- Mac Mini Mb463ll/a
- Mac Mini Md388ll
2018 Mac mini Teardown: User-Upgradeable RAM, But Soldered Down CPU and Storage. Friday November 9, 2018 5:51 am PST by Joe Rossignol. The repair experts at iFixit have completed their teardown of. The new 2018 Mac mini can now be configured with a 6 Core 3.2Ghz Intel Core i7 8th Generation desktop class cpu for $1299. This is a high-end powerful desktop cpu that blows away the performance of the previous laptop class chips.
Following a longer-than-expected period between refreshes, the new Mac mini brings Apple's compact desktop Mac up to date. While staying a compact unit, measuring 7.7 inches square and just 1.4 inches thick, the specifications haven't been constrained, with Apple making considerable upgrades to the internals. Powering the new Mac mini is a choice of a quad-core Intel Core i3 clocked at 3.6 gigahertz at the base level and a six-core Core i5 clocked at 3.0GHz that can be boosted to 4.1GHz. At the top end is a six-core Intel Core i7 processor clocked at 3.2GHz with a 4.6GHz turbo boost. The available memory for the model starts with 8 gigabytes of DDR4, but it can be configured to use 16 gigabytes, 32 gigabytes, or even 64 gigabytes at maximum capacity. Storage for this model is solely PCIe-based SSDs, starting from 128 gigabytes with options for 256 gigabytes, 512 gigabytes, 1 terabyte, or two terabytes. To go with the upgraded internals, the externally visible parts have also been given a bit of a makeover, with the raw aluminum casing switched out for a Space Gray finish. The casing is also made of a new alloy that allows Apple to make it completely from recycled aluminum, making it probably one of the most environmentally friendly versions of the Mac mini to date. The back side includes quite a few new connections, with a pair of USB 3.0 ports accompanied by a HDMI 2.0 port, a headphone jack, power connection and button, an Ethernet port that can be upgraded to a 10-gigabit connection for an extra $100, and four Thunderbolt 3 ports. The use of HDMI 2.0 and Thunderbolt 3 enables it to be connected to two 4K displays at the same time, as well as being able to transfer data from external storage at high speeds, or even to connect an eGPU for more graphical power. It may have taken a long time to arrive, but the new Mac mini is still a mighty desktop computer that punches far higher than its small size suggests.
Apple Mac mini 'Core i3' 3.6 (Late 2018) Specs
Identifiers: 2018 - MRTR2LL/A* - Macmini8,1 - A1993 - 3213
All Mac mini Models | All 2018 Models | Dynamically Compare This Mac to Others
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The Apple Mac mini 'Core i3' 3.6 (Late 2018/Space Gray) features a 14 nm 'Coffee Lake' 3.6 GHz Intel 'Core i3' (8100B) processor with four independent processor 'cores' on a single chip, a 6 MB shared level 3 cache, 8 GB of user upgradable 2666 MHz PC4-21300 SDRAM, 128 GB or 256 GB of onboard PCIe-based SSD storage (256 GB starting on March 18, 2020), and an 'integrated' Intel UHD Graphics 630 graphics processor that shares system memory.
Connectivity includes four Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C connector) ports, two USB 3.1 ports, an HDMI 2.0 port, Gigabit Ethernet (configurable to NbaseT/10 Gigabit Ethernet at the time of system purchase), 802.11ac Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n compatible), Bluetooth 5.0, and a 3.5 mm headphone jack.
Compared to its ancient predecessor, this model looks similar apart from its dark 'Space Gray' color, but it has a vastly more advanced processor and system architecture in addition to more modern connectivity. It also has upgradable RAM, but not upgradable storage.
All Mac mini systems are configured by default without a display, keyboard, or mouse, but numerous Apple and third-party options are available.
Also see:
- What are all the differences between the 'Late 2018' Space Gray Mac mini models? Which is best for my needs? (In-Depth)
- What are all the differences between the 'Late 2018' Mac mini models and the 'Late 2014' Mac mini models replaced? (In-Depth)
- What are the 'pros and cons' of the Aluminum Mac mini models? Is one right for me? (Quick Read)
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- Tech Specs
- Ports
- Global Original Prices
- Popular Q&As
Click on a category for related details. The most commonly needed info is 'open' by default, but all info is important. Asterisks (*) reference data in details fields.
| Introduction Date: | October 30, 2018* | Discontinued Date: | November 10, 2020 |
| Details: | The 'Introduction Date' refers to the date a model was introduced via press release. The 'Discontinued Date' refers to the date a model either was replaced by a subsequent system or production otherwise ended.
*On March 18, 2020, Apple increased the standard storage of this model from 128 GB to 256 GB.
Also see: All Macs introduced in 2018. |
| Details: | Also see: All models with a 64-Bit processor courtesy of EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Sort. |
| Details: | Geekbench 2 benchmarks are in 32-bit and 64-bit modes, respectively. These numbers reflect an average of user provided 32-bit and 64-bit results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better.
You also might be interested in reviewing all 32-bit and 64-bit Geekbench 2 user submissions for Macs with the Macmini8,1 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models.
To dynamically compare Geekbench 2 results from different Macs side-by-side, see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison. |
| Details: | These Geekbench 3 benchmarks are in 32-bit mode and are for a single processor core and all processor cores, respectively. Both numbers reflect an average of user provided results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better.
You also might be interested in reviewing all 32-bit single core and multicore Geekbench 3 user submissions for Macs with the Macmini8,1 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models.
To dynamically compare 32-bit Geekbench 3 results from different Macs side-by-side, see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison. |
| Details: | These Geekbench 3 benchmarks are in 64-bit mode and are for a single processor core and all processor cores, respectively. Both numbers reflect an average of user provided results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better.
You also might be interested in reviewing all 64-bit single core and multicore Geekbench 3 user submissions for Macs with the Macmini8,1 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models.
To dynamically compare 64-bit Geekbench 3 results from different Macs side-by-side, see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison. |
Mac Mini Mb463ll/a
| Details: | These Geekbench 4 benchmarks are are for a single processor core and all processor cores, respectively. All Geekbench 4 benchmarks are 64-bit. Both numbers reflect an average of user provided results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better.
You also might be interested in reviewing all single core and multicore Geekbench 4 user submissions for Macs with the Macmini8,1 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models.
To dynamically compare Geekbench 4 results from different Macs side-by-side, see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison. |
| Details: | These Geekbench 5 benchmarks are are for a single processor core and all processor cores, respectively. All Geekbench 5 benchmarks for the Mac are 64-bit. Both numbers reflect an average of user provided results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better.
You also might be interested in reviewing all single core and multicore Geekbench 5 user submissions for Macs with the Macmini8,1 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models.
To dynamically compare Geekbench 5 results from different Macs side-by-side, see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison. |
| Processor Speed: | 3.6 GHz | Processor Type: | Core i3 (I3-8100B) |
| Details: | This model is powered by a 14 nm, 64-bit '8th Generation' Intel Mobile Core i3 'Coffee Lake' (I3-8100B) processor which includes four independent processor 'cores' on a single silicon chip. Each core has a dedicated 256k level 2 cache, shares 6 MB of level 3 cache, and has an integrated memory controller (dual channel).
This system does not support Turbo Boost or Hyper Threading.
Also see: How fast are the 'Late 2018' Mac mini models compared to the 'Late 2014' models replaced? |
| Details: | This model also was available via custom configuration with a six core 3.2 GHz Core i7 (I7-8700B) processor for an extra US$300.
As requested by readers, EveryMac.com additionally has documented this custom configuration as its own model. |
| Details: | The processor is soldered directly to the motherboard. |
| System Bus Speed: | 8 GT/s* | Cache Bus Speed: | 3.6 GHz (Built-in) |
| Details: | *This system has a 'Direct Media Interface' -- specifically DMI3 -- that 'connects between the processor and chipset' in lieu of a traditional system bus. Intel reports that it runs at 8 GT/s. |
| Details: | Each core has its own dedicated 256k level 2 cache and the system has 6 MB of shared level 3 cache. |
| Details: | Supports 2666 MHz PC4-21300 DDR4 SO-DIMMs (260-pin).
Also see: How do you upgrade the RAM in the Space Gray Aluminum 'Unibody' Mac mini models? What type of RAM do they use? How much RAM do they actually support? |
| Details: | This system shipped with two 4 GB memory modules by default.
This model supports as much as 64 GB of RAM using two 32 GB modules.
In the US (and many other countries), site sponsor Other World Computing sells memory -- as well as other upgrades -- for this Mac mini.
In the UK, site sponsor Flexx sells memory and other upgrades for this Mac mini.
In Canada, site sponsor CanadaRAM sells RAM and other upgrades for this Mac mini.
In Germany, site sponsor CompuRAM sells memory and other upgrades for this Mac mini.
In Australia, site sponsor Macfixit sells memory and other upgrades for this Mac mini.
Also see: Actual Max RAM of All G3 & Later Macs. |
| Details: | There are two RAM slots. RAM could be upgraded to 16 GB, 32 GB, or 64 GB at the time of system purchase or at any time after purchase, as well. |
| Video Card: | Intel UHD Graphics 630 | VRAM Type: | Integrated |
| Details: | This model has an Intel UHD Graphics 630 graphics processor that shares memory with the system.
Also see: What type of video system is provided by the Aluminum Mac mini models? Which are integrated and which are dedicated? Can the video be upgraded?
In Spain, site sponsor iRepairs provides affordable repair and data recovery services. In-person and by mail repair services include the graphics card, power supply, and more for this Mac mini.
In Singapore, site sponsor Esmond Service Centre provides highly regarded repairs for the graphics card, motherboard, power supply, and more, all with a free estimate and fast turnaround for this Mac mini. |
| Details: | The Intel UHD Graphics 630 processor in this model reserves up to 1.5 GB of system memory for video function. |
| Display Support: | 2-3 Displays* | Resolution Support: | 5120x2880* |
| Details: | *This model supports 'up to' three displays. It can support either (1) two displays up to 4096x2304 at 60 Hz via Thunderbolt 3 and one display up to 4096x2160 at 60 Hz via HDMI 2.0; OR (2) one display up to 5120x2880 at 60 Hz via Thunderbolt 3 and one display up to 4096x2160 at 60 Hz via HDMI 2.0.
The Thunderbolt 3 ports support native DisplayPort output using USB-C as well as Thunderbolt 2, DVI, and VGA output with adapters. In addition to HDMI, the HDMI 2.0 port supports DVI using an HDMI to DVI adapter. All adapters are sold separately. |
| 2nd Display Support: | Dual/Mirroring* | 2nd Max. Resolution: | 4096x2160* |
| Details: | *Please refer to the earlier field for details, but if the primary display is 5120x2880 via Thunderbolt 3, the largest secondary display this system can support is 4096x2160 via HDMI 2.0. It also can support two 4096x2304 displays via Thunderbolt 3 and a third display up to 4096x2160 via HDMI 2.0. |
| Standard Storage: | 128, 256 GB SSD* | Std. Storage Speed: | N/A |
| Details: | *By default, this model originally was configured with 128 GB of onboard PCIe-based SSD storage. On March 18, 2020, Apple increased the standard storage of this model to 256 GB.
At the time of system purchase, this model also originally could be configured with 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB, or 2 TB of SSD storage for an additional US$200, US$400, US$800, and US$1600, respectively. On March 19, 2019, Apple cut the price of the 2 TB option to US$1400. On July 9, 2019, Apple cut the price of the 1 TB and 2 TB options to US$600 and US$1000, respectively. Finally, on March 18, 2020, Apple increased the standard storage to 256 GB and cut the price on the 512 GB, 1 TB, and 2 TB upgrade options to US$200, US$400, and US$800, respectively.
This model does not support internal hard drives.
Also see: SSD Compatibility Guide for All G3 & Later Macs. |
| Storage Dimensions: | Soldered | Storage Interface: | Onboard (PCIe)* |
| Details: | *This model has PCIe-based onboard storage. It cannot be upgraded after the time of initial system purchase. |
| Details: | *This Mac mini does not have an internal optical drive. Furthermore, using it with the increasingly vintage external Apple SuperDrive requires an adapter. |
Mac Mini Md388ll
| Standard Modem: | None | Standard Ethernet: | 10/100/1000Base-T* |
| Details: | *By default, this model is equipped with Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000Base-T). At the time of initial system purchase for an extra US$100, it also can be configured with Nbase-T (Gigabit) Ethernet, which supports '1 Gb, 2.5 Gb, 5 Gb, and 10 Gb Ethernet using RJ-45 connector.' |
| Details: | *802.11ac Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n backwards compatible) and Bluetooth 5.0 standard. |
| Details: | Two USB 3.1 Gen 2 ports (USB-A connector, up to 10 Gbps). |
| Details: | This model has no expansion slots or bays.
In the US (and many other countries), site sponsor Other World Computing sells a wide variety of external expansion options and hand-picked accessories like external storage, stands, keyboards, cables, adapters, speakers, and more for this Mac mini.
In Australia, site sponsor Macfixit offers an extensive selection of external expansion options and accessories like docks, stands, chargers, keyboards, security products, and more for this Mac mini. |
| Details: | No Mac mini systems ship with a keyboard or mouse. |
| Details: | Uses a tiny case -- milled from a single block of aluminum -- that is 7.7 inches wide and deep and 1.4 inches tall. It is a dark 'Space Gray' color. |
| Details: | *The MRTR2LL/A order number refers to the original configuration with a 128 GB SSD. The March 18, 2020 revision with a standard 256 GB SSD is order number MXNF2LL/A. |
| Apple Model No: | A1993 (EMC 3213) | Model ID: | Macmini8,1 |
| Details: | Please note that these identifiers refer to more than one model.
Also see: All Macs with the A1993 Model Number, the 3213 EMC Number, and the Macmini8,1 Model Identifier.
For more about these identifiers and how to locate them on each Mac, please refer to EveryMac.com's Mac Identification section. |
| Pre-Installed MacOS: | X 10.14 (18A2063) | Maximum MacOS: | Current |
| Details: | This model fully supports the final version of macOS Mojave (10.14) and the final version of macOS Catalina (10.15). It is fully compatible with the current version of macOS Big Sur (macOS 11), as well. When paired with a compatible iPad, it supports the Sidecar feature, too.
Also see: Which Macs are compatible with macOS Big Sur (macOS 11)? What are the system requirements? What are the major new features? |
| Minimum Windows: | 10 (64-Bit)* | Maximum Windows: | 10 (64-Bit)* |
| Details: | *The pre-installed version of Apple's Boot Camp supports the 64-bit version of Windows 10 Home or Pro. Earlier versions of Windows are not formally supported, but may work. |
| MacOS 9 Support: | None | Windows Support: | Boot/Virtualization |
| Details: | Also see: Are there any third-party programs to run Mac OS 9/Classic applications on Intel Macs?
Site sponsor OHS specializes in heavily upgraded Macs capable of running both Mac OS X and Mac OS 9 applications.
For more on running Windows on Intel Macs, please refer to the exhaustive Windows on Mac Q&A. |
| Dimensions: | 1.4 x 7.7 x 7.7 | Avg. Weight: | 2.9 lbs. (1.3 kg) |
| Details: | In inches - height by width by depth, (3.6 cm, 19.7 cm, 19.7 cm) |
| Original Price (US): | US$799 | Est. Current Retail: | US$700-US$750 |
| Details: | Please note that on average the estimated current retail pricing of used systems is updated twice a year (please refer to the date on the bottom of the page for the date last updated).
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. |
Click on a category for additional details. The most commonly needed info is 'open' by default, but all info is important. The icons correspond with the icons for each port on the computer.
| Video (Monitor): | 4 (Thunderbolt 3/USB-C), 1 HDMI 2.0 | Floppy (Ext.): | None |
| Details: | *Four Thunderbolt 3 ports (USB-C connector, up to 40 Gbps) and one HDMI 2.0 port.
It supports 'up to' three displays. It can support either (1) two displays up to 4096x2304 at 60 Hz via Thunderbolt 3 and one display up to 4096x2160 at 60 Hz via HDMI 2.0; OR (2) one display up to 5120x2880 at 60 Hz via Thunderbolt 3 and one display up to 4096x2160 at 60 Hz via HDMI 2.0.
The Thunderbolt 3 ports support native DisplayPort output using USB-C as well as Thunderbolt 2, DVI, and VGA output with adapters. In addition to HDMI, the HDMI 2.0 port supports DVI using an HDMI to DVI adapter. All adapters are sold separately. |
| Details: | Two USB 3.1 Gen 2 ports (USB-A connector, up to 10 Gbps). |
| Details: | Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11ac Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n backwards compatible) and Bluetooth 5.0 standard.
At the time of initial system purchase for an extra US$100, this model also can be configured with Nbase-T (Gigabit) Ethernet, which supports '1 Gb, 2.5 Gb, 5 Gb, and 10 Gb Ethernet using RJ-45 connector.' |
| Details: | *Single 3.5 mm headphone jack. |
| Details: | 100V-240V, 50 Hz to 60 Hz single phase, 150W maximum. |
Global original prices for the Mac mini 'Core i3' 3.6 (Late 2018) in 34 different countries and territories follow; organized alphabetically by region.
For global original prices for Intel Macs in one particular country on a single page, please refer to EveryMac.com's Global Original Prices section.
Original Prices - North & South America
| Mexico: | MXN $19,499 | United States: | US$799 |
Original Prices - Europe
| Denmark: | DKK 6,999 | Finland: | €919 |
| Norway: | NOK 8.990 | Portugal: | €919 |
| Switzerland: | CHF 929 | United Kingdom: | £799 |
Original Prices - Asia
| India: | Rs 75,900 | Indonesia: | Rp 12,970,000 |
| Malaysia: | RM 3,449 | The Philippines: | PHP 49,990 |
| Thailand: | THB 27,900 | Vietnam: | VND 21,190,000 |
Original Prices - Australia & New Zealand
If you have additional original prices for this model, please get in touch. Thank you.
Ten of the most popular Q&As about the Mac mini models follow.
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