This Mac might be mini, but it's packing some big specs. Let's unpack some here:

3.6 GHz quad-core Intel Core i3 with 6 MB shared L3 cache

8 GB of 2666 MHz DDR4 SO-DIMM memory

128 GB SSD

Intel UHD Graphics 630

802.11ac Wi-Fi + Bluetooth 5.0

macOS Mojave

Our first look at the 2018 mini's exterior gives us the warm and fuzzies—it's the same friendly form factor we remember.

Some folks speculated that if Apple ever updated the mini, it'd look something like an Apple TV. Thankfully, Apple didn't succumb to the urge to go thinner and lighter this time—this is no Mac micro.

Apart from the new color, we also have some new identifiers: model A1993 and EMC 3213.

Despite controversial departures from a few common ports, Apple has included plenty of them here! We spot two USB-A ports, four USB-C ports, a headphone jack, an ethernet port, and an HDMI port (which isn't available on any other recent Apple product).

We'll see if any of these ports are modular. The latest MacBook Air certainly got our hopes up!

We'd like to think we know our way in—but after four years without an update, we're not taking anything about this opening procedure for granted.

With some trepidation, we point our tools at the 60%-recycled-plastic bottom cover.

Success! An opening tool takes care of the base, and six quick stabs with the TR6 Torx security driver loosens the familiar antenna plate underneath.

So far so good. Fingers crossed that this keeps up!

Just like the last couple times we did this, we're greeted first by a single fan standing watch over the mini's insides.

The fan unscrews with zero fuss, giving us a better view of the mini's depths.

Theoretically, we just need to unplug these cables from the logic board, and it'll be free to slide right out of the chassis.

Theoretically.

It's time to improvise—our handy Mac mini logic board removal tool technically fits in the logic board's screw holes, but it doesn't feel right. We're going to need more leverage.

Could it be that some good old-fashioned thumb pressing does the trick? It does! A firm push on either side of the blower exhaust is all it takes, and the whole board unclips and slides out.

As much as we love making great tools, nothing makes us happier than seeing something you can service with no tools at all.

Who knows, maybe Apple does have a tool to push without endangering those thin exhaust fins, but carefully aimed thumbs works for us!

With the board out, we're going straight for the RAM. Apple has trapped it in a heavy metal cage—almost as if they don't fully trust modular RAM to behave itself.

Actually though, we've seen this in iMacs of yore. The shield allows the RAM to operate at high frequency (2666 MHz) with no chance of accidentally interfering with other functions.

Twirl away four Torx screws, and the cage slides right off. Has RAM replacement ever been easier?

Sure it has—but, the return to standard SO-DIMM RAM after the bitter disappointment of the 2014 mini's soldered-down chips is a huge win. Upgrade now, or upgrade later—you have a choice again.

We pop out two SKhynix HMA851S6CJR6N 4 GB DDR4-2666 SDRAM modules, each with four 1 GB H5AN8G6NCJR DDR4 SDRAM ICs.

Just one connector and two screws sets the little system speaker free.

iMac and MacBook speakers seem to be getting bigger all the time, but this one looks about the same size as in older Mac minis.

Beneath the speaker, we find some antenna cables, but unfortunately no modular AirPort card—in what is becoming a trend, these are socketed right to the main board.

Alas, AirPort cards are just a distant memory now that logic boards have assimilated all wireless functions.

From here we set to work freeing the heatsink, twirling away Torx screws and exposing the paste-y (soldered) CPU.

One last screw, and the port cover is free, uncovering ... the ports. As it departs, it takes some antenna hardware with it.

This mini still holds a lot of silicon—let's take a look!

3.6 GHz quad-core Intel Core i3 CPU with Intel UHD Graphics 630

Toshiba TSB3225V81199TWNA1 flash storage (128 GB total)

Apple APL1027 339S00604 T2 coprocessor

Intel SR40E CM246 platform controller hub

Intel JHL7540 Thunderbolt 3 controller

Broadcom BCM57766 Gigabit Ethernet controller

338S00342-A0 (likely an Apple PMIC)

And the backside holds even more:

Murata 339S00458 Wi-Fi / Bluetooth module

MegaChips MCDP2920A4 DisplayPort 1.4 to HDMI 2.0 converter

Cirrus Logic CS42L83 audio codec

Texas Instruments 51916 memory power solution synchronous buck controller

Texas Instruments CD3215C00 power controller x4

Texas Instruments 58872D TI 881 A1L2 E4

Intersil 95828A HRTZ X832QXH

The last thing between us and an empty mini is the internal power supply!

The linchpin holding this unit in place is a familiar one—so familiar that we follow our own repair guide to remove it.

The power supply is a nice enclosed unit, making for safe, easy replacement.

The only thing it's missing is a cute label.

The mini power supply gets an upgrade from days past, jumping from 85 watts to 150.

It appears we've maxed out our mini, feast your eyes on these cool components!

Back in the day, a Pro Mac meant a computer you could upgrade, configure, and connect as you pleased. This new mini aligns so well with that ideal that we're surprised it didn't earn itself a "Pro" title—especially compared to the increasingly closed-off MacBook Pro line.

Perhaps the most exciting part of this mini is a return to upgradable RAM. In fact, our users are so excited they already made a RAM replacement guide. Stay tuned for the official guide and upgrade kits!