The Mac mini with Apple M4 is a compact desktop computer built on an ARM-based M4 chip, with up to 24 GB of unified memory and 512 GB of storage in the tested configurations. For a quiet Roon media server, the closest Thinvent match is the Thinvent Treo Mini PC with Intel Core i3-1315U, which has up to 64 GB of RAM and 2 TB of SSD storage and runs Windows 11 Pro or Linux.
Mac mini M4 vs Thinvent Treo Mini PC with Intel Core i3-1315U
| Mac mini (M4) | Thinvent Treo Mini PC, Intel Core i3-1315U | |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Apple M4 (ARM) | Intel Core i3-1315U |
| Cores/Threads | Up to 12 cores (M4 Pro configuration) | 6 cores |
| RAM | Up to 24 GB | Up to 64 GB |
| Storage | Up to 512 GB | Up to 2 TB SSD |
| Form Factor | Mini PC | Mini PC |
| Operating System | macOS | Windows 11 Pro; Windows 11 IoT Value, Ubuntu Linux, Thinux™ Embedded Linux, Without OS, DOS |
Key differences
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The Thinvent Treo supports up to 64 GB of RAM, against a maximum of 24 GB on the Mac mini, for larger Roon libraries and multitasking.
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The Thinvent Treo has up to 2 TB of SSD storage, against a maximum of 512 GB on the Mac mini.
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The Thinvent Treo lets you choose from Windows 11 Pro, Windows 11 IoT Value, Ubuntu Linux, Thinux™ Embedded Linux, Without OS or DOS. The Mac mini runs macOS.
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The Thinvent Treo uses a 6-core Intel processor. The Mac mini M4 has a maximum of 12 cores in its M4 Pro configuration, so the Mac mini is stronger in core count.
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The Thinvent Treo has a VESA mount and Dual Band Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) in the configuration shown. We could not confirm the Mac mini's fan noise level, so we leave that point out.
Which one should you choose?
Choose the Mac mini M4 if you want macOS, a higher core count and Apple's ecosystem. Choose the Thinvent Treo Mini PC if you need up to 64 GB of RAM, up to 2 TB of storage and a choice of Linux or Windows for a Roon server.
