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1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsYes—but the documented example is an advanced custom modification, not a smaller replacement case you can simply buy and install. Quinn Nelson of Snazzy Labs reduced an M1 Mac mini’s internal volume by moving its power supply outside, removing the fan, relocating other components and fitting the logic board into a resin-printed enclosure. The project’s reported volume figure is 28% of the original, which means a 72% reduction—not a confirmed 78% reduction.
How the custom M1 Mac mini build got smaller
In a project reported by MacRumors on March 2, 2022, Snazzy Labs’ Quinn Nelson fitted the M1 Mac mini’s logic board into a custom enclosure and rearranged several parts. The enclosure was resin 3D printed, with perforations inspired by the 2019 Mac Pro’s “cheese grater” design. 9to5Mac’s report describes the project as a proof of concept using the existing Mac mini board layout and notes that CAD files and schematics were published with it.
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- Power: The build removed the reported 150W internal power supply and used a reported 65W Microsoft Surface supply outside the enclosure. MacRumors says it was fitted with a retrofitted MagSafe 2 connector and connected to the logic board through a DC voltage regulator. Moving the supply outside makes the computer itself smaller; it does not remove the external supply from the overall setup.
- Cooling: The fan was removed. That frees space, but also makes cooling an important limitation when interpreting the project’s performance report.
- Other parts: The antennae and power button were relocated to fit the new layout.
- Enclosure: The case was custom fabricated rather than a stock accessory or a simple case swap.
How much smaller was it?
MacRumors’ article body says the modified computer was 28% of its original internal volume. If that comparison is taken literally, it represents a 72% reduction in volume: 100% minus 28%. The same article’s headline says “78% smaller,” which does not match the body’s figure. The available reporting does not resolve the discrepancy, so 72% is the reduction implied by the stated 28% remaining-volume figure—not an independently verified measurement.
What the performance report does—and does not—show
MacRumors reported that Nelson observed virtually no performance change and that benchmark results were comparable with an unmodified Mac mini. That is an account of one project, not evidence of long-term thermal behavior or reliability. The reports do not establish how the fanless build performs across sustained workloads, different room temperatures or extended use.
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- Apple-designed M1 chip for a giant leap in CPU, GPU, and machine learning performance
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Apple’s M1 Mac mini (2020) repair manual, published February 26, 2025, provides safety information, diagnostic checks and procedures for stock components including the fan, logic board, power supply and housing. It is useful service documentation, but it does not approve or validate the project’s custom power conversion or fan removal.
Is this a practical DIY project?
The reports document a proof of concept, not a validated beginner-safe procedure. They do not establish electrical design tolerances, thermal measurements, long-term operation or an independent replication. The fact that CAD files and schematics were published does not fill those gaps or establish that the modification is safe for general users.
Rank #2
- Apple-designed M1 chip for a giant leap in CPU, GPU, and machine learning performance
- 8-core CPU packs up to 3x faster performance to fly through workflows quicker than ever*
- 8-core GPU with up to 6x faster graphics for graphics-intensive apps and games*
- 16-core Neural Engine for advanced machine learning
- 8GB of unified memory so everything you do is fast and fluid
For an experienced electronics and fabrication hobbyist, the project can be a reference for custom enclosure design and component layout. Anyone considering similar work would need to understand the electrical and thermal consequences of changing the power arrangement and removing active cooling; the cited reports are not sufficient as a build or safety guide.
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What the reports specify about fabrication
The enclosure is described as resin 3D printed, but the reports do not identify a printer model or resin specification. Those details should not be inferred from the project. Its approach depends on custom fabrication and component relocation, rather than a universal compact case designed to accept an unchanged Mac mini.
Quick Recap
Rank #3
- BTO Mac Mini Desktop Computer - Power Cord - Apple 1 Year Limited Warranty with 90 Day Free Technical Support
- Apple M1 chip with 8-core CPU and 8-core GPU
- 16-core Neural Engine
- 16GB unified memory
- 1TB SSD storage
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