Mac Mini M2 vs M2 Pro

[MayaUser]

A Mini M2 Pro at 32GB RAM is $300 less than a base Mac Studio with 32GB RAM.

Wouldn't the base M2 Pro be faster than the base M1 Max or at least equivalent?

both are $1999 Mac Studio with 512 ssd+32gb Ram and Mac mini 32gb ram with M2 pro
On cpu M2 pro will be faster, on the gpu side mac studio will be faster+additional display, more ports
M2 Pro mac mini is $300 cheaper only if you go for the binned SoC and that will be inferior SoC all around

 

[Yebubbleman]

I have an old IMac which is about ten years old. I know very little about the Mac Mini and primarily use MacBooks. Lately I have started “using” the old IMac and it certainly needs an upgrade. I am a basic user: email, docs, photos, web browsing, etc. would there be any benefit to go with the newly announced M2 Pro version of the Max Mini? What are the main differences? Thank you

RAM (you have the option of 32GB with M2 Pro, 24GB with M2, and 16GB with both), CPU (12 CPU Cores versus 8 CPU Cores), GPU (10 GPU Cores vs. 16 or 19 GPU Cores), and Memory Bandwidth (100GBps vs. 200GBps), external display support (two external displays vs. three external displays), Thunderbolt ports (2 vs. 4).

If you are a basic user, you do not need M2 Pro. A standard M2 Mac mini with 16GB or 24GB of RAM and one size of SSD larger than you think you'll need (512GB or larger) and you ought to be safely set for a long while!

 

[dartae]

Similar inquiry to the OP's, here: considering buying a new Mac Mini and wondering which model to go with, M2 or base M2 Pro.

Currently using an early 2020 i7 MacBook Air (1.2Ghz quad-core, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD), which performs fine overall but is starting to feel a bit sluggish at times (and especially when compared to the M chipset models). Mostly use my MBA for email, browsing, music, Office, etc.--but am also a budding amateur photographer getting into post-processing. If I had a more capable computer, I would probably do some gaming on it as well.

Haven't had a Mac desktop for 20 years or so (last one was a G4!) but think it might be the time to get one and make it my main computer, with my MBA serving as a satellite for travel, etc.

Generally, when purchasing computers, I tend to go for higher specs on the theory that doing so will maximize longevity and be a better investment (even though, in my own experience, not convinced this has actually proven to be the case--but perhaps it is more likely to be the case for a desktop).

What would others recommend for me? I'm tempted to go for the non-Pro M2 with max RAM (24GB) and 1TB, since the price is attractive and I'm sure the performance would be a big step up from my MBA. But thinking 3 or 4+ years down the line, do I risk regretting my choice? Will the base M2 Pro likely have significantly better longevity? If I were to go for the M2 Pro, should I follow my instinct and go with max RAM (32GB rather than 16GB)?

I'm in Europe so the prices are a bit different, with a ~600 € spread between the options I'm considering:
- M2 Mac Mini, 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD: 1619 € (incl. tax)
- M2 Pro (base) Mac Mini, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD: 1779 € (incl. tax)
- M2 Pro (base) Mac Mini, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD: 2239 € (incl. tax)

Many thanks in advance for any feedback!

 

[Boil]

To summarize: Get the base model Pro. Go to 16GB if you can afford it. Make sure you get enough disk for your needs. Anything else is just a splurge, if you have disposable cash.

Base model M2 Pro Mac mini starts at 16GB...

 

[CC88]

When will Metal benchmark be available for M2 and M2 Pro mini?

I'm interested.

 

[MayaUser]

When will Metal benchmark be available for M2 and M2 Pro mini?

I'm interested.

probably starting next Tuesday at most. But i guess even sooner as Monday when the embargo lifts

 

[Confused-User]

I wrote, stupidly:

To summarize: Get the base model Pro. Go to 16GB if you can afford it. Make sure you get enough disk for your needs. Anything else is just a splurge, if you have disposable cash.

But then,

Base model M2 Pro Mac mini starts at 16GB...

Yes, I'm sorry! This was a really dumb typo on my part. As you can see if you read the entire post and not the summary, what I meant to say was:

To summarize: Get the base model mini. Go to 16GB if you can afford it. Make sure you get enough disk for your needs. Anything else is just a splurge, if you have disposable cash.

And of course, this advice is specific to the OP, not general advice for everyone. Though it does apply to anyone doing "normal" tasks that don't involve heavy work (video, photos, large-memory stuff, etc.)

 

[TechRunner]

I too am looking to replace my dad's 21.5" Late 2013 iMac - Model A1418 EMC 2638.

I know a lot of people think 8GB RAM is too little for anyone, but he only uses Chrome (for gmail and news), Zoom, and H&R block software once a year for taxes. Only reason I am considering upgrading is because it runs macOS 10.15 Catalina that doesn't get security updates anymore.

I have a base M1 Mini 8/256 I've been running over two years now (bought when released in November 2020) and it has yet to show any signs of slowing down, and I do significantly more than your dad does with his system. I'm about to up my casual photo editing game a notch, but still expect it will handle it fine. You should have no fear buying your dad a base model for his uses.

 

[VaruLV]

both are $1999 Mac Studio with 512 ssd+32gb Ram and Mac mini 32gb ram with M2 pro
On cpu M2 pro will be faster, on the gpu side mac studio will be faster+additional display, more ports
M2 Pro mac mini is $300 cheaper only if you go for the binned SoC and that will be inferior SoC all around

No, they are not.
I mean, I can argue as well for the sake of arguing, but you should keep in mind that prices vary greatly depending on market.

In lots of parts of Europe Studio base model will be around 2200-2400€, while 32/512 Mini Pro around 2010-2050€.

 

[dajli]

Similar inquiry to the OP's, here: considering buying a new Mac Mini and wondering which model to go with, M2 or base M2 Pro.

Currently using an early 2020 i7 MacBook Air (1.2Ghz quad-core, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD), which performs fine overall but is starting to feel a bit sluggish at times (and especially when compared to the M chipset models). Mostly use my MBA for email, browsing, music, Office, etc.--but am also a budding amateur photographer getting into post-processing. If I had a more capable computer, I would probably do some gaming on it as well.

Haven't had a Mac desktop for 20 years or so (last one was a G4!) but think it might be the time to get one and make it my main computer, with my MBA serving as a satellite for travel, etc.

Generally, when purchasing computers, I tend to go for higher specs on the theory that doing so will maximize longevity and be a better investment (even though, in my own experience, not convinced this has actually proven to be the case--but perhaps it is more likely to be the case for a desktop).

What would others recommend for me? I'm tempted to go for the non-Pro M2 with max RAM (24GB) and 1TB, since the price is attractive and I'm sure the performance would be a big step up from my MBA. But thinking 3 or 4+ years down the line, do I risk regretting my choice? Will the base M2 Pro likely have significantly better longevity? If I were to go for the M2 Pro, should I follow my instinct and go with max RAM (32GB rather than 16GB)?

I'm in Europe so the prices are a bit different, with a ~600 € spread between the options I'm considering:
- M2 Mac Mini, 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD: 1619 € (incl. tax)
- M2 Pro (base) Mac Mini, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD: 1779 € (incl. tax)
- M2 Pro (base) Mac Mini, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD: 2239 € (incl. tax)

Many thanks in advance for any feedback!

I'm in the same boat, and also in Europe.

I have ordered M2 Mac Mini, 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD.

Looking at longevity historically I saw that regarding new MacOS release support, computers from the same year often are supported the same amount of years, regardless of if they are high end or low end (Macbook Airs or Macbook Pros). Macbook Pros have better processors with more CPU cores, but are not supported longer for that.

Also I think that the experienced speed of MacOS and simple tasks have more to do with single core performance than multicore performance. My own experience of old computers is that the main problem for casual use is RAM and disk speed, not the maximum processor capacity.

So if it's mainly intended for light usage i think it's better to save 600 € and to be able to sooner buy a new computer when the M2/M2 Pro is no longer fully supported for updates etc.

 

[FreakinEurekan]

A Mini M2 Pro at 32GB RAM is $300 less than a base Mac Studio with 32GB RAM.

Wouldn't the base M2 Pro be faster than the base M1 Max or at least equivalent?

You’re splitting hairs. With the higher Pro, it’s the same price.

The M1 Max has, what, 17 billion more transistors than the M2 Pro? It has twice the internal bandwidth.

We really don’t have much info on the M2 Pro, just Apple’s comparisons to the M1 Pro. Nothing comparing M2 Pro to M1 Max… but I suspect the M1 Max will largely be faster. PARTICULARLY if you use a binned Pro.

 

[MauiPa]

Studio is much more $$$ though.

yah, I'm not sure what the responder meant. an M2 Pro Mac mini with 32 GB of Ram is $1699, a Mac Studio M1 Max with 32 GB ram is $1999. at the 512 GB Storage level. Am I mistaken or is 1699 less than 1999? (of course you can get the M1 Max studio discounted, so maybe that is where he was going.

 

[Stow]

Same question regarding m2 24gb or m2 pro 16gb. I want to get into xcode so that will be the bulk of what I use the system for.

 

[liamski]

8core vs 10 core - thats the question!

 

[628]

Same question regarding m2 24gb or m2 pro 16gb. I want to get into xcode so that will be the bulk of what I use the system for.

I ordered M2 with 24gb last night but then changed my order to M2 Pro with 16GB because I wanted to be able to hook up 3 monitors.

 

[russell_314]

I get that, but everything I use is wireless, so have no need for USB-A ports. At least Apple could offer 1 USB-C port, just makes no sense. USB-A is antiquated tech at this point.

I agree! Wireless is the way to go but I understand people have existing peripherals and budgets. If you want to use an old Windows keyboard and mouse, just get a USB hub. They’re dirt cheap and then all of your ports are easily accessible so you don’t have to reach behind the computer. This is good advice for any computer.

 

[Stow]

I ordered M2 with 24gb last night but then changed my order to M2 Pro with 16GB because I wanted to be able to hook up 3 monitors.

What are you mostly using it for?

 

[eelpout]

i'm happy that a 4 Thunderbolt port Mx Mini is finally out to replace my i7 model. But I'm quite curious on how thermals will be for the M2 Pro in the Mini. I can get my MBP 14 (M1 Pro) to spin up its fans pretty easily when doing video conversions in Handbrake for example. One of the things I'm hoping to get away from is the fan noise. I'm sure most of the time it'll be silent but...

 

[628]

What are you mostly using it for?

Mostly as a general computer with the occasional usage of Final Cut Pro, web development and some gaming, no clue really yet. Definitely nothing too intensive like I have seen here but definitely need the 3 displays for my multitasking.

 

[Stow]

Mostly as a general computer with the occasional usage of Final Cut Pro, web development and some gaming, no clue really yet. Definitely nothing too intensive like I have seen here but definitely need the 3 displays for my multitasking.

Trying to figure out if I should prioritize cpu over memory for coding.

 

[FreakinEurekan]

I ordered M2 with 24gb last night but then changed my order to M2 Pro with 16GB because I wanted to be able to hook up 3 monitors.

That’s a valid reason to get the M2 Pro. If you can work with 16GB RAM, the M2 Pro mini does allow more displays so could be a good deal. If you have reason to go to 32GB anyway… just jump to the Studio.

 

[Confused-User]

You’re splitting hairs. With the higher Pro, it’s the same price.

The M1 Max has, what, 17 billion more transistors than the M2 Pro? It has twice the internal bandwidth.

We really don’t have much info on the M2 Pro, just Apple’s comparisons to the M1 Pro. Nothing comparing M2 Pro to M1 Max… but I suspect the M1 Max will largely be faster. PARTICULARLY if you use a binned Pro.

Not really. I posted the math in a different thread, but you can expect the M1 Max to be less than 2% faster than the 6P+4E M2 Pro for pure integer code, and to be slower if you're doing anything else (FP/Neon SIMD). The 8P+4E M2 Pro should be 25-30% faster than the M1 Max for integer. Of course if you're using Accelerate libs, the GPU in the Max should pull far ahead, but that's GPU, not CPU.

It's possible that if you're doing something exceptional that uses a ton of memory bandwidth, the Max may have an advantage. If you're one of those people you probably know that already and can wait a few days for benchmarks to find out...

 

[Boil]

Same question regarding m2 24gb or m2 pro 16gb. I want to get into xcode so that will be the bulk of what I use the system for.

Binned M2 Pro with 32GB RAM...

• +2 CPU cores
• +6 GPU cores
• double the UMA bandwidth

 

[HouseLannister]

Another point is the Studio is noticeably louder than the M1 mini. Expect the M2 mini will be a fairly quiet machine if that matters.

 

[Che Castro]

I don’t understand why they even have USB-A slots. Why not USB-C? Next years iPhone will all be USB-C’s, so what would anyone need a USB-A slot for. Seems antiquated decision, unless I just don’t get it.

I’m willing to bet the majority of people still use usb A devices