Since Apple introduced the Mac mini with M1 chip has only received praise for its excellent performance and efficiency, although some have criticized the lack of renovation in its design. It is that the current form factor has not undergone major changes in a decade, since those from Cupertino eliminated the CD and DVD reading unit in 2011. And while the world anxiously awaits that this year its expected facelift will materialize, which in theory would lead to a more minimalist aesthetic, a modder He beat out the Californians.
In his most recent video, Quinn Nelsonfrom Snazzy Labs, showed how he made the Mac mini M1 truly “mini.” And boy did he pull it off, he managed to rearrange Apple’s computer hardware to fit a 78% smaller chassis than the original. For this he had to make some concessions, especially in refrigeration; however, it was also able to add a feature highly demanded by users: support for MagSafe.
Nelson’s first point was to disassemble the Mac mini M1 to analyze its components and how to move them into the new structure. Undoubtedly, at this point the hardest part was freeing the antennas and the power button; the latter, welded to the plastic plate located at the back of the equipment. Then he got rid of the fan — after testing that the computer was capable of booting without having it connected — and the 150 W power supply.
Undoubtedly, energy management has been one of the great challenges of this project. If we consider that the Mac mini M1 uses no more than 68 W when under stresswith all input and output ports in use, keep the original PSU in the mod was unjustified (both due to energy needs and size). The chosen solution was not the most elegant, but it was the most functional. On Snazzy Labs they went for a 65W charger from a Microsoft Surface, modified for the occasion with a MagSafe 2 cable; while also equipping the modified Mac mini M1 with a MagSafe 2 power supply board from a 2015 Macbook Pro, which supports up to 87 W.
A Mac mini M1 ‘homemade’ and 78% smaller
With the internal technical challenges overcome, Nelson looked at different possibilities for the outer shell. He finally opted for a 3D printed one, although under a different process than the conventional one. No longer having the fan to cool the device, he decided on a semi-open design. inspired by the aesthetics of the 2019 Mac Pro with holes on the sides.
With the collaboration of a mechanical engineer, it was possible to stipulate the necessary size to accommodate the components and allow air circulation, a key point for passive cooling; and so it was possible to develop a case that is practically 80% smaller than that of the Mac mini M1 as we know it since Apple introduced it to the market.
Once the hardware was assembled, the “new” Mac mini M1 from Snazzy Labs was up and running. The big doubt regarding this modification is how much will removing the fan affect the cooling of the computer, if you have it continuously under heavy use. It would be interesting to see consistent performance tests to see if exerting a high load can lead to overheating or loss of performance.
For now, those who want to experiment and shrink their Mac mini M1 can download the necessary files to print your own case and follow the steps for assembly. Logically, this is not recommended for those who do not have experience in this type of mods, much less for those who fear that the process could ruin their computer.
it would be interesting to know What does Apple think of all this?; It is clear that this is not the first time that someone has modified their devices and added features that were not originally included (the iPhone with a USB-C port, for example). For now, next week a new Cupertino event will take place where several new features are expected, among which the new Mac mini with Apple Silicon is rumored.