Mac mini (2020 M1) Frequently Asked Questions FAQ

Article ID = 275
Article Title = Mac mini (2020 M1) Frequently Asked Questions FAQ
Article Author(s) = Graham Needham (BH)
Article Created On = 11th November 2020
Article Last Updated = 21st April 2021
Article URL = https://www.macstrategy.com/article.php?275

Article Brief Description:
Frequently Asked Questions about the Mac mini (2020 M1 Apple Silicon model)

Q. What is the Mac mini (2020 M1 model)?

A. It is a major hardware update to Apple's popular Mac mini computer. It is one of the first Apple computers to ship with Apple's own silicon.

Q. When will the Mac mini (2020 M1 model) be available to buy?

A. The Mac mini (2020 M1 model) will be available to order online from 10th November 2020 with in-store availability from 17th November 2020.

Q. How much will the Mac mini (2020 M1 model) cost?

A. It will start at US$699 but you will have various RAM and internal storage options to choose from, some of which will, obviously, dramatically increase the price (see below).

Q. Is it still available in Space Grey?

A. No - silver only.

Q. What are the processor options?

A. As it has Apple's own silicon there is currently only one processor option available - the M1 - which includes the following specifications:

8-core CPU with 4 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores
8-core GPU
16-core Neural Engine

Q. What are the RAM options?

A. It can be configured at purchase with either 8GB or 16GB.

Q. Is the RAM "user" upgradeable?

A. No. Maximum RAM is 16GB. RAM is configured at time of purchase - it cannot be upgraded at a later date.

Q. What are the storage options?

A. 256GB, 512GB, 1TB or 2TB internal PCIe-based SSD.

Q. Can the internal storage be upgraded at a later date?

A. No.

Q. What are the graphics options?

A. The graphics processing unit (GPU) is included in Apple's M1 chip and allows for:

Simultaneously supports up to two displays - One display with up to 6K resolution at 60Hz connected via Thunderbolt and one display with up to 4K resolution at 60Hz connected via HDMI 2.0.
Thunderbolt 3 digital video output supports - Native DisplayPort output over USB‑C. Thunderbolt 2, DVI, and VGA output supported using adapters (sold separately).
HDMI 2.0 display video output - Support for one display with up to 4K resolution at 60Hz. DVI output using HDMI to DVI Adapter (sold separately).

Q. What's new about this Mac compared to the previous model?

A. The following:

Apple Silicon M1 Processor + GPU + Neural Engine
2x Thunderbolt 3 / USB-C v4 ports (USB 3.1 Gen 2 up to 10 Gbps)
Gigabit Ethernet port (originally not configurable to 10Gb Ethernet but that option became available on 20th April 2021)
802.11ax Wi-Fi v6

Q. Does the Mac mini (2020 M1 model) still come with a 3.5mm headphone jack?

A. Yes.

Q. Does the Mac mini (2020 M1 model) support external GPUs?

A. At this moment in time it looks like it does not support eGPUs.

Q. What version of macOS does the Mac mini (2020 M1 model) come with?

A. It comes with macOS 11 Big Sur or later.

Q. I don't want macOS 11 Big Sur. Can I install/run an earlier version of macOS on it?

A. As the Apple Silicon M1 chip requires macOS 11 Big Sur, no you can't.

Article Keywords: Macintosh Macmini Mac mini 2020 M1 Apple Silicon model

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