Distribute This Page: Bookmark & Share Download: PDF Manual. The Apple Mac mini 'Core i5' 2.3 (Mid-2011/Aluminum Unibody) features a 32-nm 'Sandy Bridge' 2.3 GHz Intel 'Core i5' (2415M) processor with two independent processor 'cores' on a single chip, a 3 MB shared level 3 cache, 2 GB of 1333 MHz DDR3 SDRAM (PC3-10600) memory, a 500 GB hard.
- Mac Mini User Guide
- Mac Instructions Manual
- Manual For Apple Mac Mini Download
- Mac Mini Setup Guide
- Manual For Apple Mac Mini Storage
Apple Mac Mini (2018)
“The Mac Mini is the best value in the entire Mac line.”
- Compact, simple design
- Very quiet
- Excellent processor performance
- Best-in-class hard drive performance
- Terrible game performance
- MacOS updates are lackluster
Believe it or not, Apple’s Mac Mini is 13 years old, making it the second oldest product line still in Apple’s portfolio. It even outdates the MacBook Pro, which didn’t appear until 2006.
Unlike the MacBook Pro, however, the Mini was neglected. A quick updated followed the original, but the third-gen didn’t appear until 2010. Apple has sold the same design for eight years and didn’t update the internals for four (since 2014). That left budget Mac fans settling for old hardware.
Now, we’re finally seeing the fourth design. The new Mini, with the latest Intel chip, fixes that problem. Yet it’s no charity. Mac fans must pay at least $800 — $300 more than the previous entry. It’s not an outrageous price, but it bumps the Mac Mini into competition with a different league of hardware. Is the Mini still the perfect gateway drug for would-be Apple addicts?
Blink, and you’ll miss it
Though the 2018 Mac Mini is a redesign, it doesn’t throw out the previous look. It’s still a thin, slab of metal, sitting on a round rubber base that’s invisible when the desktop is in use. The front and sides are almost entirely flat, broken only by the Apple logo on the top and a tiny, tiny LED on the lower right corner. Even the power button is around back, where it joins the ports.
It’s the same size in every dimension as before, and nearly the same weight at 2.9 pounds. The color has changed, however. Previously available only in silver, the new model only ships in Space Gray. It’s a simple way to tell the two apart and helps the 2018 Mac Mini fit in with other modern Apple devices where silver, though often available, is no longer the most fashionable choice.
If Apple could ship a desktop with a cloaking device, it would, but the Mini is the next best thing.
There’s not much else to say, really, and that’s the point. If Apple could ship a desktop with a cloaking device, it would, but the Mini’s subtle elegance is the next best thing. It’s built to be ignored.
That said, the Mac Mini doesn’t feel as small as it once did. Intel’s Hades Canyon NUC is about the same size (though more rectangular), yet it comes with a discrete graphics chip. Intel NUC models with integrated graphics are a bit more than four inches on a side and one to two inches thick, depending on the model. Asus, Zotac, and MSI make a variety of small desktops that beat the Mac Mini on size – though not all have eighth-generation Intel processors.
Size isn’t the only reason why a Mac Mini can fade into its surroundings. Noise is at an absolute minimum. The fan only ramps up to a noticeable level during heavy workloads and, even then, it’s a whisper. We can’t remember the last time we tested a desktop this quiet.
Thunderbolt 3 is in, but it’s not all-in
Connectivity separates the new Mac Mini from the old model, and every PC competitor. Turn it around, and you’ll find three Thunderbolt 3 ports, two USB 3 ports, Ethernet, HDMI 2.0, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.
The reliance on Thunderbolt 3 is very Apple. It’s also a bit absurd. Thunderbolt 3 remains the connection of premium devices, so four such ports on an affordable desktop is strange. Intel’s NUC devices offer more USB-A 3.0 ports but, in recent models, pair them with a single Thunderbolt 3. We think that’s a better balance.
We’re not too annoyed, though. Unlike MacBooks, the Mac Mini places Thunderbolt 3 alongside a reasonable selection of alternatives. There’s USB-A 3.0 for mouse and keyboard as well as HDMI 2.0 for use with a monitor or HDTV. Most Mac Mini devices will be paired with only a small handful of peripherals, so the connectivity here is more than adequate.
You could upgrade the RAM, but you won’t want to try
Apple doesn’t care much for user upgrades, and the new Mac Mini is no exception. It’s technically possible to upgrade the RAM. You’ll have to pry around the rubber base, however, to even access the screws, and then you’ll have to completely remove the mainboard to remove and replace the RAM. The hard drive isn’t user serviceable.
Most small desktops are hard to upgrade, but some make limited upgrades easier. Intel’s NUC line, which is built with do-it-yourself users in mind, makes hard drive and RAM upgrades as simple as removing the cover.
There’re limits to the benefits of upgrading such components, however. If you want a desktop that you can improve in the future, consider a proper tower PC like the Dell Inspirion 5680.
Look at it go!
The base Mac Mini ships with an Intel Core i3-8100H, which can be upgraded to either a Core i5-8400B or Core i7-8700B. The Core i5 and i7 processors not only have more cores (six, up from four) but also a higher thermal design power. Put another way, the chips are designed with heavier power consumption in mind, and that translates to much better performance in all scenarios.
Our review unit was the $1,100 model with a Core i5-8400B processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB solid state drive. It fared well in our tests.
While the Mac Mini sets no records, the Intel Core i5-8400B’s performance is excellent. Geekbench 4 shows a multi-core score of 20,432. That easily defeats Intel’s Hades Canyon NUC, which hit a score of 16,176. In fact, the Mac Mini trades blows with desktops that pack the Core i7-8700. While it’s possible to buy a Core i7-8700 desktop for a couple hundred less than the Mini, most worthwhile competitors are in the same price range, and they’re often full tower PCs.
While the Mac Mini sets no records, the Core i5-8400B’s performance is excellent
We didn’t test the Mac Mini with a Core i3 processor, but Geekbench 4’s public benchmark log makes a comparison easy. Here, too, the results are favorable for the Core i5 model. Upgrading from Core i3 to Core i5 nets a single-core performance gain of about 12 percent, which isn’t earth-shattering, but the multi-core score rises 50 percent. That’s a difference you’ll notice if you throw even a modestly demanding task at your Mac Mini.
What about the Core i7 model? It’s faster still, but it remains a six-core chip like the Core i5, so the gain is less than 15 percent in multi-core. That’s worthwhile for power users, but the Core i5 is the value sweet spot.
Oh, and here’s a fun fact. Apple hasn’t updated the iMac’s processors yet, so our Core i5-powered Mac Mini defeats most configurations. You’ll have to upgrade to the fastest processor available in the iMac (and we’re talking the iMac here, notthe $5,000 iMac Pro) to beat our Mac Mini in single-core tests, and still the iMac will lose slightly in multi-core tests.
That’s not to say you’d notice a difference in normal use, but it’s impressive given the Mac Mini’s smaller size and more affordable price.
Transfer files in a flash
As is often true of Macs, the hard drive is a stunner, hitting a read speed of 2,753MB/s and a write speed of 1,238MB/s (according to the BlackMagic benchmark). We’ve never tested a comparably priced desktop with hard drive performance on this level, and most are roughly half as quick, at best.
The hard drive is a stunner, hitting a read speed of 2,753MB/s and a write speed of 1,238MB/s
Even the Intel Optane drive in our Hades Canyon NUC review unit achieved a read speed of 1,333MB/s. That isn’t an apples-to-apples comparison, unfortunately, because the benchmark we use to test Windows machines does not support MacOS. Still, the Mac Mini’s storage performance stands out from its peers.
Got game? Take it somewhere else
So far, so good, but the Mac Mini does have one big gap in its performance. Gaming.
![Mini Mini](/uploads/1/2/4/7/124749665/360440807.jpg)
All versions of the Mac Mini ship with Intel UHD Graphics 630. No discrete graphics option is available. That means you’re out of luck if you want to play even the least demanding 3D games.
We fired up Rocket League and found that, even at Performance quality settings and 1080p resolution, gameplay wasn’t smooth enough to be enjoyable. Dropping to 1,600 x 900 helped, but the game looked like a PlayStation 3 launch title.
Civilization VI is another game we frequently test, and it was hopeless. We saw an average of 9 frames per second even at 1080p and medium detail. It’s not playable, nevermind enjoyable.
That’s a problem. Gaming is mainstream, but the Mac Mini can’t handle most titles. Many similarly priced desktops come with a discrete graphics card either standard or as an option. Intel’s Hades Canyon NUC is the most notable entry, as it’s even smaller than the Mac Mini but offers enough performance to play any modern title at 1080p and medium detail. Larger desktops, like the Dell Inspiron Gaming line, offer do-it-all punch at the same price as our Mac review unit – though, admittedly, they’re much larger.
MacOS has become a weakness
The new Mac Mini’s $800 price tag is $300 more than the outgoing model, but it’s still the least expensive Mac available. That makes it the go-to for budget buyers. Many people will choose it not because they want the Mac Mini specifically, but because they want MacOS.
Mac Mini User Guide
Alternatives
That’s not the advantage it used to be, however. Recent MacOS updates have made little difference for the average owner and, in many respects, the operating system has become less attractive over time. It’s still simple to use, but Apple clearly favors iOS, showering it with updates while MacOS sustains itself on a trickle of small quality-of-life improvements.
Gaming used to be somewhat viable on Mac, but few new PC games bother to port over to the Mac, which is no doubt why Steam’s user survey has shown the Mac’s user share stall at about 2.5 percent. Apple’s Mac App Store isn’t as useful as its iOS peer, and arguably isn’t as trustworthy. And the Mac’s multitasking features have not kept up with Windows 10.
All this means MacOS isn’t as appealing as it used to be. If you prefer it, go for it. Learning a new operating system is a hassle. If you’re a Windows user thinking to switch to MacOS for the operating system, though, think twice. You’ll be signing up for an operating system that’s receiving unimpressive updates and makes up only a small share of Apple’s business. Windows 10 is still a tentpole for Microsoft, however, and that shows in Windows’ quicker update pace and better support from third-party software.
Apple’s Mac Mini is a strong performer in all areas except games. So strong, in fact, that most people won’t have a reason to buy a more powerful Mac. The Mac Mini we tested, with a Core i5 processor, is a simple, intuitive desktop that will satisfy owners for years.
Is there a better alternative?
Intel’s NUC offers better overall performance in a similar form factor, and you can buy off-the-shelf models with an operating system install. They’re even somewhat upgradable. However, their design and features aim the NUC line at hardware geeks.
There’s also a wide variety of small desktops from companies like MSI and Zotac. These too are aimed at enthusiasts, not everyday people who just want a computer that works. Availability can be spotty for these brands, too.
For most people, the real question is this. Do you need a desktop this small? If you do, the Mac Mini is a good bet. If you don’t, a small tower PC like the Dell Inspiron 5680 will do more for your money.
How long will it last?
Modern desktops often last at least five years, and we doubt the Mac Mini will be any different. The standard one-year warranty is nothing special, but the Apple Store offers a superior service experience should you have a problem.
Should you buy it?
Yes. Forget the iMac. The Mac Mini is all the Mac most people need.
Re-engineered in no small way.
New eighth-generation 6‑core and quad‑core processors
Faster 2666MHz DDR4 memory up to 64GB
Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C), HDMI 2.0, and available 10Gb Ethernet
Blazing-fast all-flash storage with up to 2TB SSD
Part racehorse. All workhorse.
In addition to being a great desktop computer, Mac mini powers everything from home automation to giant render farms. And now with eighth-generation Intel quad-core and 6-core processors and Intel UHD Graphics 630, Mac mini has even more compute power for industrial-grade tasks. So whether you’re running a live concert sound engine or testing your latest iOS app, Mac mini is the shortest distance between a great idea and a great result.
Cool story.
Packing this much power into the same enclosure required an all-new thermal architecture — including all-flash storage, a bigger fan, expanded vents, and a redesigned power supply.
Climb in. Geek out.
Mac mini features high-performance 2666MHz DDR4 SO-DIMM memory for faster rendering, working with massive files, or running multiple virtual machines. And now you can configure even more memory — up to 64GB — to run even heavier workloads.
Haul apps.
Mac mini now includes all-flash PCIe-based storage, with up to four times the read speeds of previous flash options. So you can load giant files and launch apps faster than ever — and with the available 2TB SSD, you’ll have twice the space for all of them.
Next-generation security.
Mac mini features the Apple T2 Security Chip — second-generation custom Mac silicon designed by Apple to make Mac mini even more secure. The T2 Security Chip consolidates several controllers into one, and includes a Secure Enclave coprocessor that provides the foundation for encrypted storage and secure boot capabilities.
- Consolidated controllers
- Secure boot capability
- Secure Enclave coprocessor
- Encrypted storage capability
Strength in numbers.
Mac mini is optimized for performance across the board. Here’s how it compares to the previous generation.
with 6-core Mac mini
compared to Dual-core Mac mini (Baseline)
with 6-core Mac mini
compared to Dual-core Mac mini (Baseline)
with 6-core Mac mini
compared to Dual-core Mac mini (Baseline)
with 6-core Mac mini
compared to Dual-core Mac mini (Baseline)
with 6-core Mac mini
compared to Dual-core Mac mini (Baseline)
with 6-core Mac mini
compared to Dual-core Mac mini (Baseline)
with 6-core Mac mini Manual entry finance for mac free.
compared to Dual-core Mac mini (Baseline)
with 6-core Mac mini
QLab provides live show control for your Mac. Create media designs for theatre, dance, composition, installation, and more. Play back audio, video, and MIDI from a single workspace. The most simple version of QLab is free and provides a powerful audio and video playback environment. If you require advanced functionality, licenses are available to unlock additional features. QLab 4 Everything you need to put on a great show. QLab® 4 combines powerful audio, video, and lighting control in one elegant package. With an all-new Light cue, a major upgrade to QLab Remote for iOS, and over 40 new features, this is the best version of QLab we’ve ever made. Qlab manual for mac computer. The QLab 4 Manual. Welcome to QLab! This documentation gives a comprehensive overview of the features and capabilities of QLab 4. There's a lot here, but you don't need to read everything, or read in any particular order. If you're brand new to QLab then we.
compared to Dual-core Mac mini (Baseline)
with 6-core Mac mini
compared to Dual-core Mac mini (Baseline)
with 6-core Mac mini
compared to Dual-core Mac mini (Baseline)
with 6-core Mac mini
compared to Dual-core Mac mini (Baseline)
with 6-core Mac mini
compared to Dual-core Mac mini (Baseline)
with 6-core Mac mini
compared to Dual-core Mac mini (Baseline)
with 6-core Mac mini with Blackmagic eGPU Pro
compared to 6-core Mac mini with Intel UHD Graphics 630 (Baseline)
I/O, I/O, it’s off to work you go.
With a variety of ports, Mac mini is ready for a variety of workflow configurations. Thunderbolt 3 is our most powerful and versatile port ever — and Mac mini has four of them. The new HDMI 2.0 port delivers more bandwidth than its predecessor, so you can enjoy faster frame rates. And now Mac mini can be configured with 10Gb Ethernet so it's ready to move mountainous files and monstrous data up to 10 times faster.
Thunderbolt 3
(USB-C)
(USB-C)
USB 3
3.5 mm
headphone jack
headphone jack
Mac Instructions Manual
Thunderbolt 3 gives you some seriously productive possibilities. Transfer data at up to 40Gb/s. Charge and power external devices. Connect up to two 4K displays — and even a third with HDMI 2.0 — or one 5K display. Or pair Mac mini with an eGPU for desktop-class graphics performance. Learn more
Manual For Apple Mac Mini Download
Charge and provide power from any port
Run up to two
4K displays
4K displays
To the desktop. And beyond.
Because of its size, performance, and wide array of ports, Mac mini goes where no Mac has gone before. And now with even more cores packed into its 7.7-inch-square frame, you never know where you’ll find a Mac mini — or dozens of them — hard at work.
Mac Mini Setup Guide
With up to 6-core processors and faster 2666MHz memory, Mac mini is ideal for batching out massive Xcode builds or rendering and encoding video.
Manual For Apple Mac Mini Storage
Up to six CPU cores and superfast I/O make Mac mini the perfect Xcode companion to build your apps at top speed while running automated tests in the background.
With its lightning-quick SSD, ripping-fast performance, and small footprint, Mac mini becomes a live musical instrument with MainStage on some of the world’s largest concert tours.
From jaw-dropping performance art to giant immersive digital billboards, Mac mini drives some of the biggest and brightest digital displays with its powerful processors, high-performance memory, and fast, versatile I/O.
macOS Mojave
Simply powerful.
Featuring Dark Mode, new pro-inspired features, four new apps, and a redesigned Mac App Store.
Apple Trade In
Get up to $1400 toward a new Mac mini.17
Just trade in your eligible computer for credit or recycle it for free. It’s good for you and the planet.