Apple's 2TB M4 Mac mini is $100 off & in stock

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AppleInsiderAppleInsider
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in Deals edited January 1

Inventory constraints have been impacting M4 Mac mini ship times, with some configurations expected to deliver as late as March. But this Late 2024 M4 spec with an upgrade to an ample 2TB of storage is $100 off and in stock with free expedited shipping.

Apple's M4 Mac mini desktop computer with Apple logo on a table, next to a plant, with a banner displaying limited time offer.
The 2TB M4 Mac mini is eligible for a triple-digit discount.



This particular configuration that's eligible for a limited-time $100 cash discount features Apple's M4 chip that includes a 10-core CPU and GPU. Measuring at just 5 inches x 5 inches x 2 inches, that's a lot of power in such a compact chassis. But to make this M4 Mac mini stand out further, it also has an upgrade to a 2TB SSD, offering ample storage in such a small package.

Buy for $1,399

B&H has units in stock of the model with 16GB of unified memory, while the same configuration is on backorder at Apple itself. If you're looking to lock in a year-end purchase, now is the time to snag the deal to get the system quickly and save you money in the process. At press time, B&H is throwing in free expedited shipping on orders shipped within the contiguous U.S.

You can find a rundown of the lowest M4 Mac mini prices in our Price Guide. We also hand-curate the best Mac mini deals in our dedicated roundup.

If you'd like to learn more about the tiny desktop, be sure to check out our M4 Mac mini review as well, with benchmarks and detailed expert analysis.



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Comments

  • Reply 1 of 10
    eriamjheriamjh Posts: 1,823member
    This is the 16GB, 2TB version.    

    $100 is a good start.   
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  • Reply 2 of 10
    ITGUYINSDitguyinsd Posts: 568member
    You're a fool to support Apple charging $800 for an upgrade from 256GB to 2TB SSD. 
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  • Reply 3 of 10
    eriamjheriamjh Posts: 1,823member
    How about $350?

    https://youtu.be/64_Mc03FC_0?si=swCRXWTlQDuzzsNZ
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  • Reply 4 of 10
    ApplePoorapplepoor Posts: 368member
    Just ordered a M4 Pro mini to be also a file server. Based upon my M2 Pro file server, I ordered the 64GB of memory, 2TB SSD, 10Gb ethernet and 14-core CPU since no changes after it is built.  ETA is 14 to 22 January and based upon our other orders in the last two months expect it will be here early. Being a new year, I got my military discount on the unit well.
    dewme
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  • Reply 5 of 10
    MacPromacpro Posts: 19,873member
    ITGUYINSD said:
    You're a fool to support Apple charging $800 for an upgrade from 256GB to 2TB SSD. 
    You know, quite often you get what you pay for with Apple.  Apple's RAM isn't the same as most of the stuff you might be comparing it with.  

    • Apple uses custom NVMe SSDs soldered directly to the motherboard, which are optimized for:

    • Performance: Speeds are exceptionally high, typically up to 3.5 GB/s in the Mac Mini.

    • Low Latency: Custom controllers ensure faster response times compared to off-the-shelf SSDs.

    • Integration: The storage is tightly coupled with the SoC (M2, M2 Pro, M2 Max), providing seamless operation and power efficiency.

    • Apple’s storage communicates with the SoC through a custom PCIe interface, reducing bottlenecks.

    • Unlike traditional systems where storage operates as a separate component, this tight integration allows for higher sustained throughput and minimal latency.

    • Apple designs its storage controllers and firmware to maximize performance, endurance, and reliability. Features include:

    • Wear-leveling: Extends the lifespan of the SSD.

    • Encryption: All data is hardware-encrypted for security, without performance overhead.

    • Error Correction: Ensures data integrity.

    • Apple uses high-quality NAND flash with better endurance than many consumer SSDs. This makes the drives more reliable over time, especially under heavy workloads.

    Why Solder? The soldered SSDs contribute to:

    • Compact Design: Essential for the Mac Mini’s small form factor.

    • Speed Optimization: By eliminating removable connectors, Apple minimizes potential signal losses.

    • Security: Soldered storage is harder to tamper with, enhancing data security.

     Alternatives for Mac Mini Storage

    • For those who find Apple’s storage pricing prohibitive, external storage options are popular:

    • Thunderbolt 4/USB 4 SSDs: External SSDs can offer comparable speeds (up to 3 GB/s) at a lower cost.

    • RAID Arrays: Users can configure external RAID setups for high-capacity, high-speed storage.

    • Downside: These solutions aren’t as seamless or compact as Apple’s internal storage.

    Even in the Mac Mini, Apple’s SSDs are not just “off-the-shelf” components:

    • They deliver consistent high performance.

    • They integrate tightly with the SoC for optimal efficiency.

    • They feature enhanced security and reliability.


    This is my internal storage on my Mac Studio.


    edited January 2
    dewme
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  • Reply 6 of 10
    ApplePoorapplepoor Posts: 368member
    The Mini with M4 Pro also has USB-C 5 and there is an option like the OWC 4TB external USB-C 5 drive under  $600.  While an external drive can be fast, it is not as fast as the internal drive.

    And by the way, Apple Care covers their internal SSD, not brand X external SSD drives. So a minimum configuration might lack the necessary swap area for programs in use, so that can also be a consideration.

    My M2 Pro mini server has a 2TB SSD that has over 700 GB of programs and files on it. That leaves over 1TB for temporary data files for the other programs that are also used. Thus my M4 Pro server has the same drive configuration plus 64GB memory.
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  • Reply 7 of 10
    jvm156jvm156 Posts: 77member
    ApplePoor said:
    Just ordered a M4 Pro mini to be also a file server. Based upon my M2 Pro file server, I ordered the 64GB of memory, 2TB SSD, 10Gb ethernet and 14-core CPU since no changes after it is built.  ETA is 14 to 22 January and based upon our other orders in the last two months expect it will be here early. Being a new year, I got my military discount on the unit well.
    that's one needlessly expensive file server :o
    dewme
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  • Reply 8 of 10
    ApplePoorapplepoor Posts: 368member
    Some photo editing is also done on this server.  Over  built computer gear is better than under built. That usually translates into cooler running equipment which is good for longevity.

    I would not have ordered if I could not pay cash. We have no long term debt and short term is mostly credit cards that are paid in full when received.

    Never saw a U-Haul following a hearse. Can't take anything with you so better enjoy while alive. :)
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  • Reply 9 of 10
    dewmedewme Posts: 5,993member
    ApplePoor said:
    Some photo editing is also done on this server.  Over  built computer gear is better than under built. That usually translates into cooler running equipment which is good for longevity.

    I would not have ordered if I could not pay cash. We have no long term debt and short term is mostly credit cards that are paid in full when received.

    Never saw a U-Haul following a hearse. Can't take anything with you so better enjoy while alive. :)
    I understand your reasoning and don’t question your motivation or price considerations at all. However, if I was putting together a file server I would be focused more on the file server aspects of the host computer. For example, I would want both high performance and redundancy in the form of a RAID 1 or RAID 5 storage array. Even if you’re setup with 10 Gbps Ethernet the network latency will be greater than the storage latency, especially if your array is SSD based. 

    I’m a firm believer in separation of concerns when it comes to computer hardware and software architecture. If you use the same computer host as both a dedicated client and a network server for your entire system you’re putting two responsibilities into one platform. 

    The M4 Mac mini is most certainly capable of performing both roles at the same time. However, if you need to shut down or restart the mini you’re disconnecting all clients from the file server. Also, if or when Apple starts selling Mac minis with M5 or M6 in one or two years and you want to replace the M4 mini you’ll have to migrate your file server to to the new host. 

    None of this is really a big deal if everything you’re doing is being done on a small scale and you’re satisfied with the results. You can still achieve a weaker form of redundancy by making sure the Mac mini that’s being used as both a client and server is being backed up at a frequency that will limit data loss to a tolerable level, for example you are okay with potentially losing file charges over the past hour. 

    Good luck, it sounds like you’ll soon have quite the little beast of a Mac at your disposal. 
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  • Reply 10 of 10
    ApplePoorapplepoor Posts: 368member
    Primary computer is M1 Ultra MacStudio (128GB & 8TB SSD) with two Studio Displays. Have a 10Gb ethernet hub and these two devices are interconnected there. Others in my home use the WiFi 6e system which is adequate. Those components were in place about 18 months ago and maybe this year will go to WiFi 7 but v8 is chaffing at the bit.

    Apple's trade in values were just too low for viable equipment. 

    The current M2 mini Pro server will be re-located to one of my son's home as a primary with new Studio Display. All retired at my place Apple gear trickles down over 9 grandkids. 


    muthuk_vanalingam
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