Apple Mac Mini Late 2020 in review: The most affordable M1 is also convincing
After the Apple M1 has already shown its strengths in our reviews of the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro 13, we now take a look at the Apple Mac Mini. In addition to the M1 with an octa-core GPU, the entry-level configuration is equipped with 8 GB of RAM, and a 256 GB SSD.
At a price of approximately 800 Euros (~$944), it's one of Apple's more affordable products, which puts it ahead of the Apple laptops with the M1, at least in this respect.
Possible contenders in comparison
Rating | Date | Model | Weight | Height | Size | Resolution | Best Price |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
09/2021 | Apple Mac Mini Late 2020 Entry (M1, 8GB) M1, M1 8-Core GPU | 1.2 kg | 36 mm | x | |||
91.1 % | 12/2020 | Apple MacBook Air 2020 M1 Entry M1, M1 7-Core GPU | 1.3 kg | 16.1 mm | 13.30" | 2560x1600 | |
91.1 % | 12/2020 | Apple MacBook Air Late 2020 (M1, 8 Core GPU, 8 GB RAM) M1, M1 8-Core GPU | 1.3 kg | 16.1 mm | 13.30" | 2560x1600 | |
91.1 % | 12/2020 | Apple MacBook Pro 13 Late 2020 M1 Entry (8 / 256 GB) M1, M1 8-Core GPU | 1.4 kg | 15.6 mm | 13.30" | 2560x1600 | |
02/2021 | Intel NUC11PAQi7 i7-1165G7, Iris Xe G7 96EUs | 647 g | 56 mm | x | |||
08/2020 | Beelink GTR35 II-G-16512D00W64PRO-1T R5 3550H, Vega 8 | 843 g | 39 mm | x |
Case and connectivity - The Mac Mini with the M1 has two Thunderbolt ports
The Mac Mini uses the unibody design that we're already familiar with from its predecessors, and therefore its shape and dimensions remain unchanged. In contrast to the Intel models that come in Space Gray, the M1 Mac Mini is once again available in silver.
A further difference can be found when it comes to connectivity. The M1 model only has two Thunderbolt 3 ports instead of the original four in the Intel model.
Network connections can be established wirelessly via WLAN or by cable using the RJ45 port. The latter supports up to 10 Gb/s for an additional charge, while the entry-level configuration offers Gigabit LAN (1 Gb/s).
With our Netgear Nighthawk AX12 reference router, speeds of 661 Mb/s on average are achieved for transmitting data and 706 Mb/s for receiving data. This is on par with other M1 devices.
Apple's Mac Mini doesn't offer maintenance options. Only the fan can be cleaned when the black bottom cover is removed.
Port configuration
Performance - Comparable to the MacBook Pro
With the M1, Apple also uses its in-house developed SoC in the Mac Mini, which also integrates the GPU and RAM in one chip alongside the CPU. The switch to the underlying ARM architecture ensures compatibility with iOS apps. However, x86 applications that haven't been ported yet have to be emulated in return, which can result in a lower performance for such programs.
Processor
The Apple M1 is an SoC with eight cores that are divided into four fast Firestorm cores with clock rates of up to 3.2 GHz and four power-saving Icestorm cores with speeds of up to 2.1 GHz. While the latter run in applications that put a low load on the system, all eight cores can also be used simultaneously.
In our Cinebench R15 endurance test, the actively cooled M1 in the Mac Mini reaches the level of the Apple MacBook Pro 13, and it can also maintain it steadily over a prolonged period of time. Compared with the Intel Core i7-1165G7 in the Intel NUC11PAQi7, a performance that is about 10% higher is offered here.
Cinebench R15 Multi endurance test
The Mac Mini 2020 Entry shows results similar to the MacBook Pro 13 with the M1 in the individual tests as as well. The distance to the Intel Core i7-1165G7 is again around 10%. Only in the Geekbench multi-core test is the M1's lead significantly larger at over 50%.
Cinebench R20: CPU (Single Core) | CPU (Multi Core)
Cinebench R15: CPU Multi 64Bit
Blender: v2.79 BMW27 CPU
Geekbench 5.5: Single-Core | Multi-Core
Cinebench R23 / Single Core | |
Apple Mac Mini Late 2020 Entry (M1, 8GB) | |
Apple MacBook Air Late 2020 (M1, 8 Core GPU, 8 GB RAM) | |
Apple MacBook Pro 13 Late 2020 M1 Entry (8 / 256 GB) | |
Average Apple M1 (1496 - 1520, n=6) | |
Average of class Desktop (439 - 2210, n=30, last 2 years) | |
Apple MacBook Air 2020 M1 Entry |
Cinebench R23 / Multi Core | |
Average of class Desktop (277 - 38314, n=33, last 2 years) | |
Apple MacBook Pro 13 Late 2020 M1 Entry (8 / 256 GB) | |
Apple Mac Mini Late 2020 Entry (M1, 8GB) | |
Average Apple M1 (7409 - 7830, n=6) | |
Apple MacBook Air Late 2020 (M1, 8 Core GPU, 8 GB RAM) | |
Apple MacBook Air 2020 M1 Entry | |
Intel NUC11PAQi7 |
Cinebench R20 / CPU (Single Core) | |
Intel NUC11PAQi7 | |
Average of class Desktop (174 - 853, n=30, last 2 years) | |
Apple MacBook Pro 13 Late 2020 M1 Entry (8 / 256 GB) | |
Apple Mac Mini Late 2020 Entry (M1, 8GB) | |
Average Apple M1 (401 - 406, n=4) | |
Apple MacBook Air 2020 M1 Entry | |
Beelink GTR35 II-G-16512D00W64PRO-1T |
Cinebench R20 / CPU (Multi Core) | |
Average of class Desktop (285 - 14891, n=30, last 2 years) | |
Intel NUC11PAQi7 | |
Apple MacBook Pro 13 Late 2020 M1 Entry (8 / 256 GB) | |
Apple Mac Mini Late 2020 Entry (M1, 8GB) | |
Average Apple M1 (1863 - 2109, n=4) | |
Apple MacBook Air 2020 M1 Entry | |
Beelink GTR35 II-G-16512D00W64PRO-1T |
Cinebench R15 / CPU Multi 64Bit | |
Average of class Desktop (128 - 6236, n=34, last 2 years) | |
Apple Mac Mini Late 2020 Entry (M1, 8GB) | |
Apple MacBook Pro 13 Late 2020 M1 Entry (8 / 256 GB) | |
Average Apple M1 (1020 - 1087, n=4) | |
Apple MacBook Air 2020 M1 Entry | |
Intel NUC11PAQi7 | |
Beelink GTR35 II-G-16512D00W64PRO-1T |
Blender / v2.79 BMW27 CPU | |
Apple MacBook Air 2020 M1 Entry | |
Beelink GTR35 II-G-16512D00W64PRO-1T | |
Average of class Desktop (82 - 3767, n=32, last 2 years) | |
Average Apple M1 (412 - 710, n=2) | |
Intel NUC11PAQi7 | |
Apple Mac Mini Late 2020 Entry (M1, 8GB) |
Geekbench 5.5 / Single-Core | |
Apple Mac Mini Late 2020 Entry (M1, 8GB) | |
Apple MacBook Pro 13 Late 2020 M1 Entry (8 / 256 GB) | |
Apple MacBook Air Late 2020 (M1, 8 Core GPU, 8 GB RAM) | |
Average Apple M1 (1710 - 1745, n=9) | |
Apple MacBook Air 2020 M1 Entry | |
Intel NUC11PAQi7 | |
Average of class Desktop (556 - 2241, n=29, last 2 years) | |
Beelink GTR35 II-G-16512D00W64PRO-1T |
Geekbench 5.5 / Multi-Core | |
Average of class Desktop (844 - 24033, n=29, last 2 years) | |
Apple Mac Mini Late 2020 Entry (M1, 8GB) | |
Apple MacBook Pro 13 Late 2020 M1 Entry (8 / 256 GB) | |
Apple MacBook Air 2020 M1 Entry | |
Apple MacBook Air Late 2020 (M1, 8 Core GPU, 8 GB RAM) | |
Average Apple M1 (7034 - 7710, n=9) | |
Intel NUC11PAQi7 | |
Beelink GTR35 II-G-16512D00W64PRO-1T |
* ... smaller is better
System performance and SSD
Only browser benchmarks are available for evaluating the system performance of the Apple Mac Mini. The small Mac can often place itself at the top of our test field in these benchmarks, proving to be very performant. The system boots quickly in everyday use and always responds immediately and without unnecessary delays.
The built-in SSD also shows very high write and read rates, which correspond to the storage results in other M1 devices that we have reviewed.
Jetstream 2: Total Score
Octane V2: Total Score
Mozilla Kraken 1.1: Total
WebXPRT 3: Overall
Speedometer 2.0: Result
Blackmagic Disk Speed Test: 5GB Read | 5GB Write
JetStream 1.1 / Total Score | |
Average of class Desktop (last 2 years) | |
Average Apple M1, Apple M1 8-Core GPU (402 - 436, n=5) | |
Apple MacBook Air 2020 M1 Entry | |
Apple MacBook Air 2020 M1 Entry | |
Apple Mac Mini Late 2020 Entry (M1, 8GB) | |
Apple MacBook Pro 13 Late 2020 M1 Entry (8 / 256 GB) |
Jetstream 2 / Total Score | |
Apple MacBook Air 2020 M1 Entry | |
Apple MacBook Air 2020 M1 Entry | |
Average of class Desktop (90.1 - 295, n=6, last 2 years) | |
Average Apple M1, Apple M1 8-Core GPU (175.4 - 184.3, n=6) | |
Apple MacBook Pro 13 Late 2020 M1 Entry (8 / 256 GB) | |
Apple Mac Mini Late 2020 Entry (M1, 8GB) |
Octane V2 / Total Score | |
Average of class Desktop (70973 - 94804, n=3, last 2 years) | |
Apple MacBook Air 2020 M1 Entry | |
Apple MacBook Air 2020 M1 Entry | |
Average Apple M1, Apple M1 8-Core GPU (62055 - 66974, n=6) | |
Apple Mac Mini Late 2020 Entry (M1, 8GB) | |
Apple MacBook Pro 13 Late 2020 M1 Entry (8 / 256 GB) |
Mozilla Kraken 1.1 / Total | |
Beelink GTR35 II-G-16512D00W64PRO-1T | |
Average of class Desktop (423 - 1971, n=30, last 2 years) | |
Intel NUC11PAQi7 | |
Apple MacBook Pro 13 Late 2020 M1 Entry (8 / 256 GB) | |
Apple MacBook Air 2020 M1 Entry | |
Apple MacBook Air 2020 M1 Entry | |
Average Apple M1, Apple M1 8-Core GPU (446 - 516, n=6) | |
Apple Mac Mini Late 2020 Entry (M1, 8GB) |
WebXPRT 3 / Overall | |
Apple MacBook Air 2020 M1 Entry | |
Apple MacBook Air 2020 M1 Entry | |
Apple Mac Mini Late 2020 Entry (M1, 8GB) | |
Apple MacBook Pro 13 Late 2020 M1 Entry (8 / 256 GB) | |
Average of class Desktop (89.2 - 402, n=30, last 2 years) | |
Average Apple M1, Apple M1 8-Core GPU (216 - 293, n=6) | |
Intel NUC11PAQi7 | |
Beelink GTR35 II-G-16512D00W64PRO-1T |
Speedometer 2.0 / Result | |
Average of class Desktop (349 - 422, n=2, last 2 years) | |
Apple MacBook Air 2020 M1 Entry | |
Apple MacBook Air 2020 M1 Entry | |
Average Apple M1, Apple M1 8-Core GPU (209 - 255, n=6) | |
Apple Mac Mini Late 2020 Entry (M1, 8GB) | |
Apple MacBook Pro 13 Late 2020 M1 Entry (8 / 256 GB) |
Blackmagic Disk Speed Test / 5GB Read | |
Average of class Desktop (2896 - 5499, n=2, last 2 years) | |
Apple Mac Mini Late 2020 Entry (M1, 8GB) | |
Average Apple M1, Apple M1 8-Core GPU (2728 - 2870, n=4) | |
Apple MacBook Pro 13 Late 2020 M1 Entry (8 / 256 GB) | |
Apple MacBook Air 2020 M1 Entry | |
Apple MacBook Air Late 2020 (M1, 8 Core GPU, 8 GB RAM) |
Blackmagic Disk Speed Test / 5GB Write | |
Average of class Desktop (3123 - 5808, n=2, last 2 years) | |
Apple MacBook Air Late 2020 (M1, 8 Core GPU, 8 GB RAM) | |
Average Apple M1, Apple M1 8-Core GPU (2194 - 2895, n=4) | |
Apple MacBook Air 2020 M1 Entry | |
Apple Mac Mini Late 2020 Entry (M1, 8GB) | |
Apple MacBook Pro 13 Late 2020 M1 Entry (8 / 256 GB) |
* ... smaller is better
Graphics card
Apple uses an M1 with an octa-core GPU in the Mac Mini, resulting in a performance that is again on par with or slightly above that of the MacBook Pro 13. The Geekbench results also show that the graphics performance is about 40% higher than that of the internal Intel Iris Xe Graphics G7 96EUs of the Intel Core i7-1165G7 in the Intel NUC11PAQi7.
This also makes the Apple Mac Mini with the M1 suitable for somewhat more demanding graphical applications.
3DMark - Wild Life Unlimited Score | |
Average of class Desktop (8622 - 198505, n=11, last 2 years) | |
Apple Mac Mini Late 2020 Entry (M1, 8GB) | |
Average Apple M1 8-Core GPU (17731 - 18326, n=7) | |
Apple MacBook Pro 13 Late 2020 M1 Entry (8 / 256 GB) | |
Apple MacBook Air Late 2020 (M1, 8 Core GPU, 8 GB RAM) | |
Apple MacBook Air 2020 M1 Entry |
Gaming performance
Games can definitely be run smoothly on the Mac Mini if you refrain from using high resolutions and maximum detail levels. In addition, older titles should be preferred since they tend to run better. On the other hand, the latest triple-A games should be avoided. The M1 has no problems with the titles included in Apple's Arcade selection.
The performance that can be expected in different games can be seen in our GPU Games article.
Borderlands 3 - 1280x720 Very Low Overall Quality (DX11) | |
Average of class Desktop (19.7 - 256, n=17, last 2 years) | |
Apple MacBook Air Late 2020 (M1, 8 Core GPU, 8 GB RAM) | |
Apple Mac Mini Late 2020 Entry (M1, 8GB) | |
Average Apple M1 8-Core GPU (30.4 - 56.7, n=4) | |
Apple MacBook Air 2020 M1 Entry | |
Apple MacBook Pro 13 Late 2020 M1 Entry (8 / 256 GB) |
Total War: Three Kingdoms - 1280x720 Low (incl textures) | |
Average of class Desktop (293 - 642, n=3, last 2 years) | |
Apple Mac Mini Late 2020 Entry (M1, 8GB) | |
Apple MacBook Air Late 2020 (M1, 8 Core GPU, 8 GB RAM) | |
Average Apple M1 8-Core GPU (93.4 - 100.1, n=4) | |
Apple MacBook Air 2020 M1 Entry | |
Apple MacBook Pro 13 Late 2020 M1 Entry (8 / 256 GB) |
Shadow of the Tomb Raider - 1280x720 Lowest Preset | |
Average of class Desktop (19 - 332, n=16, last 2 years) | |
Apple MacBook Air Late 2020 (M1, 8 Core GPU, 8 GB RAM) | |
Average Apple M1 8-Core GPU (64 - 78, n=3) | |
Apple MacBook Pro 13 Late 2020 M1 Entry (8 / 256 GB) | |
Apple MacBook Air 2020 M1 Entry | |
Apple Mac Mini Late 2020 Entry (M1, 8GB) |
low | med. | high | ultra | |
Shadow of the Tomb Raider (2018) | 64 | 45 | 43 | 38 |
Total War: Three Kingdoms (2019) | 100.1 | 32.2 | 20.3 | 15 |
Borderlands 3 (2019) | 52.5 | 32.5 | 19.03 |
Emissions and energy - Frugal and silent
Noise emissions
The Mac Mini with the M1 is equipped with a fan, but it remains inaudible at all times, even under load. This means that Apple's mini PC can be operated silently.
Temperature
According to our measurements, the surfaces of the Mac Mini only heat up to a moderate degree. With a maximum of 35.7 °C (~96 °F), Apple's mini PC never gets hot, and therefore, it can be touched at all times without any problems.
(+) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 35.7 °C / 96 F, compared to the average of 34.4 °C / 94 F, ranging from 25 to 47 °C for the class Desktop.
(+) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 30.9 °C / 88 F, compared to the average of 34 °C / 93 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 24.6 °C / 76 F, compared to the device average of 29.7 °C / 85 F.
Speaker
Apple has installed a single internal speaker in the Mac Mini. It reaches a medium volume level and offers a sound spectrum dominated by high tones. Overall, it's more suitable for signaling system events, and it shouldn't be used for reproducing media content.
Apple Mac Mini Late 2020 Entry (M1, 8GB) audio analysis
(±) | speaker loudness is average but good (78.3 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(-) | nearly no bass - on average 18.9% lower than median
(±) | linearity of bass is average (9.9% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(±) | reduced mids - on average 7.3% lower than median
(±) | linearity of mids is average (12.7% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(+) | balanced highs - only 4.1% away from median
(+) | highs are linear (5.3% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(±) | linearity of overall sound is average (19.6% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 63% of all tested devices in this class were better, 25% similar, 13% worse
» The best had a delta of 6%, average was 17%, worst was 46%
Compared to all devices tested
» 43% of all tested devices were better, 7% similar, 49% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%
Apple MacBook 12 (Early 2016) 1.1 GHz audio analysis
(+) | speakers can play relatively loud (83.6 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(±) | reduced bass - on average 11.3% lower than median
(±) | linearity of bass is average (14.2% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(+) | balanced mids - only 2.4% away from median
(+) | mids are linear (5.5% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(+) | balanced highs - only 2% away from median
(+) | highs are linear (4.5% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(+) | overall sound is linear (10.2% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 5% of all tested devices in this class were better, 2% similar, 93% worse
» The best had a delta of 5%, average was 19%, worst was 53%
Compared to all devices tested
» 3% of all tested devices were better, 1% similar, 96% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%
Energy consumption
Our measurements show that the Mac Mini can consume up to 40.2 watts under load. However, this is an absolute peak value that is very rarely reached in everyday use, even under intensive load. The average power consumption is approximately 20 watts under load. A maximum of 4.4 watts is reached in our idle scenario.
According to Apple, the internal power supply can consume up to 150 watts, which is a sufficiently high capacity.
Off / Standby | 0.12 / 0.6 Watt |
Idle | 4.2 / / 4.4 Watt |
Load |
19.9 / 40.2 Watt |
Energy consumption during The Witcher 3 / Stress test
Pros
Cons
Verdict - M1 performance at an entry-level price
As mentioned before, the Mac Mini is best suited for using it with your own or already existing accessories. The M1's very good performance, which practically matches that of a MacBook Pro, is added on top of that. MacOS as well as natively available applications run smoothly, offering an overall very good performance.
The Apple Mac Mini delivers the performance of a MacBook Pro, while only costing a little over half as much.
Compared directly with other mini PCs, such as the Intel NUC11PAQi7, the Apple Mac Mini with the M1 always proves to be the better model. Only its build is now slightly larger than that of the competition.
Price and availability
At the time of writing, you can find the Apple Mac Mini in our test configuration on Amazon for $659 ($40 off).