It handles the SMC, internal SSD encryption, audio and image controllers as well as Touch ID in compatible models. Apple touted the T2 chip provides better security and a new level of integration. It’s a co-processor that runs the Mac subsystem. One new component that has made its way into all 2018 Macs is the Apple T2 Security Chip. Expansion capabilities are possible externally through the Thunderbolt 3 ports. Unfortunately this is the only upgradable internal component because CPU and NVMe SSD are soldered to the logic board. We can now replace the RAM modules unlike the soldered RAM in the previous iteration. One much-requested change in this new Mac mini is the RAM slots. Apple removed two USB-A ports, SD card reader, and Audio IN jack. Ĭompared to the 2014 Mac mini that had two Thunderbolt 2 ports, the four Thunderbolt 3 ports are the only added value in the 2018 Mac mini. Maxing out a Mac mini would cost you $4,199. Another BTO feature is the 10Gigabit Ethernet port for $100. The 6-core, 12-thread i7-8700b is the most desirable option and only available build-to-order. At $1,099 you get a Mac mini with a hex-core i5-8500b, 2x 4GB RAM modules, and 256GB PCIe NVMe flash storage. It gets worse with the higher configuration.

Priced at $799, it’s a whopping 60% price hike over the last generation Mac mini base model.

The base configuration has an i3-8100b quad-core processor, 2x 4GB RAM modules, and 128GB PCIe NVMe flash storage. The 2018 Mac mini comes in two configurations, three processor choices, and lots of big money upgrades. VisionTek Mini eGFX R9 Nano 4 Monitor Setup Hardware Specifics

Best ssd drive for mac mini 2018