The latest Mac mini model from Apple, released in 2024, has undergone a detailed teardown, revealing insights into its internal structure and components. Popular YouTube creator Brandon Geekabit conducted the teardown on the base model featuring 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, providing a closer look at what makes this compact computer tick.
As with previous iterations of the Mac mini, the entry point to its internals is through a plastic panel located at the bottom. Notably, there are no exposed screws, which means that users must carefully pry the corners using a spudger tool to pop the panel off. This design choice emphasizes the sleek and minimalist aesthetic Apple is known for.
Upon opening the device, users are greeted by a well-designed metal bracket that includes openings for the ventilation system. At the center, a small button cell battery can be found, which serves to maintain essential functions like the clock when the device is unplugged. This component stands out as the most accessible part for potential replacement in the future, should it become necessary.
Removing the metal grate reveals that it serves not only as a vent but also as a wired connection to the motherboard, functioning as an antenna for both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. Underneath this grate lies the cooling system, which consists of a centrifugal fan and a curved heatsink featuring a single heat pipe. Additionally, a speaker is situated in the bottom corner, a standard feature across all Mac mini models.
Accessing the motherboard becomes easier after removing the fan and the speaker. Here, the teardown highlights the SSD, which appears to be a standard M.2 2230 SSD at first glance. However, a closer inspection reveals that the drive utilized by Apple has a unique pin configuration that differentiates it from typical off-the-shelf models. Furthermore, Apple has opted for a custom SSD controller, which means that users cannot easily upgrade the storage with standard components.
Although the storage drive is not user-upgradable in the traditional sense, some tech enthusiasts have shared videos demonstrating the process of detaching the memory modules from Apple’s SSD and soldering in a higher-capacity version. While this method may appeal to some users, utilizing external SSDs remains the simplest and most straightforward option for increasing storage capacity on the new Mac mini.
Continuing with the teardown, the power supply is located beneath the motherboard, consistent with the Mac mini’s design philosophy of integrating internal power supplies rather than relying on external bricks, as is common with many other compact PCs. This internal configuration allows the power supply to dissipate heat through the aluminum casing of the device, although it does not receive direct airflow from the fan.
One notable aspect of this teardown is the aesthetic quality of the internal components. Despite being hidden from the user, the power supply and other elements of the Mac mini showcase a level of craftsmanship that Apple is known for. The attention to detail in the design and assembly of these components reinforces the premium feel of the Mac mini.
In summary, the 2024 Mac mini presents a blend of advanced engineering and aesthetic appeal, though it does come with limitations regarding user upgrades. With its custom components and integrated design, Apple continues to push the envelope in creating compact and powerful computing solutions.
