Mac mini M2 Pro, 2023

The Apple Mac mini "M2 Pro" 10-Core CPU/16-Core GPU (2023) model is powered by a 5-nm 3.49 GHz Apple M2 Pro processor. This chip integrates 10 cores (6 performance and 4 efficiency), a 16-core GPU, and a 16-core Neural Engine. The system comes with 16 GB of onboard RAM and a 512 GB onboard SSD. Both RAM and SSD could be custom-configured with more advanced options at purchase but are not upgradable later.

Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.3, four Thunderbolt 4 ports (USB-C connector), two USB-A ports (up to 5Gb/s), an HDMI 2.1 port, Gigabit Ethernet, and a 3.5 mm headphone jack.

In comparison to its forerunner, this model looks almost identical but utilizes a faster internal architecture and provides improved connectivity.

All Mac mini systems are sold by default without a display, keyboard, or mouse, though a wide range of Apple and third-party peripherals are available.

The 2023 Mac mini with the M2 Pro chip was a game-changer, transforming the diminutive desktop into a genuine professional workstation that could compete with much larger and more expensive machines. It was lauded for bringing an astonishing level of performance to the mini form factor, easily handling heavy-duty tasks like 4K video editing, complex code compilation, and 3D rendering. A key upgrade over the standard M2 model was the inclusion of four Thunderbolt 4 ports, providing the extensive connectivity that pro users demand. The addition of an HDMI 2.1 port for higher-resolution and higher-refresh-rate displays was also a welcome feature. The primary evaluation was one of disbelief that so much power could be packed into such a small, quiet box. While its high price tag put it in a different category than previous minis, it was widely regarded as a fantastic value for creative professionals who needed immense power without the footprint of a traditional tower.