When the Apple M1 chip (also known as Apple Silicon) was first introduced at the November 10 event, it was clear that the new chip would be energy efficient. Apple has long talked about improving both battery life and performance – two things that do not usually go hand in hand – but we now realize exactly how efficient the chip is.
Apple has released data on how the M1-powered Mac mini performs against previous computers, and there is no battle over power consumption and thermal output.
As you can see from the data section below, Apple’s data goes back to 2005’s original PowerPC G4 packaging model, and the M1-powered 2020 version outperforms its predecessors in every measure of efficiency.
| Model | Power consumption (idle) | Power consumption (load) | Waste heat (available) | Waste heat (cargo) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mac mini (M1, 2020) | 6.8W | 39W | 23.2 BTU / h | 133 BTU / h |
| Mac mini (Intel Core i7, 2018) | 19.9W | 122W | 68 BTU / h | 417 BTU / h |
| Mac mini (Intel Core i5, 2014) | 6W | 85W | 20 BTU / h | 290 BTU / h |
| Mac mini (Intel Core i5, 2012) | 11W | 85W | 38 BTU / h | 290 BTU / h |
| Mac mini (Intel Core i5, 2011) | 14W | 85W | 38 BTU / h | 290 BTU / h |
| Mac mini (Intel Core 2 Duo, 2010) | 10W | 85W | 34 BTU / h | 290 BTU / h |
| Mac mini (Intel Core 2 Duo, 2009) | 14W | 110W | 48 BTU / h | 376 BTU / h |
| Mac mini (Intel Core 2 Duo, 2007) | 23W | 110W | 79 BTU / h | 376 BTU / h |
| Mac mini (Intel Core Duo, 2006) | 23W | 110W | 79 BTU / h | 376 BTU / h |
| Mac mini (PowerPC G4, 2005) | 32W | 85W | 110 BTU / h | 290 BTU / h |
To emphasize exactly how far we have come, it’s fascinating to note that the original Mac mini – with its 1.25 GHz processor and 256 MB (yes, MB) of RAM – consumed almost the same amount of power as it did not. used if the current model is used under tax. . We have truly come a long way.
Of course, while most data (in terms of home computers) is an ancient history, it’s the new Mac mini stats compared to the 2018 six-core Intel Core i7 model that show you the improvement. The new Mac mini consumes ~ 13W less power when in the air and a whopping 83W less under load. This means that although the 2018 Mac would waste 68 BTU / h if it were in vain and 417 BTU / h under tax, the new model spends only 23 BTU / h and 133 BTU / h in the same states.
Of course, this is not a completely fair comparison, as the Mac mini 2018 used a desktop processor and the new Mac mini has the same chip as in the new MacBook Air M1 and MacBook Pro M1. But since the Mac M1-powered Mac mini is more than 50% better than the 2018 model in standard tests, it feels like a big point.
As we wrote in our Mac mini with M1 review, it’s cheaper, faster and keeps everything we loved about Mac mini, while changing the internal products and the place where Apple sits in the larger industry. ‘ So it’s probably positive that the rumor is that Apple will give the 2021 iMac the next M1 treatment.
Those in need of wider software support will be relieved to hear that Apple is apparently also planning an Intel version of the 2021 iMac for those not yet ready to make the transition. Judging by what we saw, buyers will have to pay for higher electricity bills.