Apple Mac mini (2024), Apple M4, 16GB, 256GB vs GEEKOM A5 2027 Edition

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

all judged against mini PCs at a similar price

The GEEKOM A5 2027 Edition scores 6.8/10 overall, ahead of the Apple Mac mini (2024), Apple M4, 16GB, 256GB at 5.8/10.

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

The GEEKOM A5 2027 Edition leads on upgradeability, networking and build and support.

The biggest difference is upgradeability, where the GEEKOM A5 2027 Edition scores 8/10 to the Apple Mac mini (2024), Apple M4, 16GB, 256GB's 1/10.

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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GEEKOM A5 2027 Edition

6.8/10verdict: buy

The GEEKOM A5 2027 Edition suits homelabbers and office users who want a quiet, low-power small desktop with an eight-core CPU. It fits container hosting, light virtual machines and multi-monitor desk setups. It is a weaker choice for anyone who needs fast external devices or strong integrated graphics.

Typically about £469 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	GEEKOM A5 2027 Edition
CPU performance	25%	8/10	7/10
Upgradeability	20%	1/10	8/10
Networking	20%	4/10	6/10
Efficiency and noise	15%	9/10	7/10
Ports and expansion	10%	8/10	5/10
Build and support	10%	6/10	7/10
Overall		5.8/10	6.8/10

Specifications

Spec	Apple Mac mini (2024), Apple M4, 16GB, 256GB	GEEKOM A5 2027 Edition
CPU	Apple M4: 10-core CPU (4 performance + 6 efficiency cores), 10-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine	AMD Ryzen 7 7730U, 8 cores / 16 threads, 2–4.5 GHz, integrated Radeon Vega 8
Memory	16GB unified memory	16GB DDR4-3200, dual channel, two SO-DIMM slots
Storage	256GB SSD	512GB NVMe M.2 2280 (listing conflict: 256GB stated in one source)
Networking	Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.3, Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000BASE-T, RJ-45)	Realtek RTL8125 2.5GbE; Realtek RTL8852BE Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4
Maximum memory	32GB (configurable at purchase on the M4 chip)	64GB
Storage slots	not listed	Up to three storage drives in total (M.2 slot count not confirmed)
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 (DisplayPort Alt Mode), 2× HDMI, 2× DisplayPort, 3× USB 3.x Gen 1 Type-A, 2× USB 3.x Gen 2 Type-A, 1× USB 2.0, 3.5mm audio, SD 4.0 card reader (UHS-II), Kensington lock
Power draw	Idle 4W, maximum 65W, measured at the wall for this configuration	Idle 6–9W; maximum load just under 45W; 120W adapter per Notebookcheck (65W listed elsewhere)

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 ›

GEEKOM A5 2027 Edition

+ Two SO-DIMM slots, up to 64GB RAM
+ Idle draw of 6–9W and quiet running
+ 36-month warranty
− No USB4 or Thunderbolt ports
− Weak Vega 8 integrated graphics
− Single 2.5GbE port

Skip it if:

Buyers who need USB4, Thunderbolt or fast external storage
Anyone wanting strong integrated graphics for gaming or GPU work
Builders who need two wired Ethernet ports for routing

Read the full GEEKOM A5 2027 Edition review ›

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