Apple Mac Mini: Apple M1 Chip with 8 Core CPU and 8 Core GPU 512GB storage MGNT3X/A review

“The Mac Mini M1 resets expectations for just how fast a small, affordable desktop can be.”

Blistering CPU performance; Incredibly fast SSDs; Superb value; Compact; sturdy design; MacOS Big Sur is great

Subpar gaming performance

Apple Mac Mini: Apple M1 Chip with 8 Core CPU and 8 Core GPU 512GB storage MGNT3X/A review

The Mac mini (M1, 2020) updates Apple's cult Mac with its latest M1 hardware. For many people, this is exciting, as it means the Mac mini no longer feels like it's being neglected by Apple; however, it does come with a few compromises that not everyone will like.

Same lovely design; Very good performance; New M1 hardware has potential

Can't use eGPUs; Maximum of 16GB memory

Apple Mac Mini: Apple M1 Chip with 8 Core CPU and 8 Core GPU 512GB storage MGNT3X/A review

This miniature desktop might be small, but it's still mighty thanks to the M1 chipset. It's not for everyone, however, especially if you've invested in a lot of apps not yet optimised for M1 support.

M1 optimised apps are ridiculously quick, Fans rarely heard, Most affordable Mac, Doesn't take up a lot of space, Supports up to 6K monitors, Rosetta works well for non-optimised apps

Needs more ports, No SD card reader, Supports maximum of two monitors, Not all apps are M1 optimised yet

Apple Mac Mini: Apple M1 Chip with 8 Core CPU and 8 Core GPU 512GB storage MGNT3X/A review

Windows PC fans will rightly point out that you probably won’t want to game on an M1 Mac mini, despite its proven talents. And if you can wait for HP to release a Ryzen 4000 version of the EliteDesk 705 then you can expect similar levels of performance at the expense of fan noise (and a rather less...

Fantastic performance Compact footprint Strong connectivity

No upgradeability

Apple Mac Mini: Apple M1 Chip with 8 Core CPU and 8 Core GPU 512GB storage MGNT3X/A review

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, we may receive an affiliate commission. Apple’s stunning new M1 iMac is finally available to order on Amazon and despite the fact that it’s the most powerful iMac ever, prices start at just $1,299.