Mac Mini Powered by USB-C and Battery Pack: A Game-Changer?

Rapid Summary

• A YouTube video by Saad Ouache demonstrates how he modified a Mac mini to power it via a USB-C port using Power delivery technology and a 12-volt battery power bank.
• The Mac mini was opened, and additional wiring was added to enable USB-C-based operation.
• Apple’s official documentation reveals the M4 Mac mini has a power consumption of up to 65W, while the M4 Pro model requires up to 140W during normal operation. Maximum continuous power consumption reaches 155W with connected devices that rely on the Mac for their energy source.
• Currently, Apple does not offer desktop Macs powered through USB-C-a feature available in its laptops such as the MacBook Air and Pro.
• For practical implementation, higher-rated cables like Apple’s 240W USB-C Charge Cable would be required; lower-rated cables pose risks of failure.

!M4 Mac Mini Ports

Indian Opinion Analysis

The ingenuity demonstrated in modifying hardware such as the Apple mac mini highlights growing consumer interest in customizing tech products for unique applications beyond standard use cases. While this experiment proves it’s technically possible to run powerful systems like desktops over USB-C,practical limitations-such as high energy demands and cable durability-render widespread adoption challenging under current configurations.

For India’s burgeoning tech market-with its emphasis on mobility and affordability-these types of innovations could inspire shifts toward making smaller yet highly capable devices more portable or sustainable through option power setups. Though, mainstream manufacturers might hesitate due to reliability concerns associated with non-standard solutions. Encouragement for open-source tinkering or modular design could advance similar ideas from grassroots innovators locally.

Read More: MacWorld Article