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Torn between Mini and Studio

S

silvine

macrumors member
Original poster
May 22, 2008
63
3
I'm upgrading my primary work machine. I own a 2017 27 i3 inch iMac with 64GB RAM and 1TB SSD. I'm considering either a Mac Mini 2020 with 16gb ram and 1TB HD or the Mac Studio with 1TB HD.

The machine should power 2 27 inch monitors. I use it for front end web work and light video and audio editing. I want to buy a machine that lasts 5-7 years like my old iMac.


I want to buy a fast-future proofed machine. The Mac Mini could be ok, but I'm reluctant to buy a computer that was released in 2020. That said, is the Studio overkill?
 
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silvine said:
I'm upgrading my primary work machine. I own a 2017 27 i3 inch iMac with 64GB RAM and 1TB SSD. I'm considering either a Mac Mini 2020 with 16gb ram and 1TB HD or the Mac Studio with 1TB HD.

The machine should power 2 27 inch monitors. I use it for front end web work and light video and audio editing. I want to buy a machine that lasts 5-7 years like my old iMac.


I want to buy a fast-future proofed machine. The Mac Mini could be ok, but I'm reluctant to buy a computer that was released in 2020. That said, is the Studio overkill?
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Wait you're upgrading from what looks like a base model iMac except the RAM and want to go for the Studio? I would say it's way overkill but if you can afford the base model with some extra storage then why not? It's just money.

My advice if you can wait go for the mini when it's upgraded if you don't want to spend the extra $$$$. Maybe later this year?
 
I thought about getting a Dell Ultrasharp but I prefer having a web camera and sound built in. It sounds like the Studio is overkill but it’d last longer
 
If you're considering a studio base, why not just get a 14" MBP or 16" base MBP? This way, you can just use it with the built in display that is amazing with a nice web cam too? They both come with 16GB of RAM as well. Not to mention the ability to go mobile if you need to as well and connect 4 external monitors to it.
 
My decision was purely based on RAM, not processor or gpu. I needed at minimum 32Gb so Studio it had to be.

Take a look at your RAM usage, it might help you decide.
 
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I have an M1 Mac Mini with 16gb ram and find it incredible.

Remember it’s just as fast as the M1 Ultra for single thread tasks. For what you mentioned you do, the mini would handle that fine and probably not too different from the Max / Ultra.

But it won’t support two 5k displays so if you want better multi display support , go the studio.
 
I went with the Mac Studio and the Mac Monitor, as I want to use two 4K monitors. I ordered the baseline M1 with a 1TB HD and 32GB RAM.

I presume this model has more than enough RAM? I‘m a bit confused about the unified RAM models as they appear to have less memory.
 
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It has twice the RAM of a maxed out M1 mini. If your workflow is pressing the limits of the mini, the studio is the only desktop solution
 
silvine said:
The machine should power 2 27 inch monitors. I use it for front end web work and light video and audio editing. I want to buy a machine that lasts 5-7 years like my old iMac.
Click to expand...
Is there a way to get two 4K+ screens working on the standard M1 Mini now? I seem to remember there were some workarounds but am out of touch as I run my Mini headless.
 
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