M4 Mac mini - The Perfect Home Server!

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  • Опубліковано 7 лют 2025

КОМЕНТАРІ • 139

  • @villehelander4165
    @villehelander4165 Місяць тому +16

    We need more Mac Mini home server videos! 🎉

  • @DavidHansen92
    @DavidHansen92 2 місяці тому +18

    Man you’re hitting on something ive been wanting for myself. Change the location of your photos library off your Mac and onto a larger storage device without having to give up the Apple ecosystem. Would love to see and in-depth follow-up video of you trying to connect this to your Synology. If that’d let you keep the iCloud connectivity, I sure might be in the market for a Mac Mini.. and a Synology lol 😂 keep you the good work

  • @matthewhutton5701
    @matthewhutton5701 2 місяці тому +17

    There's a security vs convenience trade off to make, where this setup chooses convenience. (See 2:30)
    The choice is either require physical access when rebooting (after a power interruption), or disable FileVault disk encryption AND set automatic login. Being headless doesn't help security - if someone has physical access they can take your machine away, power it on and plug in a monitor and have access to your account. Less of an issue if you live in a beautiful forest!
    Great video all the same, cool setup!

    • @matthewhutton5701
      @matthewhutton5701 2 місяці тому +5

      There's also a more complicated middle ground which some people use for macOS build servers, where the machine auto logs in to a very limited account, with all sensitive data on encrypted external drives, and separate keychains etc etc. This way things can be restored remotely after a power outage, without exposing info in the case of theft.

  • @ometofu
    @ometofu 3 дні тому +1

    All good stuff… definitely need to save the video and doing it minute by minute when I’m in front of my mini… cool stuff

  • @deonh9303
    @deonh9303 2 місяці тому +15

    Thx Stephen, will be following your journey closely. I want to move my Plex, Sonarr etc. from my old Synology to a M4 Mac mini and use the NAS purely just for storage. Please keep us posted on how it goes 👍🏻

  • @antongrimm
    @antongrimm 2 місяці тому +15

    The best video I've found on this! Subscribed right away. Thank you! Please do more home server stuff like this!

    • @beardfm
      @beardfm  2 місяці тому +1

      Appreciate that! I will!

    • @Skvj777
      @Skvj777 2 місяці тому

      @@beardfm 100% agree!

  • @pbrigham
    @pbrigham 2 місяці тому +76

    Just plug an external ssd on the usb4 port and you can have natively yours home Mac folder mounted on that. This is a hidden option on the user, just press command and user at same time and will give you that option.

    • @beardfm
      @beardfm  2 місяці тому +16

      Woah...going to do this!

    • @pbrigham
      @pbrigham 2 місяці тому +5

      @@beardfm Just be aware that you will need to install the applications again, as the new software will be installed natively on the external drive. The default Mac Software and System files will remain the main drive, but those take very little space. Is better you log out from iCloud before you make the change, after you can log in back on and all files will point to the external drive.

    • @gummibando
      @gummibando 2 місяці тому +6

      This has been in macOS for quite some time. But for me, the key combo was always Control-/right-click → Advanced Options…

  • @tompov227
    @tompov227 2 місяці тому +9

    I like that Mac minis work so well as servers. I have one in my house for Time Machine over wifi and some simple file sharing and iCloud caching. I wish Apple still cared about this kinda thing. I would love to see some of the OS X server features come back to the Mac (but not at the original cost) like DNS and DHCP and it would be really nice to have some of these things built in as first party server services instead of requiring so many third party apps

    • @beardfm
      @beardfm  2 місяці тому +2

      I agree! Bring back, "Back to My Mac"

    • @Psyt0s
      @Psyt0s 2 місяці тому

      You can have all that running as docker containers. DNS, DHCP, = Pihole! and many more self-hosted services available as containers.

  • @curryconsult
    @curryconsult Місяць тому +2

    I do use HomeBridge, running on my Sinology NAS with one plug-in only, so I can get my Ubiquiti Protect cameras into HomeKit. You’re right, it’s a little flaky but it works 95% of the time. Thanks for Screens. That’s a new one for me.

    •  Місяць тому

      Switch to Scrypted. It’s rock solid and lightweight

  • @pimisi
    @pimisi 2 місяці тому +3

    I've been seeing your video on my feed for a couple of days, but I thought it was just another one of those "Mac Mini review" videos. Today, out of boredom, I decided to give it a watch, and I’m so glad I did. I enjoyed it far more than any other tech video I’ve watched in a long time. I had to like, subscribe, turn on notifications, and follow you on your socials. It was an excellent and well-put-together video. I enjoyed it so much that I wished it were longer.

    • @beardfm
      @beardfm  2 місяці тому +1

      Wow, that means a lot 🙏🏻 glad you took the chance and watched!

    • @pimisi
      @pimisi 2 місяці тому

      @@beardfm “Give honour to whom honour is due” 😊

  • @hamadminmgr
    @hamadminmgr 2 місяці тому +2

    I use homebridge on my Mac Mini server. It works great with my nest . Have bought an M4 Mac mini as I had a 2012 Mac mini which acted as a server.

    • @jessepatterson8897
      @jessepatterson8897 2 місяці тому

      i have one as a server on my network as well, it does NVR mostly. I moved from homebridge to home assistant a few years ago for that funtionality; and run scrypted to bring in my security spy (NVR) feeds into HKSV. I have a debian server too, I'm going to migrate my plex install over to it and test out jellyfin on the mac, which i've never played with and seems to offer hardware encoding in more formats than on plex (also have plexpass obv)

    • @beardfm
      @beardfm  2 місяці тому +1

      Homebridge is great! and that'll be a huge upgrade from the 2012

    • @hamadminmgr
      @hamadminmgr 2 місяці тому

      @@beardfm Great video. By the way node.js uses javascript on the server.

  • @chrismathews6338
    @chrismathews6338 Місяць тому

    Found this today with perfect timing (or it found me 👀), just got home from the Apple Store with the exact same machine for a very similar purpose, like some of the tips in here, auto login etc. Thanks!

  • @arthurwatts1680
    @arthurwatts1680 2 місяці тому +1

    Wow - so much for me to ste, er, glean from you ! About all I use my current mini PC for is Plex and Plexamp on Linux, so all that hardware would be overkill but I admire anyone who can take on a project like an entire home and see it through to the end. Thanks for the vid(s).

    • @beardfm
      @beardfm  2 місяці тому +1

      Take all the ideas! Thanks 🙂

  • @Delyn
    @Delyn Місяць тому

    This just gave new life to my m1 MacBook Pro with a broken screen 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻 Thanks again!

  • @vincentpolisi
    @vincentpolisi 2 місяці тому +4

    After my last Synology NAS gave up the ghost, I got tired of dealing with proprietary software and created my own NAS with a Raspberry Pi. It's great because you can connect to it with the Files app in iOS right from your iPhone/iPad (and obviously Macs) and set it up so you can access it remotely when not at home. I have them connected to a Thermaltake BlacX Duet and Sabrent HDD Docking Stations for hot swapping hard drives. And, yes, it will stream Plex 😁

    • @beardfm
      @beardfm  2 місяці тому +1

      👀👀 interesting

  • @johandegroot3203
    @johandegroot3203 Місяць тому

    Thanks for sharing this great setup!
    We use Homey for smart home.

  • @cryptochrome_original
    @cryptochrome_original 21 день тому

    This would make for a pretty powerful Plex server as well, with hardware-assisted transcoding.

  • @fargfield
    @fargfield 2 місяці тому +7

    Super interested in your future photo library video. In the same situation and it’s the only reason I’m considering a storage tier up my Mac Mini.

    • @beardfm
      @beardfm  2 місяці тому +2

      Will be setting it up soon!

    • @ZeerakImran
      @ZeerakImran 2 місяці тому

      You can store them externally too.

  • @dcooper2935
    @dcooper2935 2 місяці тому +3

    Great video! I have always wanted to set up a proper Mac mini server for my home and this video has me chomping at the bit. I would love to see a video/videos detailing the process of properly setting up a Mac mini server. Kind of a dummies version as someone else has mentioned.

    • @beardfm
      @beardfm  2 місяці тому +4

      Will work on it!

  • @neelaplohith
    @neelaplohith Місяць тому +1

    Amazing video. Most helpful content.

    • @beardfm
      @beardfm  Місяць тому

      Glad to hear that!

  • @The_Cali_Dude_88
    @The_Cali_Dude_88 Місяць тому

    As per myself It’s perfect no matter what ❤

    • @The_Cali_Dude_88
      @The_Cali_Dude_88 Місяць тому

      I have mine coming fully loaded but stopped at two terabytes ❤

  • @tjdixon82
    @tjdixon82 2 місяці тому +3

    I use Homebridge for Ring and Kasa mainly. It works well. I run it in Docker on a NAS but will be moving it to Docker on a Max Mini soon.

    • @beardfm
      @beardfm  2 місяці тому +1

      Ring is probably the #1 reason to run Homebridge!

    • @jessepatterson8897
      @jessepatterson8897 2 місяці тому

      have you tried scrypted? I much prefer it to Home bridge for the speed and features. When i tried homebridge for adding my NVR to my iphone it did work, but was slower, and didn't support all the HKSV features.

  •  Місяць тому

    Very interested in the photos app local syncing. I’m considering setting up dedicated accounts for everyone on my family iCloud plan and save their photos to an external account. Looking forward to a follow up/ part 2 to this video!

  • @BingBlangBlaow
    @BingBlangBlaow Місяць тому

    I have a mini PC running Debian for AdGuardHome, Unbound DNS, and HomeBridge. Has an Intel processor, so I can roast marshmallows over the CPU. The Mac Mini M4 will run all those, so been thinking of going that route. Plus being able to remote in like you did is a plus.

  • @CMBurns1000
    @CMBurns1000 2 місяці тому +1

    Im using a Mac mini m1 as honeserver/nas and it’s great 👍 with an SuperDrive attached, I can stream dvds to my Apple TV

  • @tstfam
    @tstfam 13 годин тому

    Nice video! Can I connect the Mac mini up to my TV and still also use it in all the ways you showed (especially the headless Remote Desktop)? Let me clarify, I’m interested in connecting it to my main TV and using my MacBook Pro with Magic Keyboard to control it while using the TV screen when I’m on the couch, but then also still being able to connect remotely from my iPad Pro, MacBook Pro, or even my Windows 11 desktop from other locations.

  • @martyparshall4368
    @martyparshall4368 2 місяці тому +1

    Love the video and have So many questions! But will wait on many of those until I read more in the descriptions section. I have done Homebridge only on RP but got to be too much for the few items I wanted to control, I went to Home Assistant, again on RP, but again not fully sure it’s worth it, and why I have slowly replaced most all those devices w Matter devices to further reduce the need there. I’m planning to get the new mini as my old MacBook I can’t be updated anymore but I want something that can act more as a central hub like u are. I used to use plex but again stopped because too much work and streaming remote was too slow, but would Love to do that again if you had a video on that! Thx as always love the channel!

  • @ToddPage1987
    @ToddPage1987 2 місяці тому +1

    great stuff - been contemplating doing something similarly with the newer mac Minis when I upgrade my current M1 version.... always timely!

    • @beardfm
      @beardfm  2 місяці тому

      Thanks Todd! And now seemed like a good time. That M4 will last forever!

  • @edemkumah5248
    @edemkumah5248 16 днів тому

    Thanks a lot. Why didn't I think of this. I will buy an M2 Ultra and use it remotely for running AI models & data science workloads, from my Macbook.

  • @jeffhale1189
    @jeffhale1189 2 місяці тому +2

    Thanks for sharing. Blessings on your day.

  • @AlexManMe
    @AlexManMe 2 місяці тому +3

    I wish this Mac would work with proxmox but keep the Home lab videos coming

  • @tdrg_
    @tdrg_ Місяць тому

    For Homebridge, I’d highly recommend a Raspberry Pi (4 or 5 will do) 4GB with Docker, especially for beginners to the space. It’s a great way to learn Linux, and its flexibility is a luxury. It’s also rather inexpensive, very efficient and sufficiently powerful.
    I would honestly do this on a Mac mini if either my projects require heavy computing, heavy usage, or if you already have a Mac mini
    Nonetheless, this is very cool, and I love to see Stephen hitting this topic of discussion

  • @derekjennen391
    @derekjennen391 7 днів тому

    Can you share your iPhone wallpaper? Thank you!

  • @nina7726
    @nina7726 8 днів тому

    Hey good video, it was exactly what i was looking for when i saw the price of the m4. quick question tho, u use automatic login and never log out, with macs etc when u have remote management you can unlock the account while its sleeping remotely, this includes remote keyboard, mouse and monitor. for the people recreating this, iknow it seams easier to do it this way but putting in a password isnt gonna kill u. if you decide to make a home server, please take in consideration of your security. a device that is always logged in with full access to ur files and network is not a good idea, just set it to lock, and login the first time.

    • @nina7726
      @nina7726 8 днів тому

      sorry i loste the fact of the question, why did u choose this path?

  • @brendonvz
    @brendonvz 2 місяці тому

    Greeat video!! looking to setup something similar for my parents photo libraries! Subscribed!

  • @fdhabhar
    @fdhabhar Місяць тому +1

    I have an Apple TV 4K at home as a Homekit hub. I have a Simplisafe security system. I use Homebridge on a Pi 3B+ to allow Homekit to arm the system at night automatically, disable it in the morning (only if I'm home, the behavior is geofenced), and when I'm on my way home from work the geofence will prompt me to disable the system as well (but I have to approve it manually, I didn't want it to do it on its own in case I was driving past my home to go elsewhere). Works very reliably!

  • @harrisedgar
    @harrisedgar Місяць тому

    Wonderful..!!! Thank you..!! I0m subscribing..!!

  • @RealEverythingComputers
    @RealEverythingComputers 28 днів тому

    put ubuntu for arm on it and make it one heck of a beast

  • @gregoryrowden8615
    @gregoryrowden8615 2 місяці тому +7

    Hey, first finally! I didn’t understand any of that. 😢 Hopefully Stephen can make a Mac for Dummies tutorial.

    • @beardfm
      @beardfm  2 місяці тому +4

      Will make a getting started with Mac soon!

    • @gregoryrowden8615
      @gregoryrowden8615 2 місяці тому

      @@beardfm That would be much appreciated.

  • @mQumboz
    @mQumboz Місяць тому

    I was looking for this!
    wanted to get a NAS but the functionality is limited. I'm considering running small ai tools for the house (like home assistant) in addition to streaming, file sharing. the m4 mini is really good for this

  • @tgow
    @tgow 2 місяці тому

    I use a Raspberry Pi4b to run Hoobs which is a opensource / freely available homebridge distro but also they sell a device that does it all in one. Pretty easy to setup and has been quite reliable. I haven't used homebridge straight up so i can't compare, but i have 3 plugin /"bridges" setup. Wyze, Bond (IR blaster), ISY (which is a semi flaky addon for old insteon devices through a 3rd party non-insteon hub. Also can support the super sold school X10 accessories, not that I have any of those. Pretty simple to setup as far as creating bootable images goes. Integrated library of lots of plugs, of which many are "certified" by hoobs to run. I recommend checking it out. I also use that pi with a filesystem mounted from my QNAP to share plex, like you do, except use some command line tools instead of a mac.

  • @nigelsmith75
    @nigelsmith75 2 місяці тому +4

    You don't need the HDMI headless dongle. Apple Silicon means you no longer need it. I found it messed with bluetooth when plugged in and not needed for remote accessing. I get native 1920x1080 resolution.

    • @beardfm
      @beardfm  2 місяці тому +1

      Hm I’ll have to try without it. Didn’t once and the window looked funny

  • @WorldFamousUnfluencer
    @WorldFamousUnfluencer Місяць тому +1

    1:34 You can set the remote desktop resolution to whatever you want in the client settings. No need for a dongle like this.

  • @mipad553
    @mipad553 15 днів тому

    Does it support egpu

  • @atomicdetailsoc
    @atomicdetailsoc 2 місяці тому

    i run HB on a pi3b+ with no issues...looking into a new mac mini for a robust HA server if it is possible. good video!

  • @AlexanderShelestov
    @AlexanderShelestov Місяць тому

    4:00 You can do this with Apple Automator, no need any Hazel.

  • @AindriuMacGiollaEoin
    @AindriuMacGiollaEoin Місяць тому +1

    I think Asahi linux would be great on the m4 mini

  • @argee55
    @argee55 2 місяці тому +1

    Looking forward to you photo storage video.

    • @beardfm
      @beardfm  2 місяці тому

      Will be working on it!

  • @drsiiiiin
    @drsiiiiin 2 місяці тому

    This video worth subscribing

  • @DJTyrant
    @DJTyrant 2 місяці тому +1

    What's the benefit of Riverside over something like OBS Studio (just curious and understand if you might not be able to answer)

  • @alangeorgebarstow
    @alangeorgebarstow Місяць тому

    I've just bought a new Mac Mini M4. I also have a Mac Mini M2 that I would like to use just as an external SSD backup storage device for the M4. The only display screen I have is a Mac Studio display. How do I connect the two Mac Minis together to achieve this?

  • @cbasacik
    @cbasacik 2 місяці тому

    Man, you just toasted my brain !

  • @1MinuteFlipDoc
    @1MinuteFlipDoc Місяць тому

    does the screen share include audio? (from mac mini to your laptop?)

  • @CMBurns1000
    @CMBurns1000 2 місяці тому

    Did you consider setting up network accounts?

    • @beardfm
      @beardfm  2 місяці тому

      Nah I prefer just the local

  • @TonyTylerDraws
    @TonyTylerDraws 2 місяці тому +1

    I see people talking about using Mac Minis as a home server. What do you actually use them for, though? Since a lot of what I used for a server back in the day is now cloud based, I’m always confused what people use them for besides local backups. Maybe I’m just not doing enough to need a server

    • @beardfm
      @beardfm  2 місяці тому +6

      Literally what this video talks about

  • @samharman
    @samharman 2 місяці тому +1

    Great video, I pretty much only watch MKBHD and you now!

    • @beardfm
      @beardfm  2 місяці тому

      That’s high praise, thank you! 🙏🏼

  • @PeterSpee
    @PeterSpee 2 місяці тому

    Re: Your question about Homebridge. I use both Home Assistant (TP Link bulbs, outlets, switches) and Scrypted (Reolink Cameras) to connect my smart home devices to HomeKit. I run them on Docker containers on a Synology NAS (with 32GB of RAM). Works really well, but HomeKit is still flakey…. Weakest link in the chain. Looking forward to seeing how your system photo library runs off your NAS. (Protip, just put it on an external SSD instead as it’s supported)

    • @beardfm
      @beardfm  2 місяці тому

      Ah good call! Gonna grab an external SSD...

  • @naushadali6784
    @naushadali6784 Місяць тому

    Hi,just a question how am i to transfer my External hard drive from laptop to Mac Mini M4 or plug my external hard drive to Mac Mini M4 for transferring movies files?How do i do that?

  • @rayband3826
    @rayband3826 Місяць тому

    After moving the Photos folder, did you get it to sync? Or does it actually not sync if you take it off the main ssd?

    • @beardfm
      @beardfm  28 днів тому +1

      I could not get it to sync. so I copied it to my Synology as a backup and then turned off the local downloads for the main Photo library. Still trying to figure out the best way to have a local, updated copy, but looks like I just need to get a 4TB SSD in my next Mac Studio to keep my library local.

    • @rayband3826
      @rayband3826 28 днів тому

      @@beardfm That's the problem I had years ago when I tried it. I was hoping they had changed that to allows it to be on a different drive. I guess that's partly how Apple can try to get us to pay crazy amounts for more space on internal. :(

  • @supereldian
    @supereldian 2 місяці тому +1

    06:43 “sneaky link” 😭😭

  • @CaiCai
    @CaiCai 2 місяці тому

    If Apple supports full screen size connection of Mac Mini, it will be perfect

  • @owlmega-101
    @owlmega-101 Місяць тому

    Hi, do you think another upgrade to 10GbE for your nearly-base model would be worth it? Currently on the fence with my new buying.

    • @beardfm
      @beardfm  Місяць тому +1

      I decided against it as I'm not transferrin huge files to and from the Mac mini. And I'm all about 10 Gbe in my home network!

  • @accentontheoff
    @accentontheoff 2 місяці тому

    Hi, could you recommend an affordable monitor to go with this machine or its Pro version. Thanks!

    • @beardfm
      @beardfm  2 місяці тому

      I'm not super well versed in monitors outside Apple (I use the Studio Display) but I've heard Samsung is a solid choice: geni.us/5FD5Nh

  • @daviddonk
    @daviddonk 2 місяці тому +1

    I’m missing the use-case here… what’s the purpose of this whole setup?

    • @henkondemand
      @henkondemand 2 місяці тому +1

      It looks like he uses it to download video's and push those to his Plex server/NAS. He isn't going into detail on it because it's against UA-cams's TOS.

  • @StaticxJFord
    @StaticxJFord 2 місяці тому

    so do you think this model is good enough for streaming vis ps5 using something like obs? Im considering this or just possibly getting the m4 pro but honestly would rather not get the pro at the moment.

  • @sesomediagroup
    @sesomediagroup 2 місяці тому

    Right on time: I was thinking “Can this new Mac mini serve capably as a home server and NAS host?”

  • @ItsLikeAShammy
    @ItsLikeAShammy 2 місяці тому +7

    You didn't feel you needed to upgrade to the 10 gig ethernet config?

    • @beardfm
      @beardfm  2 місяці тому

      I was tempted, but I'm not in a hurry with whatever this Mac is doing, so I saved the $100

    • @kickskii
      @kickskii 2 дні тому

      That really doesn't make sense considering this was supposed to be used for a server setup
      You could have done that and used a base model to still have 100$ saved
      Use an external drive using the type C port for like 2tb for that saved 100$

  • @HoundDogMech
    @HoundDogMech Місяць тому

    Being a PC guy sinc Mid 1990's (TRS-80 in 1980) I could watch this Video hundereds of times and never ever Understand Most of it. At 81 I am really Strugling just with Basic Apple/Mac jargon.

  • @JarppaGuru
    @JarppaGuru 2 місяці тому

    size not matter! mini all ready was this small before lol

  • @JarppaGuru
    @JarppaGuru 2 місяці тому

    4:56 could... give your files to someone else computer. only bad things happen. delete from cloud. opsy they delete from own computer too bcoz sync. had to one time rescue files. and i never even activate any cloud LOL

  • @jmor10x
    @jmor10x Місяць тому

    You’re missing out without Home Assistant

  • @gbmedia-io
    @gbmedia-io Місяць тому

    Considered replacing my laptop, but since I've now got an M4 do you think this is a suitable route instead of getting a new item?

    • @beardfm
      @beardfm  Місяць тому

      If you already have an M4 Laptop, you may want to stick with it and figure out a docking setup. If you have an older MacBook, this M4 Mac mini is a great option!

  • @georgetechtips8804
    @georgetechtips8804 2 місяці тому

    What is point of buying an M4 macmini to use as a nas or server..the old M2 mac mini is good enough as a HTC or as nas with a 2Tb nvme in an enclosure and install plex client on it backed up to a windows server ..or qnap or synology nas...save your money..

  • @mx338
    @mx338 Місяць тому +1

    I'll wait until it runs Linux bare-metal.

  • @DavidAlsh
    @DavidAlsh 2 місяці тому

    DOA without native Linux support - but I appreciate the thought

  • @Mylordkaz
    @Mylordkaz 2 місяці тому

    screen time parental control + streaming doesn't fit well together 😂

  • @dazealex
    @dazealex 2 місяці тому

    Run Asahi Linux for more wins.

  • @pycontiki
    @pycontiki 2 місяці тому +1

    You can easily upgrade the SSD yourself to 2TB 😂

  • @thomasbroker69
    @thomasbroker69 25 днів тому

    lol ripping videos to a dedicated M4 Mini video library.. I pay a tiny amount for a cloud server that can download tons of stuff & it can run Plex, that will stream anywhere..

    • @beardfm
      @beardfm  24 дні тому

      What cloud server is that??