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Apple Mac mini (M6) vs BOSGAME E5 Mini PC

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

both judged against mini PCs at a similar price

The Apple Mac mini (M6) scores 6.2/10 overall, ahead of the BOSGAME E5 Mini PC at 5.8/10.

The Apple Mac mini (M6) leads on CPU performance, networking, ports and expansion and build and support.

The BOSGAME E5 Mini PC leads on upgradeability.

They score the same on efficiency and noise.

The biggest difference is upgradeability, where the BOSGAME E5 Mini PC scores 8/10 to the Apple Mac mini (M6)'s 2/10.

Apple Mac mini (M6)

6.2/10verdict: wait for deal

The Mac mini (M6) is for buyers who want a fast desktop with strong networking options and are happy with fixed memory. It suits people who can pick the right memory size at purchase and want 2.5Gb or 10Gb Ethernet plus Thunderbolt 4. It is a poor match for anyone who expects to upgrade RAM later.

Typically about £824 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: skip

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 (M6)BOSGAME E5 Mini PC
CPU performance25%8/105/10
Upgradeability20%2/108/10
Networking20%8/105/10
Efficiency and noise15%6/106/10
Ports and expansion10%7/105/10
Build and support10%6/105/10
Overall6.2/105.8/10

Specifications

SpecApple Mac mini (M6)BOSGAME E5 Mini PC
CPUApple M6, 12 cores (2 super, 4 performance, 6 efficiency), 12-core GPU, dual 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
NetworkingApple N1 chip, Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), Bluetooth 6, Thread, 2.5Gb Ethernet configurable to 10Gb EthernetDual 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 memory32GB64GB
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), 3.5 mm headphone jack. Rear: 2.5Gb Ethernet, HDMI, three Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) portsUSB 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 drawMaximum continuous power 155WPower 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 (M6)

  • + 12-core M6 with 12-core GPU
  • + 2.5Gb Ethernet, configurable to 10Gb, plus Wi-Fi 7
  • + Three Thunderbolt 4 ports and HDMI
  • − Memory is onboard and not user-upgradeable
  • − Maximum memory is 32GB
  • − Warranty is 12 months, per Notebookcheck

Skip it if:

  • Buyers who want to add or swap RAM after purchase
  • Anyone needing several network ports for router or firewall use
  • Home lab users who need published idle power figures before buying
Read the full Apple Mac mini (M6) 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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