WHICH IS BETTER!? M2 Mac mini vs M2 Pro mac mini

Поділитися
Вставка
  • Опубліковано 17 січ 2025

КОМЕНТАРІ • 108

  • @CJKnowsTECH
    @CJKnowsTECH  Рік тому +3

    Are you TeamM2 Mac mini or Team M2 Pro Mac mini? (comment below)
    ➞ New  M2 Computers
    💻 M2 Pro MacBook Pro 14in: geni.us/M2proMacBookPro14
    💻 M2 Pro MacBook Pro 16in: geni.us/M2proMacBookPro
    🖥 M2 Mac mini: geni.us/M2Macmini
    🖥 M2 Pro Mac mini: geni.us/M2proMacmini
    ➞  M1 Computers
    💻 M1 MacBook Pro 14” (on-sale) geni.us/M1ProMBP14sale
    💻 M1 MacBook Pro 16” (on-sale) geni.us/M1ProMBP16sale
    ➞  Apple Accessories
    ⌨  Magic Keyboard w/ TouchID geni.us/MagicKeyboardTouchID
    🖱  Magic Trackpad geni.us/MagicTrackPad
    🖱  Magic Mouse geni.us/TheMagicMouse
    🖥  Studio Display geni.us/StudioDisplaywStand
    🧻  Polishing cloth geni.us/ApplePolishingCloth
    ⚪  AirTag geni.us/AppleAirTagz
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    🖥 TECH Kits ►► geni.us/RecommendedTECH
    🎶 Where I get music for my channel ►► (30-day FREE Trial): geni.us/CJUEpidemicSound
    🎞 How I grow my Channel ►► geni.us/TubeBuddyCJ
    🎥 Where I get my Video Animations ►► geni.us/MotionVFXplugins
    🪵 All Grovemade Products (use code: CJUNPLUGGED for 10% off): geni.us/GroveMade
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    My Vlog Camera ►► geni.us/MyVlogCamera
    Main Camera Used ►► geni.us/NewMainCamera
    Main Lens ►► geni.us/CJKT2ndLens
    Main Mic Used ►► geni.us/MainMicrophoneUsed
    2nd Camera Used ►► geni.us/CJKTCamera
    2nd Lens Used ►► geni.us/CJKTLens
    Lav MIC Used ►► geni.us/CJKTLavMic
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Starter CAMERA Kit ►► geni.us/StaterCameraKit
    PRO CAMERA Kit ►► geni.us/ProCameraKit
    RECOMMENDED TECH! ►► geni.us/RecommendedTECH
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    • @smgumbycat
      @smgumbycat Рік тому

      Team Mac mini M2 Pro. If you partly work from home, you want to future-proof your computer without breaking your bank account.

    • @ssmith2019
      @ssmith2019 Рік тому +1

      Mac mini M2 Pro base model . . . is what "I think I want . . .?

  • @chasebunker9049
    @chasebunker9049 Рік тому +11

    Just switched from a Mac mini m1 16gb ram, to a Mac mini m2 pro with 32gb of Ram and its a big difference! I use primarily for work, so multiple powerpoints, excel files, Webex meetings. I also do cloud gaming with NVida geforce, internet browsing with multiple tab opens, and in General have various apps open. The m1 would slowdown, and often had that loading rainbow circle thing pop up when too much is going on, but this thing does it like Champ, no slow down what so ever! Definitely upgrade to the 32gb, and it's still alot cheaper than the Mac Studio. I also now do a 4 screen setup (m1 only allowed 2), 3 monitors hooked up to the Mac mini, and I have Macbook pro m2 streaming as my 4th. I can keep slack on one screen, email on another, and have my 2 for general workflow! Highly recommend the base Mac mini m2 pro with 32gb of ram!

    • @CJKnowsTECH
      @CJKnowsTECH  Рік тому +3

      NIce! Sounds like you made the right decision for you and are enjoying your experience. Thanks for sharing your real world user experience

    • @dasdos002
      @dasdos002 Рік тому

      I think you’re right. 32 gb is the sweet spot. And if you’re running into swap memory issues then maybe upgrade the ram to 2TB for faster SSD speeds and more TBW. Plus having the extra internal memory. Seems like an ideal machine!

  • @TwentyEightStreetMedia
    @TwentyEightStreetMedia Рік тому +11

    Mac mini pro 16gb 512ssd. Bought this thing cause it was only one in stock and have a project due. Holy sheet! This little thing is powerful!!! Loving it so far

    • @CJKnowsTECH
      @CJKnowsTECH  Рік тому

      Yeah it's powerful!

    • @amenahdhirani7334
      @amenahdhirani7334 7 місяців тому

      That's great to know!! Just ordered mine! Do you think video editing will be smooth??

  • @DigitalSlang
    @DigitalSlang Рік тому +1

    Needed this video. I'm about to make this purchase. Keep killing it bro!!

  • @JeremyPeeples
    @JeremyPeeples Рік тому +6

    For pure value, you can't go wrong with doing a 16GB RAM upgrade and just getting an NVME drive with a USB-C enclosure.

    • @abemiranda1092
      @abemiranda1092 Рік тому

      I agree 100%. I have a Mac Mini M2 16GB/256GB. I got a 60$ thunderbolt 3 Nvme enclosure and a WD Blue SN570 1TB for 50$. I am getting R/W speeds of 2800 MBps and running Parallels 18 with Windows 11 off it. Can’t even tell it’s an external drive.

  • @PackFan2323
    @PackFan2323 Рік тому +8

    CJ - entertaining and educating as always! Thinking of picking up the base M2 Mac mini..if I do, I'll max out at the base w/512GB and 16GB so I get the faster SSD and not limited by the 8GB ram.

  • @sharonb.9128
    @sharonb.9128 Рік тому +7

    Great video. I think you hit the nail on the head with “it can be confusing, but it’s really very simple” buy what you need. I think every shopper looks for a product where they hit a “bargain”, they got more than what they paid for. Apple doesn’t give bargains on their new devices. People need to stop lying that “Apple always charges MORE”. The kind of people who say they can get a Studio Display for half the cost, then show you a plastic, 4k, no speakers, no camera, dark screen gaming monitor. Don’t get me started on “better watches” that don’t even have a SCREEN. In exchange for giving them your hard earned money, Apple will give you a great product within a fantastic ecosystem. That’s a good enough bargain for me.

  • @kaedeshirtoto
    @kaedeshirtoto Рік тому +2

    Yooooo. I subscribed because your delivery is REAL. Instead of a hyper ventilating Max Tech. I love how you had reality checks structured into the decision making instead of being a constant cheerleader for apple

  • @Searchingk9
    @Searchingk9 Рік тому +1

    Love the review

  • @JohnSmith-zl8rz
    @JohnSmith-zl8rz Рік тому +1

    This is not true, the base model is ok for regular photo and video editing, even some 4K!

  • @JoeyVictorVideos
    @JoeyVictorVideos Рік тому +1

    Something about this dude makes me smile. Subscribed.

  • @JoshReddecliffe
    @JoshReddecliffe Рік тому

    What’s that wallpaper?

  • @terrymcchesney383
    @terrymcchesney383 Рік тому +1

    I've been listening to a ton of these, and had to say you did a great job. Lots going on there, sure wasn't boring....

  • @lightninghell4
    @lightninghell4 Рік тому

    I believe you labeled the chart wrong here 3:08. Should be cinebench?

  • @kkkkkate
    @kkkkkate Рік тому +2

    Thank you for sharing your view. I am not sure if should I get the m2 mac mini 16+512gb or the m2 pro mac mini base model. I am not doing video & photo editing. Mostly use it for coding and opening chrome tabs (leave it on the backend), which model will you recommend?

    • @13RVNDofficial
      @13RVNDofficial Рік тому

      If you’re trying to get faster read and write speed, id recommend to get at least 1TB ssd storage because the 512gb is still one card so the speeds are gonna be the same as the 256

    • @valchaneco
      @valchaneco Рік тому +1

      I’m considering those options as well. And another option m2 mini with 24gb unified memory and 512gb storage. I’m planning on using the following - Excel, SQL, Big Query, R, Posit cloud, Python, Tableau. I’m hoping someone can give an advice for which one to get. Thank you.

  • @jimcaulfield1713
    @jimcaulfield1713 5 місяців тому +1

    good job

  • @wmpopper
    @wmpopper Рік тому +1

    Thank You for the informative narrative.

  • @MSKH1970
    @MSKH1970 Рік тому +1

    great way to explain and go into depth about these 2 Mac Minis,thanks for the info

  • @ssmith2019
    @ssmith2019 Рік тому +1

    Good Vid ! Thanks !!

  • @santimaspons
    @santimaspons Рік тому

    And the speed with 1tb ssd?

  • @ZoranPopovski
    @ZoranPopovski 8 місяців тому

    for your opinion which model od these is better Mac mini m2 pro with 16gb ram and 512 gb ssd disk or MacBook Pro with M1 chip with16gb ram and 512gb ssd disk ?

  • @buildingwithkev8665
    @buildingwithkev8665 Рік тому +2

    Informative and hilarious review, just found my favourite tech reviewer😂

  • @wesgrossAV
    @wesgrossAV Рік тому +3

    I love you being straight up. Im getting ready to buy M2 Mac mini for music and i dont really think i nee the pro. However The M2 Pro is justified for longevity and speed which is what I like. For music higher RAM helps.

    • @Bread_n_Butter.
      @Bread_n_Butter. Рік тому

      Yeah, I'm preparing to grab one also for music, but I'm a casual who produces as a hobby. I feel like it's more important (with my budget) to have the 512 SSD and 16 of ram rather than having the m2 pro chip and save that couple of hundred dollars.

  • @chegaro1967
    @chegaro1967 Рік тому +1

    Awesome video! Thanks for all the info....

  • @Pablito2466
    @Pablito2466 Рік тому +1

    I would get the m2mini pro only for the extra ports. Am i insane?

    • @CJKnowsTECH
      @CJKnowsTECH  Рік тому +1

      welp guess I'm just as insane because I see your point...lol

    • @Pablito2466
      @Pablito2466 Рік тому

      @@CJKnowsTECH do the extraports justfy the extra cost in your opinion?

  • @mr-vet
    @mr-vet Рік тому +2

    Thanks for your insights. I'm looking to upgrade from my iMac Retina 4K 21.5", 2017 - 3.4 GHz Quad-Core Intel Core i5. Editing video is very frustrating on this machine, because it is so slow....... I'm used to a 3 monitor setup (the iMac 21.5" Retina and 2 LG monitors (one 32" wide, one 34" ultra wide). Only the M2 Pro allows up to 3 monitors. So either I sacrifice having a 3rd screen, which is overwhelmingly the cheaper option or purchase the Pro (with 32 GB unified memory) and add a third monitor (have a few older ones laying around--or pick up another LG monitor). I tend to keep computers for several years, so I'm leaning toward the more expensive option...M2 Pro

  • @SoCalDallasKid
    @SoCalDallasKid Рік тому +1

    Love the content 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

  • @bangzoom8180
    @bangzoom8180 Рік тому

    I have a mid-2010 Mac Mini 320GB HDD connected to an external 1TB Media (music) HDD all backed up to a dedicated 1TB HDD external drive. My use is for music library, iphoto and movies streaming via Amazon Prime...No video editing, gaming, photo shop or any graphic-dependent work. Which mac mini would you suggest? Great and informative video.👍🏽

    • @TheDanEdwards
      @TheDanEdwards Рік тому +1

      Lots of videos on UA-cam showing regular base Mac Mini doing fine for everyday uses. I plan on getting on soon, though I will get the 16GB upgrade for RAM. I plan on using and external SSD as a boot drive (which I'm doing currently) so I'm not going to pay Apple's high prices for internal SSD upgrades.

  • @heirtothethrone000
    @heirtothethrone000 Рік тому +2

    I was looking at the M2 MMP and a MBA but wanted to wait for the 15" model . Once I added up the price of both( 2,998) I started to consider just getting and spec a 14" M2 MBP with 12C CPU/ 19C GPU / 16 GB Memory and 1TB Storage for 2,499 or the base M2 Pro for 1,999 and the base Mac Mini for 599 just for streaming and to cut back the wear on the laptop.

  • @CraytonTv
    @CraytonTv Рік тому +1

    Great video bro. Keep up the good work. Nice explained detailed video. God Bless

  • @klownaround5464
    @klownaround5464 Рік тому +1

    Commented before i finished watching the entire clip and i was right u even hit on the “Binned Chip format” which most bloggers don’t mention- and yes if u just dibbling & dabbling that s ok

  • @elliem1
    @elliem1 Рік тому

    Hey
    What would your recommendation be for a non-apple monitor? I am a graphic and UI UX designer, colour calibration is important

  • @Halo9K
    @Halo9K Рік тому

    CK, excellent video. I recently bought the base M2 Pro and got a price match at Best Buy for $1199! I’m the guy who just uses my system for basic purposes. So why the Pro and not the base M2? I watched several videos and decided that it would be better to buy the Pro with 16GB and 512GB with 4 TB ports and be set for years to come than to later feel the need to upgrade yet again. My thought was to buy more than I need so that I don’t have to buy another machine later down the road. I will never stress my Pro.
    Excellent job!

  • @phill_mamula
    @phill_mamula Рік тому

    Would love to see how you'd set up an SSD External storage.

  • @marcodimario9918
    @marcodimario9918 Рік тому +2

    Your videos are USEFUL & FUN. Congrats :) I like this channel :)

  • @fbonneau03
    @fbonneau03 Рік тому +1

    You are awesome. Good info. I like it.

  • @dominik.malyszka
    @dominik.malyszka Рік тому +1

    Is it better to buy Mac Mini M2 24/512 or Mac Mini M2 Pro 16/512. M2 Pro is a little more expensive but have 2 more ports and HDMI 2.1 instead of 2.0, but In base M2 you have 24 GB of RAM! Can someone please advise

    • @CJKnowsTECH
      @CJKnowsTECH  Рік тому

      What are you using this computer for?

    • @dominik.malyszka
      @dominik.malyszka Рік тому

      @@CJKnowsTECH data science, data analytics, programming (python, R, SQL), cloud computing

  • @NickPowellPhotography
    @NickPowellPhotography Рік тому +1

    Absolutely amazing review!! I am considering moving from PC to Mac, and was going to get the Mini M2 Pro, but think I am going to wait for the Studio M2.

    • @CJKnowsTECH
      @CJKnowsTECH  Рік тому +1

      Thanks! Yeah I’m waiting on the Max Studio M2 as well…hopefully Apple delivers this and soon

  • @888noreddin
    @888noreddin Рік тому

    I have $2000. Is it recommended to take the highest-spec Mac Mini or go to Mac Studio? what do you think ?

  • @johnwade7430
    @johnwade7430 Рік тому

    Q. Can I use an iPad Pro (12.9”) as the monitor with a mac Mini? Thanks

  • @freddiecauseyii9419
    @freddiecauseyii9419 9 місяців тому

    Definitely there is a difference between them both. I traded in my base model and got the pro model with 1tb of storage. In just playback I am getting no beach balls and in exporting I am saving like thirty minutes using Final Cut Pro..

  • @WhiteNoiseLibrary
    @WhiteNoiseLibrary Рік тому +1

    Thanks for a great video, very helpful.
    Be great if you could do another real-world comparison with maxed-up Ram and a useable 2TB SSD version of these two machines, which would be sooooo useful for UA-camrs and video editors. Because the difference in price between the M2 (24Gb Ram / 2TB SSD $1,899) and M2 Pro (36Gb Ram / 2TB SSD $2,299) is almost $400, I'm starting to think that the M2 maxed out model might do the job, but don't know for sure.
    It would be good to see them both export a 15 mins 4K video, general geekbench scores, copying 100 GB files to external drives and performance scores in Adobe Premier and Final Cut.

  • @micael.s7217
    @micael.s7217 Рік тому +1

    THX 👍💯🙂

  • @elitemeemoosood9869
    @elitemeemoosood9869 Рік тому

    Having done a decent amount of research, I am planning to get the m2 pro with only one upgrade being the RAM and plan to use it for 4k 144FPS editing and proper studio level audio editing. Since I got education discount and I'm getting the apple software for only 200, my total comes to £1270. (If you are in the UK and are going to the US like me, buy it in the US, its sooo much cheaper and there's no custom or tax costs if you are going and coming back with devices for personal use - but if you are getting it delivered, its still expensive keep that in mind).

  • @curlyhuemen9063
    @curlyhuemen9063 Рік тому +1

    Awww yeah here we go cj great content ❤❤

  • @bowievanling8010
    @bowievanling8010 Рік тому

    Are you sure that the storage upgrade is two SSDs? If that is what they are doing to enhance the speed, it would mean that it's something like raid zero. I can't say that that is very appealing in regards to data reliability. I would guess that it is actually different chips that support higher data rates.

  • @glennmiller394
    @glennmiller394 Рік тому

    I have the Mac Studio and use the Mac Mini Pro for my test bed. Both are 32gb memory and 1tb SSDs.

  • @RameshKumar-ng3nf
    @RameshKumar-ng3nf Рік тому

    Hello,
    Please help me out to understand as i am planning to purchase the regular M2 mac mini.
    You said 512 GB SSD is twice as fast as 256 GB SSD.
    Does that mean 1 TB SSD will be thrice as fast as 256 GB SSD ?
    And 2 TB SSD is 6 times as fast as 256 GB SSD ?
    ..
    Does the speed increases when we go for more higher SSD ?
    I am very confused which SSD to go for , as i wanted the good speed.

  • @HCheatNcool
    @HCheatNcool Рік тому

    I just got a refurbished M2 pro with 16 ram and 500 gb ssd for $1,100 I think that is going to prove to be a good value and hopefully pretty future proof.

  • @Flowingriver
    @Flowingriver Рік тому +1

    You sort of answered the question but not really. It’s not a simple answer to a simple question; which one should I get? Especially considering the portable Option of a MacBook vs a Mac mini or Mac Pro. We all start of at the bottom of the ladder and then end up halfway there and think we’ll why not get the top end model or get the laptop which is the same price and it’s a MacBook. Somehow MacBook is a status symbol too and we get tempted with it. Still have not decided what to get. Even considering the m1pro instead. Video editing on the iPhone 13pro max is becoming cumbersome.

    • @CJKnowsTECH
      @CJKnowsTECH  Рік тому +1

      Yeah take your time and let it come to you. You'll figure it out eventually. I would just stick to the needs over the look or "status symbol"

  • @johnwade7430
    @johnwade7430 Рік тому +1

    Mmmm. … M2 Studio ? Or just wait for the M3 variants ❤

  • @greccoox
    @greccoox Рік тому

    The Mac thing is not confuse, what is confuse is that we have to study the models to don't make it confuse, then is confuse.

  • @Matthewd1275
    @Matthewd1275 Рік тому +1

    Just when I was getting buyer’s remorse for my base studio but at 1500 I can’t complain. Another great video PLAYER 💯🔥

  • @johnnythunder8382
    @johnnythunder8382 Рік тому

    i take it u made the long overlay cuuz your werent in focus. i know the feeling

  • @buildingwithkev8665
    @buildingwithkev8665 Рік тому +2

    Got a i5 2020 macbook air which struggles with gopro (2.7K,4K) video.
    I want to get either M2 mini @ 16gb/512gb storage or M2 mini pro @ 16gb/512gb.
    Do you think the pro is needed for me? It’s a couple hundred dollars more. Even the 24gb ram upgrade is cheaper with 512gb storage

    • @CJKnowsTECH
      @CJKnowsTECH  Рік тому

      The Pro isn’t “necessary” it just depends on how deep you plan to go into video editing but the M2 will be way better than your i5 and the M2 Pro is a choice of future and headroom etc.

  • @GiesbertNijhuis
    @GiesbertNijhuis Рік тому

    8 GB RAM is too little really (startup, start a browser, and you are at 8 already). 16 RAM is the minimum.

    • @jeanjasinczuk7543
      @jeanjasinczuk7543 Рік тому +1

      I no longer see that issue with my 2 years old 8GB M1 Mac mini. When I received it, it was using swap memory after 15 mn of use. 2 years later, after several MacOs updates, I can get hours with light browsing (5 open tabs, sometime using 2 different browsers at the same time, a couple of other office applications) and not seeing any memory swap. For light usage, 8GB can work. But I did order a 16GB RAM Mac Mini M2 to make sure it can handle a lit bit more.

  • @spoonest
    @spoonest Рік тому +1

    I've watched tons of compassion videos. And you are the smartest reviewer) 100% agreed with you

    • @CJKnowsTECH
      @CJKnowsTECH  Рік тому

      Thank you I greatly appreciate that

  • @SeanTube2099
    @SeanTube2099 Рік тому

    I hate that people just discovered this “binned” phrase. It means nothing. Apple have always offered Mac’s with different core options.

    • @CJKnowsTECH
      @CJKnowsTECH  Рік тому

      No one said it “means anything” I make content to educate viewers that’s all. Every chip manufacture has always offered “binned” options (i5 etc.)

    • @SeanTube2099
      @SeanTube2099 Рік тому

      @@CJKnowsTECH there was even a line saying something to effect of, if you wanted to get the proper chip (ie. The one with more cores). I just think the phrasing could be better. Anyways, thanks for the video.

  • @jimhatch5873
    @jimhatch5873 Рік тому

    I'm in the middle of this decision process myself. My 2018 Mini w/Intel chip has cratered (won't boot without immediately crashing & won't install a fresh copy of Catalina). It's a 64GB/2TB model that I use for photogrammetry 2D & 3D modeling. So now I have to decide between the M2 Pro Mini and the M1 Max Studio at similar price points ($2K). With the Mini I get the new chip architecture, new wifi, new HDMI and new USB standards. But I lose a handful of GPUs (19 vs 24) and faster memory (200 vs 400mbps). That's where Apple gets you - the overlap machines 🙂 I'd wait for an M2 Studio announcement but my Mini is dead now 🤷‍♂️

    • @CJKnowsTECH
      @CJKnowsTECH  Рік тому +1

      understood...sounds like you need a solution now and M2 Mac studio's may not get announced this year according to rumblings but who knows

    • @JaluAndura
      @JaluAndura Рік тому

      so which model did you finally purchase?

  • @Reebok4523
    @Reebok4523 Рік тому

    You can’t go M1 Max it’s capped at a 60 fps the killer upgrade was that hdmi 2.1 for me so M1 Max isn’t a consideration

    • @CJKnowsTECH
      @CJKnowsTECH  Рік тому

      If high refresh rate is a must for you then there's only one option...or at least until the Mac Studio gets upgraded

  • @rogerhalt3991
    @rogerhalt3991 Рік тому

    Listening to you justify internal storage is laughable. 2TB nvme drive is ~$100 then an enclosure is $20.
    Where are the benchmarks you have to show your audience the difference in real world? Instead of that, you read through the spec sheet which adds no value.

    • @CJKnowsTECH
      @CJKnowsTECH  Рік тому +2

      Lol benchmarks aren’t everything I speak from experience…I’ve owned soooo many Apple computers and I said for me personally I’ve learned that I prefer larger internal storage. Buy your external HD if it’s what you want…also I show my external hard drive solution in plenty videos. Go sit down and relax somewhere 😂

  • @junialter
    @junialter Рік тому

    Dude you keep saying Gigabit, when you mean Gigabyte. The difference is a factor of 8, so don't mix this up plz.

  • @milunbosiljcic
    @milunbosiljcic Рік тому +1

    😂

  • @otorijin
    @otorijin Рік тому

    i also wanna talk like a black people too, Yo!😊

  • @lowrivera
    @lowrivera Рік тому +1

    "You guys are Mac mini users"
    Another UA-camr that isn't a tech person. To give credit, not horrible info, just arrogant and some point are wrong.