How To Build the Cheapest M4 Mac Desktop PC For WFH (2024 edition)

After revealing the updated iMac with the new M4 chip, Apple followed it up with a new Mac mini. And unlike the previous generation upgrades, the 2024 Mac mini is a lot different on the outside. 

It has become smaller than ever. With a footprint of 5 inch x 5 inch, it can fit in your palms! Cute!

But there’s more to the 2024 Mac mini than just its smaller cutesy dimensions. Take a closer look at the specifications sheet and you may find the brand new M4 chip inside. Technically, it is faster than the previous generation M3 chip and promises far better performance efficiency. The design, however, remains as exciting as the Maruti Suzuki Alto – you might not bat an eyelid.

Nonetheless, you don’t buy a Mac mini to make a fashion statement. You buy a Mac mini to get work done. You get a Mac mini to fit Apple’s Mac ecosystem into your desktop setup. 

Hence, that got us thinking – can you use the new Mac mini to build the cheapest Mac desktop computer?

After going through the lists of peripherals and accessories available online, we have managed to find one of the most affordable Mac setups that upholds the user experience to the highest standards set by Apple.

Turns out that it costs less than INR 85,000!

Without further ado, let’s look at the peripheral market and build a nice Mac desktop that doesn’t burn a hole in your wallet. 

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Building the cheapest M4 Mac desktop: The ingredients

2024 Apple Mac mini

Price: INR 59,990

The 2024 Mac mini now comes with the latest M4 and M4 Pro chips. Whether it be casual work suitable for corporate setups or processing-intensive work for creators, the M4 Mac mini can handle loads with ease. You get two USB-C ports and a 3.5mm headphone jack at the front, three USB-C Thunderbolt 4 ports as standard, an HDMI outlet and an Ethernet port. You also have Wi-Fi 6E for latching on to wireless networks. 

The base variant of the 2024 Mac mini with 16GB unified memory and 256GB SSD storage comes at a price of INR 59,900. 

With the core component added to the shopping cart, time to build the rest of the setup.

Samsung 24-inch Essential Monitor S3

Price: INR 7,099

For INR 7,099, you can get the 24-inch Samsung Essential Monitor S3 as your monitor. As part of the package, you get a 1920 x 1080 resolution IPS panel with a refresh rate of 100Hz. You also get support for AMD FreeSync, which makes it ideal for gaming. The wide stand allows for more space on your desk – in our case, for keeping the Mac mini. 

Monitor added to the cart. Now, let’s get the keyboard and mouse.

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HP 350 Compact Multi-Device Bluetooth Keyboard

Price: INR 1,299

Since we are aiming for a clutter-free wireless setup, the HP 350 Compact Multi-Device Bluetooth Keyboard is exactly what the doctor ordered. It costs INR 1,299 and while the typing experience may not be as effortless as the Apple wireless keyboard, it gets the job done. The key layout is optimised for macOS and if you happen to have a Windows PC, it will work with that too. 

Apple Magic Mouse with USB-C (White)

Price: INR 7,500

Before you start throwing pitchforks, hear us out.

We know that the Magic Mouse is expensive for a mouse and the odd positioning of the charging port hinders the usage. However, macOS works best with the Apple Magic Mouse, especially the scrolling gestures – we have used it thoroughly and we can tell the differences. The sleek profile may take time to get used to but it works most efficiently with macOS. The USB-C charging port now makes it easy to recharge the battery even with your power bank! 

Don’t think, just do it! Wait, that’s not the Apple punchline.

JBL Flip 6 Bluetooth speaker (optional)

Price: INR 8,999

Although the Mac mini has built-in speakers, the audiophiles may want an audio system with a bit more oomph. Hence, at INR 8,999, the JBL Flip 6 wireless speaker is a superb addition to your wireless Mac desktop PC setup. Whether you take video calls or edit videos, the JBL Flip 6 offers louder music with a powerful bass performance. On a single charge, it can go up to 12 hours at a stretch. The IP67 water and dust resistance certification also helps if you are clumsy with cleaning. 

(Psst, we recommend cleaning your dek setup every weekend to keep your Mac mini working efficiently.)

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Total cost of the M4 Mac mini desktop setup

Here’s a quick breakdown of all the peripherals and how each of them adds to the total price. 

- Apple Mac mini with M4: INR 59,990
- Samsung 24-inch Essential Monitor S3: INR 7,099
- HP 350 Compact Multi-Device Bluetooth Keyboard: INR 1,299
- Apple Magic Mouse (White) with USB-C: INR 7,500
- JBL Flip 6 Bluetooth speaker: INR 8,999

Total cost: INR 84,887

Hence, you have a quality Mac desktop experience at a cost lower than a last-gen MacBook Air M2. 

How to set up your affordable Mac mini PC

• Unbox all the peripherals and arrange them on your work desk.
• Next, ensure that the wireless keyboard has two AAA batteries while the Magic Mouse is recharged. If you order the Magic Mouse along with the Mac mini, chances are that you need not pair it with the PC. If not paired, you can refer to Apple Support for getting started with a Magic Mouse on a brand new Mac mini.
• Connect the Mac mini to the Samsung monitor via the HDMI cable, which can be bought from any electronics store.
• Switch on the setup and follow the on-screen instructions to set up your new Mac mini desktop. 
• Ensure that you have a Wi-Fi network/Ethernet port within reach. 

Follow Hardwire for more of such value-centric tech tips. 

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