 computer, but is the entry level model enough? Which upgrades do you need? Is it better to go with the M2 Pro Mac Mini?
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#Apple #m2pro #macmini - Věda a technologie
Man!
This is what I like about this channel: No looping noise in the background; clear explanation to show delineation of product capabilities; an easy-to-follow script; good comparison linkages to the products in the range that I am actually interested in; and no headache when he is finished talking.
Thank you!
Now, I bought 2 MabBook 16" laptops last year, so I won't be spending any more money with Apple this year. I am looking into getting a MacStudio, if I need more power for the VMs and code I am running. I think that if my MacBooks can't keep up, I might have to get something like that. The configuration of the MacMini takes me close enough in cost to a Studio, so I would go for the middle spec Studio over a well-spec'd Mini.
Thanks again.
For me - I was waiting for the Mac Mini Pro last March and would have bought it immediately since I was pushing my Mac Mini hard. Instead, when Apple announced the Mac Studio Max - I ordered the base model within minutes after their announcement - traded in my Mac Mini and I have been smiling ever since. This week, I traded in my MacBook Air M1 for the M2 MacBook Pro 14" which gives me a good portable studio unit with few restraints. Everyone has to decide what works for their use and their pocketbook best. Good video.
Great video. Thank you very clear on explaining Mac Minis and Mac Studios.
One of the best insights when it comes to the ever confusing mac lineup; great job!
Great video! Thanks for the advice.
Great video, so in focus and not even slightly blurry 😊
The M2 Mac mini has also a high impedance headphone jack now. It was mentioned in the Apple announcement video for the new machines.
Awesome. Just subscribed. Clear, focused and to the point with no fluff
Thank you 😊
Well presented video, thank you. I opted for the base level M2Pro. I’m sure some would criticize my decision. But, I’m not a power user, and I was replacing a 2014 base model Intel MacMini. The new unit is like a space shuttle compared to a bottle rocket. I expect it to last longer than a decade. By then, perhaps we’ll have an M5 chip on 1nm architecture. Then, it will be time to upgrade again.
Subbed~ All the info i was searching for in this video! Thanks!
13:51 thank you, thank you, thank you!!! A really useful evaluation with ROI and all. I have chose the M2 Pro with 32gig . Great job.
This is the single best buying guide! I actually was wondering about the M1 Mac Studio and you made it clear, I am buying neither but it was very entertaining and informative! I actually think the 16GB M1 is now a bigger bang for buck if looked for in the used market
I always look forward to your videos, because there's no shouting or fear mongering like so many other sites seem to do today. You present the facts in a straight forward manner than everyone can understand. Thank you. That said, I'm running a 14" MacBook Pro with the M1 Pro chip (10‑core CPU and 16‑coreGPU, 16GB RAM) and I can't believe how much I love this computer. But the MacMini Pro (10‑core CPU, 16-core GPU, 16‑core Neural Engine) has really caught my eye for my studio.
1/27/23 Great review like how clear and simple you keep the review to basic needs, have watched a few other reviews and your was just enough info without confusing detail comparisons. I own a 2011 iMac Mini server that the new M2 Pro with 512, 16Gb of memory will meet my current needs into the future along with an add-on mini base for more front ports, SDC slot, and additional SSD storage.
Glad it was helpful!
One of the better comparisons I've seen recently. Thank you.
Yes. I’m not a pro but the config I wanted on the M2 for longevity pushed me to the M2 Pro. Not complaining. Glad that the design hasn’t changed I bought that Mac Mini dock you reviewed ages ago in preparation.
My last three phones were iPhones because I also looked at the price per year. An iPhone provides 5 years of iOS updates and a further 2 years of security updates which means I only need to save up a seventh of the price of an iPhone each year to buy a new one.
This logic also led me to buy a £1,500 i7 windows PC in 2011 which continued to be usable until last year, which was a 10 year life for that Windows PC.
Over 20 years of buying I have never regretted spending more and getting the more powerful mac- it's often meant I've got an extra 2, 3, 4+ years of use from the machine. And I think the pro label marketing often just means its their premium option.
Once again the best analysis on your channel. Helpful thoughts and the most interesting technical comparisons. Helpful for the decision proces? Absolutely. Yes the decision is about Mac Mini M2Pro and the entry level Mac Studio with M1.
Thank you
I already have renewed my Macs last year with an M1 Mac mini and a 16” M1 Pro.
Before I had a 2013 iMac and a 2016 MacBook Pro.
Super happy. 🎉
M2/24GB/1TB ordered and arriving on the 26th. As a developer running VMs and IDEs this comes in handy over the M2 Pro, despite similar prices.
But the 3 monitor support :( I want 3 monitors :(
Apple media bubble 3+ years ago: why can’t Apple give us Intel processor spec-bump releases. Apple media bubble today: why do we only get spec-bump releases instead of REVOLUTIONARY updates every year. 🙄🙄🙄🤦🏽♂️🤦🏽♂️🤦🏽♂️
Yep… Apple is doomed… again!!! 😂😂😂😂😂😂
@@brucemckay6615 “Here’s why Apple is doomed” 😂
Ordered a M2 Mac Mini (16gb/1TB SSD) to replace my older intel model. Disappointed I'm not getting HDMI 2.1 though. Interested to see how this plays out.
I have a Mac Max base Studio / 2Tb SSD, However if I was building a new small business (again), I would equip with the base Mac M2 Mini base version with cheap 24in monitors and cheap keyboards and mice, if I did not have them. Hi tech folks get what they need. 1000s of every day folks using the web and apple apps will enjoy the base model. I agree that the base M2pro mini is the sweet spot for long term personal use. Thanks for the video. Good to get an opinion from across the pond.
I am still happily on a I3 2018 macmini....it works 24h 7/7 since 2019 and still rocks! And I own also a M1 14 mbp. i am sorted =)
Writing this from an M1 Pro 16" with 32GB Memory - The new Chip is a decent boost, and I considered a M1 Max 64 GB but decided for better thermals and battery life. My only gripe with the M1 Pro is Display support, other than that still incredible.... And I only brought an App to overflow Memory when using 150GB for the App in total.. Had a runaway but only realized that after the process hogged 80GB, still responsive at that point. Unbelievable. The System did not crash but offered me to force-quit the App.
So I'm, looking forward to M3/M4 Pro with great(er) Display Support and great battery life.
I think if you haven't jumped into the Apple Silicon era yet, this is a great place to start. I'd imagine though if you already have an M1 Mini, probably only worth the upgrade if you go for the M2 Pro and know you need that extra power. Great video as always btw!
Why bother when they downgraded the SSD to near HDD speeds?
@@danmac6185 hdd speed? 1500mbps is 3x faster than sata ssd. The random speed speed on m2 is actually faster than m1
While my base M1 Mini is still a beast baby......I am sooooo tempted to jump to an M2 Pro Mini. Perhaps there will be deals on the re-sale market for Base Mac Studios over the next few months or so. I am thrilled that there is now a bit more choice for Mac Users.
After obsessing over videos and believing I learned everything I needed to know about M2 and M2 Pro chips and performance. This video helped the most. So if you’re in my boat. This is the video. You’re good folks.
Well, I still use my MacBook Pro from 2012 and it performs as well as it ever did. I ordered the the basic Mini cos I know, it will fulfill my needs for a decade.. My point, if you make a liiving from your computer, it will be suffice, if you are joe, it will do anything you care
Probably the best vid I’ve seen on the new Mac minis answered a lot of my questions
I have a bit of a obscure use case for getting a Mac mini, I’m getting it to play online poker so it’s really difficult to know exactly what I need
Thanks 😊 I would think the base model would do just fine for online gaming like that.
Well reasoned realistic opinions without Cinematic intros and waste of time. Subscribed!
Thank you 😊 and welcome!
Definitely consider the M2 Mac Mini with 256Gb SSD and 24Gb of RAM- and only load the internal SSD for Apps and plug-ins.
No swapped memory to concern myself with plus only use Mac Mini for audio content creation.
Will also invest annually in the Applecare program.
The best video on this topic.
I am holding off for the M3 chip and spending my time developing a Xcode program for determining which stock or option to invest in.
This illustrates very well in real time the "slippery slope" pricing model of Apple's current line up. By the time you've specced up any given configuration to a satisfactory level, you're a stone's throw away in price from a big jump in performance with something else. By the time you've gotten THAT model specced out just a tad, it's just a bit more to stretch to that other SKU, etc. You're often needing to make the conscious decision not to spend just a bit more to get that next bump up, and that just feels bad a lot of the time.
Definitely holding off for now these feel like minor incremental increases imo
As much as I love my m1 MacMini, I have been struggling with the 256gb ssd. But it was a gift. But, now, I am saving up for that M2Pro MacMini, 10core, 1tb ssd, 16gb memory macmini. If I had the credit, I'd have it already, but, I have not got my credit that high yet.
I've watched about 20 hours worth of YT footage on the New Macs. After VERY careful consideration, everything is telling me to have just a little bit more patience and wait for the M2 Max Studio, and get the base with 1TB SSD. (I've been waiting a long time. My current computer is a 2014 MacBook Pro. But Tesla stock is also on sale at 60% discount. Get my drift? 😊
Thanks for the video, I am really leaning towards the Studio Max base model since it is at a great price right now and since I do mainly video editing in FCPX, it seems to be the best machine still. I do not care about the new wifi or bluetooth. Will most likely be connected to 10 gig ethernet and only use 1-2 monitors ever.
From the 100's of videos I have watched, most have come to the same conclusion since once to upgrade the memory and maybe HD on the Mini Pro, you are at the base cost of the Studio and I really think the Studio will last me 5-8 years good enough and won't have to worry about any over heating.
Just ordered M2 with 24GB RAM and 512 GB SSD. I think this is the best option for me as java development and audio creation.
14” M2 pro?
@@gurugamer8632 m2 mini, I nave another intel MacBook for portable using.
@@peterh.2488 ok cool 😎
I bought the basic version, coupled it to my OWC thunderbolt hub, connected my 2x 4 TB SSD RAID0 (2 external cases - runs at 4.6 Gb/sec - 8 TB total) and my 4x 8TB Ironwolf HDD's in RAID0 (32 TB total) in an OWC thunderbolt case (runs at 1 Gb/sec). It works without problems. I have my photo/video library in Apple Photolibrary on the SSD Raid. Everything shows up instantly. So you can say, I was not gonna buy the top of the line MAC - I previously did spend my money on storage volume and storage speed (backup runs to a 12 TB Synology NAS and a 12 TB external HDD). I guess you can say that I am gonna wait. Compressor is running for days now compressing to HEVC (older video files and MP4 X264 from my DJI Action/Pocket2/Mini2). I have over 3000 video files and over 60.000 photo's in the library. I renamed them all with an EXIF Rename tool (free from a German developer) - I renamed to a combination of EXIF-date/time, a sequential number for double original filenames (happens with those DJI-camera's), type of compression and the original filename in brackets. Took me 2 days to figure it all out. But I have now a very useful photo library. I have an extra external SSD of 2 TB (also thunderbolt) for running all my apps (almost no apps on internal storage).
👌nice setup!
Great video. Thanks. :)
These days you definitely need 16GB ram at the very least and 1TB storage, IMHO.
I get the feeling the M2 Pro Mac mini has been purposefully delayed because of it's product line conflict with the Mac Studio. It would probably be the sweet spot for a 'pro' workstation (as well as an iMac with M2 Pro) & I think it'll sell well. Shame they didn't give the case a flatter 'Studio' makeover with front ports etc.
Very clear and informational video, no bullshit and a solid explanation even for people without a lot of technological knowledge like me. Techyoutube should take notes from your video. Cheers
Very kind of you, thank you 😊
really great content! I would like to know if the 512 Gb version of mac mini m2 has two chips or only one like the 256 version. Thank you!
Thanks 😊 AFAIK the M2 Mini has a single chip for 512GB, whereas the M2 Pro Mini has two chips. The Pro board has space for 8 chips, whereas the standard board has space for four, which may explain the difference.
I think the $1299US M2 Mac mini Pro is the ideal mid-tier Apple desktop, sitting between the base M2 mini and the base M1 Studio Max.
Nice content. Planning to get the M2 with 16GB and 1TB mainly for Logic Pro. Your thoughts??
Thank you 😊 That spec is well matched to Logic for most users. If you are doing large compositions (e.g. orchestral) with complex instruments, you will find the RAM limits.
Thank you 🙏🏼
Watching a lot of these trying to educate myself so I know the best option to run Lightroom (some Photoshop) and Topaz products (mostly DeNoise)
I'm going for the base $599 model. I don't play games and I don't edit video. In truth, I could probably get by with a Commodore 64. I'm sure I will be thrilled with the base mini.
The storage is the one thing that makes me pause, but a central server can deal with the ridiculous storage offered
Perfect analysis, fully agree with all your points. Most people will be just fine with the base model for general computing tasks. For me personally, as a music producer, I don't care so much about GPU but I do care about connectivity and multi-core CPU performance, so the binned M2 Pro with 16GB/1TB at £1599 represents the best value (and a no-brainer step up from the M2 with 16GB/1TB at £1249).
That's the model I ordered, can't wait to test it out with Ableton!
@@mikeklement7223 how did it run ableton ?
Bought the base M2 Pro Mac mini with an upgrade to 1TB storage. The 1TB storage comes with more Nand chips (I think 4), so should show a higher SSD performance than the base 512GB model. Also, I just need more space for video files I'm working with. Any further upgrade would bring me closer to Mac Studio territory (and I want to keep my Mac silent).
More storage space is an ok justification. Claiming you bought a vastly more expensive SSD for more nand chips is fucking pathetic.
Nice to see HDMI 2.1 included with the M2 Pro and Max.
I.
I’m so happy 😁
Thank you for your review. So would you agree - as a video editor using DaVinci Resolve with BRAW, H.265/4 and Pro Res, the Mac Studio would be a better choice for overall editing performance? (I’m considering either the Max or Ultra)
Yes, I’d say the Mac Studio is a better option due to its stronger GPU performance and additional encoders/decoders. I haven’t personally tested the Ultra, but I expect the performance benefit is not as large as the price difference. The M1 Max has happily dealt with everything I’ve thrown at it.
thxxxx
Very good video but I’m still undecided. I plan on doing light recording and photo editing on my new Mac. I presently have a older IMac 2016 I5 that takes minutes to processes one photo after only minor changes. I don’t know if the M2 or M2 pro is the right purchase. Money is tight right now but I don’t want to make the wrong choice.
I have a photographer friend who bought an M1 MacBook Air 16GB to upgrade his i5 MBP and he says it has revolutionised his workflow. The M2 will be an excellent choice for photography work, but go for 16GB RAM if you can. Don’t forget that Apple has a no questions return policy in most regions, so if you get it and it’s not right for you, it’s still possible to change your mind.
Thanks for your valuable information. Can a 4k 144Hz 2 display in mac mini pro be used? Thanks
I haven't tested it and Apple doesn't list it as a possibility. However, 4K @ 144Hz uses slightly less bandwidth than 6K @ 60Hz, so it should be technically possible...
I've seen reports that it can be done with M1 Max (using Thunderbolt to DisplayPort), and Apple didn't specifically list running two 4K144 displays as an option, so you might be in luck. If not, I would have thought you could at least run both at 120Hz.
Depends on intended use - for casual desktop basline is enough, but work I'd go with M2 Pro. Cooling is less of problem then in laptops and by extension it is going to LAST much longer, therefore bit more future-proof config might be better choice. Problem is that Ethernet is not 2.5 Gbps - upgrade enough but at least hardware for it comes reasonably.
I am playing „Total War Warhammer III“ for some weeks now on my iMac M1. Runs ok but not good. Would it make sense to get a Mac mini or a Studio for playing this game better?
I will say, an audio professional will almost certainly be using an external interface. Probably from UAD. The whole high impedance headphones thing is an added benefit for prosumers, but most likely won’t be used by audio pros such as producers and engineers (hi!)
Your videos are thorough and enjoyable as ever 😍
Thanks. You are correct, I mostly use my Antelope interface on my desktop, but it’s a great thing to have on my MBP. I was wrong anyway, as the Mini does now have the same high impedance support. 🤦♂️
@@ConstantGeekery fair point, my MBP is on docked to my monitor so often I forget that people take laptops places LOL
Oh wow this is such a nice break down Mac mini M2 video. I am adobe user, Photoshop, Illus, a little bit of AE, I think the spec bump CPU in M2 would benefit me more than more graphic core in Mac Studio. However, I'm still torn between the Mini M2 pro 32 gb of ram VS Base Model Mac studio. I kinda love the Mac studio form factor plus usb C port on the front.
Having said that, Base M2 mini Pro is just enough for my need, 32gb of ram is to give some extra headroom and bit of future proofing.
Thank you 😊 I think either machine will be good for you, and 32GB RAM is a lot in an Apple Silicon machine, so you'll have plenty of headroom and future-proofing.
How much performance in going is there on the studio comperated to Mac mini m2 pro would like to know. Do u think 10 g Ethernet is a must in 2023???
@@uncleanAlibertine1 I think the figures presented in the video are accurate. The M1 Max Mac Studio has more GPU performance, but less CPU performance. The M2 Pro will be fine for the Adobe apps you mentioned. I’d focus more on the benefits of the Studio chassis vs the Mini, and that better display support may be important.
A 10 gigabit ethernet port will allow you to use 10, 5 or 2.5 gbit switches. The speed you actually get will depend on whether your switchgear and cabling support those higher speeds. 2.5gbit ethernet is becoming quite popular because it works with older CAT 5e cabling, and a lot of NAS units now include 2.5gbit. So, if you are likely to use network storage and equipment beyond 1gbit speeds, it may be a worthwhile upgrade. In fairness, you can also get USB-C 2.5gbit ethernet adapters for about £30 - £40.
I now have a custom-built NAS server with 10gbit networking to both my Mac Studio and my PC Workstation. I can edit 6K video on either machine over the network, so for me the faster port is essential.
I don't need one, but if i had to chose, i'd pick the m2 pro. Luckily I am still satisfied with my macbook pro 13" M1 - despite it's touchbar.
Apple is very good at spec'ing these products to influence buyers to move to the more expensive model. While the base model is indeed a speed demon, it's hard to imagine anyone who needs this amount of performance that doesn't also need more RAM and storage. And once you start adding to the base configuration, it's harder to justify buying the M2 Mac Mini.
For me, the base model doesn't have enough ports, same as the M1 version. The most interesting model is the Pro, with the ability to push memory up to 32GB, and the needed extra thunderbolt 4 ports. But if you bump the pro up to 32GB and add 10GB ethernet, it's exactly the same price as an Apple refurb base model Mac Studio, which has more ports, an SD card reader, 10GB ethernet, and 24 core GPU instead of the 16 cores on the M2 Pro Mini.
I'm not sure I'm in the market for either of these right now, but if I were I would go with the Mac Studio. And Apple will happily take my money.
Great No Non-sense video. Great review.
Thank you 😊
But did they EVER address the SOCD report detected: (AP watchdog expired)?
i"ve been waiting since the M1 to replace my iMac 27 inch from 2017 and last year I resisted to the temptation of the studio ( it is a bummer this beefy Mac doesn't have up to date wifi, Bluetooth, HDMI etc.. but I was tired of waiting and a M2 pro Mac mini was perfect with a cheap brand new studio display I got , I will return mine cos I made the mistake of 16Gb , so I ordered another one with 32 Gb , at first I was gonna get 2 Tb of storage like on the iMac , but I've noticed that hooking up a samsung T7 2 Tb drive is quite fast and you can place on the external SSD all your music, TV libraries and use simlink for other big folders . just remember to have Time Machine enable and backup the Mac and all external storage were data u care is placed on .
I am now waiting for those cheap M1 mini’s to arrive on the second hand market. More than enough for me to play with
It's hard. M2 mini is 100 bucks less for the base model.
will probably have to upgrade stuff internally
Refurb minis on the Apple Store have just dropped in price.
Hi, I have the LG oled C2 42inch TV and want to get the Mac Mini. Will the base Mac mini M2 output @120hz to the LG?
Thanks 🙏
The HDMI port is 2.0 on the base M2 Mini, so that's 4K 60Hz. Technically, the Mini should be capable of doing it via Thunderbolt, using a Type-C to DisplayPort or Type-C to HDMI 2.1 cable, however this hasn't worked historically AFAIK due to limitations in macOS (or so it would seem). It's possible that this will be different now that Apple are shipping machines with HDMI 2.1, but I haven't tested it., and since Thunderbolt 4 spec only requires 60Hz for 4K displays I'd expect it won't work.
I can wait till the studio max 2 comes out & Samsung 5k viewfinity s9. I did see an interesting you tube video about 3nm not being what many are claiming it will be & the next gains will be found elsewhere in the pipeline. I’d imagine the 14” M2 max will be an interesting battery & thermal throttle test, especially given every video so far I’ve seen has the 16” version.
I can recommend having a read of TSMC’s description of 3nm FinFlex. There are three different options on density, which can be combined within a single SoC. This allows for prioritisation of speed, power efficiency, or physical size within discrete sections of the chip. Maximum speed option is 33% up on their 2nd generation 5nm. Best power efficient option is 30% better. The best bit is that all three options improve both speed and power efficiency in a smaller physical space. If Apple combines that with other improvements, it has the potential to be a substantial leap forward!
www.tsmc.com/english/news-events/blog-article-20220616
I have a 14 inch m1 max and i am so tempted to get the m2 mini, it's just so cheap!
Will an m2 pro Mac mini run after effects successfully please? Also unreal engine ?
I don’t use either application, so perhaps another viewer can help. I did watch a video back along where it seemed that the M2 Pro mini sat somewhere between M1 Max and M1 Ultra for After Effects performance - that was just a couple of tests though, so you’ll want to do your own research. It can obviously run AE successfully. Unreal Engine I can’t comment on.
Greater Video - thanks for this.
My interest is Pro-Audio and I use Logic Pro.
I will be upgrading to 32GBRAM - means that I will have to buy a machine with lots of GPU which you don’t use in audio but that’s the way it is.
If I had the money then I’d go for 64GBRAM Studio…
For storage it would have 1TB
Been using a 2018 12.9” iPad Pro for rather heavy Affinity Photo stuff and light video editing on LumaFusion since 2019 and now I’m thinking about going back to a Mac - surely I could survive on a base model M2 Mac mini? But I can’t help thinking about getting the M2 Pro model… 🤦♂️
If you’ve been happy on the A12X, then M2 would be good enough. If you can stretch to Pro, that will give you some future proofing. Choose at least 16GB RAM if you can.
I am interested in a M2 Pro Mac Mini. Mainly, for gaming, running virtual machines, Xcode and Logic Pro. My Preferred choice would be 19 GPU M2 Pro processor, 32 GB RAM, and 10 GBit /s ethernet (for network storage server access). How much onboard storage is the challenge. Luke Miana's M2 Pro Mac Mini tear down video shows it has eight SSD chip pads, with two of these pads populated in the 512 GB storage model. This gets respectable SSD performance but not the best (half the speed of a 1 TB M2 Max MacBook Pro). Working on the basis that more pads fitted with SSD chips equals more pcie channels for SSD read and right access, I would expect SSD performance to improve for larger storage capacity. If 256 GB is Apple current minimum SSD chip size for M2 models, do I go for a 1 TB (four chips) or 2 TB (eight chips) to get the best SSD performance? I am making a lot of assumptions here, especially with regards to how Apple configures SSD chips for the different storage skews!
The 1 TB SSD in my M1 Max hits 5.7GB/s write and 5.2GB/s read. I have a feeling the 512GB in my Mac Studio is similar (if not slightly quicker). The 2TB should be slightly quicker again, but honestly that's just so ludicrously fast already, would you ever be able to notice the difference outside of benchmarks?
Which of these 2 minis would you recommend as the better value if I plan to keep it 7+ years? M2 base 24GB/1 TB for 1399 vs M2 Pro 16GB/1 TB for 1499? I’m not a video editor or gamer but I do want plenty of RAM because it can’t be upgraded later.
I would personally buy the Pro, but that’s me. I think you will see more real-world benefit from the Pro than you will from upgrading a base M2 from 16GB to 24GB RAM… unless you are specifically running a memory intensive workflow.
So would the m2 mini pro be better than the m2 mini with 24gb ram and a 1tb he (basically the same price in the uk)
In real-world use, you're more likely to notice the CPU and GPU performance difference of the Pro, than you are the increase from 16GB to 24GB RAM. Plus there's the extra Thunderbolt ports.
would like tu upgrade m1 mac mini 16gb. Would like to have more power under the hood, but would trade my m1 mac mini to m2 pro and spec up ram to 32gb and which comes really close to mac studio instead. must watch your all silicon video about m series.
Hi man! In your opinion for music production (I'm not a super PRO who lives off this), is better a Mac mini M2 (base chip) with 24GB RAM and 512 SSD (1419 euros) or a Mac mini M2 Pro with 16GB RAM and 512 SSD (1579 euros)?
Music production is a multi-threaded workflow. M2 has more multi-core performance than the 8-core 2019 Mac Pro, so it probably has enough performance even for many professionals. Whether you will see much difference going from 16GB to 24GB RAM in real-world use is debatable.
Personally, I would choose the M2 Pro. For a relatively modest additional spend you are getting better multi-core performance, and 16GB is enough RAM. Also pertinent to your use case is the two additional Thunderbolt ports, which will open up more possibilities with interfaces and audio gear. It's just a bit more future-proofed.
A side benefit is much improved GPU performance - not needed for music production, but it's nice to have.
If you go M2, consider 16GB and 1TB SSD - that will probably provide more real-world bang for your euro than the additional RAM.
I guess you are missing a point which is footprint and weight . The m2 pro mini is a great machine to carry in a backpack or put as a set tip box on a 4K oled tv . For digital nomads who also have an iPad Pro it’s a fantastic deal comparing to a max studio
The Mini certainly is more portable... though I do have a lovely purpose made leather bag for my Mac Studio, and it has travelled! 😁
had too many problems with Premiere Pro on my M1 MacBook Air (1TB storage) with 16GB memory, so I'm ordering an M2 Mac Mini with 24GB memory, along with the 512 GB SSD because of the speed issue, don't have the cash to buy either the M2 Pro Mac Mini or M1 Mac Studio
Upgrading from a mini i5 to M2 Pro 12/19. Should be good! :D
That’ll be quite the upgrade - enjoy the new beast! 😁
First off. Love your reviews as they are oh no logical LOL and makes you hopefully realize that right now any M silicon (1 or 2) with 16gb of mem can basically do anything. The m2 pro seems like a very good deal and will wait until it starts showing up on the apple refurb store and pay less. For what I do the increased gpu really makes a diff as I can see this on my m2 14” mbp. The mini will be in the studio as I enjoy taking my laptop here, there and everywhere to work and the constant plugging anf]d unplugging is lame and think this way will help with long term.
A very good video that has aged well.
What gets me is there is a $900 difference when comparing the binned M2 14" MacBook Pro and the lowest configuration of the Max chip in the 14". So, if we take $900 off the Studio price, the M2 Pro Mac mini should be $1100 at the base config. This would be a price that would make the lack of front facing ports more acceptable. The studio isn't terribly big, but I would rather have the thinner Mac mini. And, an SD card in the present form factor would be perfect. This pricing would force more people to the M2 Pro since the 16GB and 512GB config is $1000, only a $100 less. Getting the Pro, would be a no brainer. Also, why adding 32GB to Max Chip is only $400, but adding 16GB to the Pro is also $400.
Anyway, I wish Apple would lower the base price to $1199 and make the 16GB upgrade only $300. Still lots of profit. This would be a very affordable machine with room to grow for me.
If you're a student, you can get the M2 Pro Mac Mini for $1,199 and upgrade to 32GB of RAM for $360. Not exactly $300 although if you buy now, you can get a free $100 Apple Gift Card too.
Still waiting for a replacement for my old 2015 11 inch air. I want a new 1kg laptop that fits on an economy class tray table.
I loved my 11” Air when I used to travel more for work! Wish they would re-do the 12” MacBook with a cut down “M” chip!
2013 11 inch air owner here. I upgraded the SSD to 1TB. It's great for daily use. However the RAM is only 4GB means you cannot do anything more than web view or email.
@peterh you can pickup an 8GB version on eBay for not much money these days. It still works pretty well.
You will compare this on real life? I love this channel
Not sure yet. The channel doesn't earn enough to cover big purchases like that, so it's a case of whether we need them in our main business. I will certainly do some content if I get my hands on any though. Thanks for your support 😊
If only they had the entry level start at 16 gb, it would be great. My developer workflow requires use of docker/vagrant etc and RAM is a main concern.
I will probably buy the M2 PRO MacBook pro with the 16gb ram 12c cpu 19c gpu and 1TB storage config
The 8 GB will not be around long as it will be 12 GB / 24!
Do these M chips use ram differently to x86 macs? I always spec 32gb of ram, as lightroom seems to use around 24gb for importing/making 1:1 previews/editing on my 2020 i5 macbook pro. Would 16gb now be enough?
It's certainly true that Apple Silicon seems to be able to do more with less RAM, and is able to do things that seem to defy logic from a traditional x86 viewpoint. But, Apple hasn't changed the laws of computing physics, and RAM is still RAM.
Apple is using things like memory compression and very fast swapping to the SSD to help, but there's also the large memory bandwidth and the Unified Memory access, where everything on the SoC can potentially address the same memory space. This eliminates a lot of CPU to GPU memory copying for example.
There's also the impact of dedicated media engines, image signal processors and machine learning cores to consider. These things have impacted the speed of traditional workflows - provided the software has been updated to support them.
It's entirely likely that a 16GB equipped M chip will perform the Lightroom tasks you mention faster than your i5 MBP, since the processor is so much faster that the memory deficit isn't important. However, it's also possible that the task will still be memory bound.
Apple's return policy (depending on your country of residence) is usually very generous, so you can try it and return if it doesn't work for you. Everyone's workload is different, so you really need to test your specific requirements on the machine if possible.
@@ConstantGeekery Many thanks for the detailed reply. I’ve always been of the opinion to ‘buy once, buy well’ so I’ll stick with the 32gn of ram. I’m in the UK so will be pushing £2k by the time I’m happy…!
@@jamesstanley7263 that will certainly future proof you, and I have no doubt that you will be very happy. It'll be a massive performance upgrade! Enjoy the new beast 😁
I've been using the base M1 mini for 2 years. I hate the 8gb but love the rest of it. I leave a lot of programs open and tabs on browsers and do a LOT of photo editing. If I constantly restart LightRoom it runs fine but it bogs down too often. I held off getting the Studio when it was released but now I'm in the market to upgrade and trying to figure out what path is my most logical? Which version is going to run LR the best for constant smooth editing and no restarting it all the time because I have so many other programs running? And which will import the images the fastest and create those previews LR takes so long to make? I would love your suggestion!!!
the problem as I see it is knowing which apps are single core and which are multi core...how do you find out?
if we knew that I think making the right choice may be easier
The 8GB RAM is the most likely candidate for the lacklustre performance. LR is a good example of where 16GB with the M1 makes a big difference, and especially so if you have a lot of other apps running. I’d be looking at any M2 chips, or the M1 Pro or Max machines, with 16GB+ of RAM. Depends how much you’re willing to spend, but the Mac Studio with M1 Max would be a huuuuuge upgrade. If you want to spend less, the base M2 Pro Mini would be a good choice.
You can see CPU core usage in Activity Monitor - you’ll find it in your Applications > Utilities folder, or use Spotlight to find it. Run your app and watch what happens - it will be pretty obvious if it’s multi-threaded. Remember though that most multi-threaded apps won’t necessarily use all available cores or scale up indefinitely. For the OP’s comment, it’s a RAM issue rather than a lack of CPU horsepower.
@@ConstantGeekery Thanks for that - also a fairly heavy user of LightRoom along with Photoshop/InDesign/Acrobat
I'm probably being a bit thick here but I can't see anything that reports the number of cores just % cpu ...does the number of threads have any relation to number of cores?
Interestingly Creative Cloud Libraries Synchroniser shows over 100% does that mean it's using more than one core?
btw running Monterey 12.6 on a 2021 16GB 14" M1 MacBook Pro
I too am looking to upgrade (being using the MacBook as my main machine) and the differences between M2 Mac mini and the Studio are causing a few headaches!
@@lordflinty double click on the CPU Load graph in Activity Monitor and you will see the cores. Press CMD-4 to see GPU load history.
Threads are individual tasks being handled by the CPU for a given app. You can't necessarily use this number to confirm whether an app or process has been specifically optimised for multi-threading, Better to use CPU%...
On a UNIX system (which macOS is), 100% CPU usage means one thread is fully utilised. Since there's no hyper-threading or SMT with Apple Silicon, one core equals one thread - i.e. each core can handle one thread concurrently. So, on an 8-core M1 CPU, if every core was utilised, the percentages could add up to 800%. For example on my M1 Max 10-core, if I run Cinebench, it will show 930% CPU usage in Activity Monitor.
I hope that helps.
WhT about the difference in the TLB
That limitation really starts to kick in from the 32 GPU M1 Max, so I wouldn’t be concerned about it from the perspective of the chips discussed in this video.
Between MM M2 24gb ram 512gb and binned MM M2 Pro 16gb 512gb which is better to have for programming and occasional photo/video editing? There is $100 price difference to get the base pro at $1,299.
I'd get the M2 Pro. You'll definitely see the benefit of the additional CPU and GPU performance over the standard M2. Whereas you probably won't notice much (if any) difference going from 16GB to 24GB RAM outside of very specific applications.
owner of intel Mac mini 2018 base model , 4 core i3 , 8GB ram, 128gb SSD. Live in Greece. this m2 base Mac mini, is CHEAPER than the 2018 crap. amazing performance too.
M2 Pro, anytime
Mac Mini good for video editing ?
Depends on what type of footage and codecs you are using, but yes, they will excel at video editing work. Spec 16GB+ RAM for anything serious though, and go for the M2 Pro if you are working with RAW codecs.
No M2 for me, most likely. The added features don't affect the work I do or otherwise benefit me and the basic speed bump is not likely to be noticeable. I'll be looking at what's on offer 5-10 years from now!
@10:19 you said "you are getting a 512 Gig SSD" - but hold on, is it really a SINGLE SSD like you actually said, or is it a pair of 256 GB SSDs which would make the system twice as fast?
Teardowns are still being done. The 256GB storage on the Mini is definitely one NAND flash chip. On the new MacBook Pro, even the 512GB models are one chip, so sadly this will probably also be the case with the Mini. Thanks Apple. 🙄
Correction: according to Luke Miani, the 512GB model does have two chips - one on each side of the board and speeds look good.
Thank u you represent a benchmark to honest review and not fanboism! My favourite tech utube channel
Excellent roundup of all the issues involved in the new M2 and M2 pro Mac mini. Thanks for the best bang for buck recommendation, I was unsure about the M2 Pro Mac mini but it does look good value. But I do now worry though about the possibility that the 512GB ssd may also be a single nand chip from what we have seen in teardown vids on CZcams. That would also make it slow. Arrrgh Apple!
Thank you 😊 The 512GB SSD on the base M2 Pro Mini is definitely two NAND flash chips. 👍
@@ConstantGeekery thanks but I think you will find it is only one nand chip on the 512GB. See Maxtech and 9 to 5 Mac. Why is Apple cheapening out on this? Would you change your Best Buy to Mac Pro mini with 16GB and 1 TB ssd?
@@pauljazzman408 the board is double sided with a chip on each side, as shown in @lukemiani ‘s teardown. There are spaces for 8 NAND chips - 4 on each side of the board.
@@pauljazzman408 czcams.com/video/vbmb_Z8QdxU/video.html
@@ConstantGeekery My mistake there is a chip on each side of the M2 Mac mini. However for some reason the the Read/write speeds about half of 1TB? Are they slower chips? Apple have made this a minefield! czcams.com/video/GdVgcO326_o/video.html
I’m holding off to see what M3 offers because M2 really seems more like an M1.5 (or so).
Gonna be awhile because M2 is pretty new but if u save for it now you can afford the M3 Pro.
@@jpesicka999 Yeah, it sounds like M3 is delayed until early 2024 now
It wasn't global supply constraints that held 3nm, it was an engineering goof in the GPU ray tracing hardware group. Apple decided to wait for the real magic to introduce 3nm to the world.
what's wrong with your computer now? if nothing then wait till the M3 comes out.
The star of the show is the mini pro
The dilemma I have is "will the Mac Studio M2 Max be still £1999?". If that's the case, with the uplifted specs, it's going to be a better long term bet than the Mac Mini M2 Pro when you've upgraded the memory and CPU to their closest available matches. That said, we don't know when it will arrive, and can I wait another say 6-9 months after not changing my Mac for 7 years?
Also, if latter part of the year, will Apple skip M2 altogether and launch the Mac Studio M3 Max instead for that same price of £1999?
Based on Apple’s current pattern of price-gouging UK customers, I’d expect the Mac Studio to go up in price when it gets the new chip. Apple seems to be ignoring the fact that the pound is up 20 cents on the dollar since they started the UK price rises.
Whether or not we get an M2 Max Mac Studio might depend on whether they have an M2 Ultra waiting in the wings. If not, maybe it will skip a generation.
I really hope bluetooth is fixed. I would rather go for a Mac Studio but since it also seems to have the same bluetooth issues, the M2 Pro Mac Mini is my last hope.
I know plenty of users have had Bluetooth issues, but to present a counter point, I believe this is a small percentage. My M1 Mini never had any problems at all, and the only thing I’ve experienced with the Mac Studio is that it can take up to 10 seconds to connect Apple’s Magic Keyboard and Trackpad when you boot it up. I suspect that there will be a correlation between poorly shielded USB 3.0 devices being connected or very close to the Mac in cases where people have issues. USB 3.0 emits RF in the 2.4GHz spectrum. Likewise, if there’s a lot of 2.4GHz activity where the Mac is being used, it may cause interference.
@@ConstantGeekery Interference could be a problem in my case, but I just received the M2 Pro Mac Mini so lets see. Time Mashine Backup is running right now. And could you try connecting AirPods (in my case Pro 2) to your Mac Mini and/or Mac Studio and walk about 5 meters away from it? Thats where I geht huge Problems (also with mouse and keyboard) and I don´t have these problems with any other Apple or Windows device.
@@angrytechaddict7803 let me know how it goes. I haven’t had issues with my headphones, but I don’t use AirPods. I have some Sony WH-1000XM3 and for earbuds I use Edifier Neobuds Pro. Moving five metres from the computer would put me in the garden behind a wall, but I will give it a try!
Currently using the M1 Mac mini (while waiting to receive M2 Pro Mac mini). Using multiple bluetooth devices (3 keyboards: one Logitech, two Apple), mouse, trackpad, AirPods Pro 2) with the MM without issue. Also have two external drives connected to the Mac mini.
@@ConstantGeekery ok results are in. It is as bad or even worse. I also tried my Sony MX5´s and Senheiser EPOS Adapt 660 and not just is the bluetooth as bad, I also have huge wifi connectivity issues with the new one. -.- If I put my MacBook Pro or even an iPhone at the same spot the Mac Mini is, I have no issues with any connection so even if it is related some kind of interference, the Mac Mini is aspecially influenced.