M1 chip is a major improvement from the prior version of Mac Mini.
In November 2020, Apple announced its next generation of Mac with empowered M1 chip, the new Mac Mini; along with the MacBook Pro and MacBook Air devices in a special digital event.
The Mac mini, is the first Apple desktop to be equipped with the powerful M1 chip, which is Arm-based, similar to the A bionic chip of the iPhone 12 series. The Mac mini with M1 is the best performer device because it comes with integrated GPU,CPU, RAM and other internal components for improved efficiency and performance. Moreover, the new Mac mini has an entry price of $699 for a 8-core CPU with four-high efficiency cores and four high-performance cores, 8-core GPU, 256GB of storage and 8GB of RAM. While, the 2018 version Mac Mini 3.0 GHz with Core i3 price was $799. Let’s see more in detail about the Apple Mac Mini 2020, for what is for, its features and what it has to offer.
Resume
- M1 Apple Silicon Chip integrated with 8-core CPU and 8-core GPU
- Thunderbolt 3/USB-C 4
- 8GB, 16GB of RAM
- Up to 2TB storage
- Entry price of $ 699
What’s the Apple Mac Mini ?
It’s a small desktop computer that can be used to power up or pair up other devices. The particularity of this Apple product is that it is sold “solo”. For instance, you can pair your Apple Mac Mini to your current screen, keyboard or mouse instead of having to buy new ones. Also, it has built in apps like iBooks, iTunes, Mail and FaceTime; multiple ports which makes it look more like a PC; and has Wifi and Bluetooth. Furthermore, the Mac mini is portable, that allows you to have flexibility to take it with you and to have a powerful desktop when you travel to work, for example.
Apple Mac Mini 2020 : Design
Overall, the M1 Mac Mini 2020 and the previous version, does not have design changes except by the color. While the color for the Apple Mac mini 2020 is in a silver shade, the 2018 Intel version is available in Space Gray color. The design remains the same, a flat, square-shaped 1.4 inch x 7.7 inch aluminum material. However, you will notice a difference in the rear, in which you will see two Thunderbolt 3/USB4-C ports instead of four Thunderbolt 3 ports that come in the 2018 version of Mac mini.
Furthermore, the M1 Mac Mini has integrated a fan for cooling that sustains performance while the machine stays cool and silent, like the newest MacBook Pro 2020 13-inch .
Apple Mac Mini 2020 : Ports
As we mentioned before, the main difference from the Intel Mac Mini and M1 Mac Mini 2020 is the loss of some ports. The Apple Mac Mini 2020 has two Thunderbolt 3/ USB-C 4 ports at the back of the device, supporting USB-C displays and accessories. Also, it supports one external display (HDMI 2.0 port), a Gigabit Ethernet port, two USB-A ports, a headphone jack of 3.5mm and space for the power cord to plug in.
Apple Mac Mini 2020 : Display
Compared to the Intel Mac Mini version, the M1 Mac Mini supports only a maximum of two displays. One single display in full 6K connected through Thunderbolt, and the second display in 4K connected via HDMI 2.0, while the previous generation supports up to two 5K displays.
In general, two displays are enough for regular users but for creative professionals perhaps two displays are not enough. Then, the Intel Mac Mini version can be more suitable for designers and creative specialists.
Apple Mac Mini 2020 : Performance
What’s new about the Apple Mac Mini 2020 is the strong M1 chip. The M1 is an Arm-based chip designed by Apple which is called “Apple Silicon”. It’s the first time Apple designs a “in house” chip for Mac, integrating all its components in one such processor, GPU, RAM and security features for improved performance, power efficiency and longer battery life.
The M1 chip in Mac mini sports a 8-core CPU which is 3x faster performance, GPU with 8 cores that offers 6x better graphics performance. Plus, it has a new advanced Neural Engine with 16-core, making the machine 15x faster for learning tasks and 5x faster than the Windows desktop. It can combine excellent graphics with lower power consumption. For example, some apps like Final Cut use machine learning for photo or video edition work, which can take advantage of the super fast Neural Engine and render a timeline up to 6x faster.
Final Thoughts
The M1 chip is the best improvement that Apple has made in the Mac boosting in performance. Plus, it’s the cheapest price for this product starting at $699, which is not as expensive compared to the Intel Mac Mini version that cost $1099. If you have a previous year Mac device, you can Mac trade in and get some cash at Gadget Salvation. Visit their website and get a fast quote for your pre-loved Mac.
