Why I LOVE the Mac mini M2 Pro: One Week Later Review

Apple's newest Mac mini with M2 Pro is the near perfect desktop computer for any creative professional. Let me tell you why

I've had my M1 Max MacBook Pro for over a year and a half and it's probably the best investment I made when I went full-time as a content creator. It's the most powerful laptop I've ever used and it's the best for video editing and creating content in general. Now I need something for my home office so that I can edit at home without having to worry about unplugging and plugging in my laptop to my Apple Studio Display. Is this an overkill? No, I think this is the best Mac desktop that any creator who's starting out should buy. Whether it's the base 512GB SSD model with 16GB of RAM, you'll be able to crank out content no problem with that machine. The fact that this Mac mini I reviewed can go toe to toe with a $4100 laptop from a year and some change ago is really impressive and for so much less money.

My Mac Mini Specs: 10-core CPU with 16-core GPU M2 Pro | 32GB RAM | 1TB SSD

My Video Gear:

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Hi! My name is Mark Linsangan. I make lifestyle tech videos that are informative and look beautiful. I lived in NYC for two years, but I'm originally from Washington DC, but now I'm living in LA. I'm a big fan of traveling/exploring, tech, social media / biz and finding interesting topics on the line (online). Subscribe & say hi to me on Twitter, and Instagram @HeyMarkL
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[Elio_JY_Yang]

I never thought someone would make such a detailed comparison between the 1TB and 512GB SSD versions of the Mac Mini. This should definitely help many people avoid spending money unnecessarily.

[AndREDraut]

I have the Mac Mini M2 Pro with 32 Gb RAM and 2 Tb SSD, compared to my old iMac from 2014, it's a different world of performance, it was time to switch because, although the Intel iMac 5K was almost specced out at the time (32 Gb RAM and 2 Tb fusion drive), it's not supported anymore and it was more on the slow side the last years. For me a big SSD inside is also important, even if the prices Apple asks for them are high. I'm buying a new Mac every 8 to 10 years, so I want a Mac that is good for a long period.

[jetsonparker]

This is the best summary of the m2 pro that all other videos try to touch on but miss something. This video checks all the boxes like 1tb is faster and upgrading the cores in real word is negligible.

Why did someone comment no real world. Hello did you watch it. That is what is reviewed for 1tb is faster than 512. Real world. Core upgrade negligible. Real word.

If I would’ve seen this video I would know exactly what I would’ve wanted to purchase. And so I did

M2 pro 1tb 16 ram 10 Ethernet. For me ideal thank you Mark for a great comprehensive review.

[SirAmnesia]

taking my m2 mini back now, i was using it at a stopgap until the m2 studio but i love it that much i want the m2 pro version.

[woof]

I have one with the same exact specs. It flies. I put Paralells and Windows 11 Pro on it, and I am basically doing anything I want with everything I want, fast and easy. Love it.

[holgers]

I recently got the M2, not Pro, specked out with 1TB HD and the max 24GB RAM. WOW!...this thing is a beast!...more than I ever really need!

[MrDWardin]

Thank you. You are the first to actually test the read write speeds on the m2 pro with 512gb vs 1 tb. I have been worried I have bought the wrong machine and should have went with an m1 because of ssd performance issues. Keep up the good work!

[slaughterhouse]

you helped me with my decision. Ordering mine today! Thanks Mark!

[americanslang]

Nice, exactly the test I was looking for to see if it can handle a loaded video production edition..

I almost got the Mac Studio 2 but thanks to you I’m going with the mini 😊

[MacSquareVideos]

Awesome review. I think this is the build I’m gonna buy!

[TheTrippleTKA]

2:25 -- but what if I bumped up the GPU to 32 for M2 pro mini

[DaneChan]

Good comparison, I will choose 10 core CPU, 32GB Ram and 1TB SSD now. Thanks

[powhodee]

Thanks for the video. I was wondering about the 512 vs 1TB speed.

[brienengel]

Currently using an i7 mini from 2012 and it is running fine! However now it is way outdated, Chrome doesn't like it anymore.... can't update OS (stuck with Sierra) I was hoping for this one, approximately. For me it isn't much of an upgrade though without 2T storage, springing for the 12 core/19 core version and of course the 32 gig RAM. I use Logic, Affinity, imovie and occasionally FCP. About 2600 is a lot but the headaches saved with Apple products (ten years of super well-behaved mini) is worth it to me...

[chasdude]

Great review. What monitor was displayed in the video?

[BrianBoniMakes]

That's the same mini I've built, I've added the ethernet upgrade as I use a network file server. I'm almost ready to pull the trigger, it will be the least expensive Mac I've ever bought. People are now saying to wait for the next gen studio but I need a new machine now.

[jondonnelly]

Yeah you have the spec i'd choose too, cause you have to sell the machine to get a ram and nvme upgrade. I remember the old Intel ones, where you could change ram and storage so I'm not thrilled with this and I think the 2TB cost Apple charge is outrageous.

[noreddin]

I have $2000. Is it recommended to take the highest-spec Mac Mini or go to Mac Studio? what do you think ?

[joshsaacks]

Hi Mark, thank you for this video. I’m curious why you didn’t go for the Mac Studio. To my eye, it appears that the more you spec the mini, the more the studio begins to be the better options. Interested to hear your thoughts. Cheers

[ThorK-qtzx]

Your Mac Mini is only $1900, much cheaper than the Macbook Pro.. but how much is that display?