Apple launched the new generation Mac mini on August 25, offering both M6 and M5 Pro chip configurations for the first time. The new models have seen comprehensive upgrades in CPU, GPU, and storage performance, with a significant highlight being the machine’s AI computing capability. For general users, AI enthusiasts, and professionals, the choice between M6 and M5 Pro may pose a dilemma.
The new Mac mini comes with macOS 27 “Golden Gate” and supports the latest Apple Intelligence and Siri AI features. Apple claims that the new machine is capable of handling daily productivity tasks, creative projects, local AI model execution, and can serve as a platform for long-running AI workflows. The redesigned cooling system ensures optimal performance maintenance.
Both models have upgraded connectivity features, supporting Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and 2.5Gb Ethernet, with an option for 10Gb Ethernet. Wi-Fi 7 offers faster download and upload speeds, while Bluetooth 6 improves the precision and reduces latency for wireless peripherals like Magic Mouse, Magic Keyboard, Magic Trackpad, and AirPods, all while being more power-efficient.
Storage performance in both computers has also been enhanced, with Apple stating that the SSD speed in the new Mac mini can reach up to twice that of the previous generation, aiding in faster project loading and file transfers.
On the port side, both the M6 and M5 Pro versions feature two USB-C ports and a headphone jack on the front panel, with HDMI and Ethernet ports on the back. The main difference lies in the Thunderbolt ports: the M6 comes with 3 Thunderbolt 4 ports, while the M5 Pro is upgraded to include 3 Thunderbolt 5 ports.
The M6 is Apple’s first chip to utilize a 2-nanometer (nm) process. Equipped with a 12-core CPU, which is 2 cores more than the M4 version, and a 12-core GPU. Apple claims that compared to the M4-equipped Mac mini, the new M6 version offers a 40% increase in CPU performance and a doubling in graphics performance.
AI computing is a major focus of the M6 upgrade, with each GPU core incorporating Neural Accelerators and featuring a new dual 16-core Neural Engine. Apple states that the overall AI performance of the new M6 Mac mini can be up to 4 times that of the M4 Mac mini, with the new dual 16-core Neural Engine performance doubling that of the previous version.
In terms of practical workloads, Apple’s tests reveal that the M6 Mac mini can process large language model suggestions in LM Studio (local AI model execution tool) at speeds up to 13.5 times faster than the M1 Mac mini and 4.8 times faster than the M4 version. When playing “Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition” game, ray tracing performance can be up to 2 times higher than the M4 Mac mini.
Memory-wise, the base M6 model comes with 16GB unified memory, expandable up to 32GB, with a maximum memory bandwidth of 170GB/s. It is priced at $899 in the US market, with an education discount price of $799.
Therefore, the M6 is more suitable for general users, students, content creators, and users looking to experience local AI models at a relatively lower price. However, for those handling large AI models, professional videos, or 3D work frequently, the 32GB memory limit may still be a constraint.
The M5 Pro version, on the other hand, caters to professional users requiring higher computing performance and larger memory capacity. With a maximum configuration of an 18-core CPU and 20-core GPU, both equipped with Neural Accelerators, the unified memory can go up to 64GB and a memory bandwidth of 307GB/s.
The larger memory capacity makes the M5 Pro more suitable for executing large AI models locally, app development, professional video editing, 3D design, scientific simulations, and large personal data sets for research. The new GPU generation also supports hardware-accelerated ray tracing, enhancing the performance of workloads such as 3D modeling, visual effects (VFX), and game development. Additionally, it operates quietly, saves energy, and can run for extended periods.
Apple’s tests show that when processing large language model prompts (LLM) in LM Studio, the M5 Pro Mac mini can perform up to 8.5 times faster than the M2 Pro Mac mini and 4 times faster than the M4 Pro Mac mini.
Another significant upgrade in the M5 Pro is the addition of Thunderbolt 5 ports on the back of the machine. With Thunderbolt 5 providing up to 120Gbps bandwidth for specific high-bandwidth workloads, it facilitates high-speed external storage device connections and connections to high-resolution displays like the Apple Studio Display and Apple Studio Display XDR. Additionally, users can cluster multiple Mac minis using Thunderbolt 5 to collectively execute large AI models locally, without relying on the cloud.
Both versions can support up to 3 external displays, but each model differs in supported resolutions, refresh rates, and connection methods. In terms of imaging capabilities, both machines also introduce Genlock synchronization technology, enabling precise synchronization between cameras and screens via USB-C.
The starting price for the M5 Pro version in the US market is $1,699, with an education discount price of $1,599.
For tasks such as document processing, web browsing, multimedia entertainment, basic photo and video editing, and running small to medium-sized local AI models, the M6 version provides ample performance. Compared to the previous M4 model, the M6 boasts significant improvements in AI, graphics, and CPU performance at a relatively lower price, making it a more cost-effective option for most consumers.
If users frequently run large AI models, require more than 32GB of memory, handle professional videos and 3D projects, or need the high-speed expansion capability of Thunderbolt 5, the M5 Pro is the more suitable choice. Its maximum 64GB unified memory and higher memory bandwidth make it more suitable for high-end professional workloads.
In conclusion, the M6 is suitable for users seeking a balance between price and performance, while the M5 Pro is better suited for creators, developers, and local AI users needing a large amount of memory, stronger GPU performance, and professional expansion capabilities.
Both new machines are available for pre-order immediately and will officially launch on September 22.
(This article is mainly based on Apple’s official press release and technical data.)