Mac Mini M2 vs M2 Pro The truth when buying

Truth on which Mac Mini M2 to buy. Basic 8gb/256gb model or the M2 Pro 16gb/512gb. Get the facts and not someone's opinion. Also, check out my other videos on welding, plasma cutting, and other DIY projects.

[@rfernandez1648]

Wish I would have seen this before I purchased my “regular” Mac Mini. I need it for light video editing, graphics for print usually 600DPI files. When deciding which one to get I came across a fork in the road with the Regular and the Pro at the 1299 price point. The decision was either the extra 8 gigs of RAM vs the faster GPU and 8 gigs less RAM. Both have 512GB … I chose the regular one because of the extra 8 gigs or RAM. Maybe not thebest choice but I think it will work for me. Apple M2 with 8-core CPU, 10-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine 24GB unified memory

[@DIY_Mike-rm5we]

I'm sure you'll be happy. But some clarification in case you have a friend who has similar needs. The M2 Pro has many added benefits. The 16 core "Graphics Processing Unit" is much faster with graphics than the 10 core. Also, the 4 thunderbolt ports are almost a must nowadays if you want a quality 2nd monitor or high end single monitor; also the thunderbolt is necessary for a high speed external hard drive. My NVME external 2TB drive is "AS FAST" as the internal SSD in the Mac Mini. But it would never be that fast without the Thunderbolt port. You could buy an external thunderbolt hub to add on, but they are expensive. Finally; the 24gb of memory.... well, you're not really going to notice it over the 16gb. There is a big jump between 8gb and 16gb, but that's where it stops. That's because it's "Unified Memory"; meaning, it combines the RAM with the SSD hard drive to also be more memory if needed. So I just my 512gb SSD only for the operating system and the apps/programs. ALL other data, docs, files, photos, videos, music, saved games, etc. are all stored on the external 2TB SSD NVME drive. So the 512gb SSD and the 16gb ram will always be more than enough. You'll almost never go past 16gb of ram; and if you temporarily need to, the 512gb drive covers just fine. But you will be happy with your choice I'm sure. My opinion may help some others, but that's not saying your choice won't work for you. If you have more than a 1gb internet connection, the 10gb network card will come in handy. I only have 1gb, but if I get more than 1gb some day, I can buy a thunderbolt/USB-C network card that does 2.5gb for $28. (Again, thunderbolt/usb-c is the future).

[@rfernandez1648]

@@DIY_Mike-rm5we I actually cancelled my order and got the M2 pro, 512, with 16GB ram. I thank you because the definitely didn’t think of how much I needed the extra Thunderbolt connections

[@gair1944]

Very good content here. I was trying to decide and opted for the Mac Mini M2 Pro with 16GB and I upgraded to 1TB. I ordered an NVME enclosure and will likely get a WD SN770. I was going to get the SN850X but after hearing your brief description of max transfer rate over Thunderbolt, I'm sure the 770 will serve me fine.

[@dannydubs4000]

Thank you for explaining the specs and pricing differences so clearly! Apple knows how to confuse their consumers into spending more than they need to by overwhelming them with lots of overpriced upgrade options. I have been trying to choose between the Mac Mini and the Mac Studio and what you said about the studio towards the end of the video has sealed the deal for me. I probably watched 20 other comparison and review videos before I found you and none of them explained things in a way that made my decision any easier! Its taken me 3 months to finally feel confident in choosing the right Mac for my current (and future) needs. You are appreciated Sir!

[@primal9958]

So so glad I came across you. It's the mac pro mini then. Thank you sir.

[@DIY_Mike-rm5we]

Glad I could help. Enjoy

[@JURGENALDANA]

I have to buy a MacMini Base M2 because I'm changing jobs. I don't have the money; a friend is lending it to me. In my country, we don't have many options. I already have everything else because I used to edit on an old HP laptop with a sixth-gen i3. I don't know what to expect; I just want my workflow not to be interrupted, but I don't have any other options. I've seen that in the base model, you can edit well in 4K, but I'm not sure. Now I'm scared, and I don't have any more time or money :( Wish me Luck I guess

[@DIY_Mike-rm5we]

Being you have very few options, you have to do the best that you can with what you have. I'm sure the basic mac mini M2 will work for you. It has it's limitations, but you should be fine. My biggest emphasis was when comparing the Mac Mini base m2 to the Mac mini m2 pro, that there isn't a real price difference once you compare them together with the same options. But being the M2 pro isn't an option for you, I recommend getting a decent NVMe external drive and case or really any external drive so your Base Mac Mini m2 can use the internal drive ONLY for the operating system and swap memory. Use the external drive for ALL of your documents, files, etc. It will help the mac mini base m2 run easier.

[@aleks4816]

Thanks for the grate video! I respect confident reviews from people who have electronic engineer degrees and have clue what about talking too. I got M2 mini for testing and now I want swap it for Mac mini M2 pro.

[@DIY_Mike-rm5we]

Glad it was helpful!

[@alp4info]

D- Mega summation and great spectacles! ✊🏾

[@AquilaTheHun]

Well explained. I didn't see any arrogance or condescending voice as a commenter said. However, it was a bit too repetitive, I think the average viewer got it on hearing the same thing for the first time. 🙂 Anyway, it helped me swing towards the Pro version, now I understand why I should go for that one. Thanks Mike.

[@MIN_Tech]

this is totally true. he is right! 👍🏻

[@zaryl2k]

just wondering, can a mac mini M2 base output a 4K 120Hz VRR via the Thunderbolt port? will be using DP1.4 to USBC cable.

[@smgumbycat]

Good video. Common computer sense.

[@DIY_Mike-rm5we]

Thanks for watching!

[@LarryRichelli]

If one was thinking of buying a mac mini now in Nov 2023 that one should hold off the the M3 Mac Mini?

[@DIY_Mike-rm5we]

Larry. Not sure if I'd recommend people to hold off and wait for the M3 mac mini. Couple of reasons. It could easily be another 4,5, 6 or 9 months. Based on the specs, there isn't a whole lot of differences between the M2 and M3. I will be curious if they throw the new M3 chip on the OLD Board that the M2 mac mini is on; or if the new m3 mac mini will get the new board like the m2 mac mini pro. Apple normally upgrades yearly. Between the M1 and M2 was different because of covid, supply restrictions, etc. But apple normally comes out with new chips in their products almost yearly. If you were waiting for the NEWEST to come out, you'll never buy, because someone will say "The NEWER one is coming out in a few month". When it comes to apple gear, you buy it when you want it. Never wait for the "Newest" one. The M2 (especially the Pro) was a MAJOR upgrade. Because it took almost 3 years and the pro got a completely different motherboard.

[@FirstNameLastName-ok4xf]

Good video. I like the cut of your jib. Make more content and I’ll watch it.

[@alp4info]

Or buy the MM M2 Pro on a deal??? X

[@dannydubs4000]

Hey I'm curious what two monitors you use with your mini. The pro displays are so expensive from apple I want to know if its possible to achieve similar quality with other monitors. Thanks!

[@DIY_Mike-rm5we]

I was using 2 27" Asus monitors. But I changed out and now I use 1 single monitor. It's an MSI MAG401QR, 40" Gaming Monitor, 3440 x 1440 HDR. Same real estate as 2 monitors but much more flexible, easier to multi task, and better resolution.

[@Henryerazo]

Hi Mike is Henry I would lije to asking something I have a mac mini with M1 i am a music producer and I have 2 viewsinic touch screens monitos but my mac mini only support one touch screen do you know if I get tge M2 pro i will be able to conectvmy 2 touch screens monitors I ask at apple store and they dont know. Can you believe it? Thanks for that great video Thank you

[@DIY_Mike-rm5we]

The mac mini pro can handle up to 3 monitors, one through the HDMI and 2 others through the thunderbolt (USB-C looking port). Because thunderbolt links all devices together, I would think that if both touch screens were using thunderbolt, it should work. I wish I could try it for you, but I don't use touch screens on my desktop; only on my laptop.

[@grandpawjeff8710]

Excellent video., thanks!!!

[@JackieFrank]

Thanks Mike, great review. About your hub though… isn’t it supposed to go UNDER the Mac Mini (and flipped upside down from how you placed it)?

[@DIY_Mike-rm5we]

Not sure what you mean by flipped upside down. The bottom of the hub is black plastic. It would look terrible. As for over or under, there’s no right or wrong. I like it on top because it weighs less, and made of lower quality material, than the Mac mini . Don’t want the heavier item on top. Plus, I have the two sitting on top of a laptop cooler. Helps keep it cool.

[@JackieFrank]

Interesting. I double checked the product photos and that black plastic is actually the top of the hub (and you place the Mac Mini on top of that), but I understand where you’re coming from. Makes sense too. It probably does not matter from a functional perspective. Thanks for explaining!

[@JackieFrank]

@@DIY_Mike-rm5we kzbin.info/www/bejne/aXjdZqekpM2kgKcfeature=shared 🤭

[@JackieFrank]

I double checked again and it looks like you have a different hub! Sorry! My bad… haha

[@BrianSFischer]

Well done.

[@bharathkumarkonda]

appreciate your analysis... it helped me to take decision, opted Mac Mini M2 Pro

[@gamesdog9067]

Thanks. There’s a lot of videos saying the base model can run Logic X with no worries which I find hard to believe.

[@donpeters2012]

Good Work Nice and informative video

[@DIY_Mike-rm5we]

Thank you so much 😀

[@bibliata_pomaga]

10x bro! You help me a lot ❤

[@DIY_Mike-rm5we]

Glad I could help

[@dannyize]

You lost me when you said "I don't deal in opinions, I deal in _facts!_" Extremely condescending, extremely arrogant. Maybe adopt a pleasant tone if you seek to persuade.

[@DIY_Mike-rm5we]

Not arrogant or condescending at all. What I posted are facts. Sorry you don’t understand the technology or basic economics

[@DIY_Mike-rm5we]

.

[@dannyize]

@@DIY_Mike-rm5we You're not sorry in the factual sense of the word. You have zero knowledge of my understanding of tech, economics, or anything else. I won't bother you further.

[@PopGheorghe]

Before watching your clip, I was struggling to decide between a PC and a Mac mini M2 PRO as my next desktop, and I was like 50/50. Now I'm like 70/30 to the PC(coming from an 2018 mac mini 2018 i5 with 32GB RAM+egpu).

[@DIY_Mike-rm5we]

Glad I could help. I love my Mac Mini M2 Pro; but I also like my PC's with windows and linux. Each have different uses.

[@PopGheorghe]

@@DIY_Mike-rm5we yeah, finaly I saw an offer on Black Friday that I could not refuse, so currently I’m a proud owner of a mac mini m2.

[@PopGheorghe]

And except that it loads some applications harder than my old i5-32Gb mac mini, is doing great on my daily usage(web browsing, light fusion360 designs, some python and arduino programming)