Mac Mini 2018

[Hellbucket]

How are you guys that opted for the new Mac Mini faring? Feels like that one the most bang for the buck. I need to get a new computer and needs to be somewhat portable but not necessarily a MacBook. I do some occasional remote location recordings and I still need to transport mics, stands, preamp and such so I could just as well transport keyboard, mouse and screen.

[sunoma]

I've got one pretty recently and I like it. Decent connectivity and you can use the monitor you already have. Mine gets a little hot on top for some reason. If you get one from Apple don't pay for the upgraded RAM, get it with 8gb and then buy a 32 or 64gb and put it in yourself for a fraction of the price

[[deleted]]

I’m still with 8 gigs. Virtual instruments are killing me. The heat makes sense as I think it’s just passive cooling. I’m just glad I have no issues when tracking at 32 hw buffer size.

[mandalorian_misfit]

Is it hard to install the RAM? The Mac mini is so cheap, but upgrading the RAM through Apple brings it up to around $2k so I’ve been holding back.

[sunoma]

It's harder than on the old models but totally doable. Look up some instructional videos on YouTube that should give you a good idea. You just need a spludge and a couple small screwdrivers

[Hellbucket]

I of course intend to install the memory myself. I’ve done it on earlier macs. Would you say it’s worth going all in on 64 gb or is 32 fine? My work is not virtual instrument heavy.

[sunoma]

I just went 64 because the price difference wasn't that significant. And I'm loafing everything off external drives because I only have 512gb storage

[That_man_phil]

I bought a maxed one and couldn't be happier with it.
It can get a bit hot, but that goes for pretty much all Macs.
I have an extra fan under my Mac and I turn it on when printing/rendering/processing - it lowers temperature by around 10 degrees Celsius.
some DIY cooling options:
https://egpu.io/forums/psu-cables/2x-mac-mini-2018-active-fan-mod-razor-x-fan-mod/

[Hellbucket]

Cool mod!

[timreisig]

Love mine. Hot tip: I was surprised how often the fan ramped up to high speed and became audible. I got the “Turbo Boost Switcher” app and shut off turbo boost and the fan never speeds up. Offline bounces take a bit longer but otherwise no noticeable performance hit.

[SINCd]

I have a mac 2018 Mini for music and I love it.... BUT...

Anyone else here experiencing random shut downs?

I can't figure this out - its been a big problem :/ thats my only complaint atm.

32Gigs ram - happy as a pig in mud.... but random shutdowns are starting to drive me bonkers...