Mac Mini M2 or Studio M1 Max

Question

Level 1

8 points

Mac Mini M2 or Studio M1 Max

Hi,

I currently have a 27' iMac, 3.5Ghz, quad core Intel Core i5, 16GB RAM, 2400Mz, DDR4. I'd prefer to buy another iMac but need the bigger screen that they no longer do.

So, I'm looking at either an Mac mini or Studio which I will team up with an external 27" screen (sadly not the Apple one as it's horrendously expensive!

I can get a Mac mini M2 10-core CPU, 16-Core GPU, 16GB RAM, 512GB or the Mac Studio M1 10-Core CPU, 24-Core GPU, 32GB RAM, 512 GB models for pretty much the same price at the moment due to a good deal on the latter. The question is which is better?

I use the computer mainly for running my business, updating the website and manipulating photos for it.

Any advice on this and what 27" screen to match with it would be very much appreciated.

iMac 27″ 5K, macOS 13.6

Posted on Mar 3, 2024 4:47 AM

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Answer 1

Mar 3, 2024 7:26 AM in response to Dickiedirt

The practical difference will be the amount of RAM. 16 GB is limited. 32 GB is a much better system for the long run.

most of the other differences will not be very noticeable in day-to-day use.

The M-Series MAX Processors have all Thunderbolt ports, and supports MANY more displays than the Mini, which is limited to two.

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Answer 2

den.thed

Level 10

90,898 points

Mar 3, 2024 7:50 AM in response to Dickiedirt

The M2 Mac mini will run circles around your 2017 Intel iMac.

The Mac Studio sounds like over kill for what you are doing.

Plus the Mac mini's price point, could allow more $s for a nicer 27" or 32" Display.

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Answer 3

Dickiedirt Author

Level 1

8 points

Mar 3, 2024 12:19 PM in response to den.thed

Good to hear it will outrun the 2017 iMac. Re the price point - I can get the Studio M1 Max for the same price as the Mini M2 (around £400 less than it usually is). So there is no saving in buying the Mini...

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