2024 Mac mini
Apple’s 2024 Mac mini is making waves for its new M4 chip and impressive performance, but if you were hoping for a machine with easy-to-upgrade components, this teardown will come as a disappointment. YouTuber Brandon Geekabit recently took apart the base 16GB RAM / 256GB SSD M4 model to give us an inside look at what’s changed – and what hasn’t – inside Apple’s ultra-compact desktop. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the 2024 Mac mini teardown, and why upgrading the machine is more challenging than ever before.
Opening the 2024 Mac mini: No Screws, Just a Plastic Panel
Like previous models, the 2024 Mac mini opens through a plastic panel located at the bottom. There are no visible screws, which means you’ll need to pry the panel off using a spudger. By gently working your way around the edges, the panel eventually pops off, revealing the internals. This is fairly standard for Apple’s compact devices, where the emphasis is on minimalism and a clean aesthetic rather than user repairability or upgradeability.
Once inside, you are greeted by an elegant metal bracket that not only supports the internal structure but also houses the Mac mini’s ventilation system. While this bracket looks sleek, it serves a crucial purpose by helping the system maintain airflow while keeping the components cool.
Key Components Inside the Mac mini: A Look at the Hardware
Inside the Mac mini, the layout is meticulously organized, but it’s clear that Apple has designed this machine to be as compact and efficient as possible. Here are some of the key components:
- Button Cell Battery: At the center of the internal structure is a small button cell battery. This is the only easily accessible component for users. It keeps the system clock running and maintains certain system states when the device is powered off. If you ever need to replace this, it can be done with relative ease, though it’s a rare occurrence for most users.
- Cooling System: Beneath the metal bracket lies the Mac mini’s cooling system. Apple uses a centrifugal fan coupled with an arced heatsink. This heat dissipation setup works well for cooling the M4 chip, which doesn’t generate a lot of heat compared to higher-end processors. The single heat pipe running through the heatsink ensures that the heat is evenly distributed, preventing hotspots. Additionally, there’s a single speaker tucked away in the bottom corner of the device. This is a standard feature for all Mac mini models.
The SSD: Not User-Upgradeable
One of the most significant revelations of this teardown is that the 2024 Mac mini’s storage is not user-upgradable. The machine features an M.2 2230 SSD, which might seem like it could be easily swapped out. However, upon closer inspection, the SSD has a non-standard pin count, and Apple is using a proprietary controller for the storage.
This means that, unlike previous Mac mini models, where users could upgrade both the RAM and storage, the 2024 Mac mini’s SSD is not interchangeable with off-the-shelf drives. While some DIY enthusiasts have found ways to replace the memory chips on Apple’s custom SSDs by desoldering them and replacing them with higher-capacity versions, this is not a simple task and requires advanced skills. Such modifications also likely void warranties, and there are no guarantees that the system would function as intended after the change.
While this might sound like bad news, there is an easier workaround: external SSDs. For those who need more storage, plugging in an external SSD is still a viable and relatively simple solution. Apple’s push for non-user-upgradeable internal storage means that external drives are going to be the most practical option for increasing the Mac mini’s storage capacity in the future.
Power Supply and Internal Design
Another feature that stood out in the teardown was the Mac mini’s internal power supply (PSU). Unlike many micro PCs that rely on external power bricks, Apple has chosen to integrate the power supply into the Mac mini’s body. The internal PSU is positioned underneath the motherboard and serves as the topmost layer when the Mac mini is placed upright. This internal configuration allows the PSU to dissipate some of its heat through the aluminum shell, which, while not actively cooled by the fan, helps manage heat in an efficient manner.
Despite being out of sight, the PSU and other components like the motherboard have been designed with care. Apple’s engineering team has clearly prioritized not only function but also aesthetics, ensuring that even the components that won’t be seen by users have a clean, polished look. This attention to detail might not appeal to those who want to upgrade their machine, but it certainly adds to the overall quality of the device.
The M4 Chip and Heatsink
Finally, the teardown reaches the heart of the Mac mini: the M4 chip. The M4 chip is one of Apple’s most powerful processors to date, and it’s paired with a small heatsink. While the heatsink appears minimal, it’s more than enough for the M4 chip, which is efficient enough not to require extensive cooling.
The M4 chip is capable of sustaining higher clock speeds even under heavy load, thanks to the small heatsink. In comparison, the fanless MacBook Air models can’t sustain peak speeds for long periods because they lack the active cooling that the Mac mini enjoys. This ensures that the Mac mini can handle demanding tasks without throttling performance, making it a solid choice for professional work and creative tasks.
Why the 2024 Mac mini Isn’t User-Upgrade Friendly
The 2024 Mac mini is a highly efficient and sleek machine, but one thing is clear from this teardown: it is not designed with user-upgradeability in mind. Unlike older Mac mini models, where users could replace both the SSD and memory, Apple has locked down both of these components. With the storage soldered to the motherboard and custom controllers, the only option for increasing storage in the future is through external SSDs.
Apple’s decision to make the Mac mini essentially a “buy and configure” machine is part of a broader trend in the tech industry where manufacturers are opting for more compact, efficient designs that minimize user interaction with internal components. While this may frustrate users who like to tinker with their machines or prefer a more flexible upgrade path, it’s in line with Apple’s push toward seamless, reliable, and efficient computing experiences.
Final Thoughts
If you’re planning on purchasing the 2024 Mac mini, be sure to select your configuration carefully, as upgrades after the fact will be minimal. Choose the RAM and storage capacity you’ll need upfront because those components are not going to be changeable later on. For storage upgrades, external SSDs remain the most viable option.
While the 2024 Mac mini’s lack of user-upgradable parts may deter some DIY enthusiasts, the machine remains a solid choice for those looking for a compact, high-performance desktop. Whether you’re a creative professional, a developer, or just need a powerful, space-saving machine, the Mac mini continues to deliver exceptional performance, even if it’s not as customizable as older models.
FAQs
1. Can I upgrade the storage or RAM on the 2024 Mac mini?
No, the 2024 Mac mini does not have user-upgradable storage or RAM. The RAM and SSD are soldered to the motherboard, making it impossible to upgrade these components after purchase. If you need more storage in the future, external SSDs are the most viable option.
2. Is the SSD in the 2024 Mac mini compatible with third-party drives?
No, the SSD in the 2024 Mac mini uses a custom controller and a non-standard pin count, meaning it cannot be replaced with off-the-shelf M.2 2230 drives. While there are DIY videos showing users modifying the SSD, this is a complex and risky procedure that may void your warranty.
3. How can I expand the storage on the 2024 Mac mini?
Since the internal SSD is not user-upgradable, your best option for expanding storage is by using external SSDs or other external storage solutions. Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C ports provide fast data transfer speeds for external drives.
4. Is the 2024 Mac mini suitable for professional work?
Yes, the 2024 Mac mini with the M4 chip is powerful enough to handle professional tasks such as video editing, 3D rendering, software development, and more. Its compact size and efficient design make it an excellent choice for creatives and professionals looking for a space-saving desktop.
5. What kind of cooling system does the 2024 Mac mini use?
The 2024 Mac mini features a centrifugal fan and a heatsink with a single heat pipe to manage the temperature of the M4 chip. This setup allows the system to maintain high performance under load, while the compact design keeps the device cool without requiring an elaborate cooling system.