Mac mini for graphic art

[Apple Knowledge Navigator]

Hi all,

I'm considering getting a Mac mini as a 'hop on/off' computer for my small business. It's primary use will be social media and webpage management, but I would like it to double up as a Photoshop/Illustrator base when needed.

How do you figure the performance will fair for Ps/Ai? Will the integrated graphics be enough for these apps? And would having two LG Ultrafine 4K displays degrade performance?

Compared to the 4K iMac, I figure the Mini is the best value option as I already have one 4K display, and I would need to spend more to get SSD and ram.

Thanks in advance

 

[komatsu]

You should be fine with just extra RAM (at least 8GB) and an SSD.

Many users report that their MacMini will run just as well as their MacBook Pro with dedicated GPU.

 

[xraydoc]

You should be fine with just extra RAM (at least 8GB) and an SSD.

Many users report that their MacMini will run just as well as their MacBook Pro with dedicated GPU.

At least 16GB. Don’t forget the integrated GPU is going to steal some of that, especially with two 4K displays.

 

[Fishrrman]

Get the i7 version with 16gb of RAM "from the factory".

The SSD can be whatever size you want. I reckon 512gb is the best compromise between size and price...

 

[PeterJP]

Yeah, the mac mini is plenty for what you need. I agree with the 16gb RAM. I have several people working on 13" MBP machines with 8GB RAM in Photoshop, but it definitely works better with more RAM.

 

[Apple Knowledge Navigator]

Great info, thanks very much!

 

[sigmadog]

I'm a graphic designer / illustrator and I will soon be retiring my old cheese grater Mac Pro and buying a new Mac Mini. I'll probably boost it to 64Gb RAM (third party) and add an eGPU to run my three monitors.

I've been reading about the mini for some time in preparation and everything I've found tells me it will handle my work load well enough.

The biggest question for me is "how long will it last"? I mean, my Mac Pro has been solid for 8 years. I suppose if I can get 4 years out of the mini I'll be happy.

 

[komatsu]

The biggest question for me is "how long will it last"? I mean, my Mac Pro has been solid for 8 years. I suppose if I can get 4 years out of the mini I'll be happy.

I honestly believe that the longevity of a PC or Mac under normal usage (and taking into account no catastrophic component failure) is directly related to the amount of times the system has been turned on or off.

 

[macdos]

Oh yes, don't turn off your computer, don't spin down mechanical drives. The transition between cold and hot states is where the wear happens. Monitors are different, though.

I honestly believe that the longevity of a PC or Mac under normal usage (and taking into account no catastrophic component failure) is directly related to the amount of times the system has been turned on or off.

 

[jayducharme]

Oh yes, don't turn off your computer, don't spin down mechanicak drives. The transition between cold and hot states is where the wear happens. Monitors are different, though.

But the Mini has an SSD. It’s more like turning on and off an iPad. The only thing mechanical in it is the fan.

 

[macdos]

Absolutely, but it was a general statement. Many of us have old style platters on the side.

But the Mini has an SSD. It’s more like turning on and off an iPad. The only thing mechanical in it is the fan.