I am a little confused on the upgradeable vs non-upgradable Mac mini models vs some Mac-pro (trash-can) models, especially in performance metrics. I graduated with CS/IT majors and have past experience of upgrading iPods, computers, mini-bikes, full blown engine swaps in cars, currently running a rudimentary RPi server for my home and am looking to upgrade. With my previous experience, nothing really seems to intimidate me but this seems to stump me. I put in research a couple of years ago and now there seems to be a confusion on upgrading a Mac-mini to run a private home server, in particular years and specs. I am a little scared of buying a 2013 Mac mini vs the current upgradable ones (afraid of investing my money on something that underperforms). If I had a budget of $1000-2000 what is the best ROI on investment in terms of model + upgradable parts?
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New here, looking for best performance on budget
- Thread starter mateo8
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Welcome to the site! You don't want a 2013 Mini.... because there is no such thing! 
The 2012 Mini is arguably the most upgradeable model. RAM was designed to be user-upgradeable and only involves removing the bottom cover, 16gb is the maximum. Two disk slots inside, not intended for user upgrades so you need to disassemble the Mini, but can certainly be done. The quad-core i7 models are still very nice and have geekbench ratings comparable to the entry level i3 2018 Mini. The HD4000 integrated graphics are arguably the biggest weakness of the 2012 Mini. Apple only supports up to MacOS Catalina on the 2012.
The 2014 Mini was a disappointment for most people. RAM is soldered and cannot be upgraded, max is 16gb. Two disk slots that require disassembly, but one of them is easy to install a SSD. Graphics chips are a bit better, with 2 different versions. No quad-core available and 2012 quads are about 50% faster than the top spec dual-core 2014. It does have 802.11ac wifi and Thunderbolt 2 however. Apple supports Big Sur on the 2014.
The 2018 Mini is a big upgrade from both of these and is the current (and probably last) Intel version (in 2020, Apple dropped the 128gb SSD but the hadware is the same a 2018). Apple doesn't consider RAM to be upgradeable but it is pretty straightforward and many people do it, max is 64gb. SSD is soldered and cannot be upgraded. Nice selection of ports, optional 10gb ethernet and many other improvements. UHD-630 integrated graphics have been criticized, but you can use an external GPU.
The 2020 M1 Mini has just been released and uses Apple's custom silicon. People are just now getting their hands on these. Nothing is upgradeable internally and 16gb is the max.
This site is a good resource for information on the different models.
everymac.com
The 2012 Mini is arguably the most upgradeable model. RAM was designed to be user-upgradeable and only involves removing the bottom cover, 16gb is the maximum. Two disk slots inside, not intended for user upgrades so you need to disassemble the Mini, but can certainly be done. The quad-core i7 models are still very nice and have geekbench ratings comparable to the entry level i3 2018 Mini. The HD4000 integrated graphics are arguably the biggest weakness of the 2012 Mini. Apple only supports up to MacOS Catalina on the 2012.
The 2014 Mini was a disappointment for most people. RAM is soldered and cannot be upgraded, max is 16gb. Two disk slots that require disassembly, but one of them is easy to install a SSD. Graphics chips are a bit better, with 2 different versions. No quad-core available and 2012 quads are about 50% faster than the top spec dual-core 2014. It does have 802.11ac wifi and Thunderbolt 2 however. Apple supports Big Sur on the 2014.
The 2018 Mini is a big upgrade from both of these and is the current (and probably last) Intel version (in 2020, Apple dropped the 128gb SSD but the hadware is the same a 2018). Apple doesn't consider RAM to be upgradeable but it is pretty straightforward and many people do it, max is 64gb. SSD is soldered and cannot be upgraded. Nice selection of ports, optional 10gb ethernet and many other improvements. UHD-630 integrated graphics have been criticized, but you can use an external GPU.
The 2020 M1 Mini has just been released and uses Apple's custom silicon. People are just now getting their hands on these. Nothing is upgradeable internally and 16gb is the max.
This site is a good resource for information on the different models.
All Apple Mac mini Specs (2005-Current): EveryMac.com
Tech specs for all Apple Mac mini from the original to the latest (2005-Current). Dates sold, processor type, memory info, storage details, configuration options and more.
everymac.com
The future isn't here, the past is gone.
The Intel Mini has memory, 4 ports, and other features - its reached maturity. The M1 is in its infancy yet powerful and still uses old form factor that was available 18 months ago.
Same for others. Caught between rock and hard place.
The trash can is just that. The cMP 5,1 was a solid system based on 2006 1,1 design. Should see something in 12-18 months.
I'd buy the m1 mini and plan on selling trading in next November. I'd like to see 11.2 out before Jan 1st. Fir now we're on an ice flow.
The Intel Mini has memory, 4 ports, and other features - its reached maturity. The M1 is in its infancy yet powerful and still uses old form factor that was available 18 months ago.
Same for others. Caught between rock and hard place.
The trash can is just that. The cMP 5,1 was a solid system based on 2006 1,1 design. Should see something in 12-18 months.
I'd buy the m1 mini and plan on selling trading in next November. I'd like to see 11.2 out before Jan 1st. Fir now we're on an ice flow.