I’ve been covering the mini PC market for several years, and I’m a big proponent of the concept. My parents were using computers purchased in 2012 before I upgraded them to a pair of mini PCs in 2023. I also built a home media network with a cheap mini PC that has been running flawlessly for years.
I’ve also recommended the mini PC option to friends who ask me about upgrading their old computers, especially with the prices of the COVID-19 era and the continued instability of PC components. This is largely due to companies needing hardware to handle the massive workloads stemming from the rise of artificial intelligence. While I think the mini PC option is excellent, especially for those who primarily use their computer for basic tasks and media consumption, it’s not for everyone.
There are companies with unknown names offering cheap mini PCs with outdated specifications, lower build quality, and poor technical support. This makes many of these mini PCs not very good options for serious work or leisure. That’s where a small form factor computer like the Mac mini comes in. It’s the closest thing to a true desktop PC replacement we’ve had, with enough power to keep it running smoothly for years.
The Mac mini has long-term value
One of the advantages of a Mac mini is the Apple name, as the company has a long track record of supporting its devices for several years. It also offers industry-leading support services, which are further enhanced with an Apple One or AppleCare subscription. Furthermore, most mini PCs have an inherent limitation, even with models like the GEEKOM A8 Mini PC that we’ve already featured. The problem lies in the lack of long-term power and performance, especially in more budget-friendly systems. This lack of advanced processing power hinders many modern AI applications and generally provides poor gaming performance due to the lack of a dedicated GPU.
The Mac mini avoids this thanks to the inclusion of an M4 chip. This chip incorporates the fastest CPU core available today, meaning the Mac mini will continue to feel powerful for years to come. The dedicated Neural Processing Unit (NPU) is optimized for AI and machine learning tasks, such as Apple Intelligence, and the 10-core GPU provides power for modern features like ray tracing. This delivers ample power for all your AI tasks and gives you a wide range of gaming options, especially if you play through Apple Arcade.
Apple Mac mini Price-to-Performance Ratio
Starting at just $599, the Mac mini offers power and features at a very competitive price, especially compared to many mini PCs currently on the market. Apple has even claimed that its Mac mini delivers approximately six times the performance of comparable full-size PCs (via Croma).
With the Mac mini’s ability to handle three displays, Apple Intelligence to support your work and educational goals, and powerful editing tools for creators, it’s hard to find another PC of this size that comes close to the Mac mini. If you’re already part of the Apple ecosystem, the ability for your iPhone and Mac mini to work together could boost your productivity in ways you never imagined. You can seamlessly mirror your iPhone screen, answer calls and messages from your Mac mini, and even turn your iPhone into the best webcam on the market. If you’re looking to upgrade an older PC and want the convenience and style of a small form factor PC, the Mac mini should definitely be at the top of your list.
