Apple Mac Mini 512GB (2020)

Mac Mini (2020): small and compact, but no less powerful

The global company Apple this year decided to update the Mac Mini lineup (2018) and present to the general public a completely redesigned device designed for the professional part of apple users. As before, the device is available in space gray, has a compact size (20 x 20 cm) and a flat one-piece aluminum body.

Available configurations: what has changed?

The introduced Mac Mini (2020) uses a 6-core processor with a refresh rate of up to 3 GHz, Turbo Boost up to 4.1 GHz. More importantly, the gadget is equipped with integrated Intel UHD 630 graphics. An apple user can choose from 2 options available on the market today:

- Mac Mini (2020) with built-in 8th Gen Intel Core i3 up to 3.6GHz refresh rate, 8GB memory (DDR4 2666MHz), 256GB SSD

- Mac Mini (2020), equipped with an 8th generation Intel Core i5 processor with a refresh rate of up to 3.0 GHz, Turbo Boost up to 4.1 GHz, 8GB of memory (DDR4 2666 MHz), 512GB SSD

Both options can be added. It can be configured with a 6-core Intel Core i7 chip with a refresh rate of 3.2 GHz, Turbo Boost up to 4.6 GHz.

Specifications and appearance: more about Mac Mini (2020)

According to Apple, the new lineup is 5 times faster than its 2018 predecessors. Updated SSD drives perform twice as well as before.

The T2 chip is responsible for safe operation and reliable encryption of personal data, which connected the SSD controller with on-the-fly data encryption, accelerated HEVC video encoding and Secure Enclave, a functional element that will help ensure that the software that the user downloads has not been faked.

Just as importantly, the Mac Mini (2020) is packed with ports for comfortable, professional work. Each model has four Thunderbolt 3/USB-C ports, an HDMI 2.0 connector, a 3.5mm headphone jack, two USB-A ports, and high-speed Gigabit Ethernet that can be upgraded to 10Gbps if needed.

Aesthetic component: will there be noticeable changes?

The Mac Mini lineup has always been considered Apple's smallest and most portable desktop machine, and current products have not lost that status. The developers left a solid aluminum square body, compact dimensions (20 x 20 cm).

The presented device weighs very little (1.3 kg), so it is convenient enough to move it from place to place, attach available peripherals and additional monitors. Unlike other Apple products, this gadget does not offer a basic display, computer mouse or keyboard, so it is perfect for users who want to upgrade the device themselves.

On the one hand, the user can find many useful ports, and on the opposite side, a barely visible device status indicator. At the top, you can see the expressive apple logo.

Note that the new generation offers reinforced built-in fans with dual airflow, larger vents and an upgraded power supply that delivers 70% more maximum supported power.

Functional Aspect: Available Mac Mini Connectors (2020)

Apple has equipped the new product line with a range of ports, allowing it to be used simultaneously with multiple peripherals. Of course, you should not compare a compact gadget with a MacBook Pro. On the back of the device, the user will find:

- Thunderbolt 3 / USB-C 3.1 Gen 2 connectors that can support USB-C accessories and 4K and 5K displays (4)
- HDMI 2.0 port
- Gigabit Ethernet input upgradable up to 10 Gb
- Standard 3.5mm headphone jack
- Convenient USB-A (2)
- A place to connect the charger.
- Please note that Thunderbolt 3 provides data transfer rates up to 40Gbps and the ability to attach 2x 4K displays (with a third 4K display via HDMI) or one 5K display.

The device also supports 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0 for communication anywhere in the world.

Freedom to Use: Upgrade Mac Mini (2020)!

You can try to replace the RAM, but this is a rather complicated process. The company does not consider the RAM officially available for replacement, as it requires the device to be completely disassembled to access it.

Therefore, the global company recommends that you buy a new product only at official points of sale, and perform RAM upgrades only under the supervision of technical specialists. The SSD and CPU are replaceable as they are not soldered.

CPU and GPU: what about the numbers?

The Mac Mini (2020) uses Intel's 8th generation 4-core and 6-core Coffee Lake processors. High-quality 3.2GHz chip tests prove that the performance of this device is equivalent to the high-end 2018 MacBook Pro. Interestingly, our device received some of the best single-core performance.

The entire lineup is equipped with integrated Intel UHD Graphics 630, with no GPU upgrade options, and Apple does not provide discrete GPU options. However, the Mac Mini (2020) can be used with eGPU settings when additional graphics power is needed. Integrated Intel graphics perform 60% better than the 2018 model.

Reliable protection: the prerogative of Apple

A special T2 chip connected several components: a system management controller, an image signal processor for the camera, sound control, an SSD controller, a Secure Enclave, and a hardware encryption engine.

The introduced Apple T2 chip ensures that all data on the SSD is encrypted using special AES hardware, and also provides secure downloads to ensure that any software has not been tampered with. Automatic launch provides only official software from Apple.

iCenter-conclusion: who is the presented gadget suitable for?

The experienced iCenter team recommends buying a Mac Mini (2020) for those who are just planning to get acquainted with the exciting, fast world of macOS. Moreover, the new device is perfect for professional use, because the powerful internal stuffing allows you to easily run and work with "difficult" programs:

Illustrators, web designers, 3D designers can easily transfer their daily work to Mac Mini (2020). For example, Adobe Photoshop will work without delays, freezes and other functional annoyances.

Developers of software, websites, mobile applications will also not feel any discomfort, and the ability to attach an additional monitor is another advantage of the new product.

Photographers, professional bloggers and videographers can edit, share videos effortlessly.

So, the new Mac Mini (2020) is a good cash investment for a productive, innovative future. And the wide range of configuration options and the professionalism of the iCenter team will only help you create a unique individual device to perform tasks of any complexity!