Geekom Mini Computers Versus Mac Mini

[russellsnr]

Hi, OK I would like to upgrade from my Mac Mini M2 16GB but honestly cannot afford the price of a MAC with 24GB+ so looking at the Geekom small format computers, Anyone use this make of computer and thoughts on it? Thankyou. Russ.

 

[Gold]

How do you like MacOS? And what do you need the upgrade for? The M2 is still pretty powerful.

 

[russellsnr]

How do you like MacOS? And what do you need the upgrade for? The M2 is still pretty powerful.

I purchased DXO PhotoLab 9 and seem to be having the same problem I had when I used On1 software on a Windows setup, LAG when using sliders for adjustments, I thought the Mac M2 with 16GB would work quite well with DXO PR 9 but as I say adjustments lag, I have Lightroom and Photoshop and they work fine. Russ.

 

[nc_killie]

I am no computer expert - I do have a small format computer which was much faster than my laptop before I switched to a MacBook. It runs ON1 (2025) fine with a small lag. I believe that the main issue MAY be that these mini pcs do not have a separate graphics card but use an integrated processor which is what limits things. I am happy to be told I am talking pish!
Good luck!

 

[seaodyssey]

The M2 processor has 8 graphic cores, and the M4 has 10 graphic cores.
An old nvidia 3060 has over 3500 cores, and the 5090 has 21760 cores.
Both systems are based on Arm designs.

The Apple design is better than integrated PC style CPUs as memory is closer to the processing units.
The graphic cards have tons on memory on them, but that needs to be filled by the PCi bus and processor so a higher spec system board also helps.

 

[ancient_mariner]

It sounds like there is some optimisation required of settings - have you investigated with the software makers tech support yet?

It may also be obvious, but for those who seldom restart their computer, a reboot may be useful. Macs are not immune to this.

 

[russellsnr]

It sounds like there is some optimisation required of settings - have you investigated with the software makers tech support yet?

It may also be obvious, but for those who seldom restart their computer, a reboot may be useful. Macs are not immune to this.

Hi, found that IMO there are not a lot of choice within PhotoLab to change settings and I shut down the MAC every time I have finished using it. I have been told that the 16GB ram is at the lower end to run the software but unlike a Windows computer everything is locked in without any way to access/upgrade it, Adobe L/R & P/S work fine as does the Nikon software when I use it.

 

[ancient_mariner]

Hi, found that IMO there are not a lot of choice within PhotoLab to change settings and I shut down the MAC every time I have finished using it. I have been told that the 16GB ram is at the lower end to run the software but unlike a Windows computer everything is locked in without any way to access/upgrade it, Adobe L/R & P/S work fine as does the Nikon software when I use it.

The memory is intimately connected with the processor, and not replaceable unless you have reflow soldering tools available. Macs have not been upgradable for quite some time.

 

[gramps]

I only use PL5 but on a basic iMac M1 with 8GB - I don't experience any noticeable lag.
Did you use any version before 9?

 

[russellsnr]

I only use PL5 but on a basic iMac M1 with 8GB - I don't experience any noticeable lag.
Did you use any version before 9?

No this was the first, I saw a lot of good things being written and said about DXO PhotoLab and as My Adobe finishes next year I thought I would start early with it and as it was on a special offer I jumped feet first. Russ.