Apple Mac mini (Late 2024): M4 10-Core CPU/GPU, 24GB RAM, 256GB SSD

AmusedMoon700

Nov 3, 2025 4:10 AM

2 Comments

Joined Aug 2024

AmusedMoon700Nov 3, 2025 4:10 AM

2 Comments

$200 for 8 more GB of RAM is absolutely insane but this is a good deal for future proofing if your storage needs can be met with an external SSD.
I suspect most people upgrading the RAM also bump the SSD so this model doesn't sell well

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anthony32376

Nov 3, 2025 1:31 PM

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Joined Nov 2017

anthony32376Nov 3, 2025 1:31 PM

1.6K Comments

Why do these use such odd numbers for RAM?
16, 24, 64?
Shouldn't it be 16,32,64
What about 48?
Makes no sense

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drsnowmon

Nov 3, 2025 3:53 PM

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drsnowmonNov 3, 2025 3:53 PM

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Our community has rated this post as helpful. If you agree, why not thank drsnowmon

Quote from anthony32376

:

Why do these use such odd numbers for RAM?
16, 24, 64?
Shouldn't it be 16,32,64
What about 48?
Makes no sense

That's how Apple makes money from pricing their products. It makes you think "If I'm gonna spend this much already..."

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FancyClass274

Nov 3, 2025 4:08 PM

11 Comments

Joined Aug 2021

FancyClass274Nov 3, 2025 4:08 PM

11 Comments

Quote from anthony32376

:

Why do these use such odd numbers for RAM?
16, 24, 64?
Shouldn't it be 16,32,64
What about 48?
Makes no sense

for a base mini the ram configs are indeed in 8gb increments - 16, 24, 32, not 34 to 64 in a giant jump. each tier upgrade is $200. more than that ud shell out $$$ for a pro/max

2

RampageJ5

Nov 3, 2025 4:32 PM

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Joined Nov 2018

RampageJ5Nov 3, 2025 4:32 PM

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Our community has rated this post as helpful. If you agree, why not thank RampageJ5

Quote from anthony32376

:

Why do these use such odd numbers for RAM?
16, 24, 64?
Shouldn't it be 16,32,64
What about 48?
Makes no sense

Hopefully these resources can explain better than I can:
https://www.reddit.com/r/macbookp...t/k9d6ag4/
Note that while the M3 Pro has a different memory bus width than the M4 Pro (and the M1/M2 Pros), the other M3 config details should apply to the corresponding M4 configs.
https://storadera.com/blog/apple-...-explained
TL;DR: Apple (and others) use memory chips with 50% more capacity these days, and that's usually the difference you're seeing. It's further complicated as the CPU's memory controller dictates the number of memory chips.
To refer to the CPU specs themselves:
https://lowendmac.com/apple-silicon-cpu-index/

PS: Also note sometimes the configs are a result of Apple integrating RAM directly onto the SoC and CPU binning—chips that don't meet the highest specs are recycled for use in lower models— so some chips are only available with specific configurations.

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RampageJ5

Nov 3, 2025 4:33 PM

32 Comments

Joined Nov 2018

RampageJ5Nov 3, 2025 4:33 PM

32 Comments

Quote from drsnowmon

:

That's how Apple makes money from pricing their products. It makes you think "If I'm gonna spend this much already..."

Of course Apple overcharges, but that's not why it the configs are the way they are.

I'll be posting an explanation to the original post.

1

TravisO2

Nov 3, 2025 5:47 PM

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Joined Apr 2004

TravisO2Nov 3, 2025 5:47 PM

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Quote from AmusedMoon700

:

$200 for 8 more GB of RAM is absolutely insane but this is a good deal for future proofing if your storage needs can be met with an external SSD.
I suspect most people upgrading the RAM also bump the SSD so this model doesn't sell well

It's unified memory, not standard DDR sticks.... it's hardwired into the system which makes it faster and more efficient, hence why it seems like a ripoff compared to x86 architecture

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Meat-Wallet

Nov 3, 2025 6:13 PM

563 Comments

Joined May 2018

Meat-WalletNov 3, 2025 6:13 PM

563 Comments

Do you think there will be better deals on Mac minis during Black Friday / ahead of holidays? Trying to decide if I should pull the trigger or wait.

M5Rahul

Nov 3, 2025 6:37 PM

3.1K Comments

Joined Oct 2005

M5RahulNov 3, 2025 6:37 PM

3.1K Comments

Been using my M4 mini for a few months ( 16 GB RAM : 1TB SSD ) and it's a monster ( multiple [3] 32" 2K monitors, demanding tasks, multiple devices connected besides the monitors, et al ) Quiet as a whisper, never heats up, almost never have to reboot, no freezes or crashes!

My M1 Pro 16" MBP has been relegated to sleep duty in the OEM box!

If you're in the market and interested in macOS, buy it!

3

1

anthony32376

Nov 3, 2025 11:44 PM

1.6K Comments

Joined Nov 2017

anthony32376Nov 3, 2025 11:44 PM

1.6K Comments

Quote from TravisO2

:

It's unified memory, not standard DDR sticks.... it's hardwired into the system which makes it faster and more efficient, hence why it seems like a ripoff compared to x86 architecture

X86 is going this route too now though aren't they?Isn't that what camm2 is about?Not sure if it is unified but it is closer to the CPU also not sure of the price differences.Adoption seems a bit slow

LivelyManatee460

Nov 4, 2025 12:31 AM

829 Comments

Joined Jul 2022

LivelyManatee460Nov 4, 2025 12:31 AM

829 Comments

Are macs good for running common LLMs? Esp the 24gb model?

ScottS6854

Nov 4, 2025 1:53 AM

151 Comments

Joined Dec 2017

ScottS6854Nov 4, 2025 1:53 AM

151 Comments

Quote from anthony32376

:

Why do these use such odd numbers for RAM?
16, 24, 64?
Shouldn't it be 16,32,64
What about 48?
Makes no sense

Bro this is well known and or easy to look up

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3

Shake-N-Bake

Nov 4, 2025 1:56 AM

6.1K Comments

Joined May 2020

Shake-N-BakeNov 4, 2025 1:56 AM

6.1K Comments

Quote from Meat-Wallet

:

Do you think there will be better deals on Mac minis during Black Friday / ahead of holidays? Trying to decide if I should pull the trigger or wait.

You'll likely see the same deals that have happened over the last few months. By that, I mean the 16GB RAM version has been $450 at Microcenter (Best Buy will price match via chat) twice in the past 2-3 months. I'd imagine that's what you'll see for that one. As for this one... You might see another $50 off at some point, but who knows? I kind of doubt it. Black Friday deals pretty much start end of October/beginning of November. Actual Black Friday deals haven't really existed in years.

1

Medic311

Nov 4, 2025 2:30 AM

30.2K Comments

Joined Oct 2010

Medic311Nov 4, 2025 2:30 AM

30.2K Comments

Have the base model Mac Mini M4 (16/265) when it was on sale for $449 at Micro Center, Best Buy PM'd combined with the Amex $25 statement credit promo.

It's a fantastic machine and despite getting the base model, it handles everything I throw at it. For most peoples' needs, the base model is likely fine, but if you have the money in the budget definitely put it in the memory

3

Tom_Chan

Nov 4, 2025 3:17 AM

417 Comments

Joined Dec 2010

Tom_ChanNov 4, 2025 3:17 AM

417 Comments

Remember you can get a 2TB for the M4 non-pro CPU Mac Mini for less than the difference the between the 256GB and the 1TB here. The pro version is also upgradable, albeit at a higher price (might make more sense to go for the 4TB version).
You'll need to be comfortable with opening up the Mac Mini, as well as another Mac to do the DFU restore.

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Product Description:	At just five by five inches, the Apple Mac mini is less than half the size of the previous Mac mini. The compact Mac mini has a small footprint in your workspace and its lightweight design makes it easy to move, mount, and rack. Now housing the powerful M4 10-Core chip, the Mac mini delivers up to 1.8x faster CPU performance and 2.2x faster GPU performance over the M1 model. Add 24GB of unified RAM, 256GB of storage, Wi-Fi 6E, Gigabit LAN, and Thunderbolt 4, and the Mac mini is a tiny powerhouse. The Mac mini also features Apple Intelligence, the personal intelligence system that transforms the way you express yourself, all while protecting your privacy. As Apple's first carbon neutral Mac, the Mac mini has seen over 80 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions across its materials, manufacturing, transportation, and customer use.
Product SKU:	1859262
audio_io:	1x 1/8" / 3.5 mm Headphone Output
bluetooth:	5.3
box_dimensions_lxwxh:	6.6 x 6.5 x 5"
built-in_microphones:	No
built-in_speakers:	Yes
certifications:	ENERGY STAR
cpu:	10-Core: Performance (4 Cores)Efficiency (6 Cores)
dedicated_ai_cores:	Yes
dimensions:	5 x 5 x 2" / 12.7 x 12.7 x 5.1 cm
display_io:	1x HDMI Output
gpu:	Apple (10-Core)
graphics_type:	Integrated
input_power:	100 to 240 VAC, 50 / 60 Hz
inputsoutputs:	3x USB-C (Thunderbolt 4) / Supports Video Alt Mode and Power Delivery2x USB-C 3.1/3.2 Gen 2
installed_ram:	24 GB
keyboard:	No
mediamemory_card_slot:	No
network_io:	1x RJ45 (Gigabit Ethernet)
operating_conditions:	50 to 95°F / 10 to 35°C at 5 to 90% Humidity
package_weight:	2.745 lb
pci_expansion:	No
pointing_device:	No
power_supply:	155 W with IEC
processor:	Apple M4
ram_configuration_capacity:	Onboard Only/Not Upgradeable
ram_type:	Unified Memory
storage_drive_type:	1x 256 GB / Integrated NVMe SSD
total_installed_storage:	256 GB
weight:	1.5 lb / 0.7 kg
wi-fi:	Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) with MU-MIMO Support

Apple Mac mini (Late 2024): M4 10-Core CPU/GPU, 24GB RAM, 256GB SSD

$699

$799

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