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Apple Mac mini (2024), Apple M4, 16GB, 256GB vs BOSGAME E5 Mini PC

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 and BOSGAME E5 Mini PC both score 5.8/10 overall.

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 E5 Mini PC leads on upgradeability and networking.

The biggest difference is upgradeability, where the BOSGAME E5 Mini PC scores 8/10 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 E5 Mini PC

BOSGAME E5 Mini PC

5.8/10verdict: good, not the best

The E5 is for homelabbers who want a compact box with two Ethernet ports and room to add RAM and storage. It suits firewall, light server and everyday desktop work better than gaming. Buyers who need confirmed 2.5GbE or fast external expansion should check the details first.

Typically about £245.65 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 E5 Mini PC
CPU performance25%8/105/10
Upgradeability20%1/108/10
Networking20%4/105/10
Efficiency and noise15%9/106/10
Ports and expansion10%8/105/10
Build and support10%6/105/10
Overall5.8/105.8/10

Specifications

SpecApple Mac mini (2024), Apple M4, 16GB, 256GBBOSGAME E5 Mini PC
CPUApple M4: 10-core CPU (4 performance + 6 efficiency cores), 10-core GPU, 16-core Neural EngineAMD Ryzen 3 5300U, 4 cores / 8 threads, up to 3.8GHz, Radeon graphics
Memory16GB unified memory16GB DDR4 (16GB x1) SO-DIMM, 3200MHz, on the 16GB configurations
Storage256GB SSD512GB M.2 2280 PCIe SSD on the 16GB/512GB Amazon UK configuration; manufacturer page lists 1TB M.2 2280 PCIe SSD, scalable to 4TB
NetworkingWi-Fi 6E (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.3, Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000BASE-T, RJ-45)Dual RJ45 LAN, manufacturer lists 1000Mbps x2 (third-party sources and Amazon UK title say 2.5G; unresolved); Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.0
Maximum memory32GB (configurable at purchase on the M4 chip)64GB
Storage slotsnot listedTwo M.2 slots: one occupied, one extra internal M.2 slot for a second SSD up to 2TB
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 DisplayPortUSB 3.2 Type-A x3, USB 2.0 Type-A x1, RJ45 LAN x2, HDMI 2.0 x1, DisplayPort x1, USB-C video output (4K@60Hz), 3.5mm combo jack
Power drawIdle 4W, maximum 65W, measured at the wall for this configurationPower consumption 25 watts per Amazon.com listing; 15W TDP per third-party review; adapter ratings conflict (19V/3.42A or 12V/3A)

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 E5 Mini PC

  • + SO-DIMM RAM with a 64GB ceiling and a spare M.2 slot
  • + Dual LAN praised for homelab and firewall use
  • + Three video outputs, including USB-C
  • − Network speed is disputed: manufacturer lists gigabit, others say 2.5G
  • − Integrated graphics too weak for demanding games, owners say
  • − Several users report Bluetooth factory defects

Skip it if:

  • Buyers who need confirmed 2.5GbE on both ports
  • Gamers wanting strong integrated graphics
  • Anyone who needs USB4, Thunderbolt or OCuLink expansion
Read the full BOSGAME E5 Mini PC review ›

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