What would be disadvantage of Mac mini

[levmc]

I decided I really want as much RAM as possible, I'm not satisfied with 64 RAM of my 2017 iMac.

I was thinking that since iMac also has the disadvantage of monitor being attached to the computer (hard to adjust height, move around, needs more expensive monitor arm, when it is moved, everything that is attached to it by USB has to move as well) the it might be better to buy 27'' Ultrafine monitor and Mac mini instead of a newer iMac. What would be disadvantages of the Mac mini compared to the iMac?

My guesses:
1. since it's more compact, it might have problems with heat dissipation and be more loud?
2. I think I heard that it doesn't include something that iMac has that helps with video editing?

 

[Boyd01]

The 2018 Intel Mini can only accept a maximum of 64gb RAM and 2020 M1 Mini tops out at only 16gb (like all current M1 devices). So, if you want more than 64gb, I don't see how the Mini will help. The 2018 Mini only has integrated graphics, where the Intel iMac has a separate graphics processor unit (GPU). However, you can add an external graphics processor (eGPU) on the 2018 Mini.

 

[4sallypat]

Coming from a CTO / BTO 2018 Mini with 64GB Intel RAM, 10GBe, and 6 core Intel i7 - I can say my M1 Mini beats out the Intel in terms of performance, lag, thermal throttling, chassis heat and fan noise.

No more brainwashing needed - Intel RAM and Apple Unified Memory are not the same. No need to think more RAM means more performance....

I have both M1 iMac and Mini and they outrun any Intel Mac I have ever used since 2006.

Comparing other Macs, there is a marked distinction of the Mini outperforming even the latest M1 iMac - go to time: 2:45 to see actual performance:

 

[Serban55]

I decided I really want as much RAM as possible, I'm not satisfied with 64 RAM of my 2017 iMac.

I was thinking that since iMac also has the disadvantage of monitor being attached to the computer (hard to adjust height, move around, needs more expensive monitor arm, when it is moved, everything that is attached to it by USB has to move as well) the it might be better to buy 27'' Ultrafine monitor and Mac mini instead of a newer iMac. What would be disadvantages of the Mac mini compared to the iMac?

My guesses:
1. since it's more compact, it might have problems with heat dissipation and be more loud?
2. I think I heard that it doesn't include something that iMac has that helps with video editing?

you have to go with the mac pro for more than 64 gb ram

 

[BATman.Berlin]

Go for a M1. It’s a beast. 16 G is more than enough. I never maxed out the thing, even with 4K footage in FCP it is smooth like silk

 

[Fishrrman]

Impertinent questions for the OP:

Why is 64gb "not enough"?
What do you do that requires "more"?

Want to find out if you REALLY need more than 64gb?
Then, try this:
Use the terminal to DISABLE VM disk swapping:
sudo launchctl unload -wF /System/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.apple.dynamic_pager.plist

Then, reboot.

Now, run this way for THREE DAYS.
How many memory-related crashes do you experience?

If the answer is "none", than you don't need more RAM than you're using now.

To RE-ENABLE virtual memory:
sudo launchctl load -wF /System/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.apple.dynamic_pager.plist

 

[Boyd01]

I have both M1 iMac and Mini and they outrun any Intel Mac I have ever used since 2006.

A lot of people are saying this, and I don't have an M1, so no personal experience. But here's a dissenting opinion, FWIW

I keep watching those videos on YT showing fast renders and how M1 beats everything in FCPX. That's just not the case if you do anything else than blogging or tiktoks.

https://forums.macrumors.com/thread...ni.2273299/page-4?post=29935885#post-29935885

 

[imdog]

What's your use case in which 64GB isn't enough? Are you creating 3D animated films for Disney or something? 😂

 

[esphil]

What are you needing 64gb of ram for? Are you running a ton of vms?

 

[4sallypat]

What's your use case in which 64GB isn't enough? Are you creating 3D animated films for Disney or something? 😂

😂😂😂😂Must be 8K video editing & rendering ???

 

[levmc]

The 2018 Intel Mini can only accept a maximum of 64gb RAM and 2020 M1 Mini tops out at only 16gb (like all current M1 devices). So, if you want more than 64gb, I don't see how the Mini will help. The 2018 Mini only has integrated graphics, where the Intel iMac has a separate graphics processor unit (GPU). However, you can add an external graphics processor (eGPU) on the 2018 Mini.

When does having the GPU come in handy?
For some reason I thought mini can handle 128 gb. Was there ever a time when Mini could use 128 gb?

 

[Boyd01]

The Mini had a maximum RAM capacity of only 16gb until 2018, when it was increased to 64gb - a major increase that was beyond what most people expected (personally, I only expected 32gb at the time).

Discrete GPU's are almost always more powerful than integrated GPU and they have their own dedicated memory which is typically far greater. The Intel UHD-630 on the 2018 Mini uses a 1.5gb of system memory, for example. Don't know exactly which 2017 iMac you have, but the top model has a Radeon GPU with 8gb of dedicated memory. You could find out more specifics and do a comparison at everymac. I don't have an M1 Mini, but it has a special Apple integrated GPU that is supposed to offer performance more comparable with discrete GPU's.

On the 2018 Mini, one issue is that the GPU gets hot under heavy load which also makes the processor hot and can cause it to slow down to avoid overheating. Discrete GPU's also get hot, but have their own fans for cooling.

 

[mdgm]

you have to go with the mac pro for more than 64 gb ram

The 27" 2019 and 2020 iMacs can take up to 128GB RAM. The now discontinued iMac Pro can take up to 512GB RAM. The Mac Pro is the only headless Mac to take more than 64GB RAM though.