Apple Mac mini (2024), Apple M4, 16GB, 256GB vs DreamQuest Mini Plus

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 DreamQuest Mini Plus at 4.7/10.

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

The DreamQuest Mini Plus leads on upgradeability.

They score the same on networking.

The biggest difference is CPU performance, where the Apple Mac mini (2024), Apple M4, 16GB, 256GB scores 8/10 to the DreamQuest Mini Plus's 4/10.

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

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DreamQuest Mini Plus

4.7/10verdict: skip

The DreamQuest Mini Plus suits buyers who want a small, quiet machine for light everyday computing. It pairs an Intel N95 with 12GB of DDR5, a 512GB SSD and two HDMI outputs for a simple desktop or media setup. It is a poor fit for gaming or for anyone who needs steady performance under sustained load.

Typically about £269.99 in the UK when we researched itCheck price at Amazon UK

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Scores, criterion by criterion

Criterion	Weight	Apple Mac mini (2024), Apple M4, 16GB, 256GB	DreamQuest Mini Plus
CPU performance	25%	8/10	4/10
Upgradeability	20%	1/10	5/10
Networking	20%	4/10	4/10
Efficiency and noise	15%	9/10	6/10
Ports and expansion	10%	8/10	5/10
Build and support	10%	6/10	5/10
Overall		5.8/10	4.7/10

Specifications

Spec	Apple Mac mini (2024), Apple M4, 16GB, 256GB	DreamQuest Mini Plus
CPU	Apple M4: 10-core CPU (4 performance + 6 efficiency cores), 10-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine	Intel N95
Memory	16GB unified memory	12GB DDR5
Storage	256GB SSD	512GB M.2 2280 SSD
Networking	Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.3, Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000BASE-T, RJ-45)	WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, LAN
Maximum memory	32GB (configurable at purchase on the M4 chip)	not listed
Ports	Front: 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 DisplayPort	2 USB C, 2 HDMI, 4 USB 3.2, LAN
Power draw	Idle 4W, maximum 65W, measured at the wall for this configuration	not listed

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 ›

DreamQuest Mini Plus

+ Quiet cooling and low idle power draw reported
+ 12GB DDR5 and 512GB M.2 SSD included
+ Two HDMI outputs and plenty of USB ports
− Reports of heat and sudden shutdowns under sustained load
− Modest 15W processor, unsuited to modern gaming
− LAN speed not listed beside WiFi 6

Skip it if:

Buyers who want to game on a mini PC
Anyone running sustained heavy workloads such as long transcodes or builds
Homelabbers who need multi-gig networking, USB4 or OCuLink

Read the full DreamQuest Mini Plus review ›

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