iFixit has finally shared its teardown video of Apple’s latest Mac mini M4, offering a detailed look at the internal design of the computer that has amazed us the most in recent years. The new M4 Mac mini is significantly smaller than previous models, measuring just 5 inches square, compared to previous models’ 7.5 inches, thanks to a dense layout with minimal space between components. All this with unprecedented power and a great price of €699.
A magnificent machine inside
One of the biggest design changes is the power supply, which Apple redesigned to save space. It’s positioned as a card on top of the case, similar to the approach used in the HomePod. By streamlining the power supply in this way, Apple was able to reduce size without sacrificing performance. On the other hand, the ignition button had to be positioned under the device, something which was quite criticized on social networks.
The Mac mini also features an innovative thermal management system centered around a fan that draws air through different levels of the device, expelling it out the bottom. To support the additional cooling needed for the M4 Pro models, Apple has equipped them with a larger copper heatsink than the standard M4 version.
This teardown confirms some previously discovered details, including modular storage. iFixit was able to swap a 512GB SSD from a Mac mini M4 for one with a 256GB SSD, proving that the storage can indeed be upgraded. However, iFixit discovered that the M4 and M4 Pro models use different, non-interchangeable NAND modules, so users looking to upgrade will need the correct SSD type for their model.
On the other hand, as we know since the advent of Apple Silicon chips, RAM is tightly integrated into the M4 chip and cannot be upgraded after purchase. Additionally, the ports are soldered to the board, making potential repairs difficult.
A rating of 7/10
Overall, iFixit rated the Mac mini M4’s repairability a 7 out of 10, thanks to easily replaceable components, the ability to upgrade the SSD, and Apple’s detailed repair manuals. iFixit suggests that with proper maintenance, users can expect at least a decade of use from the M4 Mac mini.
For us, the Mac mini M4 is the best value for money Mac currently, starting at €699 on Amazon For example.
Here is the video:
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