Category: Mac Mini

I have been closely monitoring the temperature of my M4 Pro Mini, focusing on both the die and the SSD, in addition to an external SSD. From my observations, a temperature of 50 degrees Celsius is not particularly alarming. During usage spikes, I have recorded temperatures reaching 66 degrees while running just a few applications.

It appears that the device prioritizes energy conservation, which includes keeping the fan running at an idle speed of around 1000 RPM until absolutely necessary. Under full load conditions, I have noted that the temperature hovers around 110 degrees, with prolonged heavy use resulting in temperatures climbing to 118 degrees, where it stabilizes. I have been utilizing large language models (LLMs) that fully engage the GPU for extended periods, and this is when I observe the temperature peak at 118 degrees.

During this time, the fans kick up to maximum speed. Additionally, while playing several 3D games at 4K and 5K resolutions, I’ve seen the device maintain a temperature close to 110 degrees, with the fans constantly operating at around 2500 RPM. My main point is that this machine operates hotter than any Mac I have previously owned, yet it is also the fastest.

My experiences with the M1 and M2 Air models showed distinctly different temperature behaviors. Before claiming that the device is running “too hot,” it’s crucial to understand the engineering specifications for maximum junction temperature (TJ Maximum), which Apple does not publicly disclose. It is also worth comparing the temperatures experienced on M4 Pros with other latest-generation silicon, which seem to run hotter than I am used to.

Unless you notice performance throttling, I would bet that your machine is functioning within normal parameters—or at least what is considered normal by Apple’s engineering standards.

L LarTeROn, a member of the MacRumors community, posted a query on May 8, 2020, regarding the functionality of remote button switches for resetting servers in relation to the Mac Mini. The question is whether these remote switches can be utilized with the Mac Mini, particularly in light of the newly released M4 model. The inquiry centers on the compatibility of the remote reset switches with the Mac Mini, as users often seek efficient ways to manage and reset their devices.

As technology evolves, it raises concerns about whether older peripherals remain functional with the latest hardware releases. With the introduction of the M4 Mac Mini, potential changes in design or technology might impact this compatibility. Users who rely on remote reset functions for server management are specifically interested in understanding how these developments affect their existing setups.

Making a thorough investigation into the remote switch features and comparing them with the recent advancements in Mac Mini could provide clarity. It’s important for users to know if they need to adapt to new solutions or if they can continue using their current methods efficiently. In summary, the original poster is seeking feedback from the community to determine whether existing remote button switches are still a viable option with the M4 Mac Mini or if changes have rendered them less effective.

Engaging with others who have had similar experiences or testing these functions directly could yield useful insights.

The likelihood of significant updates to the Mac Mini’s lineup appears quite low in the immediate future. Historically, Apple has maintained a pattern of upgrade cycles, with notable releases occurring approximately every two years. Previous updates were seen in 2012, 2014, 2018, and 2020, suggesting that a minimum of two years usually separates these updates. Considering the recent release history for Apple Silicon Mac Minis, we have the M1 introduced in November 2020 and the M2 in January 2023, with an M4 anticipated in October 2024.

This raises the question for potential buyers: Should I invest in a Mac Mini now or wait for the expected M5 Pro version? While there’s speculation about an M5 release, some believe it might not appear until late 2025 or early 2026. This uncertainty can be daunting for those contemplating a purchase. Many consumers, including myself, find themselves torn between acquiring a base model Mini today or holding out in hopes of future enhancements.

The buyer’s guide offers a recommendation to buy now, which adds to the dilemma. Moreover, questions arise regarding storage options, such as whether to upgrade the internal SSD or rely on external drives, especially given that brands like OWC have been slow to provide upgrade solutions for the M4 Mini. Interestingly, Apple’s past strategies reveal that the final Intel release may have been rushed, as it was clear that the M1 was on the horizon. The current trajectory of product releases may change, especially as Apple adapts to the implications of AI and operating system developments.

Therefore, future releases could be more frequent, particularly with the anticipated advancements in the M5 line.

Beelink may not be a well-known name to everyone, but they seem to have carved out a niche in the mini-PC market. I have to say, I am quite impressed with their offerings, especially as I’m currently in the market for a Thunderbolt 5 (TB5) dual-slot NVMe enclosure.

My main requirement is to achieve around 2800MB/s for each NVMe drive independently. While additional features are a bonus, the overall design appears thoughtful and well-executed, and the cooling strategy looks promising.

The alignment of the ports with the Mac’s design is a nice touch. However, I would prefer to wait for some user reviews before making a purchase.

One concern I have is the unspecified fan noise. If I decide to place the enclosure under or on my Mac Mini, I want to ensure it doesn’t generate excessive noise.

Another important aspect is the PCIe lane configuration, which hasn’t been clearly stated. There are two versions: Version “A” with two NVMe slots achieving read speeds of 3219 MB/s and write speeds of 2800 MB/s on macOS, and Version “B” with one NVMe slot reaching 5809 MB/s read and 3162 MB/s write.

It raises questions about the specifics of the performance claims—such as whether the 3000 MB/s advertised for Version A is for each slot individually or from a RAID configuration. Thunderbolt 5 supports four lanes of PCIe 4.0, suggesting that Version A might be utilizing two lanes for each slot.

There are other considerations as well, such as the lack of a power supply and the recommendation to use a PD 3.0 USB-C charger rated at 30W or higher for multiple peripherals. Also, a significant downside is the absence of Thunderbolt pass-through for daisy-chaining devices, which could be limiting for some users.

Finally, I appreciate the three-year warranty, which feels reassuring, though I would like clarity on whether it includes Thunderbolt compatibility with an Intel or alternate brand chip. Overall, while this enclosure offers interesting specifications, further details would be beneficial before making a commitment.