Mac mini (M2, 2023) One Month Later Review!
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- Опубликовано: 16 фев 2023
- Apple's Mac mini is back with a more powerful M2 chip with the same storage and memory at $100 less than the M1 Mac mini so what's the catch? And how does it actually feel to use this base level desktop after one month and is it powerful enough to handle everyday tasks and can it handle my production needs for video editing... or do you need to avoid this model at all costs.
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Other accessories featured in this video
Desk Accessories
Grovemade Shelf: bit.ly/3Xn3JIO
Grovemade Wool Felt: bit.ly/3jTp1jy
Grovemade Headphone stand: bit.ly/40OPfnN
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🖥️Computer Setup🖥️
Satechi Hub: amzn.to/3XnM6sf
SSD Storage for Hub: amzn.to/3Z0J2Uj
Studio Display: amzn.to/40OOFGv
⌨️Keyboard & Trackpad⌨️
Apple Extended Keyboard with Touch ID: amzn.to/3Yv5EfO
Apple Trackpad: amzn.to/3YGfESN
🎧HeadPhones🎧
AirPods Max: amzn.to/3jJfjjL
Master & Dynamics MH40: amzn.to/3JX1Q2n
💾External SSD💾
Sandisk: amzn.to/3xgbl5i
SD CARD: amzn.to/40LVUPJ
Links above may be affiliate links which may generate revenue for the channel if you use them. 
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No Sponsor for this video, but if you want to help support the channel consider buying the M2 Mac mini from my affiliate link: amzn.to/3lErQW1 or check the description for accessories used in this video. Or if you need a new phone wallpaper check out the bubble wallpaper pack here: gregsgadgets.net/gregsgadgets-shop/p/bubble-wallpaper-pack Thank you 🙏
You should have made 10G network port on the mini to 10G switch and Smart NAS!
@GregsGadgets hey my friend. I’m gonna be picking one of these up to edit and use for my 4k gameplay walkthroughs. If you could help me, what would be the absolute base I would need as far as upgrades go or if any are needed to edit 1 hour clips/ max 2 hours. Depending on the money I was considering if it’s worth just getting a base studio instead if it’s needed for that type of work. Thank you 😊
Got one when they landed. Maxed RAM and 512GB fast SSD. Got a HUB for more ports and a 1TB SSD and running the video from the Thunderbolt Port. It’s my 3rd Mac in 14 years and it’s perfect. It’s so fast at everything.
I ordered this yesterday and I’m so freaking excited. I haven’t had an actual computer at home in years.
How's it ?
Still using a base model 2014 Mini for every day tasks. 100% spot on about some base model Macs being practicality unusable for basic tasks out of the box. This 2014 came with a 5400RPM drive, out of the box it was horrible almost returned it. Swapped the record player for an SSD and 9 years later still going still totally usable!
I added nvme ssd to 2014 mini - 700+mb/s read/write - Monterey flashed rom for nvme boot. Very fast now. Using lowest spec and it flies. Same with 2.4g 8gb 2014 mini. Shame is no more OS upgrades natively.
@@colindoyle9876 Those 5400RPM drives where such a horrible choice!
@@QuadGuyCy *Severe* bottleneck. NVME upgrade is easy though and new life. Installing anything after Sierra or High Sierra updates the bios firmware (rom) to be able to boot from nvme. The parts are 20 for adapter and price of hdd.
You guys are so correct, i bought the same 3 years ago with the 960 EVO NVMe M.2 installed for AU $350 and the card dislodged during transit (unsecured), ran like crap on a freezing day. Popped the back off, pushed the card in and boom, incredible difference. I run a dual TV tuner into it and do everything I need to from the couch with keyboard and mouse, for me the ideal setup. I can't understand anybody separating work and entertainment with a frikken remote, even if they could easily set up a keyboard and mouse to most components. I have been doing this for 15 years.
Do you still get updates?
I like my Mac M2 Mini at a lot! I have it hooked up to a 55" TV, that works out great! I also have 4 drives hooked up through an add-on work station. For me, it has been the best computer I have ever owned. I also like how easy it is to use with my iPhone. I will never go back to MS computing.
You advice on 10:15 was just on point for me! I am on a really low budget. I do video editing and it can’t handle my RUclips videos and client videos smoothly anymore, I am losing time… but for various reason, I don’t have the budget right now, and you thought make sense for me… I use a external storage already, just thinking about the memory now!
Thank you so much for empathy
Great review Greg. I updated mine with 32GB RAM and 512GB SSD. Solid little computer and does 4K video editing without a stutter.
Thanks for that, as my current pc is unable to do that and I’m thinking of an upgrade.
I thought you could not upgrade the M2, could you link me to a video of someone doing it? I so scared to get one without being able to upgrade it.
The bluetooth issues is a pain in the arse but I worked out a fix. The Bluetooth antenna in on the bottom of the mac so the signal is shielded by the metal case make it weak. I simply turned my mac mini m1 over so the base is facing UP. Once I did this the bluetooth range has massively increased and i now have no drop outs. Apple needs to think about where it places antennas in the future.
Super helpful to know. Thank you!
I would personally like the SD card reader on the side, easily accessible and not spoiling that clean front
Brilliant! Very helpful!!! THANK YOU!
Great video. Im getting one of these and well presented mate. Well done.
I got the Mac Mini M2 Pro 3 days ago, 16 gb RAM, and I love it. It's driving the same 2 monitors my M1 did, a 32 in. and a 70 in, handles my 72tb disk array just fine and it has overcome the horrific lag problem I had in Second Life. Very happy with my new machine :)
@@poojabasak000 I really don't know, I don't do that and didn't buy it for that.
I couldn’t agree more. I’m a writer, needed a basic computer after my HP died and bought the mac mini. I’m loving it. I didn’t buy it for video editing, or writing codes. But seriously, isn’t that what the mac studio is for? People expect too much from a basic computer.
Do you have an M2 PRO with 16 ore 32 Gig of ram. Because i'm looking for a mini too replace my old iMac 2012
Hey Greg! Should it be a no brained to upgrade to 32gb 1T ssd for light after effects/ heavier video editing in premiere? I think you said in one of the videos Apple optimizes certain apps and memory or gpu (can’t remember) might not matter as much anymore?
Hey Greg thanks for the review and summup. can you tell me if the issues with longer timelines you are mentioning with m2 mini 8gb version are not actually happening on older M1 8gb (fast ssd) version ?
Kind of random question but are you able to fit the Mac mini M2 with the Satechi hub at the bottom of your Grovemade Desk Shelf ? Would love to know ! :D Thanks for the video BTW always on point! Cheers,
Thanks a lot :) Base model + ram upgrade really makes sense for this form factor/price :)
Terrific video. I have a 2018 Mac mini and the past three years I have used an external hard drive for storage BUT each year around the 10-11 month mark my hard drive begins having connectivity issues with the mini including a loud clicking when I do zooms. Each year I have got a new external hd and still have problems. Have you heard anything about connectivity issues like this with other minis?
Would the base model be good enough for streaming to youtube and facebook? With an atem mini connected..
Love your review! 🎉thank you!
The end caught me by surprise 😂
Thanks for the recommendations tho, they were really useful
I like your video discussions. Right now trying to decide Mac Studio M1 Max vs M2 Max Mac Mini. Do you think the M2 Mac Studio is coming this year?
One of the things you need to know about Apple is test new processors on the cheapest unit to build i.e Mac Mini. Remember the first Apple silicone computer available to developer was in a Mac mini. When I worked there in the PowerBook group the box of choice was a Macintosh LS
, commonly referred to the pizza box.
Bought mine on sale for $499. So far I love it. Replaced my old PC. Still have a M1 MacBook Pro for my mobile option.
Thank you, Greg!!! Really made up my mind! Let’s get the base model…now!!
So gooooood!!!! You are so positive and real! Thank you. Any shortcomings can always be worked around.
3:00 Actually, the display support did change a bit with the M2 Mac mini vs the M1, you can now connect two Thunderbolt or USB-C displays instead of just one, you don't need to use the HDMI port for the second display like you did with the M1. For me this is a very welcome change, as now I should be able to use two 5K displays instead of just one.
Oh wow I actually didn’t realize that. That is a nice upgrade.
If one display is 5K, then the other display can only support up to 4K@60Hz, even it is connected via Thunderbolt.
@@Ranaanna I don't think that's correct. From Apple's Tech Specs: "One display with up to 6K resolution at 60Hz over Thunderbolt and one display with up to 5K resolution at 60Hz over Thunderbolt or 4K resolution at 60Hz over HDMI"
@@dexopaw my bad. This is a really nice upgrade
@@Ranaanna Agreed! I'm very excited about it!
Thanks for the M2 mini take. Fortunately, I've not had any bluetooth M1 mini issues. I mostly use the large Apple kb and trackpad. Fingers crossed that continues! That said, my M1 has been great for the 1 1/2 year I've had it.
I had this issue till now with my Mac mini 2012. Apple said nothing wrong when I brought the mini back to them
So pleased I stopped by, was going to go for a higher spec but only need the base model. Mac mini
I like the little white desktop shelf you have. Model or link info?
Great review. Thanks for keeping it real instead of bogging down with the stats.
Really well thought out presentation.
Thank you 🙏
Ordered a 10core with 32Gb of Ram and 512 SSD (I got external ones). Can’t wait to use it. My 2015 MBP is on its last legs. Even Logic freezes up now.
I know I'm probably not the average user, but for me, longevity is important. Last week my late 2013 iMac finally died. Could have fixed it as I've done in the past, but thought 10 years had been a great bang for my buck, so upgrade time it is, went for the 10 CPU / 16 GPU cores M2 Pro. I fully expect to be rocking it ten years from now.
great review! when you say 4k editing, you mean no proxy, right ??
Greg thank you for your videos. What monitor would be good besides the Studio Display? I'm trying not to go over $500.00.
Thanks. Great follow up
So true....the M1 Mac mini had more power than all the PC's and RAID drives I've built for much less!
Really helpful review. I had no idea about the Bluetooth issues and I had been considering a secondhand m1 mini. One of the commenters mentioned turning it upside down so I'll try that if it it's a problem. Liked and subscribed.
Thanks Greg; good, well-balanced review (pros/cons). I went for the M2 Pro Mini, 16GB, 1TB SSD; one disappointment is that I have seen the spinning beach ball a few times. It only lasts
What other apps are you using frequently?
yup you should have!
That's 2000 USD in specs crazy i would never spend that much
That's the feeling of paying way too much for what you are getting in specs. Also known as Apple Tax. 32Gb of ram is entry level in PC world by now.
Great review. I am on the fence with what model. I am typically the type of person who says "get the best of your budget" and Im really set on the pro model. mainly for the 16 core, 4 ports etc. And I need to use it for virtual presentation, and normal day to day activities. I work remotely as a regional training liaison, and will use it for personal use as well. Are the adittional ports really a game changer? Or should I go with the mid tier model, upgrade to the 16 and call it a day? I plan to hook this up to an LG monitor next to my gaming set up?
What configuration would you recommend for someone who does graphic design in adobe illustrator?
this is a big help .. thanks...
Do you know if it supports 120 or more refresh rate ?
Hi there! Can you please advise if I can smoothly edit my you tube videos I am planning to create through this computer?
the nice thing about keeping the Mac mini the same form factor as long as possible is that you have access to so many accessory options!
I love the OWC thunderbolt hub
LOL, not sure if this is a joke. If Apple wasn't so stubborn and greedy they would just give you a SD card slot and usb-c/a ports on the front like every PC $150 and up has. They just want to give you another reason for upgrading to the Mac Studio or make you buy over priced accessories.
Can we use premiere pro? Will it be good enough
That Tim Cook duet at the end was hilarious! 😂
Subscribed
Well that's my mind made up, I want to upgrade from my old (6, 1) MacPro for LrC and Photoshop. It is the maxed version and works well but it's getting a bit long in the tooth so I decided to get a Mini just for photo and a bit of video editing. I couldn't decide which Mini to get, I didn't want the spinny ball popping up when I was working so I was a bit stuck in my confusion. Your video has helped greatly! I will be buying, in the next month or two, the base Mini with the 16Gb RAM upgrade. Thank you!
Great review Greg, thank you.
I am considering buying the baseline Mac Mini since i already use 5 different Apple devices daily and the addition of a desktop computer would be the missing part for even more productivity.
The only downside i see with the base model is the monitor refresh rate it offers, apple states that the little guy can only put out 60Hz and i am already so used to my gaming PC running a smoother 144Hz for years on my 1080p Monitor.
Is it true that it could run a 144Hz refresh rate if i use a thunderbolt4-to-displayport cable?
thanks for the video. question I have the 2013 imac 21.5 I'm thinking of getting the mini M2 should I use my old imac as my monitor or I also have a 27" Dell monitor (nothing fancy) thans
What’s your mac mini model? Is it a m2 pro? Is this any bluetooth issues? Thank you🙏🏻
I have convertible chromebook. Is it possible to use the chromebook in tablet mode as an external monitor for the mac mini ?
Probably a dumb question here, but I’ll ask it anyway. I currently have an iMac built late 2013 that seems to be near death, display is fine but terribly slow. If I get the Mac Mini M2 is it possible to use my current iMac as the display?
The biggest pain point is that the disk is soldered in. I've been in IT for over 35 years, it's always been WHEN your hard drive fails not if, only now instead of replacing a $150 unit, you toss the whole Mac into the trash. SSD's will not last forever and they've got a limited read / write cycle before failure. Be cautious of used macs if you don' know how the SSD was treated -- you might get one that only works for a short period of time. Your home directory is where most of your SSD's read / write cycles occur, buy fast External Thunderbolt 4 drive and put your home directory there.
Hello Richard, I'm new to Mac as a PC user. When you say put your home directory on an external. Do you mean use the external for all your files?
How would I set up a home directory on an external? Thanks in advance. I have a 2600mb/sec 980 samsung 2tb external.
I read one review in which the reviewer was deliberately booting from an external SSD in order to prevent "wearing out" his Mini's internal SSD.
I suppose that's an option since nearly everyone is using external storage anyway.
In your estimation would this make a good music server for Apple lossless music and can I run the whole thing using my iPad Pro?
A great review. I hvae a Base spec Mac Mini M2 incoming, tomorrow. I laboured long and hard over the decision to update from my 2011 Mac Mini (that I'd updated to have a 1TB SSD a few years ago - best update I did t it). You're 100% right, these things get expensive real quick with the add-ons. But also that the base spec is probably quite enough for a large audience of users. I was going to take the 1TB SSD out of the old Mini and fit it in an external case. But then NVMe is so cheap at 1TB that I have one of those with an enclosure for £65 that'll give the I/O speed as well as capacity as required.
I am also planning to purchase mac mini m2 base varient can you share me your crucial 1 year experience i want to learn video editing and become a free lancer
@@ShivamSingh-xu1wfThe Mac Mini has continued to operate very well indeed. My uses of it cover 3D Print Slicers (vendor and Open Source) that can be quite intensive depending on size of item/s. I do a little video editing, more around Insta360 files that get large very quickly, especially at 8k. The Mini handles them acceptably well, bearing in mind this isn’t a top of range powerhouse.
I did add one item to help with performance and minimising onboard SSD issues. That was an external 40Gbps NVMe enclosure and 1TB WD Black SN770 M.2 2280 PCIe that operates just about as fast as the onboard.
That’s my experience so far.
Thanks for the review Greg, I’m looking at getting this to replace my 2018 MBpro in my recording space. Those damn fans are just too loud in a booth
Thank you, Greg for another excellent comment video on the M2 "mac mini". This M2 Pro 'mac mini" model is what, I had been waiting for Apple, Inc. to introduce for over a two year period (with their M1 processor chip) but, Apple never did. So, last year, I gave up and picked-up for about $1,000 a used 2014, space gray "trash can" size Mac Pro with 8-core/ D-700/64 GB/ 1TB SSD which, is working great and meets all of my current needs.
Love your Stuff!!
Thanks!
i have never had any bluetooth or wifi problems with my M1 mac mini explain that
Great review!! I may be convinced to upgrade from my 2013 imac. Do you know if I can use the imac as a monitor?
ruclips.net/video/RXKaNkAYnz4/видео.html
I keep trying to find an excuse to upgrade or get something different. I have an M1 Air albeit with the 8GB ram and 256. There is part of me that wants to but I wonder if I'm really trying to fill some emotional void by buying something new. I made a solid choice with this M1 and I must remind myself I broke the hinges on my last HP laptop whilst attempting to change out the fan. Well this one does NOT have that issue. I wouldn't mind a Studio display and external drive as you mentioned.
Could you run dual monitors on this is you have a separate monitor hub? I don’t know computers so please forgive my ignorance.
I also bought mac mini M2. This is my first mac product.
I only use wifi and after I wake it up after sleep it takes a while until it can connect to wifi again.
Beyond that it's ok to me for my dev projects.
I'm about to upgrade my mid 2010 iMac to a Mac mini but I have upgraded the storage and memory one step. I still use my iMac for photo editing using Affinity Photo and this new one will be an upgrade so I don't foresee any problems with it and only hope it lasts half as long as this workhorse of a computer in the 2010 iMac. I did have to upgrade the hdd in the iMac about 3 or 4 years ago, but other than that, it has been a dream and only really started to slow down a bit when they quit supporting it (Mac OS High Sierra 10.13.6).
not related to the content of the video, but what is the monitor riser you are using for the studio display? It looks great and appears to elevate it just enough to make it usable.
Grovemade desk riser: bit.ly/3Xn3JIO Their stuff is expensive but looks very nice
Added a TB3 external NVMe enclosure and a 2TB NVMe for $250. Upgrading to 2TB through Apple would be $800 and you lose the initial 256Gb SSD from the base model. As far as speed it may not be as fast as the Apple 2TB upgrade but as fast if not faster then the initial 256GB SSD in the base Mac Mini. Value for money and the performance make it a common sense move for most people.
Having PCIe4 Gen 4 x4 NVMes, slower NVMes, SATA SSDs, SATA HDDs and USB NVMes on my PC I am quite familair with how each storage format performs. To be honest the external approach is a realistic solution for people who could use the $550 saving elsewhere or just save spending so much.
In the past and on an extreme budget I used a USB 3.1 (not 3.0 as USB 3.1 is twice as fast) SATA to USB 3.1 Adapter and a 1TB SSD for $62. It is quite usuable for running programs from, etc.
Can you use this as a streaming PC for gaming?
While you can have a Mac studio with the same price (as an upgraded mini Mac M2), do you still recommend a mini Mac M2?
How good is for livestream OBS ?
Good thing I watched this video before I started clicking through on their website. Thank you very much.
Love the video! 🎉 Nice job! Can you make a follow up Video on The Ultra Watch please
In the works!
@@GregsGadgets Awesome I’m looking forward to it! And, of course, all your other videos you’ll be making as well!
Keep up the great work And have a great weekend!
Upgrades worth mentioning, 30% better GPU performance vs M1 for all you Hearstone players, Wifi 6 boosting the wireless download speed to 800 MBps if you have a 1GB service, overall iOS stability (way fewer crashes vs M1) Bluetooth stability for headset, mice and keyboard.
I would have zero complaints about the M series Mini if not for two issues: can't upgrade RAM (post purchase); can't upgrade or swap out a failed drive. I know, pretty basic stuff. The lack of those two features is responsible for a third feature of M Minis: disposability. Typing this out on a dual SSD 2012 Mini that still performs capably because it could be easily upgraded and repaired.
That’s fairly basic for all apple products. Irritating for sure but at least it’s not Microsoft.
I’m just really curious if you can hook up any size TV monitor as a monitor instead of an apple monitor?
Yes
SD slot in front would require a small board the mini design is simple and easier to take apart back panel has it all in one location simple.
I've been using a Mac Mini I bought in March 2015. It's a dual core i5 2.6 GHz with 8 GB RAM. I use it for internet and recording music with Reason Studio. It handles everything I can throw at it with easy. Including multi track recording with midi and plugins. I've done as many as 42 tracks in one song and never maxed the DSP meter in Reason.
I'm guessing this computer is a much more powerful machine capable of exceeding my current needs.
You think I can't go wrong using this computer as an upgrade from my current one? The video card is going out and the monitors don't always connect and turn on. It's time for a new one after 8 1/2 years.
The one thing I am struggling with my M2 Mac Mini Pro - running it through a 27 inch Apple Cinema via an adapter into a USBc port. It will not allow me to change the default screen resolution. It list another higher resolution (tiny font) as the default. When it goes to sleep it ofter wakes up in another screen resolution and when I go into change it it only list four resolutions - none of which I would like to use.
I will go to Apple for a HDMI to Apple Cinema Display and try that.
Outside of that I am loving my Mac Mini M2 Pro.
Hi what is the power consumption of the M2?
I'm running mine in the basement without a monitor, keyboard, or mouse. I just did the 16GB bump. That's it. It's doing stuff for a good price.
Is it possible to use ipad as a main screen and keyboard without wifi?
how much of the 256GB drive space is usable? That is, after the OS is installed, out of the box.
good video . I feel good about this purchase & appreciate your honest feedback 😀👍
M2 (not pro) 16GB 512GB - Will this work well for 4K Video editing in Adobe Premiere? 15-20 minute films.. that's my question :o
I really want a Mac to use. I’ve only ever owned Windows & after being burned over & over again by HP I am done (with the exception of my LG Gram for day to day tasks). So if I’m going to be editing videos I should get the Pro variant?
I have an iPad Pro and iPhone 15 PM, if I get this do they all talk to each other?
Would it work with an 8k ( 60 Hz ) TV, with hdmi 2.1?
i think upgrading 16gb of ram makes a lot of sense for a machine that usually stay on your desk several years...(i own still a macmini intel i3 3.6mhz - 2018 base model and is still working great after 4 years!)
Yep - especially with this version of Mac where the ssd is soldered onto the motherboard. The more caching you can reduce, the longer the life of the ssd.
Is this computer good with streaming?
This is a pretty good video with nice thoughts
I want to edit my kids sports video's I take on my iPhone. I am recording in 4K 60fps in HDR. Will the cheap Mac Mini suffice?
Your ‘Don’t be fooled’ warnings are really cringe. Just thought you should know 😊
It depends on us if we stop falling to this bait, it’ll probably fade away 🤓
i wish he would listen to you
I like his knowingly nerdy communication style. I think there’s a self-aware humor to his captions that you’re missing
Just wait after 3nm everything will stop
Simply playing the RUclips title/thumbnail game. If the mass of dumb dumbs didn’t exclusively click on these, creators wouldn’t have to do them.
I plan on building a render farm so I won't need an M2 Mac Mini for rendering. However, it will still need to be proficient at working with DaVinci Resolve and Blender. You think it can handle that?
I've been using a Mac Mini i7for years now so I have all the peripherals. I'm thinking to get a M2. Great review, thanks.
thank you for this video. I have vision problems and i hear macs are the best for accessibility (especially compared to windows) so i was looking at this machine--basically cause of how cheap it was.
good to see that it's reallly good but obviously not perfect.
So thanks, Greg!
Everyone that I ever worked with that had vision problems swore by their Mac!
So respectful of Mr. Tim Cook to give a cameo. Unexpected!
I love my M1 16gb. The Mac mini is the best deal in computing currently, and to think it’s from Apple!
For computer guys, the Mac mini is a mysterious creature wondering the jungle. It boggles the mind.
But for almost every regular person, the m2 is over the top good enough. Especially in the office.
Bro should i get a macbook air m2 or the macmini m2 with a 400$ monitor?
Why you didn't show cinebench r23 single core scores?
I’m still having issues when I connect two Bluetooth devices using adapters . I have a Corsair K70 Pro mini wireless keyboard and a Corsair RGB Pro wireless mouse which both works fine on pc but keeps disconnecting on my M2 Mac mini . Both use a USB adapter . When i plug them in the wired they works fine .