Apple mac mini review 2018 upgrade#
Apple mac mini review 2018 pro#
Apple mac mini review 2018 professional#

The solid-state drive is another good performer, gliding along at a smooth 2,720MB/sec and 2,865MB/sec for read and write speeds respectively.

Apple mac mini review 2018 pro#

That actually nudges slightly ahead of the GeekBench score of the top-of-the-range 15in MacBook Pro with an i9 processor that costs twice as much as the Mac Mini (albeit, of course, with its integrated Retina Display). The six-core processor in our review unit doesn't lack raw horsepower though, achieving a GeekBench score of 6056 for single-core performance and an impressive 27,639 for multi-core performance. Apple Mac Mini (2018) review: Performance

Apple mac mini review 2018 upgrade#

There are no build-to-order options for an internal GPU upgrade, and Apple is increasingly promoting third-party external GPU devices - such as the BlackMagic eGPU - as the only real graphics upgrade for many Mac models. However, even with all those upgrade options thrown in, the Mac Mini still relies on Intel's integrated graphics processor - a UHD 630 with 1.5GB video memory for our i7 review unit. That entry-level model should be perfectly adequate for running Microsoft Office and general web browsing, and will probably find its way into quite a few homes and offices. Remember, though, that the price of the Mac Mini doesn't include a mouse, keyboard or monitor. There are two standard configurations available for the Mac Mini on Apple's web site, starting at 666 exc VAT with a quad-core i3-8100 running at 3.6GHz, along with 8GB DDR4 memory and modest 128GB solid-state drive.

Apple Mac Mini (2018) review: Specs and hardware

The T2 also handles Siri voice commands on other recent Mac models, although that's not an option with the Mac Mini as it doesn't include an internal microphone (or webcam). The Mac Mini also gains Apple's custom T2 chip, which provides AES-256 encryption for your data, as well as handling additional chores such as HEVC video encoding. The HDMI port supports a single 4K display, but it's also possible to add one 5K display or two 4K displays via USB-C (sadly, the 'target display' mode that made it possible to connect the Mac Mini to the display of an iMac is no longer available). It even retains ye olde 3.5mm audio connector for headphones or a set of external speakers.ДЄpple's build-to-order options only allow for solid-state storage - up to 2TB - but that selection of ports provides plenty of scope for adding more affordable external storage if required. It now boasts two USB 3.0 ports, as well as four Thunderbolt 3 ports, HDMI 2.0 and Gigabit Ethernet (with an option to upgrade to 10Gb Ethernet). Apple Mac Mini (2018) review: Ports and featuresДЄpple has beefed-up the Mac Mini's connectivity features as well. That's a welcome option, given Apple's traditionally expensive memory upgrades, and the fact that many recent Mac models have had their RAM soldered onto the motherboard. You'll need to be pretty handy with a Torx screwdriver, but it is now possible to remove the base of the unit, along with a few wires and connectors along the way, in order to reach the two SO-DIMM slots. The greater power of those processors required a redesign of the Mac Mini's cooling system, and Apple says that the new cooling system doubles the airflow through the unit - yet the top-of-the-range Mac Mini that we review here ran impressively cool and quiet throughout our tests.ДЄnd, somewhat surprisingly, Apple even allows user-upgrades for the internal memory, up to a maximum of 64GB.

Apple mac mini review 2018 professional#

Previous models were limited to modest dual-core processors, but the 2018 version of the Mac Mini now boasts both quad-core and hexa-core configurations capable of tackling a variety of professional design applications.

There have been more significant changes on the inside too, aimed at boosting performance in order to appeal to creative and professional users.

And while the Mac Mini's dimensions remain the same, this revamp telegraphs its new focus by changing the colour of the unit to the sobre 'space grey' shade that Apple usually reserves for its pro desktop and laptop systems.