Buying assistance

[mikeywilson]

Hello!

👋Mac newbie - or nearly Mac newbie once I buy one! - here! I'm looking to get a Mac Mini for my home recording studio. it'll run Garage Band and handle some web browsing but that's about it. I'm getting confused with the different options available and I don't want to spend my limited budget on something that isn't fit for purpose.

I think it's between these two models:
Apple Mac Mini 7,1/i5-4278U/8GB RAM/1TB HDD/B - (Late 2014)
Apple Mac Mini 6,2/i7-3615QM/4GB RAM/1TB HDD/4000/B - (Late 2012)

I'm happy to plug in more RAM for example in the 2012 if that's the right way to go, or go for the 2014 because it's a newer model so will generally be more usable.
Sorry if I'm not asking the right questions!
Thanks!

 

[Boyd01]

Those model numbers are always confusing, but it looks like you're talking about the 2014 i5/2.6ghz vs 2012 i7/2.3ghz

Mac mini "Core i5" 2.6 (Late 2014) Specs (Late 2014, MGEN2LL/A, Macmini7,1, A1347, 2840): EveryMac.com

Technical specifications for the Mac mini "Core i5" 2.6 (Late 2014). Dates sold, processor type, memory info, hard drive details, price and more.

everymac.com

Mac mini "Core i7" 2.3 (Late 2012/Server) Specs (Late 2012, MD389LL/A, Macmini6,2, A1347, 2570): EveryMac.com

Technical specifications for the Mac mini "Core i7" 2.3 (Late 2012/Server). Dates sold, processor type, memory info, hard drive details, price and more.

everymac.com

I have the next step up from each of those (2012 i7/2.6ghz and 2014 i5/2.8ghz). IMO, there is no question that the 2012 is a superior machine, RAM can easily be upgraded to 16gb and geekbench 4 rating about 10600 vs 6700 which would be good for audio.

2012 HD4000 graphics are getting very old, but probably not much of a factor for audio work. I don't see any real advantage to the Intel Iris on my 2014 Mini, but it's only a server. Easier to install an internal SSD in the 2014 and you will get around 700MB/sec vs 500MB/sec for an internal SSD on the 2012. The 2012 cannot be upgraded beyond Catalina (although there are hacks). The 2014 has faster wifi and faster thunderbolt, if that matters to you.

But here's the thing, I would not buy either of those unless they are REALLY cheap and your budget is really limited. A bottom spec 2018 i3 Mini is far superior to either in terms of specs and connectivity. You can upgrade RAM all the way to 64gb yourself (although not supported by Apple). 2014 was a bad year for the Mini, with a virtually unusable base model and top model that was much slower than the top 2012 (since they dropped the quad core version in 2014).

The 2012 is getting really old and things are going to start to fail, especially risky to take it apart and install an internal SSD IMO. I'd hold out for a 2018 or possibly the 2020 M1 mini, *if* it's compatible with the software you need.

 

[mikeywilson]

Thanks Boyd01. This is exactly why I'm here haha!!

My next question would be around the i* chips in the 2018 models. I appreciate it's get the best you can afford, I was just wondering if they offer significant advantages over one another.

 

[Boyd01]

You can compare the specs yourself. Depending on the benchmark, the i7 could be close to twice as fast as the i3.

Mac mini "Core i3" 3.6 (Late 2018) Specs (2018, MRTR2LL/A*, Macmini8,1, A1993, 3213): EveryMac.com

Technical specifications for the Mac mini "Core i3" 3.6 (Late 2018). Dates sold, processor type, memory info, hard drive details, price and more.

everymac.com

Mac mini "Core i7" 3.2 (Late 2018) Specs (2018, BTO/CTO, Macmini8,1, A1993, 3213): EveryMac.com

Technical specifications for the Mac mini "Core i7" 3.2 (Late 2018). Dates sold, processor type, memory info, hard drive details, price and more.

everymac.com

I went with the top spec i7/64gb/2tb because I'm running Windows and legacy MacOS virtual machines and plan to keep it for a long time. Of course, there's a big price difference. Look at the Apple refurb store, that's where I got mine. Same warranty as new with prices typically 15% less (which saves a lot on the higher spec models). Have also read there are a lot of the 2018 Mini's available in the used market as people are upgrading to the new M1 Mini.

The M1 doesn't work for me, since I need virtual machines and lots of RAM.

 

[mikeywilson]

Great stuff thank you. I will do some investigation this evening. Much appreciated for your quick response!

 

[Andrea Filippini]

Hello!

👋Mac newbie - or nearly Mac newbie once I buy one! - here! I'm looking to get a Mac Mini for my home recording studio. it'll run Garage Band and handle some web browsing but that's about it. I'm getting confused with the different options available and I don't want to spend my limited budget on something that isn't fit for purpose.

I think it's between these two models:
Apple Mac Mini 7,1/i5-4278U/8GB RAM/1TB HDD/B - (Late 2014)
Apple Mac Mini 6,2/i7-3615QM/4GB RAM/1TB HDD/4000/B - (Late 2012)

I'm happy to plug in more RAM for example in the 2012 if that's the right way to go, or go for the 2014 because it's a newer model so will generally be more usable.
Sorry if I'm not asking the right questions!
Thanks!

Those model numbers are always confusing, but it looks like you're talking about the 2014 i5/2.6ghz vs 2012 i7/2.3ghz

Mac mini "Core i5" 2.6 (Late 2014) Specs (Late 2014, MGEN2LL/A, Macmini7,1, A1347, 2840): EveryMac.com

Technical specifications for the Mac mini "Core i5" 2.6 (Late 2014). Dates sold, processor type, memory info, hard drive details, price and more.

everymac.com

Mac mini "Core i7" 2.3 (Late 2012/Server) Specs (Late 2012, MD389LL/A, Macmini6,2, A1347, 2570): EveryMac.com

Technical specifications for the Mac mini "Core i7" 2.3 (Late 2012/Server). Dates sold, processor type, memory info, hard drive details, price and more.

everymac.com

I have the next step up from each of those (2012 i7/2.6ghz and 2014 i5/2.8ghz). IMO, there is no question that the 2012 is a superior machine, RAM can easily be upgraded to 16gb and geekbench 4 rating about 10600 vs 6700 which would be good for audio.

2012 HD4000 graphics are getting very old, but probably not much of a factor for audio work. I don't see any real advantage to the Intel Iris on my 2014 Mini, but it's only a server. Easier to install an internal SSD in the 2014 and you will get around 700MB/sec vs 500MB/sec for an internal SSD on the 2012. The 2012 cannot be upgraded beyond Catalina (although there are hacks). The 2014 has faster wifi and faster thunderbolt, if that matters to you.

But here's the thing, I would not buy either of those unless they are REALLY cheap and your budget is really limited. A bottom spec 2018 i3 Mini is far superior to either in terms of specs and connectivity. You can upgrade RAM all the way to 64gb yourself (although not supported by Apple). 2014 was a bad year for the Mini, with a virtually unusable base model and top model that was much slower than the top 2012 (since they dropped the quad core version in 2014).

The 2012 is getting really old and things are going to start to fail, especially risky to take it apart and install an internal SSD IMO. I'd hold out for a 2018 or possibly the 2020 M1 mini, *if* it's compatible with the software you need.

@Boyd01 has already given you a very exhaustive answer.
Personally I own the Mac Mini late 2012 i7-3615QM/16 GB RAM/SAMSUNG SSD 860 EVO 1 TB and the machine runs Catalina amazingly. (boot up 17 seconds, switch off 3 seconds)
2014 model can be upgraded to Big Sur but have less CPU performance and RAM is onboard.
2018 model have storage soldered to the logic board and you can't replace it.
For Garage Band and recording studio I have no doubt that the Mac Mini late 2012 i7-3615QM (or the i7-3720QM if you find it) will work greatly.

 

[Fishrrman]

If you can afford a 2018 Mini, it would be A FAR BETTER CHOICE...

 

[mikeywilson]

I'd very much like to be able to afford a 2018 @Fishrrman By the time I actually get around to making a final decision, I'll probably find a 2018 bang in my budget haha!

 

[casperes1996]

Agree with the recommendation for the 2018.

Will however also add that, again, if your software is compatible, the M1 really, really does offer a lot. It will handle *a lot* more complicated tracks in music applications, but of course compatibility and costs are factors to consider

 

[Andrea Filippini]

I'd very much like to be able to afford a 2018 @Fishrrman By the time I actually get around to making a final decision, I'll probably find a 2018 bang in my budget haha!

2018 models are very great machines. Sincerely I would have really bought the 2018 i7 3.2 GHz (insane performance), RAM up to 64 GB, 4K resolution support, PCIe storage w/r performance up to 5x SSD SATA III but the storage is soldered to the logic board and it can't be replaced (TBW, loss of performance due to total LBAs written can make machine sluggish over time especially if you have bought it already used from several previous users).
In Italy the price for a used/renewed 2018 i7 3.2 GHz in perfect condition is about 1500-2000 euro. (depending on how much RAM and storage capacity you need)
I have bought my Mac Mini late 2012 i7-3615QM/16 GB RAM/SAMSUNG SSD 860 EVO 1 TB in perfect condition (like new) for less than 600 euro.
You now have all the informations you need.
Make your own decision and enjoy your Apple machine!

 

[MacCheetah3]

Great info already! However, I believe, I can add a bit of usefulness.

From what I've read, it varies by project what CPU configuration is better in a DAW (i.e., single or multi-core performance)

Are DAWs multi-threaded or single-threaded apps?

Are DAWs multi-threaded or single-threaded apps? Or are different DAWs (Pro Tools, Studio One) each written differently?

www.thegearpage.net

The 2018 Mac mini with Core i3 exceeds the other two options you mentioned in both single and multi-core benchmarks because of its significantly higher base clock.

https://everymac.com/ultimate-mac-c...0&prod2=MacMiniIntel025&prod3=MacMiniIntel028

Other advantages of the 2018 model include moving up to DDR4 RAM, current generation (Intel) IGPU, and Thunderbolt 3.

Basically, the 2018 Mac mini is the best value, even the i3 model. Nevertheless, budget is still relevant. You don't mention location or prices, so the following could be moot but still could give helpful paths/ideas.

With the i3 model discontinued, replaced by the M1, prices will have dropped. I suggest checking your favorite retailers for remaining stock. I didn't see any recommendable configurations in the (U.S.) Apple Store refurbished section, but did come across and possible option... Maybe...

Used & Refurbished Apple Mac mini (2018) from OWC

Save money on a used 2018 Mac mini professionally refurbished and inspected by Apple Certified Technicians. View our unbeatable prices online.

eshop.macsales.com

The caveat being it only has a 128 GB (internal) SSD. Therefore, you'd need to add an external SSD for your project files and other data.

 

[Honza1]

If you can afford $1k, buy either Mac Mini M1 or (2018) i3/i5. I just bought both - M1/8GB/512GB and i5/8GB/512GB. With Apple care each around $1k. Added 16GB into the 2018 i5 and both are amazing machines. Those things rock! M1 is really impressive, converting movies faster than 2018 i5 yet completely cool. And with 8GB RAM only... i5 is running much warmer, but it's also running Windows in Parallels while doing other stuff. Either of those should be much better, longer lasting, choice than old 2012 or 2014.
If your software can run on M1 and you have the money, the best value might be M1/16GB/512+GB model. But that will get bit pricey.
Actually, I replaced my 2012 mini since graphic started to be flaky. It was running 8 years straight, so it seemed the right time. Most 2012/2014 minis will be not be reliable anymore. They may last for years or may fail tomorrow - do you really want to risk it?

 

[snow755]

I strongly recommend the 2018 or the new Mac mini with M1 if you want Mac OS software upgrade the 2012 and 2014 are starting to get to the end of there time with software upgrade