PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchYes—the 2024 base M4 Mac mini can run a useful selection of Mac games, some Windows games through CrossOver, and several console emulators. Published tests show playable results in specific titles, but performance depends on the game and software path. The results do not mean every game works or that the mini is a replacement for a dedicated gaming PC. The faster M4 Pro is a separate configuration, not the base model.
What you get with the base M4 Mac mini
Apple’s 2024 base Mac mini has an M4 chip with a 10-core CPU—four performance cores and six efficiency cores—and a 10-core GPU with hardware-accelerated ray tracing. It comes with 16GB of unified memory and a 256GB SSD. Apple specifies 120GB/s memory bandwidth. These are product specifications, not gaming benchmark results. Apple’s Mac mini (2024) technical specifications also list higher memory and storage options.
The M4 Pro is a different configuration: its base version has a 12-core CPU, 16-core GPU, 24GB of unified memory and a 512GB SSD. Do not assume results from an M4 Pro apply to the base M4. The models also differ in connectivity: Apple lists three rear Thunderbolt 4 ports for M4 and three Thunderbolt 5 ports for M4 Pro, alongside HDMI, front USB-C ports and a headphone jack. Both list Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3.
The Mac mini is a desktop computer, not an all-in-one. Apple’s listed package includes the computer and power lead, so a gaming setup may also require a display and input devices. The 256GB base SSD is worth factoring in if you expect to keep a large game library installed.
#1 Best Overall
- 【Low Power for Always-On AI Workflows】At just 15W TDP, the GEEKOM A7 uses far less power than a traditional 350W desktop, helping reduce electricity costs, heat, and cooling noise during extended operation. That efficiency makes it ideal for keeping cloud AI assistants and AI Agent tasks running in the background—automating document summaries, email polishing, meeting notes, content rewriting, research, and scheduled workflows throughout the day. The energy savings can help recoup the device cost in about 1 year, making A7 a practical choice for 24/7 AI task hosting and efficient everyday computing.
- 【Ryzen 7 7730U – More Than a Low-Power PC】Think low power means less performance? Not here. The Ryzen 7 7730U mini computer packs 8 cores, 16 threads, and up to 4.5GHz, giving you the power to handle multitasking, dozens of tabs, video calls, and creative work smoothly. AMD Radeon Graphics supports 4K playback, multi-display work, photo editing, and casual gaming without a dedicated GPU. Compared with the Ryzen 7 5825U and Ryzen 5 7430U, it delivers up to 20% higher performance for faster response and smoother everyday computing—all in a compact, energy-efficient Mini desktop.
- 【Lock In More Memory Before It Costs More】32GB gives you the headroom most demanding tasks need today—and room to grow tomorrow. Built for heavy multitasking, content creation, large projects, and AI-assisted workloads, the GEEKOM mini pc starts you with twice the memory of a typical 16GB setup, so you can skip an immediate upgrade. With AI driving greater demand for memory, starting with 32GB is a smarter way to stay ready for what’s next. The 500GB PCIe Gen4 x4 SSD delivers fast storage, with support for up to 64GB RAM and 4TB SSD storage when you need more.
- 【Premium Metal Design & 3-Year Warranty】Why settle for plastic? The GEEKOM mini desktop features a premium aluminum alloy chassis that resists daily wear and helps dissipate heat during extended use. Rigorous quality testing and CE, FCC, and RoHS compliance support dependable performance, backed by a 3-year limited warranty and professional support for long-term peace of mind.
- 【One Mini PC, All Your Ports】Stay connected with dual USB-C ports, 5 USB 3.2 ports, dual HDMI 2.0, and a 2.5G LAN port for fast, flexible connectivity. The USB-C ports support high-speed data transfer, display output, and peripheral power, while Wi-Fi 6E keeps streaming, file transfers, and online work fast and reliable. From multiple peripherals to high-resolution displays, everything you need stays within easy reach.
How well does the base M4 run native Mac games?
Published tests show that native macOS games can run at useful frame rates, though results vary substantially by title and settings. In Tom’s Guide’s 1080p review benchmarks, the base M4 averaged 40 frames per second (fps) in Shadow of the Tomb Raider and 52.48 fps in Civilization VI: Gathering Storm. Its results for two other games were lower:
| Game | Base M4, 1080p average | M4 Pro, 1080p average |
|---|---|---|
| Shadow of the Tomb Raider | 40 fps | 83 fps |
| Civilization VI: Gathering Storm | 52.48 fps | 89.31 fps |
| Borderlands 3 | 25.10 fps | 44.62 fps |
| Total War: Warhammer III | 24.6 fps | 46.1 fps |
These are Tom’s Guide’s reported results, not guaranteed performance on every system or settings combination. They illustrate why “can it game?” has no single frame-rate answer: lighter or better-performing titles can feel smooth, while demanding games may require lower expectations or adjusted settings. Tom’s Guide’s Mac mini M4 review also notes that much of the Mac-compatible Steam library available to its testers was older and says players seeking the latest titles at high frame rates may be better served by a gaming PC.
Rank #2
- GMKtec M2 Pro S mini computer is equipped with 11th generation Intel Core i7-1185G7 processor, main frequency up to 4.8 GHz, 4 cores, 8 threads, 12MB cache, running much faster than i7-10810U, i5-12450H and i5-8259U, Windows PC series The power is only 35W, supporting your daily work with less power consumption, without delaying daily tasks
- 16GB DDR4 and 512GB NVME SSD: Desktop computer Comes with 16GB SODIMM, dual-channel DDR4 supports expansion up to 64GB. 512GB SSD M.2 2280 NVMe (PCIe3.0), supports expansion to 2TB, in addition, M.2 2242 SATA can be expanded to 2TB
- 4K UHD & 3 Screens Support: Mini PC with Intel Iris Xe Graphics G7 96EU GPU delivers high-quality graphics for the most demanding applications, 2 x HDMI (4K @ 60Hz) and 1 x USB Type-C (4K @ 60Hz) output terminals, allowing you to independently display 4K screens on 3 displays at the same time
- 2.5Gbps LAN & WiFi6 + BT5.2: GMKtec mini PC dual band WiFi 2.4G+5G networking and Giga (RJ45 speed up to 2500M), Loading web, video, or other networked operations is faster and more stable, Bluetooth 5.2 connect faster Speed, Farther Coverage, it is also a big feature that you can transfer files over LAN at high speed
- Package Included: 1x GMKtec Nucbox M2 Pro, 1x DC Power Plug, 1x HDMI Cable. 1 x VESA Mount with Screws, 1x User Manual
What the CrossOver results do—and do not—show
CrossOver is a compatibility-software route for running some Windows games on macOS; it is not the same as running a native Mac release. Notebookcheck’s November 2024 report of ETA Prime’s tests recorded these results on the base M4:
- Spider-Man Remastered: 88 fps average at 1080p/medium, using CrossOver with IGTI upscaling.
- Elden Ring: around 50 fps at 900p/medium through CrossOver.
- Cyberpunk 2077: about 73 fps average at 1080p/low through CrossOver, with AMD FSR 3 and frame generation.
Upscaling and frame generation are part of the reported methods for some results, so these figures should not be presented as native macOS performance. Compatibility can also differ by game and software version; a strong result in one title does not establish that another Windows game will launch or perform similarly. Notebookcheck’s report, published November 12 and updated November 13, 2024, summarizes the tests.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Rank #3
- Massive 8TB Expandable Storage: Unlock the full potential of your Mac Mini M4 with up to 8TB of ultra-fast internal storage. The dock supports M.2 NVMe SSDs (2230/2242/2260/2280 sizes). Enjoy blazing 10Gbps transfer speeds for large files, 4K editing, or backups—all while keeping your setup sleek and clutter-free. (SSD not included.)
- 11-in-1 High-Speed Connectivity Hub: Turn your Mac Mini into a workstation with 11 versatile ports, including 3× USB-A 3.2 (10Gbps), 2× USB-A 3.0 (5Gbps), 2× USB-C 3.2 (10Gbps), and a UHS-I SD/TF card reader (170MB/s). Flexible power options: Draws power from your Mac Mini or use an external adapter (recommended for multi-device setups).
- 10Gbps Data Transfer: Enjoy blazing 10Gbps transfer speeds for large files, 4K editing, or backups—all while keeping your setup sleek and clutter-free. (SSD not included.)
- Precision-Engineered for Mac Mini M6:Designed to perfectly match your Mac Mini’s curves, this dock blends seamlessly while adding functionality. Features include a power button lever (turn on your Mac without lifting it) and anti-slip silicone pads for stability and scratch protection.
- Effortless Setup & Tidy Workspace:The included 4cm short cable keeps your desk neat, while the compact design maximizes space. Whether you’re a creative pro or a multitasker, this hub delivers storage, speed, and connectivity in one elegant solution.
What to expect from console emulation
For two PlayStation 3 titles tested with RPCS3, Notebookcheck’s November 2024 summary of ETA Prime’s results reports around 60 fps in Skate 3 and around 50 fps in God of War 3. Both were tested at 720p using Vulkan. These are individual demonstrations, not evidence that the PS3 catalog as a whole is compatible or runs at those speeds.
Emulation performance depends on the emulator, game, graphics backend, operating system and configuration. A November 2024 Retro Game Corps video description lists ES-DE, RetroArch, Dolphin, PCSX2, PPSSPP, Lime3DS, Cemu, RPCS3 and Xemu among the tools featured. That list establishes which tools the video covered; it does not establish that every game works perfectly in each one. The available demonstrations are a dated selection, not a current compatibility database.
Rank #4
Emulator availability does not grant rights to game files. Use only game files you are legally entitled to use, and check the rules that apply where you live.
How the reported results compare
The numbers above come from named third-party tests, not one controlled comparison. Tom’s Guide’s 1080p results and ETA Prime’s results summarized by Notebookcheck may reflect different machines, software versions, settings and measurement methods. Read each figure as evidence about the particular tested title and method—not as a direct ranking across sources or a promise for your own setup.
Is the base M4 Mac mini a good gaming or emulation choice?
The base M4 makes sense if you want a compact desktop for general computing that can also handle selected native Mac games, compatibility-software experiments or emulation. It is less compelling if your priority is broad access to the newest PC games at consistently high frame rates. Before buying, match the machine to the games and playing experience you actually want:
Quick Recap
- Check the software path. Confirm whether each target game has a native Mac release, depends on CrossOver or requires an emulator. Those paths have different compatibility and performance uncertainties.
- Set a realistic performance target. Consider resolution, graphics settings and whether a result relies on upscaling or frame generation—not just the headline fps.
- Choose the configuration deliberately. The M4 Pro has a stronger base GPU and different memory and storage specifications than the base M4; do not use Pro benchmarks to predict base-model performance.
- Plan the setup. Include a display and input devices, and consider whether 256GB of built-in storage is enough for your library.
- Verify peripherals and compatibility. Tom’s Guide reported issues with several PC game controllers during its testing. That is a reason to check compatibility for your intended setup, not a basis for recommending a particular controller.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
