Mac Mini M4 or M4 Pro for local AI? the answer comes down to one number you set at checkout

Both run local models silently and efficiently, but the gap between them for AI isn't the chip — it's the memory bandwidth and how much you can buy.… Aliteq Lena Fischer · AI & Local Compute Editor

For local AI, the Mac Mini M4 Pro is the clear pick over the base M4: it has ~273 GB/s memory bandwidth (vs ~120) and configs up to 64GB (vs 32GB). The base M4 runs 8–14B models fine and is cheaper;…

M4 Pro wins on bandwidth: ~273 GB/s vs ~120 — and bandwidth sets token speed.

M4 Pro wins on max memory: up to 64GB vs 32GB — bigger models fit.

Base M4: runs 8–14B models fine, cheaper, great for lighter use.

M4 Pro (48GB): runs 30B-class models comfortably — the local-AI sweet spot.

Memory is soldered — buy the tier you'll want, since you can't upgrade later.

Read the full story

Aliteq Mac Mini M4 or M4 Pro for local AI? the answer comes down to one number you set at checkout Read the full story on Aliteq