M1 Studio vs M4 Mini for Music Server?

[Fiona FTW]

I upgraded my M1 Max (binned + 1TB SSD) Studio to a M4 Max. Originally I was going to keep the M1 Studio to replace my 2012 mini which is used as a music server since I can only get $800 for the M1 Studio.

Now I'm wondering if I'd be better off selling the M1 Max for $800 and buy a base M4 Mini for $525 (inc tax). I can't think of anything the M1 Studio will do better than the M4 as a media server. The mini is obviously smaller. Where I think the Studio might excel is cooling, which will be important since my A/V equipment is in a closet. Storage isn't an issue as I keep my media and backups on external SSDs.

Any thoughts to which way would be better both from a longevity and performance standpoint? Whichever way I go I plan to use for another 10 years, same as my current mini.

 

[throAU]

The m4 mini will probably be even better as a media server as I believe it supports at least one more modern CODEC in the SOC hardware.

I'd do it, if you're not planning to make use of anything that needs more than 4-8 cores, can sell the M1 Max for 800 and get a brand new m4 mini that will do the job (and sounds like it certainly will) - 100% go for it!

You say cooling is important as the device is in a closet - but what you'll probably find is that given that confined, limited airflow environment, what's actually more important is power consumption and thermal output. And that's where the m4 mini will definitely win!

You can have all the fans you want - if the device is in a confined space with limited airflow it will get hot (the heat has to go somewhere, and that's into your cupboard with no/little way to escape, and more power consumption = more heat.

The mini will probably run cooler due to being more power efficient and generating less heat that it in turn dumps into the cupboard..

I've run into this with board-room PCs at work that live in cupboards.

Also: re the 10 year expected lifespan - the m4 mini will still be on the edge of software support at that point. The M1 Max will be end of support in probably 5 years or thereabouts.

 

[Fiona FTW]

You say cooling is important as the device is in a closet - but what you'll probably find is that given that confined, limited airflow environment, what's actually more important is power consumption and thermal output. And that's where the m4 mini will definitely win!

Thanks. Excellent points, esp. re: power consumption. That never even entered my mind and as you bolded, should be a major one, both heat and cost to run. So you have pushed me over the hump here to sell the Studio and get the mini. I really appreciate it. I was so emotionally hung up on the Studio and knew it didn't make a whole lot of sense and needed a neutral voice.

 

[picpicmac]

So you have pushed me over the hump here to sell the Studio and get the mini.

My first thought when reading your o.p. was about the 10Gbe of the Studio.

Are you going to order your M4 Mini with the 10Gbe option?

 

[throAU]

10G Ethernet is nice but unless you’ve got a huge number of client devices pulling from it, unnecessary in a home environment. Still though, it’s a cheap option to add so…

 

[BillyBurke]

10G Ethernet is nice but unless you’ve got a huge number of client devices pulling from it, unnecessary in a home environment. Still though, it’s a cheap option to add so…

At only $100 it seems like someone in the Apple Upgrade department is sleeping.