Mac mini gets a speedy internet upgrade - but there's a catch

Mac mini gets a speedy internet upgrade - but at that place'south a catch

(Image credit: Tom'south Guide)

When Apple launched the updated M1 Mac Mini, there was some grumbling from fans of the Intel-based model around the lack of ten gigabit Ethernet choice. The standard Mac Mini but included basic ane gigabit connectivity via Ethernet, with no pick even for two.5 gigabit, which is making an appearance on some PCs now.

The expert news is that a 10 gigabit Ethernet option is now available, with the slight catch that it costs an additional $100. While that might give some people pause, those who really need faster speeds for their Mac Mini will jump at the run a risk to include it in their new computer. Possibly the bigger issue is that for anyone who already owns the new M1 Mac Mini yous'll have to sell information technology and purchase the updated model.

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This upgrade was spotted past Macrumors, and follows on from a previous discovery that revealed Apple tree part numbers for Mac Mini logic boards with support for upwardly to x gigabit ethernet. Why Apple tree didn't include this pick at launch is unclear, especially when in that location is a marketplace for information technology among certain groups.

It might besides appear that this is an expensive upgrade, just in fairness to Apple tree, it really isn't. There are very few x gigabit Ethernet cards bachelor as add-in adaptors that toll less than this, and some cost considerably more. And the pricing difference won't matter and then much to the target audience, which isn't really habitation users.

Apple store page for the Mac Mini — (Epitome credit: Apple)

If yous are lucky enough to enjoy fiber broadband that runs at over one gigabit, then this could be an important update for yous. It's the best way to get the fastest possible speeds out of your Mac.

This is still something of a niche option though. Ethernet won't more often than not run at ten gigabit speeds unless y'all're using Cat 6A or Cat 8 or are using very short runs of cable. For reliable 10 gigabit you lot demand to employ high quality cable which costs more than than $100 for a 100m spool.

The other interesting thing about this is that it means the M1 Macs can have 10 gigabit Ethernet, which might lend some speculation to an upcoming M1 iMac Pro. Perhaps borrowing from Apple tree's new iMac pattern, simply with 10 gigabit ethernet and perhaps an update processor and RAM configuration.

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Ian has been involved in technology journalism since 2007, originally writing most AV hardware back when LCDs and plasma TVs were just gaining popularity. Nearly 15 years on, he remains as excited as ever well-nigh how tech can make your life better. Ian is the editor of T3.com merely has likewise regularly contributed to Tom'south Guide.