The Mac Mini 2024 teardown has arrived, and it appears that Apple’s petite powerhouse is keeping its secrets tightly sealed. YouTube creator Brandon Geekabit delved into the guts of the base 16GB RAM and 256GB SSD M4 model, and the findings may disappoint DIY enthusiasts hoping for post-purchase tinkering.
As with previous iterations, entry into the Mac Mini begins at the bottom—literally. The plastic panel hides any screws, so you’ll need to coax it open with a spudger. Once inside, you’re greeted by a metal bracket adorned with ventilation openings and a conveniently accessible button-cell battery. This little power source keeps the clock ticking even when the Mini is unplugged, and thankfully, it’s the one component that won’t make you jump through hoops to replace it.
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But don’t let the fancy metal grate fool you; it’s more than just a vent. Wired to the motherboard, it doubles as an antenna for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Beneath it lies the cooling system—a centrifugal fan paired with an arced heatsink and a single heat pipe. It’s a minimalist approach, but given the efficiency of the M4 chip, it seems adequate. Nestled in the corner is the solitary speaker, reminding us that the Mac Mini isn’t exactly built for audiophiles.
Digging deeper, we reach the motherboard and the much-anticipated SSD. At first glance, it looks like a standard M.2 2230 SSD. However, Apple wouldn’t be Apple without adding its own twist—a different pin count and a custom SSD controller that’s nowhere to be found in off-the-shelf components. So, if you were dreaming of a simple storage upgrade, think again. While some daring souls have tried soldering higher-capacity memory modules onto Apple’s SSD with success, it’s not a path for the faint-hearted. For most users, an external SSD remains the most practical solution for additional storage.
Continuing the teardown, we encounter the internal power supply—a feature that sets the Mac Mini apart from other micro PCs that rely on external bricks. Positioned at the top of the system (when right-side up), it likely uses the aluminium shell to dissipate heat, as it doesn’t benefit from direct airflow from the fan.
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A moment of appreciation is warranted here. The design and aesthetics of the PSU and internal components are remarkably polished, especially considering they’re meant to remain unseen. It’s a level of attention to detail that surpasses many visible PC components on the market.
Finally, we arrive at the heatsink covering the M4 chip. It’s modest in size, but given the chip’s efficiency, it’s more about sustaining peak performance under heavy loads than basic cooling. The fanless MacBook Air models could take a lesson here, as they often throttle under prolonged strain.
In conclusion, the Mac Mini 2024 remains true to Apple’s ethos of sealed systems. If you’re in the market for this compact desktop, it’s wise to configure it to your needs upfront. Upgrading internal components post-purchase is, for all practical purposes, off the table. While it’s a marvel of engineering and design, the lack of user-upgradable parts is a letdown for those who like to get their hands dirty.
