iMac vs Mac Mini

[toaster_oven]

I’m thinking about upgrading my 2012 iMac to either a Mac Mini or a 27inch iMac. The 2012 iMac I plan on wiping clean and installing Mojave and all my legacy 32 bit software.

i already have a pair of monitors and spare keyboards. The monitors aren’t anything fancy - not really sure if I need 5K or not.

i would be mostly doing some basic 3D software, CAD, and adobe graphics software.

I want at least a 2TB SSD drive because the file sizes I work in can get pretty big and I have a lot of photos and music.

I’m not sure about the iMac because the mini would be an upgrade over what I have now.

it’s a good $1000 cheaper if I go with the mini over the cheapest iMac with a 2TB SSD drive.

any thoughts?

Thanks in advance.

 

[richmlow]

Hello toaster_oven,


Without a doubt, I would recommend the most recent Mac mini (as opposed to the 27in iMac).

Here is a very reasonable configuration to consider:

3.0GHz 6-core Intel Core i5
8GB RAM (buy additional 3rd-party RAM if necessary)
512GB SSD (buy additional 3rd-party SSD drive if necessary)

Cost: $1099 USD (not including tax!)

Good luck in your decision!


richmlow

I’m thinking about upgrading my 2012 iMac to either a Mac Mini or a 27inch iMac. The 2012 iMac I plan on wiping clean and installing Mojave and all my legacy 32 bit software.

i already have a pair of monitors and spare keyboards. The monitors aren’t anything fancy - not really sure if I need 5K or not.

i would be mostly doing some basic 3D software, CAD, and adobe graphics software.

I want at least a 2TB SSD drive because the file sizes I work in can get pretty big and I have a lot of photos and music.

I’m not sure about the iMac because the mini would be an upgrade over what I have now.

it’s a good $1000 cheaper if I go with the mini over the cheapest iMac with a 2TB SSD drive.

any thoughts?

Thanks in advance.

 

[gilby101]

not really sure if I need 5K or not.

That is your decision point. You won't know until you try 5K 27". And once you try a 5K, you will always want one.

And your budget.

 

[Fishrrman]

Since you already have the peripherals you'll need (keyboard, displays), the Mini would be a good choice.

I'd suggest an i7 Mini. I got mine from Apple's online refurbished store, very happy with it.

If 16gb of RAM can do the job, get it "from the factory" (the upgrade cost isn't that much and you don't have to open things up). That's what I did.

For 32gb or more, it might work out to get 8gb of RAM, and try the upgrade yourself. But BE AWARE that upgrading the RAM on the 2018/20 Mini is a modestly complex procedure and it's possible to break something inside while doing it.

Re the drive size:
I wouldn't "pay Apple's price" for 2tb of internal SSD.
Rather, I'd get either 1tb or 512gb, and add an external USB3 SSD.

Keep "the slow stuff" (photos, music, etc.) on the external drive.
Use the internal for OS, apps, and "workspace".

 

[jonthegeologist]

I have an i7 Mac Mini and recently upgraded it to 64GB of RAM myself. Moderately tricky I’d say, but so much cheaper than getting it done via Apple.

However, I’m considering upgrading to iMac due to graphics. My Mac Mini runs 2x4K and to be honest, it still lags when doing anything moderately graphic heavy due to the lack of dedicated graphics. I’ve even invested in an eGPU which makes a small difference.

So, a question you’ll need to consider is: how heavy are your graphics needs and will the Mac mini onboard graphics manage that appropriately.

 

[pldelisle]

I have an i7 Mac Mini and recently upgraded it to 64GB of RAM myself. Moderately tricky I’d say, but so much cheaper than getting it done via Apple.

However, I’m considering upgrading to iMac due to graphics. My Mac Mini runs 2x4K and to be honest, it still lags when doing anything moderately graphic heavy due to the lack of dedicated graphics. I’ve even invested in an eGPU which makes a small difference.

So, a question you’ll need to consider is: how heavy are your graphics needs and will the Mac mini onboard graphics manage that appropriately.

Spot on.

Driving dual displays with a Mac mini isn't its cup of tea.

Doing GPU intensive work on top of that is even less. Because you are doing CAD, I'd go with the iMac which has dedicated GPU.

New iMac is supposed to be released on August 18 according to the last rumours. It will likely not be a redesign, but at least you will get Intel 10th gen CPU with AMD RDNA1.0 graphics. Possibly T2 chip and all SSD by default for all configurations. Worth waiting 20-ish days. And you can always plug in your two external displays to have a 3 display setup or put them for sale. With current pandemic, monitors are popular.

 

[toaster_oven]

I have an i7 Mac Mini and recently upgraded it to 64GB of RAM myself. Moderately tricky I’d say, but so much cheaper than getting it done via Apple.

However, I’m considering upgrading to iMac due to graphics. My Mac Mini runs 2x4K and to be honest, it still lags when doing anything moderately graphic heavy due to the lack of dedicated graphics. I’ve even invested in an eGPU which makes a small difference.

So, a question you’ll need to consider is: how heavy are your graphics needs and will the Mac mini onboard graphics manage that appropriately.

my graphics needs aren’t that heavy. I would mostly be using sketchup, autocad, and maybe revit via bootcamp or parallels. I also occasionally use photoshop and indesign (though I can use my old 32 bit versions via Mojave) it’s not for work (I have separate computer for work) and would be mostly for personal use.

 

[toaster_oven]

Spot on.

Driving dual displays with a Mac mini isn't its cup of tea.

Doing GPU intensive work on top of that is even less. Because you are doing CAD, I'd go with the iMac which has dedicated GPU.

New iMac is supposed to be released on August 18 according to the last rumours. It will likely not be a redesign, but at least you will get Intel 10th gen CPU with AMD RDNA1.0 graphics. Possibly T2 chip and all SSD by default for all configurations. Worth waiting 20-ish days. And you can always plug in your two external displays to have a 3 display setup or put them for sale. With current pandemic, monitors are popular.

My current thinking is getting a single 4K monitor and switching between a mini and a console gaming system. My graphics needs arent super intensive. I was running sketchup just fine on my old iMac.

I was looking at the new iMac and it seems good, but I’m still not sure.

 

[pldelisle]

I was looking at the new iMac and it seems good, but I’m still not sure.

If you have the budget, it's a no brainer question. Go for iMac.

 

[HDFan]

The 5K display on my 2017 iMac is outstanding. When I first saw it the word that came to mind was "breathtaking". My previous display was a 30" Apple Cinema display that cost almost $2K. An inexpensive separate monitor likely won't be as good.

 

[Slarti.BartFast]

According to it's specs the mini can drive three displays - I have two already connected to my 2013 MBP - I'm mainly using the mac for 'office stuff' - email, office, occasional Affinty Photo/Designer stuff - can anybody give me an idea how the mini will cope with running 3x27" monitors ?

Or would I have to go with the iMac 2020 27" - but at $2400 for the base model (UK price) I'm a little hesitant.

Thanks

 

[weaztek]

Since you already have the peripherals you'll need (keyboard, displays), the Mini would be a good choice.

I'd suggest an i7 Mini. I got mine from Apple's online refurbished store, very happy with it.

If 16gb of RAM can do the job, get it "from the factory" (the upgrade cost isn't that much and you don't have to open things up). That's what I did.

For 32gb or more, it might work out to get 8gb of RAM, and try the upgrade yourself. But BE AWARE that upgrading the RAM on the 2018/20 Mini is a modestly complex procedure and it's possible to break something inside while doing it.

Re the drive size:
I wouldn't "pay Apple's price" for 2tb of internal SSD.
Rather, I'd get either 1tb or 512gb, and add an external USB3 SSD.

Keep "the slow stuff" (photos, music, etc.) on the external drive.
Use the internal for OS, apps, and "workspace".

I agree with everything here. I'd just add that if you can source a used eGPU (craigslist, eBay, facebook marketplace) for the Mini I would do that as well. They go for $200-$350 on the used market and are well worth it.

 

[Yebubbleman]

I’m thinking about upgrading my 2012 iMac to either a Mac Mini or a 27inch iMac. The 2012 iMac I plan on wiping clean and installing Mojave and all my legacy 32 bit software.

i already have a pair of monitors and spare keyboards. The monitors aren’t anything fancy - not really sure if I need 5K or not.

i would be mostly doing some basic 3D software, CAD, and adobe graphics software.

I want at least a 2TB SSD drive because the file sizes I work in can get pretty big and I have a lot of photos and music.

I’m not sure about the iMac because the mini would be an upgrade over what I have now.

it’s a good $1000 cheaper if I go with the mini over the cheapest iMac with a 2TB SSD drive.

any thoughts?

Thanks in advance.

The built-in Intel graphics on the Mac mini will choke on some of those programs (unless you use them very casually). So, if you were getting a Mac mini, I'd strongly suggest considering a lower-end eGPU at the very least. I might opt for a 2TB equipped 2020 27" iMac. You might not need to go terribly big on the CPU or the graphics since, as you stated, even the lower-end will be an upgrade over the 2012 iMac's Ivy Bridge CPUs. But get a 10th Gen 8-core i7 and whatever base model AMD Radeon GPU and that'll be quite a good upgrade.

 

[pldelisle]

The built-in Intel graphics on the Mac mini will choke on some of those programs (unless you use them very casually). So, if you were getting a Mac mini, I'd strongly suggest considering a lower-end eGPU at the very least. I might opt for a 2TB equipped 2020 27" iMac. You might not need to go terribly big on the CPU or the graphics since, as you stated, even the lower-end will be an upgrade over the 2012 iMac's Ivy Bridge CPUs. But get a 10th Gen 8-core i7 and whatever base model AMD Radeon GPU and that'll be quite a good upgrade.

Mac Mini 6-core + self RAM upgrade + eGPU.... you are better with an iMac then...

 

[spooklog]

Well, consider that if you get a decently configured Mac Mini--even with only 8GB RAM--you will congratulate yourself on having a superb machine that's an outstanding value. If you get a decently configured iMac, say one with a 5K screen, you will be very happy with the fantastic display and excellent performance as well.

Both computers allow you upgrade RAM yourself and buying it from OWC is a good idea. For example, 32GB of RAM for the Mini is less than $140.

I do suggest you have a look at an iMac with a smaller screen. It's still spectacular, you'll save a lot of money, and you might be happy with the smaller display.

I have a 2018 Mini. I haven't upgraded it from the stock 8GB RAM. It has a 512GB solid state drive and the entire computer is extremely fast--big applications like Word and Adobe Acrobat open instantly. I don't use graphics-intensive programs, but I do challenge the Mini by having lots of windows open at the same time, such as: Word, Scrivener, Microsoft Edge, Chrome, Mail, Apple Music, Spotify, Adobe Acrobat, Evernote, Nisus Writer Pro. That's what I have open right now and the Mini's performance is excellent. No beachballs, snappy opening of all windows and so forth. I've also used it with 3 1080p monitors attached and it performs the same.

So you can see that I'm biased, but I was faced with a similar decision just a few months ago and I knew I'd be happy with either computer. I sprang for the Mini and I honestly have no regrets.

Happy computing and take care.

 

[pldelisle]

big applications like Word and Adobe Acrobat open instantly.

Lol. We don't have the same definition of "big applications".

 

[weaztek]

can anybody give me an idea how the mini will cope with running 3x27" monitors ?

Put it this way, my Mini wasn't able to run even the most basic Photoshop tasks in realtime with a single 32" monitor. As soon as I picked up an eGPU that all changed for the better.

 

[phrehdd]

Put it this way, my Mini wasn't able to run even the most basic Photoshop tasks in realtime with a single 32" monitor. As soon as I picked up an eGPU that all changed for the better.

Interesting situation you were in. Though I have stopped with Photoshop as of a few months ago, other than a few filters, there GPU really wasn't all that big a deal. Money was far better spent on CPU and RAM. There are of course some potent video cards that are considered good marriage for Photoshop but again, they are exploited for very large files and complexity of filter and layers. Most won't come close to approaching that heavy a load.

 

[phrehdd]

I'll break with old habits and get to the quick of this. Though the Mac Mini is a neat solution in a. small package that would cover many things you listed (including driving a couple of 4k monitors and Photoshop if you got the i7 + 32-64g of RAM) you will run short where CADD 3D is concerned or any other 3D rendering. An external video addition could be used but an internal equivalent GPU would test to be faster in nearly all test venues. I'm a huge fan of the Mini but for what you need in entirety, the iMac does create a good center to build out from.

As much as I like the Mini, I think you would be better off with the iMac as your center hardware Consider CPU and GPU to match your application needs (CADD again is a driver here). As for storage, 512 or 1gig SSD internal and the rest external via USB or Thunderbolt. if money is no option you would go for TB to a RAID set up that would exploit the throughput of Thunderbolt. Your start covers a very decent monitor, good CPU and GPU along with fast SSD internally. You may find using this for awhile is a good idea then decide what additions to add. I would like others suggest get least amount of RAM and easily replace the RAM yourself with a greater amount. Just remember that external drives and insufficient RAM can be bottlenecks.

 

[weaztek]

Interesting situation you were in. Though I have stopped with Photoshop as of a few months ago, other than a few filters, there GPU really wasn't all that big a deal. Money was far better spent on CPU and RAM.

Even with 40GB of RAM and an i5, Photoshop was sluggish.

There are of course some potent video cards that are considered good marriage for Photoshop but again, they are exploited for very large files and complexity of filter and layers. Most won't come close to approaching that heavy a load.

You're probably right there. My Canon 5D Mk IV is 30 megapixels and I'll often edit in 16-bit color. Admittingly, that is a lot of data esp. if layers are involved. But I'm extremely happy with how everything performs for me now with a fairly basic 4GB eGPU.

 

[Boyd01]

I also occasionally use photoshop and indesign (though I can use my old 32 bit versions via Mojave)

Have a look at this long thread. Have not followed it too closely, but basically a lot of people seem to be having problems with Mojave on the 2018 Mini....

Mac Mini 2018 Kernel panic bug_type 210 after Security Update 2020-002

Hello everyone, since installing the Mojave Security Update 2020-002 I do get a message that my Mac Mini 2018 was restarted because of a problem even I shut it down normally. The Mac Mini 2018 was running fine for 3 months. The Apple Hardware Check does not show any errors. Also tried to reset...

forums.macrumors.com

I am running a variety of expensive legacy 32-bit apps on my 2018 Mini under Catalina using Mountain Lion and Sierra virtual machines with Parallels. This works really well, am also running legacy Windows software with Parallels. After over two months of heavy use, I have not seen a single crash on my Mini.

 

[pldelisle]

I am running a variety of expensive legacy 32-bit apps

I wonder why people keep using these old apps ... ? Isn't time for an update when you are stuck running them in old VM ?

 

[Boyd01]

I would love to update the apps. Please send me a PM and I'll give you the address to send your check for $3000. 😂

But, seriously, that is a curious attitude. I kept fairly up to date on these apps while I was working, but I retired in 2011 and just can't justify that kind of expense for software a don't use much. For example, VectorWorks (CAD software) costs about $1500. Just a cost of doing business when I was designing scenery, lighting and drafting plans all day. No need for that now, but I still want access to my old files and also use CAD for personal projects at home.

Strata 3d is around $1200, last I checked. Again, that was expected when I was using it for scenic design and computer animation. Don't need that now, but again, I want access to all my existing projects.

Then there's FileMaker Pro, about $550 but with a more restrictive license than the old version that no longer allows installation on more than one machine, which I need.

I could run all of these on my old Macs with Mountain Lion and Sierra but now it's all available on my Mini. I don't want newer versions of these programs, the old ones do all that I need. And they run much faster on my i7 Mini than they ever did natively. There's also GlobalMapper that I run in Windows, my copy is about 8 years old. However, it runs fine on Windows 10. I was going to upgrade this (about $500) and downloaded the free trial of the latest version. After a week, I went back to my legacy version. The new version is bloated with features I don't need, lots of changes to the user interface that slow me down and for some reason it takes about 3x longer to save files in the new format. Newer is not always better, it seems.

Sure, I have a MS Office 365 subscription and Adobe Creative cloud - those are "nickel and dime" programs. Also have current versions of Apple's software like Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, Compressor, Motion, etc. These don't cost anything to update.

Just some food for thought, as you "wonder why people keep using these old apps".

 

[pldelisle]

I would love to update the apps. Please send me a PM and I'll give you the address to send your check for $3000. 😂

But, seriously, that is a curious attitude. I kept fairly up to date on these apps while I was working, but I retired in 2011 and just can't justify that kind of expense for software a don't use much. For example, VectorWorks (CAD software) costs about $1500. Just a cost of doing business when I was designing scenery, lighting and drafting plans all day. No need for that now, but I still want access to my old files and also use CAD for personal projects at home.

Strata 3d is around $1200, last I checked. Again, that was expected when I was using it for scenic design and computer animation. Don't need that now, but again, I want access to all my existing projects.

Then there's FileMaker Pro, about $550 but with a more restrictive license than the old version that no longer allows installation on more than one machine, which I need.

I could run all of these on my old Macs with Mountain Lion and Sierra but now it's all available on my Mini. I don't want newer versions of these programs, the old ones do all that I need. And they run much faster on my i7 Mini than they ever did natively. There's also GlobalMapper that I run in Windows, my copy is about 8 years old. However, it runs fine on Windows 10. I was going to upgrade this (about $500) and downloaded the free trial of the latest version. After a week, I went back to my legacy version. The new version is bloated with features I don't need, lots of changes to the user interface that slow me down and for some reason it takes about 3x longer to save files in the new format. Newer is not always better, it seems.

Sure, I have a MS Office 365 subscription and Adobe Creative cloud - those are "nickel and dime" programs. Also have current versions of Apple's software like Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, Compressor, Motion, etc. These don't cost anything to update.

Just some food for thought, as you "wonder why people keep using these old apps".

I see. You are retired, used them all day long but now just want to use them occasionally and for reference. Seems legit.