Mac Mini M2 Pro Review: Unleashing Power in a Compact Form
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Performance Overview
The latest Mac Mini, equipped with Apple Silicon's M2 Pro chip, showcases a significant leap in both CPU and GPU core scalability compared to its predecessor. The M2 Pro offers 12 CPU cores, representing a 1.9 times enhancement over the M1 model, while the graphics configuration ranges from 16 to 19 GPU cores, boasting up to 2.6 times the performance of the M1. Moreover, the Mac Mini M2 Pro can be upgraded to 32 GB of unified memory, featuring a bandwidth of 200 GB/s—double that of the standard M2 model.
Video Performance Capabilities
The Mac Mini M2 Pro excels in video processing, supporting 8K H.264 and HEVC encoding and decoding. It can smoothly handle multiple 4K and 8K media playback in ProRes format. Retaining its classic silver color and design, the new model includes four Thunderbolt 4 ports, enhanced WiFi 6E, and 10Gb Ethernet for improved connectivity.
The first video highlights a six-month review of the M2 Pro Mac Mini, exploring its suitability for music production.
Testing and Benchmark Results
Apple's M2 Pro chip has demonstrated its capabilities across various performance tests. In Blender, the Mac Mini M2 Pro achieved a remarkable score of 761.68 points, ranking in the top 34% of devices. In Cinebench R23, the CPU also secured a top position, showcasing a core efficiency ratio of 8.93x during multi-core calculations.
In GFXBench 5.0 Metal, the device exhibited stellar performance, hitting frame rates between 42 and 60 frames per second in demanding tests. Testing the new Metal 3 under macOS Ventura in Resident Evil Village allowed for a resolution of 3200x1800 at maximum settings, with an average of 42 frames per second—indicative of the system's gaming potential.
The second video covers a year-long review of the Mac Mini M2 Pro, assessing its performance for photo and video editing in 2024.
Energy Efficiency
When it comes to energy consumption, the Mac Mini M2 Pro is impressively efficient. In standby mode, it consumes around 0.8 Wh, and under load, this can rise significantly. On average, the M2 Pro consumes about 5 Wh, with peaks of up to 23 Wh when using all 19 graphics cores for high-intensity gaming. The efficiency cores play a crucial role in maintaining low energy usage, benefiting users in the long run.
Conclusion
In summary, the M2 Pro chip from Apple has proven to be a top-performing device through rigorous testing. With its remarkable scalability of CPU and GPU cores, outstanding graphics performance, and excellent energy efficiency, the Mac Mini M2 Pro stands out as a prime choice for users seeking superior computing power. Its compatibility with the latest operating system and Metal 3 features ensures a cutting-edge gaming and visual experience, making it an exceptional option for anyone looking for a powerful yet compact computer.
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