nixCraft 🐧Nov 9, 2024

Tim Apple: We are unique. We do in-house industrial design for all of our computers and iToys that you love. Everything is shiny and tiny, and we think you are going to love it.

User: Buys a new M4 Mac Mini but notices the power button is at the bottom.

User: I solved the power button problem:

Show threadnixCraft 🐧Nov 9, 2024
For some reason, this Mac Mini comes with a removable SSD. However, RAM, CPU, GPU, and everything else is glued to the motherboard.
Show threadMarcus KidaNov 9, 2024
@nixCraft well RAM, CPU and GPU are one SoC. I‘m not sure if there would be an interface providing enough bandwidth to make them swappable. But if there would I‘d be a huge fan of it.
Show threadFlohEinsteinNov 9, 2024
@marcus ever built an x86 or x64 desktop computer?
Show threadMarcus Kida
@FlohEinstein yes many, but none with an SoC.
Nov 9, 2024 at 12:10pmWeb
Show threadFlohEinsteinNov 9, 2024
@marcus IMO SoC in PCs is just an euphemism for "We give the customer a small speed boost but make it absolutely unserviceable and keep out competitors". I mean for the average Apple customer, will they ever perform a task on the computer where the time and bandwidth between CPU and RAM or GPU really matter? (Apart from virtualizing software that would have run without virtualization if it weren't that SoC 😉)
Show threadMarcus KidaNov 9, 2024
@FlohEinstein I‘m qualified to discuss wether an SoC makes sense win this case, but it definitely makes interfaces for swappable hardware more complex. That’s all I want to say.
Show threadDelricNov 9, 2024
@FlohEinstein @marcus also for the average Apple customer: will they ever swap out RAM or storage? Big nope. The benefits of an integrated SoC are numerous and outweighs DIY tinkering for majority of their customers.
Show threadFlohEinsteinNov 9, 2024
@delric @marcus and the manufacturer 😁💰
Show threadHannahNov 9, 2024

@delric It is not only "DIY Tinkering" but also repairability. I have saved multiples computers in my life by just swapping out a faulty RAM stick. Regarding Apple and repairability, though, I guess that ship has sailed.

@FlohEinstein @marcus

Show threadnixCraft 🐧Nov 9, 2024
@delric @FlohEinstein @marcus Many Mac users do upgrade their Macs, but over the years, Apple has reduced that option for HDDs, SSDs, RAM, and other parts. eBay, MacSales, Amazon, and others still sell many parts for older Macs, and I'm sure this new Mac Mini will get upgraded parts too. It is just a matter of time.