2023 Mac mini Geekbench scores show dramatic multi-core improvements over M1 model

We didn’t have long to wait for 2023 Mac mini Geekbench scores, for both M2 and M2 Pro variants. As you’d expect, they show pretty dramatic performance gains over the M1 model launched back in November of 2020.

The base model M2 machine gets a relatively modest bump in the single-core test, but a much larger one for multi-core …

Below you can see comparisons for the M1 Mac mini, the M2 model, and the M2 Pro variant.

For the base model M2 Mac mini, the single-core performance improved from 1651 to 1951 – an 18% boost. But it’s in multi-core usage where the power of the M2 chip really makes its presence known. Here, the score increased from 5181 to 9003, a 73% improvement.

The M2 Pro is essentially the same as the base M2 in single-core performance, but hits 15013 in the multi-core test – making it 66% faster than the M2, and 189% faster than the M1.

Apple announced the machines on Tuesday, saying that the M2 Pro model in particular offered performance previously unobtainable in such a small unit.

The new M2 Pro chip delivers pro-level performance to Mac mini for the first time, enabling users to run high-performance workflows that were previously unimaginable in such a compact design. Mac mini with M2 and M2 Pro delivers faster performance, even more unified memory, and advanced connectivity, including support for up to two displays on the M2 model, and up to three displays on the M2 Pro model. Paired with Studio Display and Magic accessories, along with the power and ease of macOS Ventura, Mac mini provides a phenomenal desktop experience that will take users’ productivity and creativity to the next level. 

Apple’s marketing SVP Greg Joswiak pointed to the combination of power and value.

“With incredible capabilities and a wide array of connectivity in its compact design, Mac mini is used in so many places, in so many different ways. Today, we’re excited to take it even further with M2 and M2 Pro,” said Greg Joswiak, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing. “Bringing even more performance and a lower starting price, Mac mini with M2 is a tremendous value. And for users who need powerful pro performance, Mac mini with M2 Pro is unlike any other desktop in its class.”

Apple said that in addition to the CPU and GPU performance, the new models have much higher memory bandwidth, and a more powerful media engine.

The new machines offer particularly impressive performance boosts for video work.

M2 also adds ProRes acceleration to Mac mini, so tasks like video editing in Final Cut Pro are more than twice as fast. The M2 model can also simultaneously play up to two streams of 8K ProRes 422 video at 30 fps, or up to 12 streams of 4K ProRes 422 video at 30 fps. 

Apple discontinued the Intel Mac mini at the same time, leaving the Mac Pro as the only remaining Mac powered by an Intel CPU.

You can order the new Mac mini models now, with delivery from January 24.