Mac mini (M1 base)

By Noel S. / Mac Nerd | March 20, 2025

The Mac mini (M1, Late 2020) is a compact and powerful desktop computer designed for a wide range of users, from productivity enthusiasts to creative professionals. It is ideal for users seeking a versatile desktop solution that combines powerful performance with energy efficiency in a compact design. It is particularly suited for multitasking, light creative work, and home office setups.

Here is a video with more information.

Normalized Combined Geekbench Scores* Across SOC Generations (Highlighting Base)

M1
Base - Normalized Combined Geekbench Scores: 15,271 BASE ← Pro - Normalized Combined Geekbench Scores: 24,290 PRO Max - Normalized Combined Geekbench Scores: 30,453 MAX Ultra - Normalized Combined Geekbench Scores: 42,741 ULTRA
M2
~ +20 to
+25% faster
than prev. gen.
Base - Normalized Combined Geekbench Scores: 19,137 BASE Pro - Normalized Combined Geekbench Scores: 29,257 PRO Max - Normalized Combined Geekbench Scores: 36,593 MAX Ultra - Normalized Combined Geekbench Scores: 55,078 ULTRA
M3
~ +7 to
+13% faster
than prev. gen.
Base - Normalized Combined Geekbench Scores: 21,625 BASE Pro - Normalized Combined Geekbench Scores: 28,513 PRO Max - Normalized Combined Geekbench Scores: 39,229 MAX Ultra - Normalized Combined Geekbench Scores: 60,296 ULTRA
M4
~ +19 to
+45% faster
than prev. gen.
Base - Normalized Combined Geekbench Scores: 25,689 BASE Pro - Normalized Combined Geekbench Scores: 38,536 PRO Max - Normalized Combined Geekbench Scores: 56,939 MAX
M5
~ +19 to
+21% faster
than prev. gen.
Base - Normalized Combined Geekbench Scores: 31,012 BASE Pro (Est.) - Normalized Combined Geekbench Scores: 50,478 PRO (Est.) Max (Est.) - Normalized Combined Geekbench Scores: 67,907 MAX (Est.)
12,00046,00080,000
CPU/SOCs are clickable for search.
Ultras are omitted as part of generational % comparisons.
Graph calculations based on 39 Macs (124 benchmark metrics).
Last updated: November 2, 2025

Related M1 Machines

Manufacturer Part Number Macmini9,1
Year 2020
Model Name MacBook Pro 13" (M1)
MSRP ($) $699
Current Market Price $370
Nano-Texture screen Available N/A
CPU/SOC Family M1
CPU/SOC Variant Base
Total CPU Cores 8
Total GPU Cores 8
Memory Bandwidth (GB/s) 68.25
Max Screen Brightness (Nits) N/A
Weight (Lbs) 2.6
Geekbench Single Core 2,353
Geekbench Multi Core 8,484
Geekbench Metal GPU 34,324
Performance* 15,539
Bang for Buck 42.00 (A)
External URL 1 support.apple.com/en-us/111894
External URL 2 browser.geekbench.com/v6/cpu/1...