Mac Mini M1 vs Core i5 3.0GHz

[orchid fern]

Im planning to buy a Mac Mini, but is the intel best?
I know that macOS Tahoe Will be the last version to support it.
i will only need it for schoolwork, Graphics and Photo editing.
Which is better?

[hazy field]

Get the M1, it is so much better than any of the Intel models. The M1 is guaranteed at least 2-3 years of OS support, and it’s still a very fast and capable machine. Just make sure to get the model with 16GB of RAM.

The Intel Mac mini is literally obsolete now

[orchid fern]

Thanks
Or should i stick using my MacBook Pro?
Will the MacBook Pro use 120hz when connecting it to a monitor?

[hazy field]

What MacBook Pro do you have?

[orchid fern]

MacBook Pro 14in M3 Pro

[hazy field]

I would just stick to using the MacBook Pro and connecting the monitor. 120hz should be available provided the monitor and input you’re using supports it.

[orchid fern]

OK, Do you know any moniter that are Best?

[hasty oxide]

Nooooo wayy you're comparing M1 Mac Mini with a Core i5, they don't stand together man, M1 is the clear winner, if you don't want to run Windows, also M1 Mac Mini will handle Graphics and photo editing like a champ, and school work is like a feather on M1 Mac Mini. It is def worth it and is better than any Intel version Macs in almost every single way!

[hasty oxide]

Well if you have that why would you get a mac mini?

I find it easy to have the same type of workflow everywhere, plus I can resume it from everywhere, (IK iCloud exists 😭)

I'll definitely find it easier to just switch from a desk setup to portability with my MacBook connected

especially when it is a MBP m3 pro

[hasty oxide]

Sorry for doing a quick ChatGPT 💀 but here are the results:

1. Apple Studio Display (5K Retina)
   • Resolution: 5120 x 2880 (native for macOS)
   • Refresh Rate: 60Hz (not 120Hz)
   • Pros: Best scaling, native Retina support, deep macOS integration
   • Cons: Expensive, no 120Hz

⸻

2. LG UltraFine 32UQ85R-W
   • Resolution: 3840 x 2160 (4K)
   • Refresh Rate: 120Hz (via DisplayPort or USB-C w/ eGPU)
   • Pros: Mac-friendly, great color accuracy (DisplayHDR 400, DCI-P3), factory-calibrated
   • Cons: macOS may default to scaling (but works well)

⸻

3. ASUS ProArt Display PA32UCR-K
   • Resolution: 3840 x 2160
   • Refresh Rate: 120Hz
   • Pros: Excellent color, Thunderbolt/USB-C, supports HDR
   • Cons: Expensive

⸻

4. Dell UltraSharp U2723QE (4K IPS)
   • Resolution: 3840 x 2160
   • Refresh Rate: Up to 120Hz
   • Pros: Great image quality, macOS-friendly scaling, USB-C hub
   • Cons: No native macOS HiDPI without slight scaling

⸻

5. Eizo ColorEdge CS2740
   • Resolution: 3840 x 2160
   • Refresh Rate: 120Hz capable (check with DisplayPort)
   • Pros: Premium color accuracy, USB-C
   • Cons: Very pricey

⸻

💡 Things to Check for Macs
• USB-C or Thunderbolt 3/4: Avoid HDMI unless using HDMI 2.1 or with adapters.
• Native 4K@120Hz: Needs DisplayPort 1.4 or HDMI 2.1 via USB-C dock or eGPU.
• HiDPI scaling: macOS prefers 5K or 2x scaling (1920x1080 on 4K screen looks best).

My friend has been using the LG UltraFine 32UQ85R-W for almost 6 months now, and it works pretty well tho ngl

Studio display will give you nice picture quality but you won't get 120hz and it is really pricey

And LG monitors are like really reliable, at least in my location, so I will obviously lean towards the LG UltraFine 32UQ85R-W if I decide to make a desk setup, but in your case it can be different 😭

[orchid fern]

I don’t know if I kept plugging my HDMI to my MacBook every single time to the point where one of the HDMI purse won’t be broke that is my worst nightmare

[hasty oxide]

Maybe you can always look for an USB hub

and if you be gentle with it, i don't think you will get any problem

[orchid fern]

Yeah, that’s what I’m going to say, but I already have the USB hub

[hasty oxide]

Or you can get the L-shaped HDMI cable, so you can reduce the stress on the port

[hasty oxide]

yeah so thats great!

[orchid fern]

OK, yeah I’ll just stick with my MacBook Pro instead so and also thank you for sharing one of the monitors that I recommended

[hasty oxide]

I think it is okay for your port to be worn out after a long time

[orchid fern]

I mean, I do have the AppleCare warranty. Do you know how much it would cost? Am I depending on if it will cost like 200

And I think it’s a student one because I’m in college

[hasty oxide]

hold on Lemme research for a bit brb

[hasty oxide]

If you have AppleCare Ig it should cost you around 100$

but if you don't it is def 300-400 or even more

sometimes 500$ or more

[orchid fern]

Yeah, it’s a good thing i have the care plus

[hasty oxide]

Mr ChatGPT says:

💰 Repair Cost (with AppleCare+ Student Plan)
• Accidental damage repair (logic board): ~$99–$299 USD
• If just the HDMI port is damaged, Apple still replaces the entire logic board, but the cost is capped under the AppleCare accidental damage fee.

But don't think will go as high as 300$ with AppleCare

but like 100-200 ig

some people on Apple Discussions claim that they paid as high as 700$ without Apple Care!

[hasty oxide]

Yeah def that will cut the cost a LOT

[orchid fern]

The only reason I asked for a Mac mini is that
My little sister can have a computer at home to use, and I’ll use it for graphics design.

Sort of my sibling wants to use it

[hasty oxide]

Oh, if you want it for your little sister, since you guys are 2 people so you can work on your MBP and she can work on the mac mini even if your not home or at the same time right?

[hasty oxide]

yeah having 2 computers is not a bad thing when you have 2 or more people who are willing to use it (even occassionally) and since your little sister might need to use one, there can be scenarios when you need to work with the graphic designing and she wants to complete her schoolwork at the same time, I think 2 devices will be useful that the time

but why don't you just get her own base model MBA

M4

so she can have her own personal computing system?

And it will be a one-time investment for her, and she won't need to upgrade for next 5-6 years (doesn't overuse it like I do)

btw, I'm in schl rn, and I'm obv not a mature of a person as I'm still turning 15 next month

and how old is she?

[orchid fern]

😂She is only 10 even my brother is 17 but is not a mac fan.🙄

i personaly like having a Mac Mini at home so that anyone can use it
i was looking through the internet finding a Mac Mini M1 if possible.

i also want to use it sort of a software developer.

Wanting to use a computer programming.

[hazy field]

I personally wouldn’t let your 10-year-old use your high-end MacBook Pro, so the Mac mini M1 would work pretty great for someone that young. Just remember to lock it down, and make sure her profile is not an administrator.

[orchid fern]

Yes ofc

[hasty oxide]

Oh, owning a laptop at 10 will be kind of useless

Mac Mini M1 will work pretty good

tho I got my first macbook when I was 11

I didn't have much use of it than watching YouTube and playing games like the online ones

[hasty oxide]

M1 will work pretty good

[orchid fern]

i do also have to check how many HDMI it has, i wanted 2 or 3 HDMI Port.

[indigo warren]

I have an m1 air, m2 air, M1 Pro and they all can do 120hz4k on an LG monitor

[orchid fern]

I’ll have to do a research

[hasty oxide]

Sure

But Ig Unfortunately, it only has 1 HDMI port, but has many C-Type Thunderbolt ports, which can be used for display output too

[orchid fern]

is 120hz the maximum frame rate?
i was pridicting to get 240hz will it support it on MacBook Pro?

[hasty oxide]

Well, it depends on the model

the M4 chip Macbook pros support 4k 240hz

but the older ones like M1 M2 might not support 240hz, instead they might be limited to 120hz or 144hz

Any specific reason you may need 240hz?

[unique abyss]

No contest. M1 for sure.

[orchid fern]

Just saying i would stay 120hz then.

[hasty oxide]

yeah

[hazy field]

Intel Macs are essentially obsolete now

[unique abyss]

Yep.

[hazy field]

Intel is still an option if you’re looking for a machine that isn’t a Mac (such as a Windows laptop), but on Mac you’re better off getting Apple Silicon

[unique abyss]

Yeah.

[hazy field]

It's been a couple days, have there been any developments? Have you decided yet?

[orchid fern]

I’ll stay up to date with the Mac Mini With a Apple Silicon 265gb of the best.

[hazy field]

so you deciding on the Mac mini?

[orchid fern]

yes

I also have a question about what storage I should get if it best to get a 265gb or 512gb I’ll make a another post.

[olive saffron]

512

[orchid fern]

Ok 👍

[hasty oxide]

256GB will just be too small...

You def need more than that, at least 512GB

I first used to think the storage is not that big of a deal until my mac's storage was full, and it wasn't even 256GB it was 512GB

[orchid fern]

Again I mostly going to have adobe apps, Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro on the Mac Mini

[hasty oxide]

Still trust me you gotta need that 512 GB

[orchid fern]

Ok will do

I’m still looking for one.

Like a Mac Mini m1

[hasty oxide]

Yeah def

or if you can increase your budget just go for something like a M2 or M4

[orchid fern]

like around $299 or lower.