The best alternatives to the Apple M1 Mini PC include the Intel NUC 12 Pro, Beelink SER6 Pro, Minisforum UM773, Dell OptiPlex Micro, and HP ProDesk 400 G8. These devices offer competitive performance, upgradability, and connectivity while catering to different budgets and use cases, such as gaming, content creation, and office productivity.
The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Mini PCs for AutoCAD in 2024
How Does Performance Compare Between Apple M1 and Its Alternatives?
While the Apple M1 excels in single-core tasks and energy efficiency, alternatives like the Intel NUC 12 Pro and Minisforum UM773 outperform it in multi-threaded workloads due to higher core counts. AMD Ryzen-based systems offer superior integrated graphics for gaming, whereas Intel models provide Thunderbolt 4 support for faster data transfers and external GPU compatibility.
Benchmark tests reveal nuanced differences. In Cinebench R23, the M1 scores 1,528 points in single-core performance but lags behind the 12-core Minisforum HX99G (2,943 points) in multi-core workloads. For GPU-intensive tasks, AMD’s Radeon 680M integrated graphics deliver 2.9 TFLOPS compared to the M1’s 2.6 TFLOPS, enabling smoother 1080p gaming. However, Apple’s unified memory architecture provides latency advantages for video editing in Final Cut Pro. Thermal throttling patterns also differ – the passively cooled M1 maintains consistent performance under sustained loads, while actively cooled x86 systems like the Beelink GTR6 prioritize peak performance bursts.
| Model | Single-Core Score | Multi-Core Score | GPU TFLOPS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple M1 | 1,528 | 7,378 | 2.6 |
| Minisforum UM773 | 1,498 | 9,412 | 3.2 |
| Intel NUC 12 Pro | 1,643 | 8,927 | 2.4 |
What Connectivity Options Do Apple M1 Alternatives Provide?
Alternatives often surpass the M1 in connectivity. The Intel NUC 12 Pro includes Thunderbolt 4, dual HDMI 2.1, and six USB ports. The Minisforum UM773 offers USB4, DisplayPort 1.4, and 2.5G Ethernet. These options support multi-monitor setups, high-speed peripherals, and network-intensive tasks more effectively than the M1’s limited Thunderbolt/USB4 configuration.
Recent models push connectivity further. The Asus PN64-E1 features dual Thunderbolt 4 ports with 40Gbps bandwidth alongside HDMI 2.1 FRL for 8K/60Hz output. For network professionals, Zotac’s ZBOX MI672 includes dual 2.5G Ethernet ports with teaming support for 5Gbps aggregate throughput. Storage expandability also varies significantly – the Beelink GTR7 provides two PCIe 4.0 NVMe slots and four SATA III ports, compared to the M1’s fixed storage configuration. Wireless connectivity sees similar divergence, with alternatives like the Minisforum HX99G offering Wi-Fi 6E’s 6GHz band for reduced interference in dense environments.
Expert Views
“The shift towards x86-based mini PCs reflects demand for hardware flexibility. Apple’s M1 is a marvel in ARM efficiency, but professionals needing CAD tools or machine learning frameworks often prefer systems with upgradable RAM and cross-platform GPU support. Brands like Minisforum are bridging the gap between compact design and desktop-grade versatility.” — Industry Analyst, Compact Computing Trends
Conclusion
Apple M1 Mini PC alternatives offer compelling trade-offs in performance, price, and expandability. Whether prioritizing gaming, upgradability, or enterprise security, x86-based systems like the Intel NUC 12 Pro and AMD Ryzen-powered models provide viable paths for users seeking macOS-exclusive features. As ARM and x86 architectures evolve, mini PCs continue redefining compact computing’s potential.
FAQ
- Can Apple M1 Alternatives Run macOS?
- No, macOS is legally restricted to Apple hardware. However, alternatives like Hackintosh builds using Intel NUCs may run older macOS versions, though unsupported and prone to instability.
- Are Mini PCs Suitable for 4K Video Editing?
- Yes. Models with AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS or Intel Iris Xe graphics handle 4K timelines in DaVinci Resolve. For optimal performance, pair them with 32GB RAM and NVMe SSDs.
- Do Mini PCs Support Dual Monitor Setups?
- Most do. The Minisforum UM773 drives dual 4K displays via HDMI 2.1 and USB4, while the Intel NUC 12 Pro supports quad monitors using Thunderbolt 4 and HDMI ports.