Marco Arment

Base-model M4 Mac Mini is $499 on Amazon right now.

I've been watching these all summer (👀…) and this is the lowest it has been. MSRP is $599 and usually they're $540–570.

Here's an affiliate link if this information is worth a few bucks to you https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DLBTPDCS?tag=marcoorg-20

Amazon.com: Apple 2024 Mac mini Desktop Computer with M4 chip with 10‑core CPU and 10‑core GPU: Built for Apple Intelligence, 16GB Unified Memory, 256GB SSD Storage, Gigabit Ethernet. Works with iPhone/iPad : Electronics

Amazon.com: Apple 2024 Mac mini Desktop Computer with M4 chip with 10‑core CPU and 10‑core GPU: Built for Apple Intelligence, 16GB Unified Memory, 256GB SSD Storage, Gigabit Ethernet. Works with iPhone/iPad : Electronics

Aug 15, 2025 at 8:35pmIvory for Mac
Show threadMax LeibmanAug 15, 2025

@marcoarment Even with the low storage (which is easily addressed on a desktop), that is an INSANE amount of computer for $500.

I used a base-model (8 GB!) M1 mini for four years and was completely floored by how well it handled everything I threw at it, and this is a big step up from there.

Show threadRick van VoordenAug 15, 2025

@marcoarment I believe M4 processor is also the minimum requirement for the very cool looking new processor trace instrument. Which on its own might make it a compelling purchase just for having an extra way to measure performance with more precision than before.

https://developer.apple.com/documentation/xcode/analyzing-cpu-usage-with-processor-trace

Analyzing CPU usage with the Processor Trace instrument | Apple Developer Documentation

Identify code where your app uses the CPU inefficiently.

Apple Developer Documentation
Show threadNarlesAug 15, 2025
@marcoarment somehow I got it for $460 in June. Great machine. Did the 3rd party storage upgrade and it is even better now.
Show threadPaul Haddad Aug 15, 2025
@marcoarment was $470 at one point.
Show threadDayton LowellAug 15, 2025

@paul Yup, I ordered one on June 20th for 469.00 before tax. Then I bought a 2 TB SSD for 287.95 which was actually way easier to install than I expected.

~$800 total after tax is a hell of a deal in my book.

Show threadYoni MazuzAug 17, 2025
@Daytonlowell @paul where was the SSD from? Whenever Amazon has great discounts, they have no 2TB configs. And then B&H sometimes has similar dollars off but the high SSD prices still makes for an expensive total.
Show threadDayton LowellAug 17, 2025
@yonatron @paul https://a.co/d/bCXjXyo
Amazon.com

Show threadYoni MazuzAug 17, 2025
@Daytonlowell thanks! Didn’t occur to me to check Amazon and the few leads I got from Google were like $50 higher than that
Show threadVictorAug 15, 2025
@marcoarment not at all the lowest it’s been. Like $30 off from all time low.
Show threadNate PetersenAug 15, 2025

@marcoarment if you happen to live near a Microcenter, it’s $449

https://www.microcenter.com/product/688173/apple-mac-mini-mu9d3ll-a-(late-2024)-desktop-computer

Apple Mac mini MU9D3LL/A (Late 2024) Desktop Computer; Apple M4 10-Core CPU; 16GB Unified Memory; 256GB Solid State Drive; - Micro Center

Get it now! Introducing the far mightier, way tinier, all-new Mac mini. Five by five inches of pure power and purpose. Redesigned around Apple silicon to unleash the full speed and capabilities of M4 chips. With a wide array of ports, now on the front and back.

Micro Center
Show threadAaron  Aug 16, 2025
@natep @marcoarment OMG that’s reeeeeeally tempting
Show threadZSAug 15, 2025
@marcoarment I went for the 24GB/256GB version just before Christmas, added a Caldigit TS4 and an OWC Thunderbolt external NVMe case with a 2TB 990 Pro in it. It's crazy how all that together is basically the same size as the GPU in my PC. The PC that's rarely on now. I had a 16GB M2 Mini before, the M4 is surprisingly and unmistakably faster doing everything.
Show threadCaptain BroncoAug 16, 2025
@marcoarment definitely one of my favorite Mac’s I’ve ever bought. Everything in one small tight little package.
Show threadjohnkatosAug 16, 2025
@marcoarment Got mine June 19th for $469.00
Show threadGlenn BrownAug 16, 2025
@marcoarment That is a great deal, I picked up a refurbed upgraded model that's going to become my home server and replace my big ass pc Linux tower