Apple’s latest M4 series has taken leaps in thermal efficiency thanks to TSMC’s second-generation 3nm process. However, this doesn’t mean cooling solutions in Apple devices can be overlooked. On the contrary, a robust cooling system can unleash even more performance from the M4 chip. This was clearly demonstrated in the recent Premiere Pro 4K Export test, where the Mac mini, featuring a revamped design, outperformed Apple’s latest 14-inch MacBook Pro. Yet, the true performance winner might surprise you.
The redesigned 24-inch M4 iMac emerged victorious in the performance stakes, likely benefiting from a larger space for effective cooling. Although the M4 chipset across the Mac mini, MacBook Pro, and iMac boasts identical 10-core CPU and GPU configurations, thermal management is the differentiator. The Verge put these machines through a series of challenging tests to assess their capabilities, using Adobe’s Premiere Pro 4K Export test—a demanding task for both CPU and GPU—as a benchmark.
The results were intriguing. The $799 M4 Mac mini with 512GB storage completed the export test in 3 minutes and 9 seconds, surpassing the $1,949 M4 MacBook Pro, which finished in 3 minutes and 14 seconds. However, the M4 iMac claimed the top spot, completing the test in just 3 minutes and 4 seconds. While some might argue these results show minor differences, the superior cooling of the iMac could be what led to its slight edge.
It’s important to note that running a quick Geekbench test doesn’t fully capture a chipset’s performance as the temperatures don’t typically reach throttling levels. However, intensive tasks like the Premiere Pro 4K Export can truly test the limits of even the fastest processors.
Ultimately, the speed of the M4 iMac doesn’t necessarily make it the best choice for everyone, especially with The Verge’s tested model priced at a steep $2,299. The M4 Mac mini, starting at $599 ($749 for a 512GB version on Amazon), offers a compelling combination of power and price, likely making it a popular choice among buyers. On the other hand, for those who value portability and long battery life, the M4 MacBook Pro may be appealing. It’s available with 16GB unified RAM and 512GB storage, priced at $1,549 online—$50 cheaper than usual.
In the end, while Apple’s innovation in chip performance and cooling is impressive, selecting the right device depends on balancing performance needs, price, and personal priorities.
