Apple Mac Mini M4 Pro
Apple Mac Mini M4 Pro
The Mac Mini M4 Pro is the step-up Apple Silicon mini PC with a 12-core CPU, 16-core GPU, and up to 24 GB unified memory at 273 GB/s bandwidth. Starting at ~$1,399 (education ~$1,299), it's a compelling mid-range option for local AI on macOS, capable of running Mistral Small 3 and even Qwen3-30B at reduced quant.
Quick verdict
The M4 Pro Mac Mini fills the gap between the base M4 and the Mac Studio. 24 GB unified memory at 273 GB/s runs Mistral Small 3 at Q4_K_M and 30B models with offloading. It's silent, compact, and power-efficient - perfect for a dedicated Ollama server.
Spec breakdown
- Memory: 24 GB unified (configurable)
- Memory bandwidth: 273 GB/s
- CPU: 12-core (8P+4E)
- GPU: 16-core
- Neural Engine: 16-core
Real-world AI inference (MLX)
| Model | Tokens/sec | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Mistral Small 3 Q4_K_M | ~22 tok/s | MLX community |
| Qwen3-30B Q4_K_M | ~10 tok/s | MLX |
| Llama 3.1 8B Q4_K_M | ~45 tok/s | Community |
Honest alternatives
- Mac Mini M4 ($529): Entry-level, 16 GB, $770 less
- MacBook Pro M4 Pro (~$1,599): Portable version
Frequently asked
Quick answers to common questions
How much VRAM does the Apple Mac Mini M4 Pro have?
The Apple Mac Mini M4 Pro has 24 GB of VRAM with 273 GB/s memory bandwidth. MSRP was $1,399.
What local AI models can run on the Apple Mac Mini M4 Pro?
The Apple Mac Mini M4 Pro with 24 GB VRAM can run many models depending on quantization. Models up to ~36B params may fit at Q4_K_M. Use our VRAM calculator to check specific models.
Is the Apple Mac Mini M4 Pro good for local AI inference?
Apple Mac Mini M4 Pro is best for llm-inference, development, content-creation. With ample VRAM it handles most open models well.
Where can I buy the Apple Mac Mini M4 Pro?
Check our buy links above for the best current prices on Amazon, Newegg, and B&H. Prices vary by retailer and availability.
How does the Apple Mac Mini M4 Pro compare to other GPUs?
Apple Mac Mini M4 Pro has 24 GB VRAM and 273 GB/s bandwidth. This puts it in the high-end category, suitable for most open models. Browse our hardware directory for side-by-side comparisons.
Is the Apple Mac Mini M4 Pro worth buying right now?
The current price is $1299 vs the MSRP of $1,399. The price has dropped below MSRP, making it a good time to buy.
What power supply do I need for the Apple Mac Mini M4 Pro?
The Apple Mac Mini M4 Pro has a TDP of 80W. A standard quality PSU of 650W+ should suffice. Always check the manufacturer's recommendations for your specific build.
Nearby options
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