Mac Mini 2018

[svart-hvitt]

New Mac Mini just released:

https://www.apple.com/mac-mini/

Noise level: 4 dB.

Is this the new killer product for those who want a one-stop-shop music computer running either Mac OS or Windows?

Any thoughts?

For example on best configuration for those who want a music or home theater hub?

 

[Deleted member 65]

There's still a fan inside, hard to believe 4dB under some load.

"Packing this much power into the same enclosure required an all-new thermal architecture — including all-flash storage, a bigger fan, expanded vents, and a redesigned power supply. "

 

[svart-hvitt]

There's still a fan inside, hard to believe 4dB under some load.

"Packing this much power into the same enclosure required an all-new thermal architecture — including all-flash storage, a bigger fan, expanded vents, and a redesigned power supply. "

Yes, I wonder about the noise level when fan is running!

 

[Soniclife]

There's still a fan inside, hard to believe 4dB under some load.

"Packing this much power into the same enclosure required an all-new thermal architecture — including all-flash storage, a bigger fan, expanded vents, and a redesigned power supply. "

Unless that fan never goes above an extremely low rpm I don't see how that noise level is possible, it would have to be doing little more than gently assisting the normal convection currents.

 

[amirm]

It says: "Sound pressure level (operator position): 4 dBA at idle. "

So definitely not under load. Then again, playing music doesn't use up much CPU so that is the likely scenario (unless you use lots of DSP).

 

[svart-hvitt]

It says: "Sound pressure level (operator position): 4 dBA at idle. "

So definitely not under load. Then again, playing music doesn't use up much CPU so that is the likely scenario (unless you use lots of DSP).

One still needs measurements of noise during different scenarios. So noise is a risk for the early adopter.

 

[duo8]

If you're just gonna play music on it, it's probably more cost efficient to buy a cheap fanless NUC. Also guaranteed noise-free.

 

[Darwin]

Would be nice for running Roon.

 

[beeface]

I don't doubt that this thing is quiet, but "Acoustics measured from typical operator position sitting in front of standard Mac mini system. Acoustics may vary by configuration." is nonetheless an annoyingly vague way to describe the test conditions.

 

[jhaider]

The only time I've ever heard an unexpected peep from our 2014 Mac Mini is after burning a CD. The external drive fires up at odd times when it's connected but not in use. The fan has never made itself known. The computer is about 4' from the listening position, albeit behind a wood door.

 

[svart-hvitt]

FWIW,

it would have been great though if Apple made public noise data like they did for the Mac Pro of 2013:

 

[svart-hvitt]

Some initial Mac Mini 2018 performance data:

https://www.macrumors.com/2018/11/02/first-mac-mini-benchmark-surfaces/

 

[cjfrbw]

My favorite Mac, so I am glad they updated it. I was under the impression that they only produced some legacy models from 2014.

 

[svart-hvitt]

My favorite Mac, so I am glad they updated it. I was under the impression that they only produced some legacy models from 2014.

The new maxed out Mac Mini seems to be a serious machine for many a work scenario, and connectivity is OK.

We’ll have to wait and see what heat and fan issues there are, though.

 

[duo8]

The new maxed out Mac Mini seems to be a serious machine for many a work scenario, and connectivity is OK.

We’ll have to wait and see what heat and fan issues there are, though.

It's not 10mm thin and has space for actual air intake so probably not nearly as bad as macbooks.

 

[watchnerd]

Would be nice for running Roon.

I ran Roon on the previous model for years (before moving to a Retina iMac). I never heard the fan, and it had much less power than the new Mac Mini.

Granted, I had it hotrodded with 16 GB of RAM and SSD, but the new one comes with SSD by default and can take up to 64 GB.

AND IT HAS A HEADPHONE JACK!

Unlike some other Apple products...

 

[watchnerd]

The only time I've ever heard an unexpected peep from our 2014 Mac Mini is after burning a CD. The external drive fires up at odd times when it's connected but not in use. The fan has never made itself known. The computer is about 4' from the listening position, albeit behind a wood door.

I had one right in front of me on a desk and pretty much never heard it, either.

 

[Thomas savage]

Well I’m going to get one so I can stream music and finally look into taking some better in room measurements and add a bit of judicious EQ or maybe even go full room correction if need be.

Looks cute and can sit on my CDP.

 

[watchnerd]

Looks cute and can sit on my CDP.

Just like your mother, Trebek!

 

[svart-hvitt]

Well I’m going to get one so I can stream music and finally look into taking some better in room measurements and add a bit of judicious EQ or maybe even go full room correction if need be.

Looks cute and can sit on my CDP.

We should have one for @amirm to measure. It’s got both headphone and (probably) digital optical out.