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Apple Mac mini (2024), Apple M4, 16GB, 256GB vs BOSGAME E2Air Mini PC Ryzen 5 3501U

Researched, not hands-on tested.How we review ›

all judged against mini PCs at a similar price

The Apple Mac mini (2024), Apple M4, 16GB, 256GB scores 5.8/10 overall, ahead of the BOSGAME E2Air Mini PC Ryzen 5 3501U at 5.3/10.

The Apple Mac mini (2024), Apple M4, 16GB, 256GB leads on CPU performance, efficiency and noise, ports and expansion and build and support.

The BOSGAME E2Air Mini PC Ryzen 5 3501U leads on upgradeability.

They score the same on networking.

The biggest difference is upgradeability, where the BOSGAME E2Air Mini PC Ryzen 5 3501U scores 6/10 to the Apple Mac mini (2024), Apple M4, 16GB, 256GB's 1/10.

Apple Mac mini (2024), Apple M4, 16GB, 256GB

Apple Mac mini (2024), Apple M4, 16GB, 256GB

5.8/10verdict: good, not the best

The Mac mini M4 suits anyone who wants a small, always-on machine with very low idle power draw. It fits users who are happy with 16GB of memory and a modest internal drive, or who will pay for a larger configuration up front. It is a better match for fixed, well-planned setups than for tinkerers who like to swap parts.

Typically about £799 in the UK when we researched itCheck price at Amazon UK (opens in a new tab, affiliate link)

Affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Details

BOSGAME E2Air Mini PC, AMD Ryzen 5 3501U up to 3.7GHz, 8GB RAM 256GB SSD

BOSGAME E2Air Mini PC Ryzen 5 3501U

5.3/10verdict: good, not the best

The BOSGAME E2Air suits people who want a small, low-cost desktop for everyday programs, browsing and media. It also suits anyone who wants a basic second machine with several video outputs. It is not aimed at heavy virtualisation, fast networking or large local storage.

Typically about £179.99 in the UK when we researched itCheck price at Amazon UK (opens in a new tab, affiliate link)

Affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Details

Scores, criterion by criterion

CriterionWeightApple Mac mini (2024), Apple M4, 16GB, 256GBBOSGAME E2Air Mini PC Ryzen 5 3501U
CPU performance25%8/106/10
Upgradeability20%1/106/10
Networking20%4/104/10
Efficiency and noise15%9/105/10
Ports and expansion10%8/105/10
Build and support10%6/105/10
Overall5.8/105.3/10

Specifications

SpecApple Mac mini (2024), Apple M4, 16GB, 256GBBOSGAME E2Air Mini PC Ryzen 5 3501U
CPUApple M4: 10-core CPU (4 performance + 6 efficiency cores), 10-core GPU, 16-core Neural EngineAMD Ryzen 5 3501U, 4 cores/8 threads, up to 3.7GHz boost, Radeon Vega 8 graphics at up to 1200MHz
Memory16GB unified memory8GB DDR4-2400, one SODIMM module preloaded
Storage256GB SSD256GB M.2 2280 SSD (SATA per manufacturer)
NetworkingWi-Fi 6E (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.3, Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000BASE-T, RJ-45)Gigabit Ethernet (one RJ45 port), Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0
Maximum memory32GB (configurable at purchase on the M4 chip)32GB
PortsFront: two USB-C ports (USB 3, up to 10Gb/s) and a 3.5mm headphone jack. Back: Gigabit Ethernet, HDMI, and three Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) ports supporting USB 4 (up to 40Gb/s) and DisplayPortTwo HDMI 2.0 ports (4K@60Hz), USB-C video output, Gigabit Ethernet, abundant USB ports (count not given)
Power drawIdle 4W, maximum 65W, measured at the wall for this configuration15W typical TDP (design figure, not a measured draw)

Strengths and weaknesses

Apple Mac mini (2024), Apple M4, 16GB, 256GB

  • + Idle draw of just 4W at the wall
  • + 10-core M4 with 10-core GPU
  • + Three Thunderbolt 4 ports plus HDMI
  • − RAM is soldered with no upgrade slot
  • − Internal SSD is not user-upgradable
  • − Base model has only Gigabit Ethernet

Skip it if:

  • Buyers who want to upgrade RAM or storage later
  • Anyone needing faster than Gigabit Ethernet from the base unit
  • Users with many USB-A devices who don't want adapters
Read the full Apple Mac mini (2024), Apple M4, 16GB, 256GB review ›

BOSGAME E2Air Mini PC Ryzen 5 3501U

  • + Four cores and eight threads with Vega 8 graphics
  • + Two HDMI 2.0 ports plus USB-C video output
  • + RAM can grow to 32GB through the SODIMM slot
  • − Single Gigabit Ethernet port is the only wired option listed
  • − No USB4, Thunderbolt or OCuLink listed
  • − Warranty length conflicts between manufacturer and retailer

Skip it if:

  • Homelabbers who need 2.5GbE, 10GbE or multiple network ports
  • Buyers who want to run several virtual machines or need lots of local storage
  • Anyone who needs USB4, Thunderbolt or OCuLink for fast external devices
Read the full BOSGAME E2Air Mini PC Ryzen 5 3501U review ›

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