Apple Mac Mini Core i5

A compact desktop computer, tested with macOS Mojave 10.14, an Intel Core i5 3GHz processor, 8GB of memory, a 256GB solid-state drive, an integrated Intel UHD Graphics 630 video adapter, and no speakers.

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CR Expert Take

How did it perform in our owner surveys and expert lab testing?

Overall Score

The Overall Score for this model incorporates our expert lab test results, as well as ratings for that brand’s reliability and owner satisfaction from our annual product owner survey of members.

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Current Range of Tested Desktop Computers

What goes into the Overall Score?

OWNER SURVEYS

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Performance

/ 5

Versatility

/ 5

Ergonomics

/ 5

Display

/ 5

Speakers

/ 5

Color

/ 5

Touch screen

/ 5

Detailed Test Results

Performance: Overall this desktop's performance was very good.

Ergonomics: Unlike many desktops, this computer does not include a keyboard or mouse, which are sold separately. You can't easily replace the storage drive. The power button is not in a convenient location, and is either hard to access, or easy to press accidentally.

Useful features and attributes on this model include: You can connect common external devices such as hard drives and Blu-ray burners using USB 3.1. It also has Thunderbolt 3 (40 Gbps) supported over USB. Gigabit ethernet provides fast transfer of data over a local network. Video outputs include: an HDMI full-size port, supporting Thunderbolt 3 (40 Gbps) over USB-C; these are useful for connecting to an HDTV or separate monitor.

Downsides: There is no memory-card reader, so you'll need to buy an external reader or connect your digital camera directly to this desktop to transfer photos. There's no optical drive like a CD or DVD reader, so you'll have to buy an external drive if you need one. It has a shorter-than-typical 3 months of free tech support by telephone.

About

The Apple Mac Mini Core i5 is a compact desktop computer. It has 8GB of memory and a 256GB solid-state drive. It has an Intel Core i5 3GHz processor and an integrated Intel UHD Graphics 630 video adapter. It is not suitable for high-performance gaming. However, it lacks an optical drive for burning CDs or DVDs. It comes with macOS Mojave 10.14 pre-installed.

It has 2 full-size and 4 type-C USB ports in the rear. It supports WiFi 5 (802.11ac), so it's compatible with high-speed routers.

The Mac Mini Core i5 measures 7.8 inches wide by 1.4 inches high by 7.8 inches deep. As a compact desktop computer, the case is smaller than a typical tower and is designed to take up less desk space. It is backed by a 12-month warranty, with 3 months of free tech support by telephone.

Brand Reliability & Satisfaction

#? in Reliability of all Desktop Computer Brands

Did the brand perform consistently well over time?

PREDICTED RELIABILITY SCORE

/ 100

Predicted brand reliability scores are based on the likelihood of newly purchased desktops experiencing a problem, adjusted for extended warranty or service contract status and product usage, by the end of the 3rd year of ownership. Higher scores mean better reliability. Ranked #? of 10

Would our members recommend this brand?

OWNER SATISFACTION SCORE

/ 100

Brand owner satisfaction scores are based on how likely owners are to recommend their desktop to their friends and family. Ranked #? of 10

Source: Consumer Reports' 2022, 2023, and 2024 Winter Surveys

Features & Specs

Features

Suitable for gaming

Wireless mouse

Wireless keyboard

Memory-card reader

Voice command

Siri

Built-in webcam

SD/MMC reader

MS (Memory Stick) reader

Blu-ray reader

Built-in microphone

Touchpad

xD reader

Number of speakers

Specs

Form factor

Display size (in.)

Operating system (as tested)

macOS Mojave 10.14

Processor brand

Processor model name

Memory (GB)

Storage (GB)

256

Integrated graphics brand

Integrated graphics model

Dedicated graphics brand

Dedicated graphics model

Native resolution

Max Refresh Rate (Hz)

Optical drive

None

Height (in.)

1.4

Width (in.)

7.8

Depth (in.)

7.8

Warranty length (mos.)

Tech support length (mos.)

Video adapter

Intel UHD Graphics 630

EPEAT level

Energy Star

Video memory (GB)

LCD resolution

Processor

Intel Core i5 3GHz

Blu-ray or DVD

–

Connections

WiFi

Yes

Ethernet

Digital video out

Yes

Thunderbolt port

Yes

Number of free USB ports

USB port

HDMI video out

Yes

HDMI video in

DisplayPort video out

Analog surround sound out

Free memory slot

VGA video out

Gigabit Ethernet

Yes

Optical digital audio out

DVI video out

Price & Shop

Apple Mac Mini Core i5

CR Expert Take

Overall Score

What goes into the Overall Score?

Detailed Test Results

About

Brand Reliability & Satisfaction

Brand Reliability & Satisfaction

Features & Specs

Features & Specs

Features

Specs

Connections

Price & Shop

Price & Shop

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