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  • Six Months Later: Community Reactions to 16GB RAM on Base M4 Mac Mini

    Hello everyone,

    I would like to open a discussion regarding the 16GB RAM base spec of the M4 Mac Mini and M4 Air, six months after their launch. I’m curious to hear how owners feel about this specification in terms of their actual use cases.

    Is 16GB enough for your needs? How do you push the system to max out memory usage?

    Specifically, what activities lead you to experience red memory pressure? Do you find yourself wishing you had opted for more RAM?

    I’ve spent considerable time deliberating over which configuration of the M4 Mac Mini to purchase. Like many others, I’m concerned about the high costs associated with Apple’s upgrade options.

    It seems there’s a general consensus that these prices greatly undermine the value of the base model. Six months in, I think it would be valuable to gather insights from current users of the M4 Mac Mini and M4 Air.

    Your experiences can provide clarity for prospective buyers like myself who are trying to make an informed decision. Are there specific tasks or applications that you frequently run that might require additional RAM?

    Moreover, if you have gone through the process of upgrading, how has it affected your overall satisfaction with the device? I look forward to hearing your thoughts and experiences.

    Your input will be incredibly useful for those of us still on the fence about which specification to choose. Thank you!

  • Upgrading RAM in a Late 2014 Mac mini: Discussion on MacRumors Forums

    Unfortunately, there are currently no available schematics for the Mac mini Late 2014 (Macmini7,1). This absence makes it challenging to repair or upgrade the RAM on these models. Despite this limitation, the Mac mini is an attractive option due to its affordability, low power consumption, and reliability. I had several of these devices in my office, available in configurations of 4GB, 8GB, and 16GB.

    I aimed to upgrade the 4GB models to 16GB. To achieve this, I documented the different resistor configurations on the motherboard, which vary between RAM configurations. With this approach, I successfully upgraded the RAM. The Mac mini uses LPDDR3 BGA 178 RAM, the same type found in MacBook Pro and Air models, making it relatively easy to source replacements from suppliers or salvage parts from non-functional logic boards.

    I noted the resistor configurations for different RAM sizes. A green rectangle indicates the presence of a 10k resistor, while a red rectangle denotes its absence. These configurations are located on the upper side of the logic board, diagonally opposite the CPU. If anyone can contribute to this discussion with additional RAM capacity or manufacturer configurations, it would be greatly appreciated.

    I was able to upgrade two Mac mini 2014 1.4GHz models from 4GB to 16GB. While it’s not as fast as an M1 Mac, the performance improvement is worthwhile.

  • Using the Corsair EX400U as an External SSD with the M4 Mac Mini

    I recently came across an interesting external SSD option that uses an integrated USB4/SSD controller from Phison. This design contrasts with the more conventional approach of utilizing a TB3/USB4/TB4/TB5 bridge in combination with an NVMe SSD. While the integrated option may offer some efficiency benefits, it also means that the enclosure is not reusable.

    In the event of a failure, moving the SSD to a different enclosure would not be possible, which is something to consider for prospective buyers. Performance reports for this SSD vary, with some users describing speeds as good to very good. However, one potential drawback of this new controller is that it may not be as widely proven, particularly for Mac users.

    Reviews specifically from the Mac community seem limited. Some users have noted issues related to the drive, such as the need to ‘Eject disk before disconnecting’ after waking the device from sleep mode. Today, I received the Corsair EX400U external SSD, which boasts impressive data speeds—up to 4,000MB/sec for sequential reads and 3,600MB/sec for sequential writes.

    I opted for the 1TB model since I don’t require extensive storage. On my MacBook Pro M4 Pro 14, I formatted the drive to APFS. It’s worth noting that some users on forums have indicated that the sleep/wake issue appears to be limited to this specific drive.

    There is a discussion suggesting that the problem may stem from macOS itself, which has experienced related issues across various versions. Additionally, the drive features a relatively low TeraBytes Written (TBW) rating of 250 TBW per terabyte of capacity. Although it is unlikely to reach that limit within three years of typical use, I view this as a measure of overall quality.

    Nowadays, I prefer drives that offer a five-year warranty and at least 600 TBW/TB, with 1,000 TBW becoming increasingly rare. So far, I don’t have personal experience with this drive or other off-the-shelf alternatives, and it seems that others in the community are in a similar situation.

  • Why I Sold My M1 iMac to Switch to a 2017 21.5″ iMac as My Primary Computer

    The M1-M4 iMac appears to be the perfect desktop computer on paper. It boasts a fast processor, a bright Retina display, an all-in-one design that minimizes cable clutter, Thunderbolt support for external drives, and a 24-inch screen that strikes a balance between size and usability. However, after months of use, I have encountered several issues that often go unmentioned in reviews.

    I originally sold my M1 iMac after purchasing a second-hand 2017 iMac with SSD storage. Thanks to OCLP, I have had no issues running Sequoia 15.5 on it. While I acknowledge that this machine will no longer receive security updates after Autumn 2028, I’m confident I can adapt (Linux, anyone?)

    when that time comes. For my work—reading technical literature, writing, coding, and analyzing data—along with some light photo processing in Pixelmator, I had high expectations from the new iMac. Unfortunately, my experience has revealed some drawbacks.

    First, the screen brightness is notably less impressive than that of older iMacs. My SpyderX measured only 490 nits, compared to the 609 nits of the 21.5-inch model. This leads to issues in well-lit environments where I find myself longing for more brightness.

    In contrast, the older model performs well across varying lighting conditions. Additionally, the reflective white borders of the screen detract from the focus needed for professional tasks. It seems this design choice aims to make the iMac blend more seamlessly into home environments, rather than cater to professional needs.

    Furthermore, the screen does not compensate for the additional workspace provided by a 27-inch iMac. It feels slightly larger than the 21.5-inch model, but my workflow remains largely unchanged. Lastly, the noticeable power adapter, resembling a bulky white brick, detracts from its all-in-one look unless well-hidden.

  • Sudden Appearance of Vertical Band Display Issues: Discuss on MacRumors Forums

    A user, ddublu, posted about an issue with their M4 24GB device from November 2024 on a forum. After following the advice of chat agents to reboot into recovery mode, they found no resolution. Seeking additional suggestions before scheduling a service appointment, ddublu asked the community for help while including an image for reference.

    Another member, Audit13, responded, noting that similar problems usually indicate a hardware issue based on prior discussions. New user Nada Ting recommended taking the device to Apple for an in-person consultation, emphasizing the importance of interacting with a live technician for a more thorough assessment. Later, ddublu provided an update indicating that the device’s display would be replaced under warranty, suggesting that the issue was indeed confirmed as hardware-related.

    In response to the ongoing conversation, maflynn questioned whether the display issue impacted the 14-inch or 16-inch models. GP-SE explained that knowing the affected sizes could help identify if the problem was widespread across different models of the M4 MacBook Pro, citing previous reports of similar failures. The discussion reflects the collaborative effort of users sharing experiences and solutions, as well as the importance of direct customer support when dealing with technical issues.

    The thread illustrates both community support and the necessity for proper service when hardware problems emerge.

  • Budget MacBook: M1 Design Details, Pricing, and Features Discussed on MacRumors Forums

    When considering the budget MacBook Air, several factors will likely influence its development. Pricing is crucial if Apple aims to attract Chromebook users, particularly in educational settings where there is a high volume of students.

    A competitive price point would make it a more appealing choice for schools and students. In terms of form factor, it is reasonable to expect that Apple may utilize the design of the M1 MacBook Air to cut costs.

    This approach would allow them to maintain a sleek aesthetic while minimizing manufacturing expenses. Regarding features, there are several possibilities to consider.

    Apple might offer the device with 256GB of storage, which is a standard option for many users. It could have a single USB-C port to simplify connectivity and reduce costs, alongside 8GB of RAM to support essential applications smoothly.

    The inclusion of a magnetic charger is also a possibility, as Apple tends to prioritize user-friendly features. Additionally, the new MacBook could follow the naming conventions established in the iPad line, creating a correlation between the MacBook and iPad product categories.

    This would mean that the MacBook could align with the iPad, the MacBook Air with the iPad Air, and the MacBook Pro with the iPad Pro. Such a strategy might also open up the opportunity for a MacBook Mini, paralleling the iPad Mini in size and functionality.

    Ultimately, a budget MacBook Air could provide an attractive alternative for students and educators, merging affordability with essential features while retaining the design elements Apple is known for.

  • MacBook Pro Failing to Detect Secondary Display: Troubleshooting Tips on MacRumors Forums

    Hello everyone,

    I recently purchased a new MacBook Pro with the Apple M4 Pro/Sequoia chip. However, I’m encountering an issue: the MacBook fails to recognize our Epson EF-12 projector, which is about four years old. Interestingly, the projector is aware of the MacBook’s presence; it displays “Mac” in the input source and recommends using either Mirror or Extended display.

    Despite trying these settings, the projector still does not appear, even after selecting the “detect displays” option. In our household, we have two other Macs—the older MacBook Pro (12 years old) and my partner’s MacBook Air (5 years old). Both of these devices connect to the projector effortlessly.

    Upon connecting via either an HDMI to HDMI cable or a USB-C to HDMI cable, they are recognized immediately, without any issues. I reached out to Epson support, but they only provided basic troubleshooting steps. My concern is that this seems to be more of an issue with Apple.

    It is baffling that a current model MacBook lacks the functionality that older models possess. Apple appears unconcerned, as the new MacBook works with all other external displays but not with this projector. This situation feels like a catch-22, and I would greatly appreciate any suggestions or advice on how to resolve this problem.

    Thank you in advance!

  • iOS 18.4: EU Users Still Lacking iPhone Mirroring and SharePlay Screen Sharing

    Apple is preparing to launch iOS 18.4, which will introduce Apple Intelligence to the European Union for the first time. However, significant features like iPhone Mirroring and SharePlay Screen Sharing will not be included in the Release Candidate (RC) build of the operating system within the EU due to regulatory issues. This week, Apple provided developers and beta testers with the RC build of iOS 18.4. This version is close to the final release and is expected to remain largely unchanged for the public launch scheduled for April.

    For iPhone and iPad users in the EU, this update will make Apple Intelligence features accessible, along with support for more languages. Despite these advancements, the RC build reveals that iPhone Mirroring and SharePlay Screen Sharing are still absent in the EU. These omissions are attributed to the uncertainties surrounding the Digital Markets Act (DMA). iPhone Mirroring allows users to display their iPhone screens on a Mac, while SharePlay Screen Sharing enables users to share their screens during FaceTime calls, allowing them to enjoy videos, music, or browse apps collectively.

    At this time, it remains unclear how long it will take for Apple to integrate these features into the EU market or what specific adjustments are necessary to comply with the DMA regulations. Apple has been contacted for additional comments, and updates will be provided if a response is received.

  • Apple Fights EU’s ‘Unprecedented’ €500M Fine Over App Store Steering Regulations

    Apple has announced its decision to appeal a significant fine of 500 million euros (approximately $570 million) imposed by the European Union for alleged violations of the Digital Markets Act. The company contends that the financial penalty is unprecedented and exceeds what is required by law.

    The fine was issued in April due to Apple’s restrictions on app developers, preventing them from informing users about alternative purchasing options available outside the App Store. The European Commission stated that developers should have the freedom to direct customers to outside purchases.

    In its appeal, Apple argues that the Commission’s ruling mandates how it operates its App Store, setting confusing terms for developers and adversely affecting users. Apple expressed commitment to presenting factual evidence to the court, emphasizing its intent to avoid further punitive measures.

    Additionally, the European Commission instructed Apple to amend its App Store rules or face further penalties. In response, Apple made necessary adjustments in late June, allowing apps distributed through EU storefronts to link to external deals and provide alternative purchasing options that do not rely on Apple’s in-app purchase system.

    Furthermore, Apple is restructuring its fee structure within the EU. By January 1, 2026, developers will face a new fee system that includes a Core Technology Commission, an initial acquisition fee, and a store services fee, with the maximum fee now reduced to 20 percent, down from the previous 30 percent.

    The new tiered system aims to offer developers varying levels of service and fees, allowing them to choose a plan that fits their needs. Apple intends to challenge the European Commission’s approach, asserting that the definition of steering has been broadened beyond legal requirements, thereby influencing how the company conducts its business.

  • Apple Unveils Redesigned Mac Mini Featuring M4 and M4 Pro Chips, Two Front USB-C Ports, and More

    Apple has unveiled a completely redesigned Mac mini, now equipped with M4 and M4 Pro chips. This update brings a significantly smaller casing, measuring just five by five inches, along with two front-facing USB-C ports and Thunderbolt 5 connectivity—marking the first redesign of the Mac mini in over a decade. The new thermal architecture allows air to flow through the device more effectively, optimizing performance. Customers can choose between the M4 and M4 Pro chips for their Mac mini.

    The M4 Pro version boasts a robust configuration, featuring a 14-core CPU, a 20-core GPU, and support for up to 64GB of memory. In comparison, the M4 chip includes a 10-core CPU and GPU, with a base of 16GB of unified memory. Notably, the M4 Pro has 273GB/s memory bandwidth, offering substantial improvements in speed and efficiency. Apple claims that the M4 Mac mini outperforms the M1 model from 2020 by up to 1.8 times in CPU performance and 2.2 times in GPU performance.

    The M4 Pro’s GPU, equipped with up to 20 cores, is reported to be twice as powerful as the standard M4’s GPU. This new generation also introduces hardware-accelerated ray tracing and a more powerful Neural Engine. In terms of connectivity, the M4 Pro model features two USB-C ports on the front and three Thunderbolt 5 ports on the back, enabling data transfer speeds of up to 120 Gb/s. This advancement more than doubles the speed capabilities of Thunderbolt 4 found in the M4 model.

    Furthermore, this iteration of the Mac mini is Apple’s first carbon-neutral desktop. The new Mac mini models are available for pre-order starting at $599, with an official launch set for November 8.