Another "Can't decide which Mac Mini" topic: M2 16GB RAM vs. M2 Pro 16GB RAM

[tonysabbath]

The normal M2 is a huge upgrade over your Retina 4K 21.5" Mid 2017.

I just ordered the normal M2 Mini but with 24GB - Im coming from the Retina 5K 27" 2020 with a 8-core i7.

I was wrecking my brain over M2 vs M2 Pro also and realised that my work flow would not benefit from the extra CPU cores of the Pro. The apps I use make use of the M2's faster Neural Engine (faster over M1) and built in Video coders so the M2 is an amazing quiet powerhouse and I saved a lot of money.

Ive brought direct from Apple so on the odd chance Im not satisfied then I can return it.

 

[ovbacon]

Same here.... no need to over pay and/or upgrade to much if you are never going to really see the benefit. I went from a iMac 5K to a mini M2 16GB/512GB with an external Acasis TBU401E/Samsung 980 PRO 2T and a BenQ PD2705U monitor.... couldn't be happier as it blows the iMac away. Only thing that the iMac has better is a 5K display which I was just not in the mood to pay for.

 

[4wheelcycle]

Update on my two posts above.

In my first post I noted I may not have needed to buy the M2 Pro, comparing it to my wife's regular M2. That may be true as far as processing speed, but I absolutely enjoy the four Thunderbolt inputs. I am using one for my Studio Display and two more for attached SSDs. I keep the fourth one available for "visiting" SSDs that hold archived photos and other document files. I am using one USB A input for my document scanner and the other for a cable that goes under my Mac mini, raised on four small silicone pads, and brings a USB A female to the front of my Mac mini.

I am using one Studio Display USB C input to bring a Lightning male to the front of my Mac mini for my Magic Trackpad, and I am using another Studio Display USB C input to bring a Lightning male under my desk to the pull-out platform that holds my Magic Keyboard with Touch ID.

Going back to my second post, it has now been more than two months since my M2 Pro fan "went crazy", one time only. There have been no more episodes of audible fan noise from my M2.