Winner
Updated October 2026
Data from the official Beelink and Apple sites.
2026 verdict
The Beelink SER9 Max (64GB + 1TB) takes this mini PC matchup on price, warranty and expandable memory, ahead of the Apple Mac Mini (M2 Pro 16GB + 512GB).
It ships with 64 GB of DDR5 across two SODIMM slots, a 1 TB Gen4 drive with a second M.2 slot free, and a 10 Gigabit Ethernet port. The Apple Mac Mini (M2 Pro 16GB + 512GB) counters with macOS, four Thunderbolt 4 ports, a built-in power supply and a higher owner rating, but its 16 GB of unified memory is soldered and the 512 GB drive cannot be changed. Pick the Beelink SER9 Max (64GB + 1TB) for Windows, upgradeability and a fast wired network, and the Apple Mac Mini (M2 Pro 16GB + 512GB) for macOS and Thunderbolt expansion.
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The biggest differences
Where these two are furthest apart, and by how much.
- Memory Capacity4×Beelink SER9 Max (64GB + 1TB)64 GB vs 16 GB
- Warranty3×Beelink SER9 Max (64GB + 1TB)3 years vs 1 year
- Storage Capacity2×Beelink SER9 Max (64GB + 1TB)1 TB vs 512 GB
| Feature | Beelink SER9 Max (64GB + 1TB) | Apple Mac Mini (M2 Pro 16GB + 512GB) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.4 | 4.6 | Apple Mac Mini (M2 Pro 16GB + 512GB) |
| Warranty | 3 years | 1 year | Beelink SER9 Max (64GB + 1TB) |
| Memory Capacity | 64 GB | 16 GB | Beelink SER9 Max (64GB + 1TB) |
| Storage Capacity | 1 TB | 512 GB | Beelink SER9 Max (64GB + 1TB) |
| CPU Model | AMD Ryzen 7 H 255 | M2 Pro (10-core CPU) | Different strengths |
| Memory Configuration | Dual-channel | Unified Memory | Different strengths |
| Memory Type | DDR5 | LPDDR5 | Different strengths |
| GPU Model | AMD Radeon 780M (12 CUs) | 16-core GPU | Different strengths |
What the differences mean
Operating system
The Beelink SER9 Max (64GB + 1TB) runs Windows 11 Pro, so any Windows application installs natively. The Apple Mac Mini (M2 Pro 16GB + 512GB) runs macOS, which decides what software you can use before any spec is compared.
Memory
The Beelink SER9 Max (64GB + 1TB) has 64 GB of dual-channel DDR5 on SODIMM modules and accepts 128 GB. The Apple Mac Mini (M2 Pro 16GB + 512GB) uses 16 GB of unified memory soldered to the chip with a 32 GB ceiling at purchase, and nothing can be added later.
Storage
The Beelink SER9 Max (64GB + 1TB) fits 1 TB in one of two M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 slots, leaving the second free. The Apple Mac Mini (M2 Pro 16GB + 512GB) has a fixed 512 GB SSD, so extra room comes from external Thunderbolt storage.
Networking
The Beelink SER9 Max (64GB + 1TB) has a 10 Gigabit Ethernet port and Wi-Fi 6 with Bluetooth 5.2. The Apple Mac Mini (M2 Pro 16GB + 512GB) has Gigabit Ethernet that can be specified as 10Gb at purchase, with newer Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3.
Ports and power
The Beelink SER9 Max (64GB + 1TB) offers one USB4 port that also supports Thunderbolt 3, HDMI and DisplayPort, and runs from an external 100W adapter. The Apple Mac Mini (M2 Pro 16GB + 512GB) has four Thunderbolt 4 ports and an internal power supply, so no brick shares the desk.
Which one to buy if
- you depend on Windows applications
The Beelink SER9 Max (64GB + 1TB) runs Windows 11 Pro natively, while the Apple Mac Mini (M2 Pro 16GB + 512GB) is a macOS machine.
- your work is built around macOS or Final Cut
The Apple Mac Mini (M2 Pro 16GB + 512GB) is the only one of the two that runs macOS, and it brings four Thunderbolt 4 ports for expansion.
- you move large files across a fast wired network
The Beelink SER9 Max (64GB + 1TB) has a 10 Gigabit Ethernet port out of the box, four times the Gigabit connection of the Apple Mac Mini (M2 Pro 16GB + 512GB).
- you want to add memory or a second drive later
The Beelink SER9 Max (64GB + 1TB) has SODIMM slots reaching 128 GB and a free M.2 slot, while both are fixed on the Apple Mac Mini (M2 Pro 16GB + 512GB).
- you want no external power brick on the desk
The Apple Mac Mini (M2 Pro 16GB + 512GB) has an internal power supply; the Beelink SER9 Max (64GB + 1TB) uses a 100W adapter.
Winner
$1149.00
- + Warranty: 3 years
- + Memory Capacity: 64 GB
- + Storage Capacity: 1 TB
- - Rating: 4.4 vs 4.6
- + Rating: 4.6
- - Warranty: 1 year vs 3 years
- - Memory Capacity: 16 GB vs 64 GB
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better overall: Beelink SER9 Max (64GB + 1TB) or Apple Mac Mini (M2 Pro 16GB + 512GB)?
The Beelink SER9 Max (64GB + 1TB) wins on price, warranty, memory capacity and storage, and it runs Windows. The Apple Mac Mini (M2 Pro 16GB + 512GB) is the better pick if you need macOS, Thunderbolt expansion or more recent wireless.
What is the biggest difference between the Beelink SER9 Max (64GB + 1TB) and the Apple Mac Mini (M2 Pro 16GB + 512GB)?
The memory and the platform. The Beelink SER9 Max (64GB + 1TB) runs Windows with up to 128 GB of socketed DDR5, while the Apple Mac Mini (M2 Pro 16GB + 512GB) runs macOS with 16 GB of unified memory soldered at a 32 GB ceiling.
Can you upgrade the memory in either mini PC?
In the Beelink SER9 Max (64GB + 1TB) yes, to 128 GB across two SODIMM slots. In the Apple Mac Mini (M2 Pro 16GB + 512GB) no, the unified memory is soldered and fixed at purchase.
Which has faster networking, the Beelink SER9 Max (64GB + 1TB) or the Apple Mac Mini (M2 Pro 16GB + 512GB)?
Wired, the Beelink SER9 Max (64GB + 1TB) has a built-in 10 Gigabit port, while the Apple Mac Mini (M2 Pro 16GB + 512GB) starts at Gigabit and needs the 10Gb option chosen when ordering. Wireless, the Mac Mini is ahead with Wi-Fi 6E.
Who should buy the Beelink SER9 Max (64GB + 1TB)?
Windows users, home lab builders and anyone who wants upgradeable memory, a second M.2 slot and a 10 Gigabit wired connection at a lower price.
Who should buy the Apple Mac Mini (M2 Pro 16GB + 512GB)?
Creative and professional users already in the Apple ecosystem who want four Thunderbolt 4 ports, an internal power supply and a compact aluminium design.
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