Mac mini 2018

Technically a "configure-to-order" choice for both the MRTR2LL/A Mac mini "Core i3" 3.6 and the MRTT2LL/A Mac mini "Core i5" 3.0, the Mac mini "Core i7" 3.2 (Late 2018/Space Gray) is also listed as a distinct model for convenience. Apart from the processor, this model can be configured identically to its standard counterparts.

The Apple Mac mini "Core i7" 3.2 (Late 2018/Space Gray) is powered by a 14 nm "Coffee Lake" 3.2 GHz Intel "Core i7" (8700B) processor with six independent "cores" on a single chip and a 12 MB shared L3 cache. It has 8 GB of user-upgradable 2666 MHz DDR4 PC4-21300 SDRAM, onboard PCIe-based SSD storage of 128 GB, 256 GB, or 512 GB, and an integrated Intel UHD Graphics 630 processor that shares system memory.

Connectivity includes four Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports, two USB 3.1 ports, an HDMI 2.0 port, Gigabit Ethernet (upgradable to NbaseT/10 Gigabit Ethernet at purchase), 802.11ac Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n compatible), Bluetooth 5.0, and a 3.5 mm headphone jack.

Compared to its much older predecessor, this model looks similar except for its dark "Space Gray" finish, but it features a significantly more advanced processor and system architecture, along with more modern connectivity. It also offers upgradable RAM, though storage is not upgradable.

All Mac mini systems are sold by default without a display, keyboard, or mouse, but many Apple and third-party options are available.

The build-to-order 3.2GHz Core i7 Mac mini from late 2018 was hailed as a powerhouse, packing six cores into its compact space-gray chassis. This configuration transformed the mini into a genuine pro-level machine, capable of handling demanding tasks like video editing, coding, and running multiple virtual machines with ease. The four Thunderbolt 3 ports were a key highlight, offering unprecedented expandability and allowing users to connect external GPUs, high-speed storage arrays, and multiple 4K or 5K displays. The return of user-upgradable RAM was another major victory for consumers, providing a cost-effective path for future performance boosts. However, this power came at a steep price, with a fully-configured model costing thousands, placing it in a different league from its predecessors. The non-upgradable SSD was a notable limitation for a machine aimed at professionals. Despite these trade-offs, it was celebrated as the most versatile and powerful Mac mini to date, finally giving pro users the compact desktop they had been waiting for.