Mac Mini M4 Pro Rivals: A Feature-Level Face-Off for 2026's Top Mini PCs

The Mac Mini M4 Pro dropped like a bombshell, once again redefining what a "compact workstation" can do. It's sleek, silent, and handles 8K edits like a champ, making it the undeniable "gold standard" for many. But let's be real: Apple's pricing for unified memory can feel like a gut punch, and sometimes you just need that sweet Windows flexibility.

Good news, PC peeps! The competition in the mini PC space is fierce in 2026, with some absolute powerhouses ready to challenge Cupertino’s crown. Forget bulky towers; these "desktop killers" are packing serious heat into tiny footprints.

Let’s get nerdy and break down how the Minisforum AI X1 Pro, ASUS NUC 15 Pro+ (and ROG NUC), and Geekom A9 Max stack up against the mighty Mac Mini M4 Pro.

1. Minisforum AI X1 Pro: The AI & RAM King

If the M4 Pro’s unified memory limits are giving you a headache, the Minisforum AI X1 Pro is your aspirin. This little beast is all about giving you choices.

• Processor: AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 (Strix Halo)
  • The Lowdown: This chip is a game-changer. AMD's "Strix Halo" architecture means its integrated graphics (RDNA 3.5) are finally duking it out with Apple's M-series Pro GPUs. You're getting serious muscle without needing a separate graphics card.
• NPU TOPS: 70-80+ TOPS (estimated)
  • The Lowdown: This is where the "AI" in its name comes from. It's built to run local AI models (think Stable Diffusion, Llama 3) at blistering speeds, making it a dream for developers and creatives playing with generative AI on their desktop.
• RAM: Up to 96GB DDR5 (User Upgradeable!)
  • The Lowdown: This is the killer feature. For complex development, massive databases, or huge video projects, 96GB is a professional-grade amount that Apple charges an arm and a leg for. Plus, you can pop it open and upgrade it yourself later. Take that, soldered RAM!
• Storage: Dual NVMe SSD slots (User Upgradeable)
  • The Lowdown: Like RAM, you have full control over your storage expansion.
• Connectivity: Quad USB4 (40Gbps), multiple USB-A, HDMI 2.1, 2.5GbE LAN
  • The Lowdown: You're drowning in high-speed ports. Those USB4 ports mean you can connect multiple high-res displays, eGPUs, or ultra-fast external storage.
• Best For: AI/ML developers, advanced programmers, virtual machine enthusiasts, and heavy multi-taskers who need maximum, upgradeable RAM.

2. ASUS NUC 15 Pro+ / ROG NUC: The GPU Powerhouse (and Upgradeability Champ)

ASUS taking over Intel's NUC line was one of the smartest moves of 2026. They've perfected the premium compact PC, especially with the optional discrete GPU.

• Processor: Intel Core Ultra 9 (Panther Lake)
  • The Lowdown: Intel's latest and greatest mobile CPU, bringing serious multi-core performance and an integrated Arc iGPU that's surprisingly capable for general use and light gaming.
• NPU TOPS: 40-50+ TOPS (estimated)
  • The Lowdown: While not as high as AMD's Strix Halo, it's still more than enough for Windows Copilot features and many local AI tasks, offering a solid boost for daily productivity.
• RAM: Up to 64GB DDR5 (User Upgradeable!)
  • The Lowdown: Another win for upgradeability. While less than the Minisforum, 64GB is still a huge amount for most professional workflows.
• Dedicated GPU (ROG NUC): NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Laptop GPU
  • The Lowdown: This is the game-changer for 3D artists, serious gamers, and anyone doing heavy GPU-accelerated work (like Blender renders, CAD, or video encoding). The Mac Mini M4 Pro simply cannot compete with a dedicated RTX 4070.
• Storage: Dual NVMe SSD slots (User Upgradeable)
• Connectivity: Dual Thunderbolt 5 (80Gbps!), multiple USB-A, HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4, 2.5GbE LAN
  • The Lowdown: Thunderbolt 5 is blazing fast, offering double the bandwidth of USB4/Thunderbolt 4. This is crucial for external GPUs, high-speed docks, and multiple 8K displays.
• Best For: 3D rendering artists, professional video editors who rely on NVIDIA CUDA, serious PC gamers, and users who demand the absolute best in compact GPU performance and future-proofing via Thunderbolt 5.

3. Geekom A9 Max / GT1 Mega: The Value & Port King

Geekom has quietly become a major player by offering compelling specs at competitive prices. The A9 Max (and its GT1 Mega variant) offers a robust package.

• Processor: AMD Ryzen 9 HX 370 (Strix Halo)
  • The Lowdown: Identical to the Minisforum, meaning you're getting that powerful Strix Halo integrated graphics for demanding tasks and impressive efficiency.
• NPU TOPS: 70-80+ TOPS (estimated)
  • The Lowdown: Excellent AI performance for local generative tasks and future-proofing your workflow.
• RAM: Up to 64GB DDR5 (User Upgradeable!)
  • The Lowdown: Again, user-upgradeable and ample for most pro users.
• Storage: Dual NVMe SSD slots + 2.5-inch SATA bay (User Upgradeable)
  • The Lowdown: This is a fantastic option for those who need massive amounts of slow, cheap storage for archives, media libraries, or backups, adding a layer of flexibility the others don't have.
• Connectivity: Quad USB4 (40Gbps), extensive USB-A, HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4, 2.5GbE LAN, SD Card Reader
  • The Lowdown: Geekom often loads up on ports, and the inclusion of a built-in SD card reader is a small but mighty win for photographers and videographers.
• Special Features: Often includes robust cooling (e.g., IceBlast 2.0) for sustained performance under heavy loads.
• Best For: Content creators on a budget, media enthusiasts with large local libraries, and users who need a powerful compact PC with extensive connectivity without breaking the bank.

It's Not Just About Apple Anymore

The Mac Mini M4 Pro is still a phenomenal machine, especially for those entrenched in the Apple ecosystem who prioritize ultra-low power consumption and a perfectly optimized macOS experience.

However, for 2026, the Windows mini PC landscape offers unbeatable value, superior upgradeability, and, in some cases, outright better raw performance (especially with discrete GPUs). Whether you need 96GB of RAM for AI dev, an RTX 4070 for serious rendering, or a compact workstation that won't lock you into expensive upgrades, these competitors are proving that the "desktop killer" era is vibrant, varied, and incredibly powerful.