{"id":84772,"date":"2023-01-18T16:38:13","date_gmt":"2023-01-18T22:38:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/?p=84772"},"modified":"2023-01-20T17:27:52","modified_gmt":"2023-01-20T23:27:52","slug":"m2-pro-mac-mini-vs-mac-studio-is-the-new-mini-a-worthy-alternative","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/84772-m2-pro-mac-mini-vs-mac-studio-is-the-new-mini-a-worthy-alternative\/","title":{"rendered":"M2 Pro Mac mini vs. Mac Studio: Is the New mini a Worthy Alternative?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1960\" height=\"1102\" src=\"https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Apple-Mac-mini-M2-and-M2-Pro-lifestyle-230117.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-84764\" srcset=\"https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Apple-Mac-mini-M2-and-M2-Pro-lifestyle-230117.jpg 1960w, https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Apple-Mac-mini-M2-and-M2-Pro-lifestyle-230117-213x120.jpg 213w, https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Apple-Mac-mini-M2-and-M2-Pro-lifestyle-230117-284x160.jpg 284w, https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Apple-Mac-mini-M2-and-M2-Pro-lifestyle-230117-190x107.jpg 190w, https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Apple-Mac-mini-M2-and-M2-Pro-lifestyle-230117-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Apple-Mac-mini-M2-and-M2-Pro-lifestyle-230117-1400x787.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Apple-Mac-mini-M2-and-M2-Pro-lifestyle-230117-750x421.jpg 750w, https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Apple-Mac-mini-M2-and-M2-Pro-lifestyle-230117-548x308.jpg 548w, https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Apple-Mac-mini-M2-and-M2-Pro-lifestyle-230117-364x204.jpg 364w, https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Apple-Mac-mini-M2-and-M2-Pro-lifestyle-230117-230x129.jpg 230w, https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Apple-Mac-mini-M2-and-M2-Pro-lifestyle-230117-100x56.jpg 100w, https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Apple-Mac-mini-M2-and-M2-Pro-lifestyle-230117-213x120@2x.jpg 426w, https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Apple-Mac-mini-M2-and-M2-Pro-lifestyle-230117-284x160@2x.jpg 568w, https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Apple-Mac-mini-M2-and-M2-Pro-lifestyle-230117-190x107@2x.jpg 380w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1960px) 100vw, 1960px\" \/><figcaption>Source: Apple<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>On January 17, Apple <a href=\"https:\/\/www.apple.com\/newsroom\/2023\/01\/apple-introduces-new-mac-mini-with-m2-and-m2-pro-more-powerful-capable-and-versatile-than-ever\/\">introduced<\/a> an updated Mac mini, with the base model now powered by Apple\u2019s M2 system on a chip (SoC) alongside a second configuration powered by the all-new M2 Pro chip. With these updates, both <a href=\"https:\/\/www.apple.com\/mac-mini\/\">Mac mini<\/a> models boast faster performance and greater versatility, along with more affordability\u2014Apple has dropped the entry price point to just $599.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So let\u2019s take a look at the new capabilities available with the Mac mini thanks to the new M2 Pro chip, how it stacks up next to the Mac Studio, and how OWC\u2019s miniStack and miniStack STX complement the M2 and M2 Pro Mac minis.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-new-capabilities-brought-on-by-m2-pro\">New capabilities brought on by M2 Pro<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"h-new-capabilities-brought-on-by-m2-profor-the-first-time-users-can-run-high-performance-workflows-on-mac-mini-thanks-to-the-new-m2-pro-chip-previously-this-wasn-t-possible-with-such-a-compact-design-however-the-mac-mini-with-m2-pro-provides-more-unified-memory-and-and-more-advanced-connectivity-including-support-for-up-to-two-displays-on-the-m2-model-and-three-displays-on-the-m2-pro-model\">For the first time, users can run high-performance workflows on Mac mini thanks to the new <a href=\"https:\/\/www.apple.com\/newsroom\/2023\/01\/apple-unveils-m2-pro-and-m2-max-next-generation-chips-for-next-level-workflows\/\">M2 Pro<\/a> chip. Previously, this wasn\u2019t possible with such a compact design, however, the Mac mini with M2 Pro provides more unified memory and and more advanced connectivity \u2014 including support for up to two displays on the M2 model and three displays on the M2 Pro model.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1960\" height=\"1102\" src=\"https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Apple-Mac-mini-M2-and-M2-Pro-hero-230117.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-84779\" srcset=\"https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Apple-Mac-mini-M2-and-M2-Pro-hero-230117.jpg 1960w, https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Apple-Mac-mini-M2-and-M2-Pro-hero-230117-213x120.jpg 213w, https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Apple-Mac-mini-M2-and-M2-Pro-hero-230117-284x160.jpg 284w, https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Apple-Mac-mini-M2-and-M2-Pro-hero-230117-190x107.jpg 190w, https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Apple-Mac-mini-M2-and-M2-Pro-hero-230117-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Apple-Mac-mini-M2-and-M2-Pro-hero-230117-1400x787.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Apple-Mac-mini-M2-and-M2-Pro-hero-230117-750x421.jpg 750w, https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Apple-Mac-mini-M2-and-M2-Pro-hero-230117-548x308.jpg 548w, https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Apple-Mac-mini-M2-and-M2-Pro-hero-230117-364x204.jpg 364w, https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Apple-Mac-mini-M2-and-M2-Pro-hero-230117-230x129.jpg 230w, https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Apple-Mac-mini-M2-and-M2-Pro-hero-230117-100x56.jpg 100w, https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Apple-Mac-mini-M2-and-M2-Pro-hero-230117-213x120@2x.jpg 426w, https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Apple-Mac-mini-M2-and-M2-Pro-hero-230117-284x160@2x.jpg 568w, https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Apple-Mac-mini-M2-and-M2-Pro-hero-230117-190x107@2x.jpg 380w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1960px) 100vw, 1960px\" \/><figcaption>Source: Apple<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The M2 Pro features up to a 12-core CPU with up to a 19-core GPU. It also boasts 200GB\/s of memory bandwidth which is double the amount in M2 \u2014 supporting up to 32GB of memory. It has the ability to speed through video codecs and can simultaneously play up to five streams of 8K ProRes 422 video or up to 23 streams of 4K ProRes 422 video at 30 fps.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-a-comparison-to-the-m1-mac-mini\">A comparison to the M1 Mac mini<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When compared to the previous-generation M1 Mac mini, the M2 Pro offers faster graphics performance in Affinity Photo, fast ProRes transcode in Final Cut Pro, and faster gameplay in Resident Evil Village. The M2-powered Mac mini also brings up to 50 percent faster filter and function performance in Adobe Photoshop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Additionally, musicians can now produce music with more powerful plug-ins, photographers can more quickly adjust large images, and creators can work more seamlessly with multiple camera formats.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-the-mac-mini-stacks-up-against-the-mac-studio\">How the Mac mini stacks up against the Mac Studio&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>While the Mac Studio differs from the Mac mini in terms of size and port selection, the primary performance differences are due to the Mac Studio being offered with the M1 Max and M1 Ultra SoCs. So, the best Mac mini comparison is with the new M2 Pro Mac mini.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1960\" height=\"1306\" src=\"https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Apple-Mac-Studio-front-220308.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-84778\" srcset=\"https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Apple-Mac-Studio-front-220308.jpg 1960w, https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Apple-Mac-Studio-front-220308-180x120.jpg 180w, https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Apple-Mac-Studio-front-220308-284x189.jpg 284w, https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Apple-Mac-Studio-front-220308-190x127.jpg 190w, https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Apple-Mac-Studio-front-220308-1536x1023.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Apple-Mac-Studio-front-220308-180x120@2x.jpg 360w, https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Apple-Mac-Studio-front-220308-284x189@2x.jpg 568w, https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Apple-Mac-Studio-front-220308-190x127@2x.jpg 380w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1960px) 100vw, 1960px\" \/><figcaption>Source: Apple<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>As we said above, he M2 Pro features up to a 12-core CPU and 200GB\/s of memory bandwidth. The M1 Max Mac Studio CPU only has 10 cores though it does support double the memory bandwidth at 400GB\/s. Another M1 Max advantage is that it supports up to 64GB of RAM while the M2 Pro on the Mac mini supports up to 32GB of RAM.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Meanwhile, comparing the M2 Pro to the M1 Ultra is not really a fair fight. The M1 Ultra CPU offers up to 20 cores, supports up to 128GB of RAM, and has 800GB\/s of memory bandwidth. It\u2019s the most powerful personal computer chip in the world for a reason, folks. And being able to spec this chip into a Mac Studio is one of the things that makes that computer so tempting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On the graphics side, Mac mini can be configured with up to a 19-core GPU, while the Mac Studio with M1 Max can be configured with up to a 32-core GPU.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Design<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1960\" height=\"1102\" src=\"https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Apple-Mac-mini-M2-Pro-back-230117.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-84765\" srcset=\"https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Apple-Mac-mini-M2-Pro-back-230117.jpg 1960w, https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Apple-Mac-mini-M2-Pro-back-230117-213x120.jpg 213w, https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Apple-Mac-mini-M2-Pro-back-230117-284x160.jpg 284w, https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Apple-Mac-mini-M2-Pro-back-230117-190x107.jpg 190w, https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Apple-Mac-mini-M2-Pro-back-230117-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Apple-Mac-mini-M2-Pro-back-230117-1400x787.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Apple-Mac-mini-M2-Pro-back-230117-750x421.jpg 750w, https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Apple-Mac-mini-M2-Pro-back-230117-548x308.jpg 548w, https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Apple-Mac-mini-M2-Pro-back-230117-364x204.jpg 364w, https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Apple-Mac-mini-M2-Pro-back-230117-230x129.jpg 230w, https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Apple-Mac-mini-M2-Pro-back-230117-100x56.jpg 100w, https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Apple-Mac-mini-M2-Pro-back-230117-213x120@2x.jpg 426w, https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Apple-Mac-mini-M2-Pro-back-230117-284x160@2x.jpg 568w, https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Apple-Mac-mini-M2-Pro-back-230117-190x107@2x.jpg 380w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1960px) 100vw, 1960px\" \/><figcaption>Four Thunderbolt ports! Up to three displays! Source: Apple<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The design of the new Mac mini has not changed, and the same square shape remains. The biggest difference between the Mac mini and Mac Studio is the height and internal volume. Since the Mac Studio is much larger and boasts a bigger fan, it features more ports and cooling capability. On the flip side, the Mac mini is compact, making it easier to store and travel with.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ports<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Due to its size, the Mac Studio has more space for ports, yet, users of both the Mac Studio and the Mac mini get 10Gb Ethernet, two USB-A, HDMI, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If Thunderbolt ports are important to you, the Mac Studio offers two more\u2014but only if you configure it with the M1 Ultra. Doing so gives you six compared to the Mac mini\u2019s four. If you configure the Studio with an M1 Max, you get the same four Thunderbolt ports as the M2 Pro Mac Mini. Plus, the Mac Studio also has a build-in card reader right on the front.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Another big difference is that the Mac Studio supports <em>four <\/em>Pro Display XDRs and one 4K monitor over HDMI while the Mac mini supports just<em> two<\/em> Pro Display XDRs and one 4K monitor over HDMI. The M2 Pro processor does feature an upgraded HDMI port to support higher resolutions and frame rates, however.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pricing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the biggest differentiators between the Mac mini and the Mac Studio is pricing. When comparing similarly specced configurations, the M2 Pro Mac mini with 32GB of RAM will run you around $1,699 while the M1 Max Mac Studio with 32GB of RAM starts at $1,999.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For some users, the $300 price difference may be a determining factor. However, it\u2019s clear after looking at both machines side-by-side that you are getting a pretty incredible deal with regard to the new Mac mini\u2019s power. Where the mini loses out to the Studio is on graphics and memory\u2014a definite blow for anyone hoping to edit video on their machine. The M2 Pro mini&#8217;s support for 19 GPU cores trails far behind the M1 Max&#8217;s Support for 32 and the mini&#8217;s memory bandwidth is half that of the M1 Max&#8217;s 400 GB\/s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That said if your video editing needs are in the realm of 4K, you&#8217;re not worried about a ton of headroom, and you&#8217;re OK with losing out on some of the extra ports on the Mac Studio, the mini is a great choice.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-the-owc-ministack-complements-the-mac-mini\">How the OWC miniStack complements the Mac mini<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"273\" src=\"https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/gallery-owc-ministack-hero@2x.jpg\" alt=\"OWC MiniStack\" class=\"wp-image-40416\" srcset=\"https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/gallery-owc-ministack-hero@2x.jpg 640w, https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/gallery-owc-ministack-hero@2x-281x120.jpg 281w, https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/gallery-owc-ministack-hero@2x-284x121.jpg 284w, https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/gallery-owc-ministack-hero@2x-190x81.jpg 190w, https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/gallery-owc-ministack-hero@2x-281x120@2x.jpg 562w, https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/gallery-owc-ministack-hero@2x-284x121@2x.jpg 568w, https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/gallery-owc-ministack-hero@2x-190x81@2x.jpg 380w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><figcaption>OWC MiniStack<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/shop\/external-drives\/owc-ministack\">OWC miniStack<\/a> is an external drive with a Mac mini footprint, making it an excellent companion to the Mac mini. The miniStack is best known for its versatile storage and is a perfect add-on for when you need external storage for your Mac mini. You can count on its reliability and high-speed performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The miniStack\u2019s compact and low-profile design allows it to stack perfectly with your Mac mini providing seamless desktop integration. The miniStack also features a high-speed USB 3.2 (5Gb\/s) interface with an aesthetically pleasing aluminum chassis and a MagLev fan which offers high-speed performance quickly and quietly.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-the-owc-ministack-stx-complements-the-mac-mini\">How the OWC miniStack STX complements the Mac mini<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1400\" height=\"272\" src=\"https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/owc-ministack-stx-back.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-79389\" srcset=\"https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/owc-ministack-stx-back.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/owc-ministack-stx-back-284x55.jpg 284w, https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/owc-ministack-stx-back-190x37.jpg 190w, https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/owc-ministack-stx-back-284x55@2x.jpg 568w, https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/owc-ministack-stx-back-190x37@2x.jpg 380w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/shop\/owc-ministack-stx?\">OWC miniStack STX<\/a> is another perfect accompaniment to the Mac mini as it offers both stackable storage and a Thunderbolt Hub Xpansion Solution. The miniStack STX allows you to greatly expand your mini\u2019s storage capacity. The possibilities are endless with three Thunderbolt (USB-C) ports, enabling you to connect to millions of Thunderbolt, USB, and future USB4 drives, displays, A\/V mixers, cameras, tablets, and desktop accessories.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With the miniStack STX, you can expect over 200x greater data storage on top of the Mac mini\u2019s built-in storage. You\u2019ll also enjoy more power with 60W of notebook charging power via Thunderbolt or USB-C. Easily save, access, and backup data, as well as edit 4K video with up to 770MB\/s of pro-grade tested performance. Similar to the miniStack, the miniStack STX boasts a whisper-quiet and almost silent operation.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-in-conclusion\">In conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The updated Mac mini is a solid choice for users seeking a great desktop experience \u2014 yielding increased productivity and creativity. Its affordable starting price point and its pro-level performance coupled with a compact design make it a very attractive choice.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The base model configuration for $599 includes an M2 chip with an 8-core CPU, 10-core GPU, 256 GB SSD, and 8 GB RAM. In comparison, the $1299 base model configuration for the M2 Pro chip features a 10-core CPU, 16-core GPU, 16 GB RAM, and 512 GB SSD. Customers can order the new Mac mini models now with availability starting on Tuesday, January 24 from the&nbsp; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.apple.com\/shop\/buy-mac\/mac-mini\">Apple Online Store<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Mac mini vs. Mac Studio? We compare the M2 Pro Mac mini to the M1 Max Mac Studio to see just how good a value the new mini really is.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":126,"featured_media":84776,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"spay_email":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[90,4],"class_list":["post-84772","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-fresh-from-apple","category-tech-tips"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v20.2 (Yoast SEO v20.2) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>M2 Pro Mac mini vs. Mac Studio: Is the New mini a Worthy Alternative?<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Mac mini vs. Mac Studio? We compare the M2 Pro Mac mini to the M1 Max Mac Studio to see just how good a value the new mini really is.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/84772-m2-pro-mac-mini-vs-mac-studio-is-the-new-mini-a-worthy-alternative\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"M2 Pro Mac mini vs. Mac Studio: Is the New mini a Worthy Alternative?\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Mac mini vs. Mac Studio? We compare the M2 Pro Mac mini to the M1 Max Mac Studio to see just how good a value the new mini really is.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/84772-m2-pro-mac-mini-vs-mac-studio-is-the-new-mini-a-worthy-alternative\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Rocket Yard\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2023-01-18T22:38:13+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2023-01-20T23:27:52+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/M2-Pro-mini-vs.-m1-max-studio.png\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1280\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"720\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Kim Wacker\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Kim Wacker\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"8 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/84772-m2-pro-mac-mini-vs-mac-studio-is-the-new-mini-a-worthy-alternative\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/84772-m2-pro-mac-mini-vs-mac-studio-is-the-new-mini-a-worthy-alternative\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Kim Wacker\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/99d5f755912577f7b0594644228137ea\"},\"headline\":\"M2 Pro Mac mini vs. Mac Studio: Is the New mini a Worthy Alternative?\",\"datePublished\":\"2023-01-18T22:38:13+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2023-01-20T23:27:52+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/84772-m2-pro-mac-mini-vs-mac-studio-is-the-new-mini-a-worthy-alternative\/\"},\"wordCount\":1382,\"commentCount\":21,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/#organization\"},\"keywords\":[\"#OWCblog\",\"M2 Pro\",\"M2 Pro vs M1 Max\"],\"articleSection\":[\"Fresh from Apple\",\"Tech Tips\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/84772-m2-pro-mac-mini-vs-mac-studio-is-the-new-mini-a-worthy-alternative\/#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/84772-m2-pro-mac-mini-vs-mac-studio-is-the-new-mini-a-worthy-alternative\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/84772-m2-pro-mac-mini-vs-mac-studio-is-the-new-mini-a-worthy-alternative\/\",\"name\":\"M2 Pro Mac mini vs. Mac Studio: Is the New mini a Worthy Alternative?\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/#website\"},\"datePublished\":\"2023-01-18T22:38:13+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2023-01-20T23:27:52+00:00\",\"description\":\"Mac mini vs. Mac Studio? We compare the M2 Pro Mac mini to the M1 Max Mac Studio to see just how good a value the new mini really is.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/84772-m2-pro-mac-mini-vs-mac-studio-is-the-new-mini-a-worthy-alternative\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/84772-m2-pro-mac-mini-vs-mac-studio-is-the-new-mini-a-worthy-alternative\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/84772-m2-pro-mac-mini-vs-mac-studio-is-the-new-mini-a-worthy-alternative\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"M2 Pro Mac mini vs. Mac Studio: Is the New mini a Worthy Alternative?\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/\",\"name\":\"Rocket Yard\",\"description\":\"Your source for expert tips, special deals, commentary, reviews, and the latest tech news.\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":\"required name=search_term_string\"}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/#organization\",\"name\":\"OWC\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/rocket-yard-logo-round.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/rocket-yard-logo-round.png\",\"width\":1024,\"height\":1024,\"caption\":\"OWC\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\"}},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/99d5f755912577f7b0594644228137ea\",\"name\":\"Kim Wacker\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/31438a0f8d9fe49ea574f65ba55251ca3f67f7ce7e88d467a4edb39f1f8acc40?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/31438a0f8d9fe49ea574f65ba55251ca3f67f7ce7e88d467a4edb39f1f8acc40?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"Kim Wacker\"},\"description\":\"Kim is a seasoned content marketing professional with 14 years of corporate communications experience. Her sweet spot is with creative writing both short and long-form, and she has a proven track record working with IBM, Jackson Healthcare, and Walt Disney World, among many others. Kim is also a singer and actor and has been performing on stage and screen since she was a child. She has a great passion for TV and film production and went to school for broadcast journalism. Kim is the CEO &amp; Founder of Wacker Social Enterprises and the Director of Operations &amp; Senior Writer for Blade Ronner Media. You can also find her on IMDb. LinkedIn: http:\/\/linkedin.com\/in\/kimwacker BladeRonner Media: https:\/\/bladeronner.media\/ Wacker Social: http:\/\/wackersocial.com\/ Portfolio: http:\/\/kimwackerportfolio.weebly.com\/\",\"sameAs\":[\"https:\/\/bladeronner.media\",\"http:\/\/linkedin.com\/in\/kimwacker\"],\"url\":\"https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/author\/kwacker\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"M2 Pro Mac mini vs. Mac Studio: Is the New mini a Worthy Alternative?","description":"Mac mini vs. Mac Studio? We compare the M2 Pro Mac mini to the M1 Max Mac Studio to see just how good a value the new mini really is.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/84772-m2-pro-mac-mini-vs-mac-studio-is-the-new-mini-a-worthy-alternative\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"M2 Pro Mac mini vs. Mac Studio: Is the New mini a Worthy Alternative?","og_description":"Mac mini vs. Mac Studio? We compare the M2 Pro Mac mini to the M1 Max Mac Studio to see just how good a value the new mini really is.","og_url":"https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/84772-m2-pro-mac-mini-vs-mac-studio-is-the-new-mini-a-worthy-alternative\/","og_site_name":"Rocket Yard","article_published_time":"2023-01-18T22:38:13+00:00","article_modified_time":"2023-01-20T23:27:52+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1280,"height":720,"url":"https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/M2-Pro-mini-vs.-m1-max-studio.png","type":"image\/png"}],"author":"Kim Wacker","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Kim Wacker","Est. reading time":"8 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/84772-m2-pro-mac-mini-vs-mac-studio-is-the-new-mini-a-worthy-alternative\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/84772-m2-pro-mac-mini-vs-mac-studio-is-the-new-mini-a-worthy-alternative\/"},"author":{"name":"Kim Wacker","@id":"https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/99d5f755912577f7b0594644228137ea"},"headline":"M2 Pro Mac mini vs. Mac Studio: Is the New mini a Worthy Alternative?","datePublished":"2023-01-18T22:38:13+00:00","dateModified":"2023-01-20T23:27:52+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/84772-m2-pro-mac-mini-vs-mac-studio-is-the-new-mini-a-worthy-alternative\/"},"wordCount":1382,"commentCount":21,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/#organization"},"keywords":["#OWCblog","M2 Pro","M2 Pro vs M1 Max"],"articleSection":["Fresh from Apple","Tech Tips"],"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"CommentAction","name":"Comment","target":["https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/84772-m2-pro-mac-mini-vs-mac-studio-is-the-new-mini-a-worthy-alternative\/#respond"]}]},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/84772-m2-pro-mac-mini-vs-mac-studio-is-the-new-mini-a-worthy-alternative\/","url":"https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/84772-m2-pro-mac-mini-vs-mac-studio-is-the-new-mini-a-worthy-alternative\/","name":"M2 Pro Mac mini vs. Mac Studio: Is the New mini a Worthy Alternative?","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/#website"},"datePublished":"2023-01-18T22:38:13+00:00","dateModified":"2023-01-20T23:27:52+00:00","description":"Mac mini vs. Mac Studio? We compare the M2 Pro Mac mini to the M1 Max Mac Studio to see just how good a value the new mini really is.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/84772-m2-pro-mac-mini-vs-mac-studio-is-the-new-mini-a-worthy-alternative\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/84772-m2-pro-mac-mini-vs-mac-studio-is-the-new-mini-a-worthy-alternative\/"]}]},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/84772-m2-pro-mac-mini-vs-mac-studio-is-the-new-mini-a-worthy-alternative\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"M2 Pro Mac mini vs. Mac Studio: Is the New mini a Worthy Alternative?"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/#website","url":"https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/","name":"Rocket Yard","description":"Your source for expert tips, special deals, commentary, reviews, and the latest tech news.","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":"required name=search_term_string"}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/#organization","name":"OWC","url":"https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/rocket-yard-logo-round.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/rocket-yard-logo-round.png","width":1024,"height":1024,"caption":"OWC"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"}},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/99d5f755912577f7b0594644228137ea","name":"Kim Wacker","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/31438a0f8d9fe49ea574f65ba55251ca3f67f7ce7e88d467a4edb39f1f8acc40?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/31438a0f8d9fe49ea574f65ba55251ca3f67f7ce7e88d467a4edb39f1f8acc40?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"Kim Wacker"},"description":"Kim is a seasoned content marketing professional with 14 years of corporate communications experience. Her sweet spot is with creative writing both short and long-form, and she has a proven track record working with IBM, Jackson Healthcare, and Walt Disney World, among many others. Kim is also a singer and actor and has been performing on stage and screen since she was a child. She has a great passion for TV and film production and went to school for broadcast journalism. Kim is the CEO &amp; Founder of Wacker Social Enterprises and the Director of Operations &amp; Senior Writer for Blade Ronner Media. You can also find her on IMDb. LinkedIn: http:\/\/linkedin.com\/in\/kimwacker BladeRonner Media: https:\/\/bladeronner.media\/ Wacker Social: http:\/\/wackersocial.com\/ Portfolio: http:\/\/kimwackerportfolio.weebly.com\/","sameAs":["https:\/\/bladeronner.media","http:\/\/linkedin.com\/in\/kimwacker"],"url":"https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/author\/kwacker\/"}]}},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/M2-Pro-mini-vs.-m1-max-studio.png","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/pmPaT-m3i","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/84772","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/126"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=84772"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/84772\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":84811,"href":"https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/84772\/revisions\/84811"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/84776"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=84772"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eshop.macsales.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=84772"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}