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phoinix | Staff 26.2K Views
Oct 16, 2026 4:33 PM

Apple 2026 Mac mini Desktop Computer M6 chip (16GB / 256GB)

$780

$899

13% off
+ Free S&Hat Amazon
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Deal Details
Amazon has Apple 2026 Mac mini Desktop Computer M6 chip (MHQK4LL/A) on sale for $779.99. Shipping is free.

Thanks to Deal Hunter phoinix for finding this deal.

Specs:
  • Apple M6 12-Core Chip
  • 16GB Unified RAM | 256GB SSD
  • 12-Core GPU | Dual 16-Core Neural Engine
  • Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) | Bluetooth 6.0
  • 3 x Thunderbolt 4 | HDMI | 2.5GbE
  • 2 x 10 Gb/s USB-C | 3.5mm Headphone Jack
  • Compact 5 x 5" Form Factor
  • macOS with Apple Intelligence

Editor's Notes

Written by megakimcheelove | Staff
  • Our research indicates that this offer is $49.01 lower (6% savings) than the next best available price from a reputable merchant with prices starting from $829.
  • This offer matches previous Front Page deal that earned 357+ thumbs up.
  • Don't have Amazon Prime? Students can get a free 6-Month Amazon Prime trial with free 2-day shipping, unlimited video streaming & more.    
  • If you're not a student, there's also a free 1-Month Amazon Prime trial available.
  • Please see the original post for additional details & give the WIKI and additional forum comments a read for helpful discussion.

Original Post

Written by phoinix | Staff
Community Notes
About the Poster
Deal Details
Community Notes
About the Poster
Amazon has Apple 2026 Mac mini Desktop Computer M6 chip (MHQK4LL/A) on sale for $779.99. Shipping is free.

Thanks to Deal Hunter phoinix for finding this deal.

Specs:
  • Apple M6 12-Core Chip
  • 16GB Unified RAM | 256GB SSD
  • 12-Core GPU | Dual 16-Core Neural Engine
  • Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) | Bluetooth 6.0
  • 3 x Thunderbolt 4 | HDMI | 2.5GbE
  • 2 x 10 Gb/s USB-C | 3.5mm Headphone Jack
  • Compact 5 x 5" Form Factor
  • macOS with Apple Intelligence

Editor's Notes

Written by megakimcheelove | Staff
  • Our research indicates that this offer is $49.01 lower (6% savings) than the next best available price from a reputable merchant with prices starting from $829.
  • This offer matches previous Front Page deal that earned 357+ thumbs up.
  • Don't have Amazon Prime? Students can get a free 6-Month Amazon Prime trial with free 2-day shipping, unlimited video streaming & more.    
  • If you're not a student, there's also a free 1-Month Amazon Prime trial available.
  • Please see the original post for additional details & give the WIKI and additional forum comments a read for helpful discussion.

Original Post

Written by phoinix | Staff

Community Voting

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Why are you downvoting this deal?

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Top Comments

masterz13
5.3KComments
476Reputation
Not true. There have been videos showcasing even this base model as a gaming PC (ex: ETAPrime's on YouTube). Runs modern games at 1080p/60fps or 1440p with Metal upscaling. Kind of crazy how capable this thing is.
Go to Comment
FancyCemetery555
112Comments
38Reputation
Macs don't operate like a PC. Keep in mind that a PC needs 2x the RAM to come close to the performance of a mac. It's night-and-day. Apple silicon is more like a phone than a PC. An 8GB m1 from six years ago is still snappier than a Ryzen AM4 with 16GB of RAM when editing HD video, compiling code, or running local models.

It's not to say you can't get a good dedicated GPU for models (with +16GB of RAM) or the fastest Gen 4/5 NVMe and approach the level of mac performance, but notice how much a PC like that costs.
Go to Comment
seank1234az
4Comments
10Reputation
95% of population
Go to Comment

Community Reviews

Apple's Mac mini here is framed as a compact, fast desktop that can handle everyday work well and even some gaming, with strong single thread performance and Mac efficiency helping 16GB go further than expected. The small form factor is a major draw, and external storage or a Thunderbolt NVMe dock can make 256GB workable for lighter setups. The main knocks are the fixed RAM and storage, which block upgrades and make the price feel high for a near $800 machine. That makes it best suited to buyers who can live within the base configuration.

Common Questions (5)

  • At $779.99, the price is seen as high for a 16GB/256GB configuration, especially compared with recent lower-priced Mac mini deals and open-box alternatives. A nearby Micro Center open-box unit around $700 or an M4 16/256 deal around $679 has been cited as a better value.

    Dhryastronaut_elvisRespectSlickyDTD912

  • 16GB is enough for many everyday and even some heavier tasks because Apple silicon can stretch memory further than a typical PC. It may still be too little for users who want 24GB or more for their workload, especially if they expect to keep many apps or models open at once.

    FancyCemetery555gDeNVesp206

  • 256GB can work if you plan to use external storage from the start, including Thunderbolt NVMe docks or small external SSDs. It is a poor fit if you want to keep large game libraries or lots of local files on the internal drive, since the storage is fixed and not user-upgradeable.

    poofyhairguySumDuud78StayUpLate

  • No, the RAM and internal storage are fixed, so you cannot upgrade them later. That makes the base configuration a long-term commitment and can force a sell-and-rebuy path if your needs grow.

    JoeJoeBlow9078StayUpLateJoeJoeBlow90

  • It can handle gaming better than a light-duty-only machine, with videos showing the base model running modern games at 1080p/60fps or 1440p with Metal upscaling. It is still not ideal if you want to install very large game libraries on the internal 256GB drive.

    NedStonemasterz13SumDuud

AI-generated summary based on comments from the community. Updated ago

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34 Comments

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Oct 20, 2026 1:57 AM
919 Comments
Joined Nov 2008
RespectSlickyDOct 20, 2026 1:57 AM
919 Comments
This price sucks. It wasn't long ago a 16gb ram m3 or m4 Mac mini cleared out new at Costco and another retailer open box for $299-399.
3
Oct 20, 2026 3:54 AM
837 Comments
Joined Dec 2021
LastButNotLeastOct 20, 2026 3:54 AM
837 Comments
Quote from JoeJoeBlow90 View quoted comment :
I realize that, but also realize the nvme does have a lifespan "terrabytes written" in today's age, 256GB, you'll go through the nvme so quickly. It's unacceptable for me to not be replaceable.
Please define "so quickly."
2
Oct 20, 2026 12:09 PM
4.3K Comments
Joined Feb 2010
SumDuudOct 20, 2026 12:09 PM
4.3K Comments
Quote from 78StayUpLate View quoted comment :
Because people are loyal cultists to some brands and any criticism shall be punished. I've owned Macs back to a 233mhz G3 and lots between then and now. I'm not sorry to call out that 256GB of fixed hard drive is NOT enough for a computer costing nearly $1000. It forces you to buy external storage to do much of anything which defeats the point of having a small form factor computer. There's no reason to not make the HD user upgradeable other than to artificially raise the price on models that provide more space. At bare minimum, add a space and slot for an NVME SSD or something internally. The RAM I can excuse given how Apple puts these together.. there are no user upgradeable 3rd party parts that work properly and even if they made it modular then that invites new bugs and security risks. That said, I still think they should be individually upgradeable/replaceable so that the spec could be improved down the road. These games are really only seen as reasonable by people who tend to upgrade every three years like clockwork.
I have 2TB externals that are smaller than a deck of cards. It doesn't kill a small form factor unless you choose to do so.

Apple lovers aren't nearly as bad as Apple haters! It is obvious who in these comments have never tried a Mac and just see 16/256 and nope out because they are stuck in a PC/Windows mindset and world.

I'm a PC person and a gamer, but I have a MBP through my job. 16/256 easily works. This isn't meant for someone wanting to install 100GB games. Is it dumb you can't upgrade the RAM & Storage? Yes! But should that be a deal breaker, I guess it's up to you.

What Windows option are you going with at this price point with the power and small form factor? Go ahead, I'll wait.
4
Oct 20, 2026 12:11 PM
4.3K Comments
Joined Feb 2010
SumDuudOct 20, 2026 12:11 PM
4.3K Comments
Quote from JoeJoeBlow90 View quoted comment :
If ram and nvme were removable, I would buy in a heartbeat. Until then, I'll never own a Mac computer.Just knowing that I can buy a configuration and come to need more and I need to sell and rebuy the unit, hell no.
And you'll never understand why it works. Stuck in a Windows mindset
4
Oct 20, 2026 12:14 PM
1.5K Comments
Joined Sep 2011
JoeJoeBlow90Oct 20, 2026 12:14 PM
1.5K Comments

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

Quote from SumDuud View quoted comment :
And you'll never understand why it works. Stuck in a Windows mindset
Wear and tear on an nvme drive is not a windows mindset. It's reality.
1
Oct 20, 2026 6:25 PM
751 Comments
Joined Feb 2010
vandytomOct 20, 2026 6:25 PM
751 Comments
Can this run a digital girlfriend? Asking for a friend.
1
Oct 20, 2026 6:27 PM
56 Comments
Joined Sep 2015
gDeNOct 20, 2026 6:27 PM
56 Comments
Quote from NedStone View quoted comment :
Only good for surfing internet and light duty tasks.
It has one of the highest scores in single thread speed, so as long as what you are doing doesn't require massive amounts of memory (16GB seems goes further on mac architecture) it would be perfect for many people. Not a bad device at all.

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Pro
Oct 21, 2026 12:01 AM
3.4K Comments
Joined Jul 2020
ThirstyCruz
Pro
Oct 21, 2026 12:01 AM
3.4K Comments
Quote from gDeN View quoted comment :
It has one of the highest scores in single thread speed, so as long as what you are doing doesn't require massive amounts of memory (16GB seems goes further on mac architecture) it would be perfect for many people. Not a bad device at all.
I was a Mac to PC user around 2007. They lost their mojo going to Intel. PC were better at the time and viruses finally under control (one of the reasons I jumped to Mac around 1997). Jumped back to Macfew years ago and don't use a PC unless I have to. My only loyalty is to the best tool. Mac is it, for now
Oct 21, 2026 12:25 PM
54 Comments
Joined Jul 2020
SiennaDime5875Oct 21, 2026 12:25 PM
54 Comments
Happy with my m4 Mac mini I paid 399 for with my student discount a few years ago.
2
Oct 21, 2026 12:28 PM
54 Comments
Joined Jul 2020
SiennaDime5875Oct 21, 2026 12:28 PM
54 Comments
Quote from NedStone View quoted comment :
Only good for surfing internet and light duty tasks.
No, it is truly a powerhouse. It outclasses rival upward costs of 2,000.
1
Oct 21, 2026 10:32 PM
935 Comments
Joined Apr 2014
MaterialismOct 21, 2026 10:32 PM
935 Comments
Quote from JoeJoeBlow90 View quoted comment :
If ram and nvme were removable, I would buy in a heartbeat. Until then, I'll never own a Mac computer.Just knowing that I can buy a configuration and come to need more and I need to sell and rebuy the unit, hell no.
apple computers are designed with unified architecture which is why the storage isn't expandable. it's next generation compared to existing systems you can upgrade an expand. because computers get incrementally faster each year, to me trying to upgrade an old system is a lost cause anyway. just refresh the whole thing every several years instead. you get more bang for your buck. apple silicone systems have much higher available bandwidth between cpu and ram, and just runs a lot more efficiently and faster than any competitors. if you look into some lectures on computer architecture, you'll understand more about the topic (i didn't mention arm vs x86 because it's confusing for the overview, but it's semi relevant to this topic). the macs and macbooks are definitely good value if you ask me. hope that was a bit helpful
1
Oct 22, 2026 12:55 AM
728 Comments
Joined Nov 2011
iDroidOct 22, 2026 12:55 AM
728 Comments
Quote from vandytom View quoted comment :
Can this run a digital girlfriend? Asking for a friend.
Yes, a friend told me it could
Oct 22, 2026 1:42 AM
5.8K Comments
Joined Jun 2015
jtree1Oct 22, 2026 1:42 AM
5.8K Comments
Any similarly good deals on a model with more RAM and larger SSD?
Oct 23, 2026 3:37 PM
451 Comments
Joined Nov 2011
TD912Oct 23, 2026 3:37 PM
451 Comments
Quote from 78StayUpLate View quoted comment :
Because people are loyal cultists to some brands and any criticism shall be punished. I've owned Macs back to a 233mhz G3 and lots between then and now. I'm not sorry to call out that 256GB of fixed hard drive is NOT enough for a computer costing nearly $1000. It forces you to buy external storage to do much of anything which defeats the point of having a small form factor computer. There's no reason to not make the HD user upgradeable other than to artificially raise the price on models that provide more space. At bare minimum, add a space and slot for an NVME SSD or something internally. The RAM I can excuse given how Apple puts these together.. there are no user upgradeable 3rd party parts that work properly and even if they made it modular then that invites new bugs and security risks. That said, I still think they should be individually upgradeable/replaceable so that the spec could be improved down the road. These games are really only seen as reasonable by people who tend to upgrade every three years like clockwork.
I remember just a couple months ago these were still obtainable at $499, although with the M4. The prices are stupid because of the NAND and RAM shortage with AI. I've also been a Mac user since the old Classic Mac OS days.

If there wasn't a component shortage I'd bet the price would be similar to the previous gen and 16/256 would be more acceptable.
Last edited by TD912 October 23, 2026 at 08:40 AM.

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Oct 23, 2026 4:31 PM
311 Comments
Joined May 2021
TheVeganButcherOct 23, 2026 4:31 PM
311 Comments
Quote from JoeJoeBlow90 View quoted comment :
Idk why so many downvotes for my comment. I can acknowledge Apple makes good shit, I just can't justify being tied down with storage and ram. I own an iPhone and feel it's superior to every other device. I guess some people just commit 100% to being fanboys.I say this as someone who HATES windows and and trying to find every reason to move to Mac OS, and this is holding me back.
Agree 100% on the storage. But for the RAM, I'm not sure it's feasible for the unifed memory systems, the timings are just too short. That might be part of the downvotes.

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