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Is there anyway to conclude whether the current generation of Mac Mini is better than MBP 2015?
- Thread starter reddevil0728
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It would depend on the specs you’re comparing, but generally the Mac mini is superior. It has more versatile IO and newer more capable processor options (although outdated at this point). Graphics are kind of weak with the built in intel 630, but that can easily be upgraded with an eGPU.
Looking at Mac mini
2015 MacBook Pro
- 3.0GHz 6-core 8th-generation Intel Core i5 processor
- Turbo Boost up to 4.1GHz
- 8GB 2666MHz DDR4 memory - Upgrading to 16GB
- Intel UHD Graphics 630
- 512GB PCIe-based SSD storage
2015 MacBook Pro
- 2.5GHz quad-core Intel Core i7 processor
- Turbo Boost up to 3.7GHz
- 16 GB 1600 MHz DDR3
- AMD Radeon R9 M370X 2 GB & Intel Iris Pro 1536 MB
- 512GB PCIe-based flash storage
So even though the MBP is 5yo, the discrete GPU is still better than the Mac mini's onboard GPU?
Technically yes, at least in comparing benchmarks. Like I mentioned earlier, you can upgrade the Mac mini’s GPU with an eGPU, so if it’s graphics your concerned about, the Mac mini gives you more room to grow over time. You *technically can do this with the MBP as well, but you would need a TB2 enclosure, which gives you less bandwidth to work with.
Sure. I put a Mini in my bag yesterday and took it to work. I realized that without a display, keyboard and trackpad it was useless. So today I put my MBP in my bag. Suddenly, I can be productive again.
Apples
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Other than the GPU, the 2018/2020 Mini is a really nicely-spec'd machine.
Yep. In fact top-end 2015 iGPUs like the Iris Pro 5200 are still faster than a modern entry level iGPU like the UHD 630.
Anyone planning on graphically intense work/gaming with a Mac Mini should also plan on an external discrete GPU.
I'm sorry what exactly is outdated? compared to what? 10th gen? with it's 5% boost in performance? cmon now, intel has been halfassing processors for years. even with AMD in the picture they still released that embarrassment of a 10th series
So even the MBP's iGPU is still better than the iGPU of the Mac mini without even comparing the discrete GPU?
Been using the MBP more as a desktop rather than a laptop. The battery has become bloated. looking to replace it with a mac mini but don't want it to be much worse off than the current mbp 2015.
was thinking since the mac mini is newer, it will still perform at least on par with the mbp 2015. i guess that's not the case.
In that case will KIV for now. Still want some ability to game and with the MBP, it’s already quite pathetic. Guess will make a call on whether to go with the mini or something else if and when the MBP explodes.
Properly specced, it will be considerably quicker on the CPU side only. If you need GPU power, then you must get an eGPU.
And conversely, the Mini has never had generous graphics chipsets.
I'd get the battery looked at/replaced. Lithium batteries can be a fire risk.
Thinking of getting a mini instead of an iMac is because it is a cheaper desktop. Thinking of getting an iPad for mobility as am already hardly bringing the MBP around. doesn't make much sense to get eGPU if gaming (not not the high end kind) is a desire, but not a must.
have already changed it 3 times in 3 years. this will be the 4th time. don't think it makes much sense and Apple is saying the reason for it to be bloated is because it is constantly connected to the power source.And conversely, the Mini has never had generous graphics chipsets.
I'd get the battery looked at/replaced. Lithium batteries can be a fire risk.
In the 2010 (GeForce 320M) and some 2011s (Radeon 6630M), the Mac Mini did have fairly powerful GPUs.
If you want it for work and gaming, a Mac mini with an eGPU is arguably the best Mac you can get for gaming, the i5 and i7 models have great processors, it has upgradable RAM, plenty of I/O for additional storage and peripherals and you can add the best possible gaming graphics card that Mac OS supports without going crazy with an iMac Pro or Mac Pro. Yes it's more expensive than a gaming PC but that's not what you're after.
A Mac mini with an eGPU will be a humongous upgrade over your MacBook Pro for significantly less than the cost of a 16" MacBook Pro, if you have your own monitor, keyboard etc you're essentially getting high end iMac levels of power for a fraction of the price.
A Mac mini with an eGPU will be a humongous upgrade over your MacBook Pro for significantly less than the cost of a 16" MacBook Pro, if you have your own monitor, keyboard etc you're essentially getting high end iMac levels of power for a fraction of the price.
will check out eGPU, but probably not something to pursue. might just wait for the mbp to explode and bite the bullet and get the mini and sacrifice gaming capability.
OP wrote:
"don't think it makes much sense and Apple is saying the reason for it to be bloated is because it is constantly connected to the power source."
THERE is your problem.
The worst thing you can do is leave the battery plugged into the charger all the time.
It should be taken "off charge" and run down to about 30-40% at least 3-4 times per week.
"don't think it makes much sense and Apple is saying the reason for it to be bloated is because it is constantly connected to the power source."
THERE is your problem.
The worst thing you can do is leave the battery plugged into the charger all the time.
It should be taken "off charge" and run down to about 30-40% at least 3-4 times per week.
yea acknowledged that. that's why looking at getting a desktop rather than a laptop.