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Apple Silicon Mac mini Q&A
Update Published February 7, 2023
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What custom processor options are available for the Apple Silicon Mac mini?
As confirmed by teardowns of the original and 2023 Apple Silicon Mac mini models, the processor cannot be upgraded after initial system purchase.
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (Apple Silicon Mac mini)
Most of the Apple Silicon Mac mini models cannot have the processor upgraded at the initial time of system purchase, either. However, one model -- the Mac mini "M2 Pro" 10 CPU/16 GPU 2023 -- can be custom configured with an Apple M2 Pro 12-Core CPU/19-Core GPU for an additional US$200. For convenience, EveryMac.com also documents this custom configuration as its own model, the Mac mini "M2 Pro" 12 CPU/19 GPU 2023.
What type of RAM does the Apple Silicon Mac mini use? Can it be upgraded?
All Apple Silicon Mac mini models have "unified" RAM integrated with the SoC. The RAM cannot be upgraded after the initial purchase of the system at all.
However, all Apple Silicon Mac mini models can have the RAM upgraded at the time of initial system purchase, but the specific options vary:
Apple Silicon Mac mini |
Std. RAM |
Max RAM |
Upg. Price |
8 GB |
16 GB |
US$200 |
|
8 GB |
16 GB |
US$200 |
|
16 GB |
32 GB |
US$400 |
|
16 GB |
32 GB |
US$400 |
|
By contrast, the last Intel-based "Late 2018" Mac mini models do have upgradable memory. These systems have two memory slots and use 2666 MHz PC4-21300 DDR4 SO-DIMMs. They support as much as 64 GB of RAM using two 32 GB memory modules.
What type of internal storage does the Apple Silicon Mac mini use? Is it possible to upgrade it?
As confirmed by teardowns of the original and 2023 Apple Silicon Mac mini models, storage is onboard and it is not possible to upgrade it after initial system purchase. Onboard storage should have been expected, but no doubt there were those who were holding out hope that faster Mac mini models at least would have storage on a removable module like the Mac Studio. No dice, unfortunately.
However, all Apple Silicon Mac mini models can -- or could -- be upgraded with more storage than the default at the time of initial system purchase:
Apple Silicon Mac mini |
Default SSDs |
SSD Options |
256 GB, 512 GB |
1 TB, 2 TB |
|
256 GB, 512 GB |
1 TB, 2 TB |
|
512 GB |
1 TB, 2 TB, 4 TB, 8 TB |
|
512 GB |
1 TB, 2 TB, 4 TB, 8 TB |
The last Mac mini models to have upgradable internal storage were the "Late 2014" Mac mini line.
Also see: What external storage options are available for the Apple Silicon Mac mini? Which is the best?
What are the custom configuration options for the Apple Silicon Mac mini?
For the initial "2020, M1" Apple Silicon Mac mini -- the Mac mini "M1" 8-Core 3.2 (2020) -- Apple just offers the option of additional RAM and/or SSD storage at the time of purchase:
| Mac mini | RAM | SSD | Processor |
| 2020, M1 | 16 GB | 1 TB 2 TB |
None |
For the "2023, M2/M2 Pro" Apple Silicon Mac mini models, Apple added more custom configuration options at the time of purchase:
| Mac mini | RAM | SSD | Processor |
| 2023, M2 | 16 GB 24 GB |
1 TB 2 TB |
None |
| 2023, M2 Pro | 32 GB | 1 TB 2 TB 4 TB 8 TB |
M2 Pro 12-Core CPU/19-Core GPU |
There are no additional custom configuration options for the Apple Silicon Mac mini and these upgrades cannot be made after the initial purchase of the computer, either.
Where can I buy a Apple Silicon Mac mini?
In the US, you always can buy a new Mac directly from Apple, but you often can get a better deal by buying your new Apple Silicon Mac mini from an Apple Authorized Reseller like site sponsor Adorama. Adorama commonly has deep discounts on recently discontinued models, too. Other World Computing sells used and refurb Mac mini models at bargain prices with free shipping, as well.
In the UK, site sponsor Hoxton Macs sells used Mac mini models with a one-year warranty and free next day delivery throughout the UK. Delivery across Europe also is available starting at just £9.99 for two-day delivery to France and Germany.
In Australia, site sponsor Mac City likewise may have used Mac mini models available at low prices and with a free warranty and fast shipping across Australia.
Who designed the Apple Silicon Mac mini?
Of course, all of Apple's Macs have been designed by hundreds of hardworking employees, but the company's industrial design for many years has been performed entirely in-house by Apple's Industrial Design Group.
For the "guts" of the Apple Silicon Mac mini, Apple's "Hardware Technologies" group, led by Johny Srouji, also deserves a great deal of credit, too.
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