Mac mini M2, 2023

The Apple Mac mini "M2" 8-Core CPU/10-Core GPU (2023) model is built with a 5-nm 3.49 GHz Apple M2 processor. This chip contains 8 cores (4 performance, 4 efficiency), a 10-core GPU, and a 16-core Neural Engine. It includes 8 GB of onboard RAM and, by default, either a 256 GB or 512 GB onboard SSD. Both the RAM and SSD could be custom-ordered with higher capacities at the time of purchase, but cannot be upgraded later.

Connectivity features Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.3, two Thunderbolt 4 ports (USB-C connector), two USB-A ports (up to 5Gb/s), an HDMI 2.0 port, Gigabit Ethernet, and a 3.5 mm headphone jack.

When compared to its predecessor, this model appears nearly identical but incorporates a faster internal architecture and boasts enhanced connectivity.

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

The 2023 Mac mini with the base M2 chip was seen as a smart, iterative update that refined an already excellent machine. It delivered a noticeable performance boost over the M1, particularly in GPU-intensive tasks and media engine performance, making it even more capable for light creative work. The starting price was also lowered, solidifying its position as an incredible value and the best entry point into the Mac ecosystem. The addition of Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 brought welcome connectivity improvements. However, it retained the same chassis and the same limitation of two Thunderbolt 4 ports, which felt constrained for users with multiple high-speed peripherals. A point of controversy was the slower SSD performance in the base 256GB model compared to its M1 equivalent, due to the use of a single NAND chip. Despite this, it was widely recommended as the ideal compact desktop for the vast majority of users.