New Mac Mini is abysmally slow?

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Level 1

16 points

New Mac Mini is abysmally slow?

I bought a new MAC MINI/10C CPU/16C GPU/16GB/512GB-USA for $1199 a few months ago. It was my first Apple computer, though I've been on iPhone since 3. This is the slowest computer I've ever owned by such a wide margin. I'm waiting over 10 minutes for it to open Pro Tools, the only software I have added. The mouse glitches up constantly. My 9 year old Windows laptop runs the same program pretty easily. I learned I had 14 days to say something, which I haven't. I've updated OS each time, rebooted, etc. It's always really slow. Any thoughts on what to do? #sorrynewhere

Posted on Apr 22, 2024 7:52 AM

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Answer 1

bmagazu Author

Level 1

16 points

Apr 23, 2024 1:15 PM in response to hcsitas

So, uh, this might have been the issue?! I unplugged the wireless mouse, plugged in an old-*** wired mouse, and booted up. OS loaded snappily. Pro Tools loaded snappily. Only 5 mins in, but I'm not experiencing any of my historical problems. Never would've thought to try this, so, uh, yeah, thanks? I'm definitely going to have to Google why this is even a thing :D

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Answer 2

den.thed

Level 9

77,272 points

Apr 23, 2024 12:58 PM in response to bmagazu

High speed USB-C cables, external drives and other devices can mess with Bluetooth devices.

see > Resolve Wi-Fi and Bluetooth issues caused by wireless interference - Apple Support

Try moving cables and external drive(s) behind or to one side away from your Bluetooth devices.

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Answer 3

hcsitas

Level 6

11,402 points

Apr 22, 2024 10:11 AM in response to bmagazu

Long shot, but could be that Bluetooth is messing with performance. What other BT devices are connected? Try with all of them disconnected (use a wired mouse for the purpose).

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Answer 4

bmagazu Author

Level 1

16 points

Apr 23, 2024 11:35 AM in response to hcsitas

I'm using a wireless USB mouse. Will try a wired when I find one. Otherwise no BT devices connected. Thanks

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Answer 5

lanstrad1

Level 1

134 points

Apr 22, 2024 8:09 AM in response to bmagazu

Which OS version do you have?

which version of Pro Tools? (PT became compatible with Sonoma barely a few weeks ago, so any previous version can be part of the issue.

i run PT on a mini 2018 (certainly slower than yours) and it works (almost) flawlessly and is still very snappy in speed. Lots of tracks, lots of plug-ins, and rarely fail.

also: do you have PT project on external drive ? (Not ideal).

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Answer 6

bmagazu Author

Level 1

16 points

Apr 23, 2024 1:07 PM in response to lanstrad1

Ventura 13.2.1 and PT artist. This issue has persisted (though at times to varying degrees of absurdity) on every version of OS over the last 4-5 months since I got this machine. I haven't upgraded to Sonoma, but likely will unless this thread suggests I do otherwise. I only bought this Mac for music.

No external drives. Thanks.

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