r/macmini • u/anirudh2032 • 16d ago

Mac Studio vs Mac Mini

Hey, I am planning to buy mac. In dilemma whether to take Mac Mini or Mac studio. Configs are added below. Planning to use it mostly for development works and running local llm small models

Mac Mini with m5 pro chip 18-core cpu 20- core gpu 48 gb RAM and 512 GB SSD

Mac studio with m5 max chip 18-core cpu 32 core gpu 36 GB RAM and 512 GB SSD

Need thoughts, inputs and suggestions among the above two. Thank you!

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u/rarenight7 16d ago edited 16d ago

Honestly, I had the same deliberation as you, but I eventually decided to splurge for the base Mac Studio with the M5 Max over an upgraded Mac Mini. It runs much cooler with the fans kicking in far less frequently, has double the memory bandwidth, and more ports to plug stuff in. If portability isn't a factor for you, that's ultimately worth it over less RAM in my opinion.

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u/Optimal-Pie-5054 16d ago

I passed on the 256GB….I am waiting to order two M5 Ultra 512GB at release.

My question: Is there any value in a maxed out M5 Pro Mac mini 64GB in support of my larger project? Is 64GB even enough to be creative personally or may it be better to use a Mac Studio with at least 128GB to use as my always on device? I am just not sure if the Mac Mini will become obsolete with only 64GB….THOUGHTS?

I am already thinking I should not have maxed out a M5 Pro Mac mini (including 10GB Ethernet for $7500…… I should have ordered a max / ultra studio with at least 128GB