What is the Mac Mini?

When it comes to the Mac mini, many users are left wondering why Apple has limited the number of Thunderbolt ports available on this compact machine. With the release of the M1-based Mac mini, users have been complaining about the lack of more than two Thunderbolt ports. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind this limitation and whether it is sufficient for professional use.

One of the main concerns about the limited number of Thunderbolt ports is the bandwidth sharing between the two ports on the M1 Macs. As revealed by AJA System Test, each pair of Thunderbolt ports shares a single bus, which limits the overall throughput to 2,800 MB/sec. This means that users cannot connect more than two devices directly to the Mac mini without compromising performance.

Another issue is the fact that both the M1 and Intel-based Macs have only two Thunderbolt buses. While each pair of Thunderbolt ports on Intel-based Macs is connected to a single bus powered by a dedicated controller chip, the same is not true for M1 Macs. This means that users are limited to connecting devices in a chain or using a dedicated Thunderbolt port.

The limitation of only two Thunderbolt ports can be frustrating for professionals who rely heavily on these connections. For instance, users who work with bus-powered devices like the OWC Envoy Pro EX and the OWC Thunderbolt 3 10G Ethernet Adapter may find it difficult to manage their workflow without more than two ports.

In conclusion, while the Mac mini is an impressive machine with its compact design and powerful performance, the limited number of Thunderbolt ports can be a major drawback for professionals. Apple's decision to limit the number of Thunderbolt ports on the M1-based Mac mini may have been made to improve performance by reducing the overall power consumption of the device. However, this limitation can still pose significant challenges for users who rely heavily on these connections.

What is the mac mini