Apple Mac Mini M4 2024, 16GB, 2TB SSD, Silver

A tiny, silent powerhouse with a massive 2TB SSD. Skip it if you want to game, but for everything else, it's a set-it-and-forget-it winner.

The M4's 10-core CPU is solid, landing right around the middle of the pack in our database, but that doesn't tell the whole story. The real star is the efficiency. This thing sips power and stays silent while delivering responsiveness that feels way snappier than the raw numbers suggest. The 16GB of unified memory is fine for most people, but it's the weakest link here. If you're the type to keep 50 Chrome tabs open while editing photos, you'll feel the ceiling. The 2TB SSD is a standout, putting it well above average for storage and ensuring you won't be juggling external drives anytime soon.

Stacked against the HP OMEN and Lenovo Legion towers, the Mac Mini looks like it's from another planet. Those machines are gaming rigs with dedicated GPUs that will absolutely destroy the Mac in any 3D workload. But they're also huge, loud, and power-hungry. The Mac Mini's integrated GPU is a weak spot, landing in the bottom half of our database. If you want to play games or do heavy 3D rendering, the Legion Tower 5a is the obvious choice. But for everything else, the Mac Mini's reliability and efficiency make those Windows towers feel like dinosaurs.

At CAD 2,200 for this open-box config, it's not cheap, but you're paying for the 2TB of storage and the M4's longevity. For a business or home office machine that will run flawlessly for five-plus years, it's a fair deal. Just know that Apple's RAM and storage upgrades are where they get you, so this open-box price is the only way it makes sense.

The Mac Mini M4 is Apple doing what Apple does best: cramming serious performance into a tiny, quiet box that just works. The headline here is the M4 chip, and it's a genuine leap. This little silver slab will chew through everyday work, creative tasks, and even some light video editing without breaking a sweat. But don't let the 'Mini' fool you into thinking it's a budget toy. With a 2TB SSD, this configuration is aimed at people who want a serious, long-term desktop, not just a cheap way to get into macOS.

If you're a gamer or someone who needs serious GPU power for 3D work, this isn't your machine. The integrated graphics are a real letdown for that. Go grab a Lenovo Legion Tower 5a or an HP OMEN instead. You'll get way more graphical horsepower for the same money, just in a much bigger, louder box.

The Mac Mini M4 is the best compact desktop for people who don't care about gaming and just want a fast, reliable, quiet computer. The 2TB SSD makes this specific config a great long-term buy. Just don't expect to upgrade it later, and budget for a USB hub because the port situation is rough.