Mac mini is Apple’s smallest the computer Mac. [Editor’s note: Actually, Roman, the Apple Watch is Apple’s smallest computer. But we digress.] People have used its size to create cool things, like robots, car entertainment systems that don’t have CarPlay, media servers, and case mods. What if he was even smaller? Imagine the possibilities!
While we wait for Apple’s Mac mini redesign, YouTube channel Snazzy Labs has taken matters into their own hands and created a mini version of the M1 Mac mini. They documented how they did it in a very intriguing and entertaining 16 minute video, which you can watch below.
The M1 Mac mini already has a lot of empty space due to the differences between the old Intel chip and Apple’s new silicon chip, but Snazzy Labs has figured out how to save even more space. They replaced or got rid of the oversized components, 3D printed a case, and then put it all together.
The video is worth watching, especially if you’re interested in Apple’s design and engineering. Host Quinn Nelson explains that the M1 Mac mini’s fan doesn’t really need to be there, and the power supply is unnecessarily large – the fit for those two components is where most of the the “fat” was cut.
According to Nelson, their Mac mini runs like a standard Mac mini without any performance issues, which makes sense since the iMac and MacBook Air don’t have fans.
If you watch the video and feel inspired, Snazzy Labs has released building instructions so you can create your very own mini Mac mini. They even provided the files to print the case and its internal supports, although you have to figure out how to print them first.
Apple is hosting its Peek Perfomanance event on March 8. The company may unveil a new Mac mini, but will it be smaller? We will have to wait and see.
Roman has been covering technology since the early 1990s. His career began at MacUser, and he has worked for MacAddict, Mac|Life and TechTV.
