Upgrade from last Intel Mac Mini to new M1 iMac?

[FaceChart2]

Hi everyone,

I have the last Intel Mac Mini that Apple sold with the core i7 3.2ghz CPU and 64gb of RAM (64gb was added by me after purchase).

The 32" 4K monitor I have connected to my mini is literally dying, so I was going to buy a replacement monitor. Now, however, I am thinking maybe I should just get one of these new iMacs?

My main concern is with performance. I am not sure how this new iMac will perform compared to my Mac Mini. Can anyone help me with understanding that?

It's funny because I was thinking that I always have Safari open with a ridiculous number of tabs, and the Apple website actually says you can have 100's of tabs open at once....

But I am wondering - I have 64GB of RAM now, but these max out at 16GB.... so I don't know if that can really compare?

I appreciate any advice!

 

[gilby101]

But I am wondering - I have 64GB of RAM now, but these max out at 16GB.... so I don't know if that can really compare?

You have not said why you have 64GB RAM. If you need 64GB, then 16GB will be a problem.

 

[FaceChart2]

You have not said why you have 64GB RAM. If you need 64GB, then 16GB will be a problem.

I mostly have the 64GB because I was able to buy the RAM cheap and the videos on how to upgrade it looked easy, so I did it.

I don't know if I need it? I have a lot open at once and usually tons of browser tabs open.

Usually I have Microsoft Office apps, iMessage, Photos, Safari, and FireFox all running at once.

 

[velocityg4]

You can have hundreds of tabs open because all open tabs do not have to remain in active memory. They may be offloaded to the page file.

With how fast the SSD is this doesn’t matter. As it’ll load so fast from the page file to RAM. You won’t notice it. When switching tabs.

Where you get in trouble is if you actually need more than 16GB for tasks you perform. As in one big task or multiple running concurrent tasks. Where you’ll notice the page filing. As they all need to be active.

 

[mtneer]

What's wrong with your existing Mini? Is it not performing something you want it to? Your computer is a tool after all, so only replace it when you need to. Otherwise your money would be spent better elsewhere.

 

[gilby101]

I mostly have the 64GB because I was able to buy the RAM cheap and the videos on how to upgrade it looked easy, so I did it.
I don't know if I need it? I have a lot open at once and usually tons of browser tabs open.
Usually I have Microsoft Office apps, iMessage, Photos, Safari, and FireFox all running at once.

So you most likely don't need 64GB. So an M1 Mini with 16GB should be fine.

Core i7 is 6 core, but you are not using apps which benefit from many cores. So the M1 (though only 4 full speed cores) will most likely perform better for you. M1 would probably be better with multi-core apps like photo/video editing because of the tighter integration between CPU/GPU and RAM.

So if you feel the Core i7 mini is a bit slow, the M1 Mini will feel faster.

What's wrong with your existing Mini? Is it not performing something you want it to? Your computer is a tool after all, so only replace it when you need to. Otherwise your money would be spent better elsewhere.

Good advice.

The 32" 4K monitor I have connected to my mini is literally dying, so I was going to buy a replacement monitor. Now, however, I am thinking maybe I should just get one of these new iMacs?

You think you would be happy with a 23.5" 4K screen? Have a good look at the new iMac (when it is in your local store).

 

[Fishrrman]

Aside from the aging display, does the Mini perform well...?

If it does, replace the display and hold out a while on the m-series Macs if you can.

I'd consider waiting 1-2 years...