Mac mini or Studio M4

[michelg1970]

Hi, I am in the market for a new Mac mini. I want at least 24 GB of RAM, 10 Gbe ethernet connection and preferably 1 Tb ssd. When I configure on the website I see a price of $ 1899. This product is already an overkill but future-proof.

When I add $ 100 I get more cores, 512 GB iso 1TB ssd, 36 GB imemory instead of 24 GB and including 10 Gbe already on the latest Studio. The Studio is way too much overkill for my needs but the price difference makes me ask this question: which way to go? I want 1 TB, I want 10 Gbe, I prefer off the shelve (euro versus dollar,) me visiting US, future proof. FWIW, Studio as described costs 1999 $ in US versus 2599 EUR in Holland. 600$ difference.

Any ideas / thoughts?

 

[Norbert Mikołajczyk]

It all depends if you need those extra ports, how much space do you have on the desk and what is your workflow
Mac mini is more portable, so you could stash it in the backpack and work remotely if needed (that's my plan).
My workflow is short burst like 2d animation work and rendering, maybe some small 3d renders from time to time so the MM M4 Pro is perfect for me. I haven't heard fans yet.
But for longer heavy lifting like long video encoding, large 3d projects and long renders, the Mac Studio is better because the cooling is more efficient and additional gpu cores.

 

[theluggage]

When I add $ 100 I get more cores, 512 GB iso 1TB ssd, 36 GB imemory instead of 24 GB and including 10 Gbe already on the latest Studio.

It's one of those value vs. cost vs. utility questions... Just to enumerate the obvious, that extra $300 for a 1TB Studio gets you:

12GB more RAM (& possibly more bandwidth) - at Apple prices that's "worth" at least $200
Twice the GPU cores
4 TB5 ports vs. 3 on the Mini
SD card slot
2 USB-A ports (in addition to the front USB-C)
Supports more displays
Accessible on/off switch and more space to stack SSDs, hubs etc. on top

On the other hand, its not going to be night-and-day faster on CPU intensive tasks that don't fully utilise those GPU cores - or don't actually need 36GB of RAM. Mmaybe a bit faster due to RAM bandwidth.

It's definitely more "bangs per buck" in absolute terms - the question is are those extras useful to you (given you feel that the Mini is already overkill) and how much does the extra $300 impact your budget?

Personally, I just prefer the design of the Studio over the Mac Mini - they've made the Mini so small it starts to be counter-productive, also, looking at the repair manual, the Studio seems to be more sustainably built, with all the breakable connectors on replaceable daugherboards etc. The base $600 Mini is (by Apple standards) great value, but If I found my self spending more than about $1800 on a M4 Pro Mini I'd probably go the extra mile and get a Studio.

 

[FSMBP]

I have a similiar issue myself...Studio is overkill. But for just $200 over my configured M4 Pro, I get a much faster machine.

The Studio has more ports. But it MUCH bigger than the mini.

Realistically, I probably would get the Mini due to its compact size and also it's slightly cheaper (with the $100 'savings', you can get an external SSD with that savings for Time Machine or external storage).

You would never benefit the speed increase in the Studio if you're not truly doing 8K video editing, LLMs, virtual machines etc. If you are, then get the Studio.

 

[Norbert Mikołajczyk]

For me it was like 900eur difference to config Mac Studio with 64GB RAM and 1TB SSD.

 

[Yvan256]

For the 100 dollars difference I would go with the better, fast computer with more faster ports, more faster RAM (that you cannot upgrade later) and simply use external storage for your data and keep the internal SSD for the OS and applications.

 

[bzgnyc2]

Hi, I am in the market for a new Mac mini. I want at least 24 GB of RAM, 10 Gbe ethernet connection and preferably 1 Tb ssd. When I configure on the website I see a price of $ 1899. This product is already an overkill but future-proof.

When I add $ 100 I get more cores, 512 GB iso 1TB ssd, 36 GB imemory instead of 24 GB and including 10 Gbe already on the latest Studio. The Studio is way too much overkill for my needs but the price difference makes me ask this question: which way to go? I want 1 TB, I want 10 Gbe, I prefer off the shelve (euro versus dollar,) me visiting US, future proof. FWIW, Studio as described costs 1999 $ in US versus 2599 EUR in Holland. 600$ difference.

Any ideas / thoughts?

For your baseline it looks like you are spec'ing the higher-end version of the Mac Mini M4 Pro. Are you sure you need an M4 Pro? Since Apple Silicon, the top-end of the Mac Mini and the Mac Studio have collided on price but the Studio providing a lot more capability for not a lot more money (i.e. much better value).

If it were me, I would either go Mac Mini M4 [base] ($600 less in the US store when otherwise configured as you spec'd) or spring for the Studio M4 Max.

 

[brofkand]

If you’re building anything other than the base model Mac mini with Pro chip, you really ought to be looking at a Studio for sure.

 

[Moonjumper]

For the 100 dollars difference I would go with the better, fast computer with more faster ports, more faster RAM (that you cannot upgrade later) and simply use external storage for your data and keep the internal SSD for the OS and applications.

I have a Mac Mini M4 Pro with the standard 512GB internal SSD, and a 2TB external SSD permanently attached. It works well, and the SSD sits at the back of my desk, out of view behind the monitor, and the heat well out of the way. When I upgrade to a new Mac, I can reuse the external SSD, and because a Mac is cheaper with base storage, I will be more inclined to upgrade, and know the old Mac would have less invested in it for when I sell it.

 

[phrehdd]

Unless there is some special reason to go with a very small footprint, the Mac Studio in near every way beats out the Mini Pro. I would much rather pay a small bit more (as you described) and go with a machine that will likely do better with upcoming AI and various apps on the horizon. My only ratio argument would be Memory first, then CPU and drives as far as consideration.

 

[AlaskaMoose]

Unless there is some special reason to go with a very small footprint, the Mac Studio in near every way beats out the Mini Pro. I would much rather pay a small bit more (as you described) and go with a machine that will likely do better with upcoming AI and various apps on the horizon. My only ratio argument would be Memory first, then CPU and drives as far as consideration.

That's what I plan to do (buy a Studio Max). My plan was to buy a Mini M4 and a 32" BenQ monitor to replace the 27" iMac I am still using for light photo editing. And yes, I don't need a Mac Mini nor Studio for photo editing; I just "want" one

Anyway, I took my time and decided that I don't like the Mini M4's design (compactness, and cheap materials in the panels, cooling, etc). I have my eyes set on a Studio Max with 48-64 or so RAM, and 1TB to 2TB SSD. The monitor will be a 4K 32" BenQ designed for Mac.

 

[phrehdd]

That's what I plan to do (buy a Studio Max). My plan was to buy a Mini M4 and a 32" BenQ monitor to replace the 27" iMac I am still using for light photo editing. And yes, I don't need a Mac Mini nor Studio for photo editing; I just "want" one

Anyway, I took my time and decided that I don't like the Mini M4's design (compactness, and cheap materials in the panels, cooling, etc). I have my eyes set on a Studio Max with 48-64 or so RAM, and 1TB to 2TB SSD. The monitor will be a 4K 32" BenQ designed for Mac.

I am nearly complete in transferring and setting up my M4 Studio Max with the same config as you mention. I also have it attached to a BenQ 32" monitor PD3205u. It is a nice combo for some photo and artwork as non of what I do is going to mag print. I am very happy with this combo.

 

[AlaskaMoose]

I am nearly complete in transferring and setting up my M4 Studio Max with the same config as you mention. I also have it attached to a BenQ 32" monitor PD3205u. It is a nice combo for some photo and artwork as non of what I do is going to mag print. I am very happy with this combo.

Glad to hear! The 27' screen of my 2019 iMac is fine, but would prefer a 32" screen because of the added room for the "work windows" of the photo editing apps I use. And having a screen (BenQ) that is not as reflective as the iMac's is more pleasant to my eyes, plus it can be rotated or moved up/down on the stand.

 

[picpicmac]

24 GB of RAM, 10 Gbe ethernet connection and preferably 1 Tb ssd. When I configure on the website I see a price of $ 1899.

What currency is that?

Because in the US, an M4 Mini 24GB 1TB 10Gbe is $1169 on the Apple discount store.

The lowest priced new Studio model is the M4 Max 14C/32G 1TB 10Gbe for $1979 on the EDU store.

That's an $810 jump.

me visiting US

Will you have to pay duty upon re-entering the EU with your new computer?

In the US the store which usually has the best prices and also stocks Macs is MicroCenter. They have your config, minus the 10Gbe:
https://www.microcenter.com/product...e-2024)-desktop-computer?sp=214.5454559326172

for $1019.

I've never seen a Mini w/ 10Gbe option as standard stock on shelves.

If you meant the M4 Pro, then MicroCenter has the M4 Pro 1TB on the shelves for $1360:

Apple Mac mini Z1JV00025 (Late 2024) Desktop Computer; Apple M4 Pro 12-Core CPU; 24GB Unified Memory; 1TB Solid State Drive; - Micro Center

Get it now! Introducing the far mightier, way tinier, all-new Mac mini. Five by five inches of pure power and purpose. Redesigned around Apple silicon to unleash the full speed and capabilities of M4 chips. With a wide array of ports, now on the front and back.

www.microcenter.com

MicroCenter have the base M4 Max Studio for $1799.

BestBuy might do price matching, if your visiting location also has a MicroCenter within driving distance.

 

[phrehdd]

Glad to hear! The 27' screen of my 2019 iMac is fine, but would prefer a 32" screen because of the added room for the "work windows" of the photo editing apps I use. And having a screen (BenQ) that is not as reflective as the iMac's is more pleasant to my eyes, plus it can be rotated or moved up/down on the stand.

I am write now responding using the 32" BenQ screen and the M4 Max Studio. A combo that is going to last me a few years.

 

[FatLouie]

That's what I plan to do (buy a Studio Max). My plan was to buy a Mini M4 and a 32" BenQ monitor to replace the 27" iMac I am still using for light photo editing. And yes, I don't need a Mac Mini nor Studio for photo editing; I just "want" one

Anyway, I took my time and decided that I don't like the Mini M4's design (compactness, and cheap materials in the panels, cooling, etc). I have my eyes set on a Studio Max with 48-64 or so RAM, and 1TB to 2TB SSD. The monitor will be a 4K 32" BenQ designed for Mac.

Same here, but I will order the BenQ PD3226G 32 inch 4k for Mac when the monitor is available. By the time I get the Mini m4 Pro to a point where it is tolerable (2100 USD), for ~500 USD more I can get a Studio M4 Max with the additional, ports, a SD card reader, 64gb, 1TB SSD, and substantially more CPU cores. I will be future proof for a number of years.

 

[phrehdd]

Same here, but I will order the BenQ PD3226G 32 inch 4k for Mac when the monitor is available. By the time I get the Mini m4 Pro to a point where it is tolerable (2100 USD), for ~500 USD more I can get a Studio M4 Max with the additional, ports, a SD card reader, 64gb, 1TB SSD, and substantially more CPU cores. I will be future proof for a number of years.

I went for the Studio M4 with the 64gb, 1TB. My M1 was configured the same way and I have no regrets about it. I recall the very first BenQ monitor I purchased was for my late father. It was no where near what we have today but, it was back then a surprisingly good performer. Tomorrow, my trade in box comes for the M1. Yeah, I'm lazy at that.

 

[FatLouie]

This is my first BenQ 'monitor for Mac', I have high hopes for it. I looked at plenty of other monitors, all with their pros and cons, but finally decided on the BenQ. Apparently the new BenQ PD3226G ships late March or early April. I could pre-order from BenQ but will wait until they have it in stock. I hate to pre-order anything in the event the manufacture has a multi-month delay.

 

[AlaskaMoose]

Same here, but I will order the BenQ PD3226G 32 inch 4k for Mac when the monitor is available. By the time I get the Mini m4 Pro to a point where it is tolerable (2100 USD), for ~500 USD more I can get a Studio M4 Max with the additional, ports, a SD card reader, 64gb, 1TB SSD, and substantially more CPU cores. I will be future proof for a number of years.

Sounds like a good idea. Isn't that screen available already?

I am write now responding using the 32" BenQ screen and the M4 Max Studio. A combo that is going to last me a few years.

Yes, I have a similar idea in mind, and plan to use the Studio Max & BenQ monitor mostly for photo editing, while still leaving an open door for "maybe" short video editing," although there is a good chance that I won't edit videos.

 

[FatLouie]

Sounds like a good idea. Isn't that screen available already?

Not just yet; if you look in the Mac Designers, Photographers and Mac Book sections you see a ton of options. Many with USB-C and lesser versatility than the newer PD3226G monitor. There are monitors I could get now but I opted to wait for the later PD3226G.

 

[AlaskaMoose]

Not just yet; if you look in the Mac Designers, Photographers and Mac Book sections you see a ton of options. Many with USB-C and lesser versatility than the newer PD3226G monitor. There are monitors I could get now but I opted to wait for the later PD3226G.

Thanks! That's something for me to think about, specially since I have the time I can wait to purchase both a Studio Max and the BenQ monitor. Meanwhile I can continue using my 2019 27" iMac.

You are referring to this one? Thunderbolt 4 and USB-C sounds great, and the price is not bad at all:

PD3226G｜32" 4K UHD 144Hz Thunderbolt 4 Monitor for Designer

PD3226G 32" 4K UHD Designer Monitor with a 144Hz refresh rate and Thunderbolt 4 delivers sharper details and smoother transitions

www.benq.com

 

[FatLouie]

Thanks! That's something for me to think about, specially since I have the time I can wait to purchase both a Studio Max and the BenQ monitor. Meanwhile I can continue using my 2019 27" iMac.

You are referring to this one? Thunderbolt 4 and USB-C sounds great, and the price is not bad at all:

PD3226G｜32" 4K UHD 144Hz Thunderbolt 4 Monitor for Designer

PD3226G 32" 4K UHD Designer Monitor with a 144Hz refresh rate and Thunderbolt 4 delivers sharper details and smoother transitions

www.benq.com

Yes sir! That is the monitor I will be purchasing. It is 'made for Mac' so that is a plus, for me anyway. The price is reasonable for the size and features, so I am sold on it.

 

[Ishimura]

Trying to find a reasonably priced but also good monitor for the Mac Mini is driving me totally crazy.

 

[Norbert Mikołajczyk]

I'm waiting for high refresh rate 5K mini led Acer Predator XB323QX

 

[phrehdd]

Yes sir! That is the monitor I will be purchasing. It is 'made for Mac' so that is a plus, for me anyway. The price is reasonable for the size and features, so I am sold on it.

I have been using BenQ for a few years now with great success. I went from the 27" to the 32 PD3205u which turned out to be an excellent choice. Just make sure you have the ability to sit at the right distance and if you are like me, depending on what is going on your screen will determine how much you move your chair in or out. I do quite a bit of digital photo restoration and this monitor is great with colour and has colour spaces larger than I need but for the photo work (real photo files), the offered space(s) are great. I find 4k is just fine for my needs.