which mac mini should i get based on my usage?

[ipos]

surf net, light word/excel . heavy usage on watching video

3.6GHz Quad-Core Processor
128 GB Storage

• 3.6GHz quad-core 8th-generation Intel Core i3 processor
• 8GB 2666MHz DDR4 memory
• Intel UHD Graphics 630
• 128GB PCIe-based SSD storage1

OR

3.0GHz 6-Core Processor with Turbo Boost up to 4.1GHz
256 GB Storage

• 3.0GHz 6-core 8th-generation Intel Core i5 processor
• Turbo Boost up to 4.1GHz
• 8GB 2666MHz DDR4 memory
• Intel UHD Graphics 630
• 256GB PCIe-based SSD storage1

 

[revmacian]

I would think that the quad-core processor would be fine for your needs, but I would consider upgrading the storage to 256GB. The most important piece of the system, in my opinion, would be the monitor you choose. Let's face it, if you're going to be a heavy video viewer you're going to want a good monitor in order to have the best viewing experience and, going forward, I feel that a 4K monitor would be the best choice.

 

[Apple_Robert]

Base model will fit your current needs, provided you don’t use several intensive apps at the same time. The ones listed don’t fall into that category. If you think you might rip dvd and Blu-Ray while continuing to use the mini without any problems, consider the next base model.

 

[ipos]

I would think that the quad-core processor would be fine for your needs, but I would consider upgrading the storage to 256GB. The most important piece of the system, in my opinion, would be the monitor you choose. Let's face it, if you're going to be a heavy video viewer you're going to want a good monitor in order to have the best viewing experience and, going forward, I feel that a 4K monitor would be the best choice.

if u had to choose between additional storage or RAM?

 

[revmacian]

if u had to choose between additional storage or RAM?

I think 8GB RAM would be fine. I recently moved from a 2014 Mac mini with 4GB RAM to a 2017 refurbished MacBook Pro with 8GB RAM. I didn't really see much of an issue on the Mac mini, other than the HDD was a bit of a bottleneck. Moving to the MBP increased speed, due to the SSD, and I don't see any swap used. This leads me to believe that 8GB RAM is sufficient for me (web surfing, lots of office work and moderate video use). I think you're going to need a new machine, due to aging hardware, before 16GB RAM becomes a necessity on a notebook. I would focus more on storage space right now.

 

[Fishrrman]

OP:

You'll do very well with the 3.6ghz i3, but...
- I'd upgrade the SSD to 256gb, and...
- I'd order 16gb of RAM "in the box" from Apple (it's not worth the time and trouble and savings to do the 16gb upgrade yourself -- easier to get it pre-installed).

Yes, it's going to cost more.
But the extra space and RAM will give the Mini "legs" for the future that the barebones configuration doesn't have.

 

[revmacian]

Unused RAM is wasted RAM. Anyone remember this saying from their *nix days?

Keep in mind that macOS is based on BSD (Darwin). In the BSD world "unused RAM is wasted RAM", so the system is going to use as much of the available ram as it can regardless of whether or not that amount is actually needed. You could have 32GB RAM and, given enough apps use between reboots, you'll begin to see much of that RAM being used even though all of it isn't really necessary - this could be why users that have more RAM feel that more RAM is necessary.

But, in the end, it is your money and your opinion on what is and is not vital.

 

[CoastalOR]

if u had to choose between additional storage or RAM?

If it absolutely had to be one or the other, then I would go for more internal storage. RAM can be increased later, if needed. Internal storage can not be changed later.

 

[Spectrum]

I would only choose 128GB internal if you are comfortable storing most or all of your files on an external drive. (Unless your entire system, apps and files fit within under 80GB or so. You don’t really want to run SSDs close to their capacity, especially with limited RAM where swaps are more frequent.)

Regarding RAM: I don’t do intensive work at all, but my mini definitely runs more smoothly since upgrading RAM from 8GB. But since this can be added later, it isnt essential to upgrade at point of purchase.

 

[HuskerHarley]

Which way did ya go?

 

[ipos]

neither. got a external ssd instead
feel like gotten myself a new mini

 

[Spectrum]

neither. got a external ssd instead
feel like gotten myself a new mini

What did you add it to?

 

[ipos]

What did you add it to?

Installed the os on the ssd
Faster boot up and seeing lesser of the rainbow ball

 

[Spectrum]

Installed the os on the ssd
Faster boot up and seeing lesser of the rainbow ball

I meant: what computer did you add the SSD to?

 

[ipos]

still using my old 2014 mini except that the ssd is a now boot drive