Company Apple today introduced a brand new generation of the popular desktop computer Mac miniThe new product relies on optimized cooling and, above all, a significant increase in performance, which is ensured by configurations with M6 chips and M5 Pro. See a detailed comparison of all the main parameters and changes compared to previous models with M4 chips and M4 Pro.
Chips and raw performance: M6 vs. M4
Basic varianta represents a generational leap thanks to the new 2nm manufacturing process, on which the M6 chip is the first ever in history Appbuilt.
- Procesor and graphics: The M6 chip features a 12-core CPU (including two new supercores) and a 12-core GPU. Pro In comparison, the base M4 offered 10 processor cores and 10 graphics cores.
- Artificial Intelligence: The M6 deploys a dual 16-core Neural Engine, which doubles the number of AI cores compared to the M4.
- Total acceleration: In practice, according to Applu means up to 4x faster AI performance, 2x faster graphics and storage, and 40% higher processing power.
Gallery
Proprofessional performance: M5 Pro vs. M4 Pro
Pro is intended for demanding users varianta with chip M5 Pro, which takes multi-threaded tasks and graphics rendering capabilities to a new level.
- Configuration: M5 Pro offers a 15-core CPU as standard (compared to 12 cores for the M4 Pro) and can be configured with up to 18 cores (6 supercores and 12 performance cores) along with up to a 20-core GPU.
- Real tests: Processing prompts in the LM application Studio is up to 4x faster than on M4 Pro, rendering with ray tracing in Blender is 40% faster, and photo editing in Affinity is 50% faster.
RAM and throughput
The unified RAM memory has also undergone fundamental changes, with Apple increased both throughput speed and maximal configurable ceilings.
- Basic models: Mac mini with the M6 chip offers 170 GB/s memory bandwidth (compared to 120 GB/s with the M4) and can be equipped with up to 32 GB of RAM (previously max(The maximum capacity of the M4 was 24 GB).
- Pro models: Variawith M5 Pro boasts a throughput of 307 GB/s (versus 273 GB/s M4 Pro) and supports up to 64 GB of RAM (compared to 48 GB for M4 Pro).
You might be interested in
Koneactivity and network equipment
The new generation significantly modernizes connectivity options and network standards.
- N1 wireless chip: The chip known from the iPhone 17 brings support for the modern Wi-Fi 7 standard (an upgrade from Wi-Fi 6E) and Bluetooth 6 (an upgrade from Bluetooth 5.3).
- Ethernet: Standard wired connectivity has been upgraded to 2,5Gb Ethernet (previously a basic 1Gb port), with optional 10Gb varianta remains available.
- Genlock support: The new feature enables precise time synchronization of images and cameras via the USB-C interface, including compatibility with iPhonem 17 Pro.
Prices and availability
Improved parameters and new production technologies also bring with them an increase in the price tag. Basic Mac mini with the M6 chip starts at $899 (the model with the M4 started at $799, and was originally released in 2024 for $599). The more powerful configuration with M5 Pro starts at $1,699 (compared to $1,599 for M4 Pro).
Pre-orders for both new products are already underway, and official sales and delivery to the first customers will start on Tuesday, September 22. Complete offer Macs mini You can find the M6 right here, while offer more powerful Macs mini M5 Pro you can view here.
